Maintenance & Technical > KX450F / KX250F
KX450F vs. KX500
dans89kx500:
I'm looking into buying a new kx450f. I currently ride an old kx500. I ride it everywhere, track and on the trails. Now I want to leave the past behind and step into the future. How would you compare the two bikes? Are they just apples and oranges?
Thanks for the info
Dan in Vacaville
gowen:
You can't compare the KX500 vs. the KX450F. It's apples and oranges. From the little posted info about what you are looking for, you will benefit from the 450F. I'd go for it.
KXcam22:
I might be able to help here a bit. I have been riding my KX500 and my CRF450 back to back a few times (for the sake of comparison I am considering the CRF and the KXF as equivalents). They are definitely apples and oranges. First thing I noticed was noise. The 4-stroke is deafeningly loud, like riding thunder. The KX500 is pleasantly quiet by comparison. Power is no comparison, the KX500 has more everywhere, bottom, mid, top end, not even close. Traction is a different story, the 4-stroke just goes forward really quickly without a lot of fanfare, while the KX will spin and fishtail - This is the most noticable difference. The KX idles down to zero RPM, lugs nicely and can crawl through tricky sections. The 4-stoke coughs and stalls everywhere. I stalled 20 or more times the first ride on the 4-stroke. My KX500 is really comfy but the ergometrics of the new bike are fantastic, handling and turning are effortless. Weight is about the same but the 4-stroke seems heavier when putting it up on a stand. Kicking effort is about the same, except the KX500 starts first kick every time and 4-strokes take some learning. My first 4-stroke start was 20 kicks. The KX500 is great in whoops, but the 4-stroke beats it, gobling up any whoop you launch over. Maintenance on the 4-stroke is at least double (or tripple).
However, the 4-strokes are the future and the are very nice. You won't be dissapointed with the KXF450. I would be on one if my dealer was nicer. Hope this helps. Cam.
dans89kx500:
Great email Cam, you really answered a very vague question that I asked. I love my k5, its a great bike. The only real complaits are traction (fishtailing is an understatement) and vibration. It starts easy and will run every weekend with no problems with little maintance.
I have never owned the new modern 4 strokes and the kxf450 seems like a great bike. I see the way they fly around our local mx track (argyll park) with the rider seeming to give not as much effort as the k5. I am the only guy on the track with an older open class bike.
Dan in Vacaville Ca
KXcam22:
I forgot to mention one final but significant difference. On the KX500 warms up nicely when it sits and idles while you put your final riding gear on. The 450 4-stroke is practically boiling over by the time you get your helmet on. Boy do they run hot! I think engine ice, overflow bottle and even possibly larger rads could be in order. Cam.
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