Ktm 450 sxf and MH kit

[Cberg]

I have been looking around and researching bikes and setups for a timbersled kit for awhile now. Have read all the threads on the forum and tried to dig up any other info and talk to people.

I've been bouncing around with different bikes to use, I would prefer E-start and after a few conversations with people who have tried and ran different setups, the KTM 450 SXF seems to work really well.

I was wanting to have a kick starter for a backup but the having E-start only seems to be a none issue. And I think the hard hit of a MX bike is ideal for a snowbike and the carbed bikes seem to be working just fine too with proper jetting and I'm not in the market for a new FI KTM.

Here's my question, the SX bikes are a 4 speed until 2010, I would prefer a 5 speed but can find some good deals on 2009 SXF's. Anyone running bikes with 4 gears? Are the 5 speeds better, or do the 4 speeds work just as well?

 

[upfront719]

4 spped will be fine. We hardly ever run 5th anyway..

I have been looking around and researching bikes and setups for a timbersled kit for awhile now. Have read all the threads on the forum and tried to dig up any other info and talk to people.

I've been bouncing around with different bikes to use, I would prefer E-start and after a few conversations with people who have tried and ran different setups, the KTM 450 SXF seems to work really well.

I was wanting to have a kick starter for a backup but the having E-start only seems to be a none issue. And I think the hard hit of a MX bike is ideal for a snowbike and the carbed bikes seem to be working just fine too with proper jetting and I'm not in the market for a new FI KTM.

Here's my question, the SX bikes are a 4 speed until 2010, I would prefer a 5 speed but can find some good deals on 2009 SXF's. Anyone running bikes with 4 gears? Are the 5 speeds better, or do the 4 speeds work just as well?

 

[One-ski / Two-ski]

I'm running the '09 450 Sxf with the 2013 kit. Using JD jet/needle for 3k-6k feet and have the Ballistic Li-Ion battery plus I carry the stock battery "just in case". Personally, I like the 4spd tranny with the ski or tire, but I don't think its much of a factor either way.

 

[JTAB]

I have a buddy with a 2013 KTM 450 and it is amazing runs flawless and pretty much kicks my 2012 Kx's butt.

As far as the battery, I would just carry a spare one they are so light now......

 

[Cberg]

I'm not to concerned about having E-start only. Those of you carrying a second battery ever had to use it? I would carry a small set o booster cables though to jump it if I needed to.

I am more wandering about the 4 vs 5 gears. Such as if first gear is plenty low enough and does the gear spacing work just fine?

 

[aadougie]

Rode an '08 XCF 450 last winter...works fine. I carried a spare battery and made a set of jumpers from a orange extension cord...never really needed it but was comforting it you turn the bike upside down and can't get it to start right away... I rode with a number of e-start bikes...plenty of batteries to suck on if needed!

 

[jasn179]

gotta love the 4 speed debate my rmz has 4 speeds shoulda heard my riding buddys go on and on. I have taken to the same places they go. Fact is with a 4 speed you shift way less and the final gear is the same as most 5 speeds. The problem i have with my mh is i had to put a 13t sprocket so i am way low geared. Tried to put stock 14 tooth on by cutting down a chain and by the time you tighten chain its rubbing on track. Good luck on your decision snowbiking is a blast no matter what 450 you buy

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

4 speeds are fine, my YZ has a 4spd and i geared it so i run 2nd gear slow speed working it hard and 3rd if i carry some good speed thru the woods

 

[Cberg]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm kicking myself, I had a 2007 Ktm 450 XC that I sold this past August after I bought my Gas Gas 300 and now I wish I had kept it, would have made a good snowbike I think. I have studded tires on the Gasser for winter riding so I don't want a MH on that bike, I want to have a bike dedicated to rubber and one for the track kit..

I know of a couple 09 450 Sxf's and a 2010 450 Sxf for sale, just deciding if spending a few more bucks on the 10 will be worth it.
Decisions decisions...

Cheers

 

[thejean]

Would a 450 SXF be better than a 300 XC-W, assuming both are 2009's?

 

[Blown Motor]

My personal bike is an 07 4 speed, but got a chance to ride a 12 5 speed and I really liked having the one more. You dont get that a high a ton, usually rocking 2 and 3rd unless your in a nice hard pull but it was a bit more fun. With that said, if i built one I think I would rather build 2 stroke 300...

 

[thejean]

With that said, if i built one I think I would rather build 2 stroke 300...

Why is that?

 

[Cberg]

Picked up a 2010 KTM 450 SXF and a MH ST kit last weekend. Going through the bike a little and should be all together right away.

My first snowbike and should be out on the maiden voyage this weekend!!
I'm pumped!