Opinions :450 SX/FC vs XC-W/FE 5speed vs 6speed

[Uncle Bob]

Looking to pick up a 450 this spring and wondering what the opinions out there are between the performance of the enduro vs the motocross bikes, does the 6 speed transmission help or hurt performance. also is the long track kit a must now adays or do some still prefer the short tracks


thanks

 

[Bainan]

I was running a 450 SX at the beginning of the year and am now running the yamaha 450 FX, and I prefer the FX even though it has a 5-speed wide-ratio transmission. The fact that the enduro-built bikes have a bigger flywheel makes a lot of difference in terms of keeping your momentum in between shifts. The FX is similar to the XC I believe, so it still has the motocross power with a couple enduro changes.

LT vs ST seems to be personal preference, as well as rider weight. At 75 kgs, I hated the long tracks I have tried. I have met some people that prefer the long tracks though, and I have noticed they are usually bigger than me (90 kgs +). I have liked the 129" best out of everything I have tried.

 

[wwillf01]

I have a 15 Lt with TSS wish I would have went short track

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[madmax]

Looks like you are primarily asking about ktm/husky 450's. I've pretty much had all of them over the last 3 seasons, 500, 450 and 300 both in mx and enduro models. Personally I prefer the 6 spd enduro with head/tailights. Even though I've been on an fc 450 all this winter, it'll be an enduro next year, probably 501 husky next year. That may change once the 2017 ktm/husky bikes are released. Hoping for a 500 updated like the 250, 350 & 450's got in 2016. Who knows if the 300 2-smoke finally gets the Efi they have been promising for years I could do a 300 again.

 

[Uncle Bob]

thanks for the replies so far, i am leaning towards the ktm or husky for sure. i was thinking i would like to get away from the sx bike in the summer and go enduro instead as this is more my riding style as i get older lol. but didnt want to give up too much power in the winter on a snow bike. as for the lt/st discusion i do weight 235 plus gear and only try to go out west when the sno is deep but also usually have to ride very rough trails to get to it.

Thanks

 

[byeatts]

thanks for the replies so far, i am leaning towards the ktm or husky for sure. i was thinking i would like to get away from the sx bike in the summer and go enduro instead as this is more my riding style as i get older lol. but didnt want to give up too much power in the winter on a snow bike. as for the lt/st discusion i do weight 235 plus gear and only try to go out west when the sno is deep but also usually have to ride very rough trails to get to it.

Thanks

I jus picked up a Factory Edition 450SX. It and the 17,s have the new air fork, its another 3.1 lbs weight loss and no need to change springs out, Jus add air. The claimed weight in the photo was a remarkable 221 lbs.[ we shall hang it] and dyno at 62hp with close ratio tranny.The non MX bikes are shy on HP but I purchased for dedicated sno machine, I use a KTM 300 2 stroke in the summer. This build will be much lighter than the said CR 500,s.along with the CMX LT.

 

[mrquick68]

if you want to ride in both winter and summer, i'd do a 501 Husky and an LT. i don't think the 501 power-band fits the ST personality well. I had a 501 on a ST, and didn't like it all. next year I bolted a '15 450SXF to my ST kit and its a total hoot compared to 501. 501's have a great torque but don't rev out that well, also long ways between gears. The LT would be the ticket with that type of power. It's not as fun as an ST, but it gets around better when its deeper!

 

[Seekins]

I just picked up my Factory edition 450sx. Most likely put a short track kit on it for winter. NON snow months, i like the race bikes better. Way light too!

 

[byeatts]

I just picked up my Factory edition 450sx. Most likely put a short track kit on it for winter. NON snow months, i like the race bikes better. Way light too!

we jus rode technical single track [dirt]and a very good rider had a new XCW 500. of all 7 bikes mostly 250 and 300,s it struggled badly, maybe in open places it will shine, . I don't think you can have one do it all bike that excels in dirt and snow.seems all the power is down low and didn't Rev well, it hit the rev limiter several times trying to climb. it also had the Euro map as well. The 500,s don't dyno well like the 450 MX does. I almost bought the 500 for my snow build, Many of you have provided valuable tips to me and sent me in the right direction with the 450 SX, Thank you all.

 

[WaBackcountry]

450 sx is best bike now. Lt or st is personal preference. I would rather have the Long Track for the days that matter and endure the side effects on spring days when it's more about just getting out than getting places.


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[WaBackcountry]

If u go with a 450 sx u will wish u had another gear on the road...but so what. I wish I had a lot of things and road ridin is for Sally's. It's a means to an end...not the reason.


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[needpowder]

If u go with a 450 sx u will wish u had another gear on the road...but so what. I wish I had a lot of things and road ridin is for Sally's. It's a means to an end...not the reason.


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It's not just the road where i wish i had another gear or two. When i find my self on wide open rolling terrain my bike could easily use another gear. That being said, it's not really the kind of riding i'm into. I know they never will but wouldn't it be cool if they made a close ratio race bike with 7 speeds!

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

Short tracks and moto bikes are a lot more "fun" imo. Lots more lively, the LT on the enduro bikes area lot more tame and just tractor around really well. depends what kind of rider you are and who/where you ride.

 

[byeatts]

It's not just the road where i wish i had another gear or two. When i find my self on wide open rolling terrain my bike could easily use another gear. That being said, it's not really the kind of riding i'm into. I know they never will but wouldn't it be cool if they made a close ratio race bike with 7 speeds!

sure seems you could gear up, the spread between gears remains the same?

 

[needpowder]

sure seems you could gear up, the spread between gears remains the same?

Maybe. However, where I'm at right now i use second and third to climb all the time. Not sure I want to sacrifice that. I probably will try though just to know. If i do i will definitely post my results.

 

[byeatts]

Maybe. However, where I'm at right now i use second and third to climb all the time. Not sure I want to sacrifice that. I probably will try though just to know. If i do i will definitely post my results.

I wasn't suggesting as I,m new to sno bikes, It was more of a question, Lol