Coming off a 2014 350 exc-f I bought this bike 2 weeks ago... Absolutely loving it so far. It feels so light and nimble, turns on a dime and I'm finding the power delivery perfectly manageable. The thing I like most about this bike is that it encourages you to push it faster and faster and rewards you for it. Would recommend to anyone on the fence about getting this bike.
You're so much better at talking to a camera and sounding natural than all of those damn Magazine reviewers out on the motocross bikes... They drive me up the wall. Video was great and the review seemed fair and honest, Keep it up!
Bought this bike 2 weeks ago and it’s a beast love map 2 on tight New England single track, way more bottom. Map 1 makes it easier to ride in fast stuff.
How does it do rock crawling at Warner Valley? My concern is how lurchy the on/off power is compared to a two-stroke. I just picked up the 24 model for a smoking price but haven't had it in the dirt yet.
Note: if you are racing woods/trails a 450 is not needed but a 350 or even 250 is enough power that is needed to master the ark and skills of woods. If you dont agree look at examples such as ben kelly, kaliub russel, and thad
@@rmatvmc yeah i guess it is very dependent on where you ride. Im not too familar with western terain thus making my statement misleading for the west riders.
@@rmatvmc That would be awesome to see! although GNCC isn't really considered single track, it is however woods racing at the fastest level. GNCC races quads on the same trails as the bikes so more of a double track. The east coast hare scrambles is where you will find true bark busting single track racing.
Hey Chance....... I noticed when selecting a Trail tech 7 inch LED on the Rocky Mountain site, it says to connect the LED to the battery terminals as an Option. It also said the same thing for KX450's - I also read that during the 24 hours of Glen Helen, guys plugged LED straight into a new stock KX450 and Raced it - Have Fun Testing this Stuff and keep us informed - For Sure, Baja Designs Rewind is the way to go, its about Head-Room ! Thanks Dude !! -
Will Moran, it's hard to say if they'll throw it in the dual-sport models. However, it has a very smooth power curve that would make a very nice addition to those bikes. Thanks for watching!! - Chance
great review. I have been looking for a big four stroke to desert race. Right now i'm 60% 350cc and 40% 450cc. Only problem with a 350 is that i dont know i will be able to compete in the AA class desert racing against 450's. I'm in the A class right now but plan on moving up and going faster. Decisions decisions..
I’m doing some harscrambles now at 230lbs, currently have a 2017 crf 450rx. Wondering how much lighter this ktm 450 would be in the tight woods and muddy days. Love my crf for its power and does decent in woods if not too tight but man!, had a mud race and it was a workout but did get awesome traction. Or should I be looking at the 350 ktm, for better handling in the woods, only concern is lacking lower end grunt? Love my two strokes did it for years but I’m liking the smoothness and traction I get on the fours. Thanks, nice video! Looking for that do it all bike and still powerful enough to thrill...
less power is way better for both b and c riders being even top pros ride 250 and 350, their's a clue, I'm going 450 because of the timbersled and the need for 450 power in the snow, auto cluch and ride in a taller gear, tractor it, it more fun and most will be way faster, belive me I've seen it with alot of riders. they always say I'm having more fun and I'm in more control....good luck to all...
Chance. Great video. I currently have a honda crf 450rx and like you said it is launches you in whatever direction it wants. The power is radical and is very touch in trails and tight technical stuff. The power is not linear and Im constancy holding on for dear life when in the woods and rocky terrain. Sounds like you have ridden both, what are your thoughts between the KTM 450xc-f and the honda rx. I am hoping you tell me night and day difference. the KTM 450 xc-g is linear and very ridable in every gear. If i need to chug up a hill it is possible on the 450 xc-g???? Thanks for all the help
Hi Chance great review! im seriously thinking on buying this bike,, i live in New England and race all the Jdays,and some Netra harescrambles too,im like you a B rider with some C here an there lol,, did you find the bike to be to heavy and just to much in the technical single track? did ya get arm pump at all?and was there alot of flame out staulling when chugging this 450? i sometimes like to ride up a gear and chug in 3rd gear,also is there alot of vibration? i know the first thing i would change is the bars.. Thanks. Troy.
