What’s the best current model 450cc Snowbike to get

[Ktm300]

Hey guys. Question here, and a lot of rambling. So I currently have an 18yz450 with camso track, all set up with all the regular Snowbike accessories (heated bars, thermostat, CR intake, engine blanket , seat concepts seat, stiff KYB’s) and for all intensive purposes it works really well. That being said, I would like to upgrade my kit to one with more suspension (thinking riot 3) and also my bike has racked on the hours and I’d rather not spend the money on a top end.
My question is, with an all stock motor, is Yamaha still the go to bike for horsepower and track speed, or are KTMs/husky 450’s king ?
If I got a 21 yz 450, all my accessories could carry over. That being said, i’ve read in a few places on this forum that the KTM/Husky 450’s seem to spin the track faster. I also wouldn’t rule out the CRF450, as it’s become quite the rocket according to every Moto shootout.
What are your Guys thoughts.

 

[Ktm300]

One other thing to consider, my summer bike is a 2020 TX300, so if I got let’s say a new husky FX450 I would have spare rims, tires, swing arm, shock, etc for summer use.

 

[Popik]

This would be a strong motivator for me. Don't forget rads and such as well as they are the same.

 

[kempmechanics]

I have a buddy with your same setup and it's a heavy bastard! I have an 18 fx450 husky and is so much lighter and has all the power. The newer Hondas are fast also but are heavier. Ktm engine design is bulletproof!

 

[Ktm300]

I never even really considered the weight part, I was more focused on the power, but you’re absolutely right. My setup could stand to loose a few pounds with the porky Yamaha and camso.

 

[Norma Stitz]

I heard the Honda has +4hp over anything else. Dunno if that’s true, or if they traded torque to get it.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

There’s a comparison video on panthera motorsports Facebook shows a direct comparison from 2020 crf450 to panthera 550.

 

[Ktm300]

There’s a comparison video on panthera motorsports Facebook shows a direct comparison from 2020 crf450 to panthera 550.

I just looked it up. The panthera stomped the 450. That’s awesome. Would like to one day have a high powered 2-stroke build.
For now I’ll just “settle” and get the most powerful stock 450 I can.
Would love to hear from some of the bike builders on here that pump out many bikes a year, as well as the guys that have brand Y that ride with brand X and how they compare. I know there are many variables, but I’m looking more specifically for the 450 Moto/Xc bikes with hot tuning from the factory and close ratio transmissions so it’s as apples to apples as possible.
I have a 300 2-stroke for summer, so this would be a dedicated Snowbike like my Yz is now.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

I just looked it up. The panthera stomped the 450. That’s awesome. Would like to one day have a high powered 2-stroke build.
For now I’ll just “settle” and get the most powerful stock 450 I can.
Would love to hear from some of the bike builders on here that pump out many bikes a year, as well as the guys that have brand Y that ride with brand X and how they compare. I know there are many variables, but I’m looking more specifically for the 450 Moto/Xc bikes with hot tuning from the factory and close ratio transmissions so it’s as apples to apples as possible.
I have a 300 2-stroke for summer, so this would be a dedicated Snowbike like my Yz is now.

Hard to beat a 2020+ ktm or husky. Sxf450 or equivalent

Weight, good power, lots of options on accessories.

 

[teal_210]

The ktm family of 450's just flat work. For what ever reason the Japanese bikes, mainly the Yamaha and hondas dont get up on the snow as well. 18 yz450 has been my least favorite snow bike.

 

[Ktm300]

The ktm family of 450's just flat work. For what ever reason the Japanese bikes, mainly the Yamaha and hondas dont get up on the snow as well. 18 yz450 has been my least favorite snow bike.

That’s also what I’ve heard, strangely enough.
The HP #’s are close, but for whatever reason the ktm/Husky 450’s seem to spin the equivalent kits track faster, climb better, etc.
That’s kinda what motivated my line of thinking of switching it up.

 

[eric82930]

I didn't used to think weight matters much but this year has been the worst base layer snow pack I've ever seen in 3 decades and I've learned every pound counts. and that includes my belly! the ktms are lightest and at least equal in power most of the way. The Japs are great bikes and I seem to prefer the feel of the crf and yz power over ktm but once the ktm is wound up it's all there and more. The kx has always been the most boring power but still gets it done somehow. Does anyone know real weights these days I haven't followed the mxa rags in years. The quoted dry weights are always misleading. I'm also curious where the weight is on the bikes? Ktm engines seem light in build with heavier looking wheels spokes and suspension but that stuff gets removed on the snow.. Would be neat to weigh all the take offs from the base bikes.

 

[Polaris900RMK]

KTM, Husky and Gas Gas lead the way with weight loss.

 

[norsepeak]

I have an SXF KTM, and the FX husky. Both work great, lite and great power. That being said, the ktm has a very noticeably more power. Not sure if it's the different kits or gearing or what, but the ktm will pull a gear higher and considerably more gound speed.

 

[Ktm300]

I didn't used to think weight matters much but this year has been the worst base layer snow pack I've ever seen in 3 decades and I've learned every pound counts. and that includes my belly! the ktms are lightest and at least equal in power most of the way. The Japs are great bikes and I seem to prefer the feel of the crf and yz power over ktm but once the ktm is wound up it's all there and more. The kx has always been the most boring power but still gets it done somehow. Does anyone know real weights these days I haven't followed the mxa rags in years. The quoted dry weights are always misleading. I'm also curious where the weight is on the bikes? Ktm engines seem light in build with heavier looking wheels spokes and suspension but that stuff gets removed on the snow.. Would be neat to weigh all the take offs from the base bikes.

Yeah I’ve wondered that too, is all of KTM/Husk’s light weight spread throughout the chassis, or are you removing the lightweight advantage by taking off the swing arm and wheels anyhow.
And yeah I could drop 15ish pounds overall from my set up with a bit of cardio and less cheese burgers. lol.

 

[Ktm300]

I have an SXF KTM, and the FX husky. Both work great, lite and great power. That being said, the ktm has a very noticeably more power. Not sure if it's the different kits or gearing or what, but the ktm will pull a gear higher and considerably more gound speed.

Super interesting. This is the kind of info I’m after. I wonder if an ECU swap would liven up the FX to feel like the SXF ?

 

[Colo moto]

Short vid showing just engine weight of ktm and honda

 

[AllHatNoCattle]

The the first 4 years of riding I had a 2014 SXF 450. I had a big bore 520 kit on it. At the beginning of this year I bought a 2020 450FC and ran the motor all stock with the exception of adding a Vortex/PR2. I was worried about being underpowered, but to be honest I haven't missed the big bore at all. The new bike just feels SO much lighter, and still pulls like a champ. The bike just works.

 

[norsepeak]

Super interesting. This is the kind of info I’m after. I wonder if an ECU swap would liven up the FX to feel like the SXF ?

I'm going to find that out. The Husky is getting a C3 ecu and pipe.

 

[eric82930]

So the ktm engine is 10 pounds lighter than the Honda. That's huge. I've always heard the main power difference between ktm and husky is the air box restriction of the composite husky subframe.