Calling all the experts out there.
Which of these would you choose if the price and condition was similar?
Let's go back to the original question
My answer Yamaha - only because it has a kickstart and the bmw kymco loncin does not
But then I must ask what do you want to do with the bike ?
If its just general putting around and not racing then almost any of the 450s made by the big boys in the last 8 - 10 years will be fine
Let's also assume that you have a max budget of R35 000 to spend on a toy like this - bikes like these are being advertised for anything from R25 000 - R40 000
Most important is condition and regular religious maintenance over the years - if this has not been done and cannot be proven then you are buying a potentially bottomless money pit
My order of preference
1. ktm 450 or 525 with RFS engine - because they have a 6 speed gearbox and overhead adjustable style tappets to set valve clearances - you don't have to take cams out to shim it - very important for my lazy ass
2. Husqvarna te450 or 510 - I had a te450 that is now with Crossed-Up - awesome bike - also has 6 speed gearbox
2. Yamaha wr450
3. bmw g450x - does not have a kickstart - riding a bike is much better than pushing it
4. Honda crf 450 - but you must look for one that has valves done
5. Kawasaki klx 450
6. Suzuki drz400 - bit of a donkey but reliable - no kickstart
7. Honda xr400r - ditto - kickstart only I think
Good explanation. Allow me to fine-tune a bit.
The short answer to WR450F or BMW 450x is, the Yamaha every time.
First, the 250 or bigger issue. While it's hard to have more fun than on a 250 4-stroke, the ONE thing that makes a 250 undesirable is the maintenance schedule. ALL 250 4-strokes. Fact is, it's a small engine that works hard. Your auntie google can tell you all about hourly maintenance intervals. I don't know if you're a pro racer, but a 250 requires more maintenance PERIOD.
Agree with maintenance history aspect. A bike that's had 4 previous owners is a BIG no-no. Try and find a one-owner bike that has been cared for. And don't EVER buy ANY bike from a racer, pro or not
For trailriding or light dualsporting you REALLY need a 6-speed.
The KTM RFS engine is reliable as an anvil. A 2006-2008 KTM 450 or 525 XC-W (or whatever they designated it then) in good shape, is an outstanding machine.
I wouldn't touch a BMW 450 X with a barge pole. Strange experimental technology - if it was so great, why did NOBODY copy it, and why was it only made for what? 2 years? Think SPARES. Not to mention, even when new it couldn't hold a candle to the real dirtbikes. Google "BMW 450 X reviews" and see for yourself.
Same with older Huskies. The 610's etc, before KTM bought the name. Good bikes, but too much of a chequered last two decades, with the brand going out of business, being sold, swapped, restarted etc. Again, think SPARES AVAILABILITY.
You can't go wrong with any 250 or 450 KTM, Yamaha or Honda - keeping in mind the 250 maintenance issue.
CRF 450's had a year or two with valve issues, avoid those years but generally speaking, excellent bikes. The 2008 model is considered the best of the line, the two or three years after that not so much.
Suzuki DRZ 400 is a nice reliable bike but takes big investment to make dirt-worthy. Excellent light dualsport, though.
Honda XR 400 is brilliant, but old school, if you don't know how to kickstart a big 4-stroke, stay away
Generally, stay away from KX's and KLX's. Engines not too bad but evertyhing else is shite. Also, KLX not made anymore.
The shortlist:
1) Honda, KTM, Yamaha
2) If you do get a 250, be aware you're going to k@k en betaal maintenance-wise.
I'm not familiar anymore with street-legal requirements in SA. If you REALLY need a plated bike, your choices would be limited by whatever that requires.
Generally speaking - if you can't maintain a dirt bike yourself - besides major engine rebuilds or suspension modification - you probably shouldn't own one. All the whingeing about dealers that fecked you on your 450SX/YZ/CRF service baffles me.
Topic: Yamaha WR450 or BMW G450X?? (Read 17158 times)
