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

[M5-]

If you are going to go down the weight is king worm hole, then you pretty much have to buy the Yeti/KTM combo. It is by far the lightest setup out there. I've ridden a few different versions of this combo back to back with my YZ/Camso setup. The first thing I notice on the KTM is the power curve is totally different than the YZ. I actually prefer the YZ my self but the KTM is deceiving, it holds the rpm really well but it isn't as much fun at least to me, more like a diesel. The other thing that is radically different is the KTM/Yeti setup is super tall compared to your YZ/Camso. The YZ/Camso is probably the lowest seat height combo out there (that's what you get when there is no suspension). When I ride other bikes the first thing I notice is how tall they are. The second thing I notice is I cant pull any new lines with the KTM/Yeti that I can't do on the YZ/Camso When it comes time to do a top end the KTM will be 2x the $$ compared to the YZ in parts, so that's something to think about. I'm thinking something new either a 450SXF or a new Honda or YZ and a Riot 3 to keep the height down. In the end the bikes are all pretty equal just pick one.

M5

 

[teal_210]

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.

It's not even so much about track speed. If you take off from a dead stop on a yzf or crf the first thing that happens is you go down. Do the same on a ktm and the first thing you feel is forward momentum. The difference is almost mind blowing - the longer the track or bigger the paddles the less you notice it, but on a 120 the difference is huge.

 

[Polaris900RMK]

That would make sense. I have had several of these bikes. Currently I have a Husky 350FX. The YZ by far hits the hardest out of all the bikes. The KTM power is the smoothest and most linear it seems.

 

[boondocker97]

I don't know about the latest generation of bikes, but on my 2017 Husky FX450 I bent the stock exhaust and replaced with a FMF 4.1 full system. Had a little change in power, but not huge. Took it to my local dealer and for $25 they loaded the hardparts ECU map into it that pairs with the pipe. I was told this is the same map that would be run on the SX/FC bikes with the pipe so full on MX map. Very noticeable difference. Especially in the mid and upper mid-range and more responsive on the bottom. So if you get a FX or XC you might be just a re-map away from having the MX bike power.

 

[Ktm300]

I don't know about the latest generation of bikes, but on my 2017 Husky FX450 I bent the stock exhaust and replaced with a FMF 4.1 full system. Had a little change in power, but not huge. Took it to my local dealer and for $25 they loaded the hardparts ECU map into it that pairs with the pipe. I was told this is the same map that would be run on the SX/FC bikes with the pipe so full on MX map. Very noticeable difference. Especially in the mid and upper mid-range and more responsive on the bottom. So if you get a FX or XC you might be just a re-map away from having the MX bike power.

That would be awesome! Would save me from buying a $1000 ECU.

 

[Ktm300]

If you are going to go down the weight is king worm hole, then you pretty much have to buy the Yeti/KTM combo. It is by far the lightest setup out there. I've ridden a few different versions of this combo back to back with my YZ/Camso setup. The first thing I notice on the KTM is the power curve is totally different than the YZ. I actually prefer the YZ my self but the KTM is deceiving, it holds the rpm really well but it isn't as much fun at least to me, more like a diesel. The other thing that is radically different is the KTM/Yeti setup is super tall compared to your YZ/Camso. The YZ/Camso is probably the lowest seat height combo out there (that's what you get when there is no suspension). When I ride other bikes the first thing I notice is how tall they are. The second thing I notice is I cant pull any new lines with the KTM/Yeti that I can't do on the YZ/Camso When it comes time to do a top end the KTM will be 2x the $$ compared to the YZ in parts, so that's something to think about. I'm thinking something new either a 450SXF or a new Honda or YZ and a Riot 3 to keep the height down. In the end the bikes are all pretty equal just pick one.

M5

I definitely noticed the lower seat/ride height thing. And as far as off trail performance and pulling lines, it definitely performs well. I would probably be money ahead by just duplicating my current setup in the 2021 version of it, but I’m looking for some more playful feeling but also don’t want to lose my camso’s ability in the deep snow, hence the riot 3 direction. I’m sure there’s lots of people this riot 3 will apeal to for that very reason. I know I’d be just fine with another YZ, but wondering if the KTM/Husky would be better. A silly thing to think about it, but probably one of the biggest contributing mindsets that fuels the billion dollar off road industry. lol.

 

[-unsound]

If you are going to go down the weight is king worm hole, then you pretty much have to buy the Yeti/KTM combo. It is by far the lightest setup out there. I've ridden a few different versions of this combo back to back with my YZ/Camso setup. The first thing I notice on the KTM is the power curve is totally different than the YZ. I actually prefer the YZ my self but the KTM is deceiving, it holds the rpm really well but it isn't as much fun at least to me, more like a diesel. The other thing that is radically different is the KTM/Yeti setup is super tall compared to your YZ/Camso. The YZ/Camso is probably the lowest seat height combo out there (that's what you get when there is no suspension). When I ride other bikes the first thing I notice is how tall they are. The second thing I notice is I cant pull any new lines with the KTM/Yeti that I can't do on the YZ/Camso When it comes time to do a top end the KTM will be 2x the $$ compared to the YZ in parts, so that's something to think about. I'm thinking something new either a 450SXF or a new Honda or YZ and a Riot 3 to keep the height down. In the end the bikes are all pretty equal just pick one.

M5

I disagree with your point about parts and maintenance cost on the KTM. Every part I've ever bought for my KTM has been similarly priced to a jap bike and the thing has been super reliable since day one. I dont think that this is actually a factor, just something people repeat on forums.

