KTM OPTIONS

[yooper 8]

New to snow bikes, and I am going to go with a TS ST with TSS, and a new KTM 450 bike for it...
Question is, if you were going to order a new bike, would you go with the SX-F, the XC-F, or the EXC? Pros and cons, differences?
I have a 2014 450 XCW for dirt biking that I love, but have heard the track bikes work better, and I am not going to convert my dirt bike...Thanks!

 

[Timberview01]

Being the un-trusting sort that I am, I would avoid the SX model simply for the lack of a kick starter. Tiny batteries don't like the cold, and carrying a jump box seems impractical to me. The weight difference to go to the enduro-based machines is worth the trade-off in my book.

 

[UPsnowbiker]

Being the un-trusting sort that I am, I would avoid the SX model simply for the lack of a kick starter. Tiny batteries don't like the cold, and carrying a jump box seems impractical to me. The weight difference to go to the enduro-based machines is worth the trade-off in my book.

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

 

[capulin overdrive]

At this point might as well wait the 2 weeks to see what the snowmobile companies come out with for 2017.


Rumors of a snowbike? Hope so, but worried it will just be another kit?

 

[Seekins]

I ordered a 16 450SX factory edition. Good batteries are cheap and have proven to work well. Worst case you need a pull to get started.

Even if the OEM's come out with snow bikes it will be years before they are up to par.

 

[Rush44]

The 450XC doesn't have a kick starter either.... not sure where you are getting that info. I've only had to use my jump pack once in 3 years. Buy a good battery and check the lines to make sure they haven't rubbed the frame and grounded out. That's what happened to me... otherwise I'd never have needed a jump.

If you plan on dual sporting (summer/winter) and doing any real woods riding the XC will be the better bike. Softer suspension valving, hand guards, 18 inch rear wheel, larger gas tank, kickstand.... nice woods features to have. You'll be wanting to do the front forks with either the SX or XC so consider that a given either way.

I'm a no on the EXC because of the trans. Wide ratio is not your friend if you want a snappy bike and like to ride the steep and deep.

 

[FirstPlaceParts]

Ive got two 2013 KTM 450SXF's, one turbo and one bone stock. Here is what I've found from about 3 years of riding them. **Take all the electrical connections apart and fill with dielectric grease, the only problem I had with the bike not starting was due to moisture getting into one of the connections and it would not start. We cranked it over until the battery went dead and then tried to jump it still no luck, would not fire at all. We had to pull it out of the backcountry about 10 miles. Dried it out overnight and it fired up in about 3 seconds. After greasing all the connections on both bikes this has never happened again.

My buddy has a 500XCW with a turbo, he took my 450 turbo on a trip this weekend and liked my 450 better due to the trani gear ratios.

As far as the battery goes, I've found that an aftermarket lightweight higher amperage battery seems to work much better.

We do carry a battery pack with us, buy one of the new small lightweight ones. You can buy them at Walmart now for about $60, I think it may weight a pound or two at the most. The thing will start my duramax diesel with a dead battery, so you should have one anyway.

I also carry a set of motorcycle jumper cables, buy them at the local dealer for about $15 or just make a set from a 6' drop cord and buy some small clamps at your local hardware store and solder them on. In most cases you will be riding with someone who has a battery on their sled or bike so if something does happen you will have a set of jumpers. These will be under a pound and fit into a small area.

 

[UPsnowbiker]

I do have a kick start but my battery sucks. What is the best kind of battery to get.

 

[Rush44]

I do have a kick start but my battery sucks. What is the best kind of battery to get.

Ooops sorry I was talking about the modern XCF since 2013 I know some of the older ones had more substantial differences like trans rations and whatnot.

 

[yooper01]

I do have a kick start but my battery sucks. What is the best kind of battery to get.

The one I have

Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk

 

[UPsnowbiker]

Remind me

 

[yooper 8]

What do you typically do to the stock forks to make them work the best for a snow bike?

 

[Rush44]

What do you typically do to the stock forks to make them work the best for a snow bike?

Drop in a set of .64 springs and raise the oil level a bit. If you want to spend the money then go ahead and do valving too and you can slow down the stroke a lot more, but keeping your bike high in the stroke with the stiffer springs and higher oil level gets you just about everything you need.

 

[FirstPlaceParts]

I have been using the
Ballistic EVO3 Battery

Do a google search or go to the local dealer, they can order them out of Western Power Sports or Parts Unlimited for around $160.