ktm 500 exc,husky fe501,fc450,kx450 which one?

[kylerf150]

Ok guys i currently own a 500 xcw and im looking to get another bike fitted with a lt kit. The problem I'm running into is the available bikes where i live. I really would like a 450xcf or 450sxf to be able to use the close ratio tranny, but can't find one available. So i Have a few other choices 1.A husky fc450 which its pretty much a 450sxf from what i can tell just a little different suspension. I just don't have any experience with husky. But it's pretty much a white yellow ktm.from what i can tell.
2. A fe501 husky which would be much like my 500xcw except for the linkage suspension. But won't have the close ratio trans like i want to try.
3. A ktm 500exc which i would rather not go that route. Just because i don't want to deal with taking off all the extras and emissions stuff. And is still a wide ratio trans.
4. Kx 450. I see allot of guys riding these but have no experience with green.

I love my 500xcw and would love to stay with the beautiful orange KTM. but i can't find the one i want (450xcf). So im really leaning towards the fc450 or the kx450.Because they both run a close ratio trans.

So i guess my real questions are. Are the close ratio trans really that much different from the wide ratio and worth trying out. Does the fc450 and kx450 Have enough stator to power up lights and grips.

So lets hear some opinions from you guys that ride or have any experience with any 4 bikes.

As you can see i can't make up my mind haha. I think mostly because my blood is type O (orange) and i really don't wanna change that.

 

[mnsnowhawk]

Put the kit on the bike you have. It will get you riding. Then you can decide if you even want another bike. If you do then you can search for the best deal. The bike you already have is great with an lt kit.

 

[Frostbite]

I agree. Buy a kit for your current bike. I have a 530XC-W and it works great.

If you would like, you can always gear it down (as mine is). It gives you the ability to climb in a higher gear (3rd) and it sure is nice to be able to pop the bike into high gear on the way back to the truck while the guys with close ratio trannys are reving their bikes hard, your engine is right in the sweet spot.

 

[Motogeek33]

Totally agree... sometimes it seems like a close-ratio tranny is said to be a must-have, but I think that's an overstatement. It might be a slightly better setup for snowbiking, but a wider ratio has its advantages as well.

 

[kylerf150]

Put the kit on the bike you have. It will get you riding. Then you can decide if you even want another bike. If you do then you can search for the best deal. The bike you already have is great with an lt kit.

I already have a kit on the 500xcw. I need another bike for my brother and dad to ride and fiqured why not try a bike with close ratio trans.

 

[kylerf150]

I agree. Buy a kit for your current bike. I have a 530XC-W and it works great.

If you would like, you can always gear it down (as mine is). It gives you the ability to climb in a higher gear (3rd) and it sure is nice to be able to pop the bike into high gear on the way back to the truck while the guys with close ratio trannys are reving their bikes hard, your engine is right in the sweet spot.

Frostbite what gearing are you running in your kit?

 

[prosports]

My vote. Kx450

 

[Rush44]

Based on where you live I'd run the FC450. That might be my choice for next year if something doesn't change. I like it because it's an absolutely beautiful 450sxf clone.

FC450 then KX450. You can run lights on both bikes... grips are getting pretty close. My opinion is grip heaters suck even when they do work. Buy a few pairs of nice gloves and you'll be better off.

 

[Chadx]

Best bet is to find someone local with a close ratio transmissioned bike and try it. You have enough experience on your wide ratio bike, you'll be able to tell in short order if the close ratio is for you or not and may be able to determine if your dad and brother would prefer one over theother. Would be a shame to buy one just to find out all of you prefer the wide ratio. For me, I like the wide ratio bikes better. Really depends on a person's riding style. More aggressive riders seem to prefer the close ratio bikes and 450 because 450 feel a bit snappier due to their powerband. I prefer a big bore and wide ratio like your existing bike.