 

[dooman92]

My experience indicates that the ktm is the more expensive to repair/rebuild. I've rebuilt both my 18' ktm and 17 yami. The oem piston for the ktm cost within a few dollars for what I paid for the piston, cam chain, valve seals and valve springs and all oem gaskets for the 450fx. A quick price ck shows the oem yami piston at $140 and the ktm $303. Both have been reliable and I will probably buy another ktm but, I have yet to compare the cost of a part where the ktm was not considerably more.

 

[M5-]

I guess it depends where you buy your parts but I have rebuilt both KTM and Yami from top to bottom numerous times always buying parts from the same supplier at the same discount and KTM is nearly double. Price out a crank and con rod and check it for yourself. Its a fact.

M5

 

[00Tundra]

Rocky mtn prices. 2018 sxf 450 crank USD $757.18 . 2018 YZ450FX crank $264.96. Lol I will keep my Yamaha thanks

 

[eric82930]

Just curious has anyone ever HAD to replace a ktm crank on a 450 do to the rod bearing wearing out from normal use? And I don't mean based on recommended service intervals.

 

[AllHatNoCattle]

I have a buddy who has a 2019 450FC. Stock motor other than an ECU. He did the piston at 256 hours and the crank was perfectly in spec at that time. Did the clutch plates at 320 hours. Currently at 390hours. He is religious about his oil changes.

Impressive intervals. Farther than I would push it for sure.

 

[needpowder]

I have a buddy who has a 2019 450FC. Stock motor other than an ECU. He did the piston at 256 hours and the crank was perfectly in spec at that time. Did the clutch plates at 320 hours. Currently at 390hours. He is religious about his oil changes.

Impressive intervals. Farther than I would push it for sure.

Damn. His wife must be a lot cooler than mine?‍

 

[cbc76am]

Its all preference man, I've had a 450SXF factory edition and now I'm on a yz450f. I like the Yamaha way better for so many reasons as a snowbike. platform. The 2021 CRF is a monster and makes a ton of power. I'd say about equal to my 500cc big bore 13.5:1 stage 2 race gas tuned yamaha minus a good deal of low end torque. The yamaha blew the doors of all KTMs when it was stock too. Big bore 490/500 kits are awesome in the snow. Carry gears without shifting as much, miss a shift, lug deep snow, etc.

If all you want is max HP - get a raze wingman nitrous setup and whatever bike you like the best. that will boost the bike 20HP from 6000 to 10500 RPM and get the tracking spinning like nothing out there.

That new honda rips stock though... I'm super impressed with that motor. If all this mod talk makes your head spin, go buy the 21 crf.

 

[Norma Stitz]

^^and that’s a built cr500 driver saying that so, that carries some weight^^

 

[AllHatNoCattle]

Damn. His wife must be a lot cooler than mine?‍

He is independently wealthy/doesn't work, and his wife is VERY understanding. He rides all winter. We are all jealous of him.

 

[Ktm300]

Its all preference man, I've had a 450SXF factory edition and now I'm on a yz450f. I like the Yamaha way better for so many reasons as a snowbike. platform. The 2021 CRF is a monster and makes a ton of power. I'd say about equal to my 500cc big bore 13.5:1 stage 2 race gas tuned yamaha minus a good deal of low end torque. The yamaha blew the doors of all KTMs when it was stock too. Big bore 490/500 kits are awesome in the snow. Carry gears without shifting as much, miss a shift, lug deep snow, etc.

If all you want is max HP - get a raze wingman nitrous setup and whatever bike you like the best. that will boost the bike 20HP from 6000 to 10500 RPM and get the tracking spinning like nothing out there.

That new honda rips stock though... I'm super impressed with that motor. If all this mod talk makes your head spin, go buy the 21 crf.

Just curious, what is it specifically that you like better on the YZ then the SX ? On the YZ I personally like the stone cold reliability of the KYB forks, the tuner app to lean it out and advance the ignition , the air intake location, and also the $1500-$2000 cheaper initial purchase prise compared to a ktm/Husky.

I’d like to hear your opinions, as someone who’s had both.

 

[eric82930]

There is a feel of the engine that doesn't show up on the dyno. The yz and crf have a shorter stroke than ktm which usually appeals to me for a free revving engine.

 

[cbc76am]

Just curious, what is it specifically that you like better on the YZ then the SX ? On the YZ I personally like the stone cold reliability of the KYB forks, the tuner app to lean it out and advance the ignition , the air intake location, and also the $1500-$2000 cheaper initial purchase prise compared to a ktm/Husky.

I’d like to hear your opinions, as someone who’s had both.

A few things I like better - most of which you mentioned already. airbox, open area near TSS, the way the motor makes torque, and revs out faster building track speed. The reliability of a yamaha - you ca abuse them more. I've gone to a 500cc hig comp piston and stage 2 cams and the motor flat out rips. Finally it turns better, the trail/rake and where the skeg makes contact just has a better lean in and push to bite ratio. I've played a lot with fork height, front shock preload, ski bolt placement on the older ones and the yz just doesn't take a bunch of guess work it make it turn really good.

it's heavier... that is a downside.

 

[Ktm300]

A few things I like better - most of which you mentioned already. airbox, open area near TSS, the way the motor makes torque, and revs out faster building track speed. The reliability of a yamaha - you ca abuse them more. I've gone to a 500cc hig comp piston and stage 2 cams and the motor flat out rips. Finally it turns better, the trail/rake and where the skeg makes contact just has a better lean in and push to bite ratio. I've played a lot with fork height, front shock preload, ski bolt placement on the older ones and the yz just doesn't take a bunch of guess work it make it turn really good.

it's heavier... that is a downside.

Thanks for that. Definitely something for me to think about. It’s an enticing thought to know that a cam and high comp piston bumps up power by a good margin, and relatively easy to do.
Also, not to stray to far from the original topic, but are the internals a bit different on the 20/21 YZ’s compared to my 2018 ?