400 or 450?

[Deleted Member I]

You will be an offroad God on one

However you could pick up a BMW 450X for less than £5k new

These are good fun offroad............crap on the roads though

Is it better to get an XChallenge like yours or one of these KTM copies 450X's

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Is it better to get an XChallenge like yours or one of these KTM copies 450X's

For your type of use and skill level, I would buy a XChallenge

However it's a tall bike and it weighs 150kg fuelled (but 40kgs lighter than your F650GS)

I wouldn't buy a 450EXC or G450X for your lack of skill base - you'd end up in big trouble

If you must have a KTM, buy a 4 stroke 250

If you want to learn a lot, buy a DRZ400S or XR250

Better still................put some TKC's on your 650GS and do some gentle stuff

I've been dirt riding on and off for 30 years (Trails and competition) and I would be intimidated by a 450EXC/G450X
I've ridden a G450X and really liked it...............but maybe not enough to own one

 

[Joe Bar]

I've had a DRZ400E and a KTM400EXC. The KTM is a way better bike. The suspension and six speed gearbox is enough of a justification not to go for the DRZ.

I'm sure if you bought a DRZ you'd be happy with it, but once you'd tried the KTM you'd be wishing you'd bought that instead.

The KTM's are reliable, and parts supply is good, and genuine parts very fairly priced.

To answer your original question about whether to go for a 400 or 450, then I think most dealers would agree that the 400 is a better green lane bike, hooks up better and is less tiring to ride than the 450.

That said, the 450 is the same weight as the 400 and packs a bigger punch which can be addictive. Running costs and most parts (bar the differnces related to capacity) are the same.

If it's new you're thinking of, I'd go with the 400. If you're thinking used, buy the nicest 400 or 450 you can buy for your budget and I'm sure you'll be happy either way.

 

[b8ppj]

I was looking to buy a 2 stroke to do the odd days laning and the odd enduro, but a freind was selling a low hour/mile 2005 KTM EXC, with all the usuall extras plus Michelin moouses (no puntures) and the suspention has been done by Doctor Shox and at a price i could not say no too

So i would say 400 all the way

 

[b8ppj]

Gone and done it again

Sold the F800GS and all the extras

Bought another KTM 400 EXC from a mate, low hours / miles

KTM 400 EXC all the way

 

[brompton92]

The 400 Exc is probably the best trail bike on the market from KTM, It gives plenty of power but delivers it smoothly so you dont get caught out.

Saying that, I now own a BMW G450X and that is so smooth it is unbelievable. A perfect trail bike if you ask me.

 

[Pukmeister]

My well used but well loved 2003 model 450EXC arrives tomorrow.

Next years Hograost on a pogo.

Plenty of tales of woe on here. Should I book the Hospital bed just yet ??