Which 450? and FI or not?

[Losttheplot]

As title really, will be looking for one for riding trails and the odd enduro.

Despite them being very popular, i'm not a KTM fan (it's a chasis set up, not an engine thing), so they are out, and after a little research Aprilia's rxv is also out (damned shame, i think it's a stunning bike).

I've ridden a few of the earlier carb'ed 450's and found the throttle to be a little to sensitive for my liking, notably an early crf 450 and a husky TE450 (an evil bastard that nearly killed my on the first lap of the dawn to dusk).

Despite riding a few, i'm still not taken with bmw's g450 x either.

I'm not interested in out and out power, but smooth progressive delivery would be very important, just while i get my fitness up to handle the beast.

What are the FI wr450's like? they seem a pretty bullet proof bike?

I've also tried one of the last husky TE450's, before they went to bmw power, and with FI this was sublime. There just doesn't seem to be many of them about.

So what does that leave?

Beta 450rr?
Rieju 450? (wr power i think)
CRF 450- FI?

what would the suzuki/ kawasaki offerings be, and whats the reputation like?

I have toyed with the idea of going 2 stroke, but the prospect of pre-mixing fuel, fussy running is putting me off slightly.

thanks for the feedback,

Nathan

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Did you find the KTM a bit flighty?

 

[Losttheplot]

Did you find the KTM a bit flighty?

I've tried most of the exc range, and not found any to be particularly confidence inspiring on the front end.

 

[finn]

My husky 449 was very flighty but fab now g2 throttle cams slowed down the ktm is very similar and it's really useable te449 now about 3k ££400 mods and a really good bike

 

[Timolgra]

Husaberg

 

[Losttheplot]

Husaberg

before or after they turned into ktm's with different coloured plastics?

Actually, i hadn't considered a 70 degree 'berg.

 

[Timolgra]

Before they turned into Ktm I'd say but I prefer the older upright models.

If someone said here's a blank cheque, go and buy any enduro bike you want I'd have a 550FE which is what I have.

 

[Flipfly]

Husaberg

Life just isn't the same without my Berg

 

[earthmover]

Try a few 250's Nathan, I was completely underwhelmed by my Honda when I first got it, but it was the bike I got the best results on (in enduros and rallies, suprisingly!) and was a great trail bike. The softer power meant I could get places where 450's were tearing holes in the scenery. Had some scrote not stolen it, I would still be using it now.
Mark

 

[Losttheplot]

Try a few 250's Nathan, I was completely underwhelmed by my Honda when I first got it, but it was the bike I got the best results on (in enduros and rallies, suprisingly!) and was a great trail bike. The softer power meant I could get places where 450's were tearing holes in the scenery. Had some scrote not stolen it, I would still be using it now.
Mark

Common sense would suggest that i go for a 250, either 2 or 4 stroke. I've ridden bakerman's CRF 250, and with the suspension mods he's had done it is a really sweet little bike, but i understand what you mean about being underwhelmed. I would open the throttle, wait for the power to come in, but it kept hitting the limiter before things got "exciting".

Not quite sure how you deal with those surprise moments when you find a hole in front of you and want some power to stop the front wheel from diving in and sending you over the bars?

 

[JASONBC]

As title really, will be looking for one for riding trails and the odd enduro.

Despite them being very popular, i'm not a KTM fan (it's a chasis set up, not an engine thing), so they are out, and after a little research Aprilia's rxv is also out (damned shame, i think it's a stunning bike).

I've ridden a few of the earlier carb'ed 450's and found the throttle to be a little to sensitive for my liking, notably an early crf 450 and a husky TE450 (an evil bastard that nearly killed my on the first lap of the dawn to dusk).

Despite riding a few, i'm still not taken with bmw's g450 x either.

I'm not interested in out and out power, but smooth progressive delivery would be very important, just while i get my fitness up to handle the beast.

What are the FI wr450's like? they seem a pretty bullet proof bike?

I've also tried one of the last husky TE450's, before they went to bmw power, and with FI this was sublime. There just doesn't seem to be many of them about.

So what does that leave?

Beta 450rr?
Rieju 450? (wr power i think)
CRF 450- FI?

what would the suzuki/ kawasaki offerings be, and whats the reputation like?

I have toyed with the idea of going 2 stroke, but the prospect of pre-mixing fuel, fussy running is putting me off slightly.

thanks for the feedback,

Nathan

The new 3004rt sherco's are doing really well down here at the moment as are the 2stroke Sherco's and Husabergs are in Fashion at the moment. What about a Husky?

 

[Timolgra]

Not quite sure how you deal with those surprise moments when you find a hole in front of you and want some power to stop the front wheel from diving in and sending you over the bars?

I think with a little fork bounce the CRF would hoist the front over most things

 

[Gaz]

My 390 Berg (2012) will be up for sale soon

 

[Giles]

I think with a little fork bounce the CRF would hoist the front over most things

It's technique not out right power ....



I've just sold my WR losttheplot, and was very happy with it. For me one of the big deciding factors was the reality that it would sit in the shed - have a thrash, sit there for a few more weeks, have another threash and then get serviced once a year.
I didn't want some highly strung service me every 20 hours EXC jobby. It did me very well and was incredibly bullet proof. We also run them at work and again - we tested a variety of bikes before deciding to go with WR for its reliability, user friendlyness and minimal servicing.

 

[Timolgra]

I've just sold my WR losttheplot, and was very happy with it. For me one of the big deciding factors was the reality that it would sit in the shed - have a thrash, sit there for a few more weeks,

If you'd bought a berg, then you just couldn't let it sit in the shed for weeks

I've had 450/550s for over 7 years and still get excited just thinking about it

Anyway, buy something...anything and get your soft, southern arse up here

 

[Giles]

I may well do the Cambrian on the LC, (before that it's the hardalpi..) so maybe a trip up whilst it still has TKC's on .... (Just keep the routes easy .... )

 

[Timolgra]

There's plenty of routes you'd be ok with on that heap of shite

 

[Losttheplot]

I think with a little fork bounce the CRF would hoist the front over most things

It's fine if you plan ahead, i get the XChallenge over most things this way.

maybe i've been to dismissive of the little 250...

 

[Timolgra]

It's fine if you plan ahead, i get the XChallenge over most things this way.

maybe i've been to dismissive of the little 250...

CRF 450's a brilliant bike too.

 

[Losttheplot]

The new 3004rt sherco's are doing really well down here at the moment as are the 2stroke Sherco's and Husabergs are in Fashion at the moment. What about a Husky?

I can't justify £6-7k for a new bike, just to abuse it, well thats what i'm telling myself

I'm actually a fan of the husky's, i've had 2 already (a WXC 410 and a TC610), it was the early 450 that put me off, But after riding one of the last 450's with FI i was smitten, very smooth and gentle off the bottom, with an awesome top end rush

I think i need to pull my finger out and try a few more bikes.....