The bike is super light!! I was able to bulldog through some rock gardens multiple times for certain video shots and it felt great. The motor did take a bit to wind up and reach those higher revs which made it feel heavier in sand corners where I need all of the power at once, however the bike comes with a "long pull" throttle cam installed but KTM includes a "short pull" cam that helps fix that. And I didn't get any arm pump that I can recall!!! I was able to chug the bike pretty good. It won't chug as good as my KTM 300... but that is a completely different style of riding. But the only time it would flame out was when I was tired or made a mistake being in the wrong gear. As for vibration, once the bike was broke in the suspension loosened up a little and felt great. There was still some vibration/feedback from the handlebar that would need to be addressed with another set of bars, but sounds like you have that taken care of. Thanks for the questions tmlpony!!! - Chance
There are some definite improvements/tweaks to the suspension that are a lot better on the 2019. The motor has a smoother power delivery that makes coming out of corners almost like cheating! It seems a little less abrupt/jerky than the previous model. But the biggest difference is definitely the body and how sleek it feels compared to the last model. Hope this helps!! - Chance
Nice review. Please do a 2018 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days edition review and also explain more on the traction control uses and the map settings 1 and 2 differences and fuel consumption and top speed etc between the two. Well let me dream right? I know I will never see this review but well. Lose nothing..
I am stuck between buying the KTM 450 xc-f or the 2020 kawasaki kx 450 for racing MRAN desert series which has some slow technical sections and lots of rocky hi speed also. Would the KTM be best for this?
Good Honest Review - A mellower low end helps after a Long Day of riding or Racing. Have you experimented with LED lights connected to the battery terminals ? I Would like to know if a Baja-Designs Squadron or Trail Tech 7 inch LEDs will work without a Stator change..
Great question Joe Schmid! So the 2019 450 xc-f produces 65 watts. However 50 watts of that is used for the fuel pump and charging system. I have contacted Baja Designs and they say the bike has the space for an upgraded stator to give you the output you'd need to run one of those lights. So you might be able to run a small light, but getting a new one or rewound stator would be the best option. This is the plan for this bike!! - Chance
For my 2013 ktm 300 xc I just wired a led headlight straight to the battery and it works fine. I don’t use it often, but when I do it works . My blinkers, horn, and headlight run straight off of my battery and the tail light is the only thing on AC power
So I’m from the north west territory where it’s wet and very rutty lol if that is a word? And rocky. I’m looking to get another bike for gncc racing up here which is very much single track good luck on not hitting trees. So whiskey throat would be bad I idea up here. I have a yz250 older and Modified. I’ve been looking at a 300 or 350 but never road one. You my it sound like that bike would be good because they took out some of the bite out of it? What would you Recommended three bikes I listed?? Also I’m bigger and class 0 ride lol
If GNCC is what you are looking for, then you couldn't go wrong with a 300 or 350. Both of those bikes are awesome for those types of conditions (even for us bigger guys!). The 450 would be a bit much for tight trees even with a super linear power curve. - Chance
Rocky Mountain ATV MC thank your response. That helps a lot. It’s hard to get on bikes unless you have friends with them and I don’t right now. Please keep giving us information on bikes and mods for bigger guys. Everyone who put out videos are 5’8” and 170lbs. Lol that doesn’t help us bigger guys at all so thank you
Great review. Awesome that I got to see it in terrain similar to what I ride near Las Vegas / surrounding area. Been riding Yamaha last few years, thinking about buying one of these. Do you really need to check the fork every ride? Anyway, we have some good riding spots near Laughlin with similar terrain and less rocks if you are in the area and ride at your pace.
Where are you riding? Coming from S. Florida where there's nearly zero places to ride these days; if you want a side job, offer some tours or group rides in that area! Rent bikes if you can swing it, guys from places like me would fly in and pay a guide and for a rental bike to ride for a couple of days!
I am currently on a 2018 KTM 250 XCF, I am still somewhat of a novice rider, but want more power for some hills and open desert I ride.. Would a beginner rider be able to handle this bike?
This bike is a beast and it is a definite handful. But if you are riding more sand and open terrain, it may be a good option. But again KTM makes a great middle weight class bike the 350 XC-F. -Chance
Yes, we don't offer any at this point but there are a few different conversion kits you can get to turn these to coil spring forks or just swap them completely. Thanks for watching!
Let's be honest....any company out there trying to make themselves bigger, no matter what the bike they always sat it's an awesome bike perfect for everything with only 1 or 2 small complaints lol. Same video I've seen thousands of times before... Don't get me wrong great job on commentary but just imagine what would happen if rmatv went out there and completely bashed this bike lmao
Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to test out the new Husky version. However, being that the have the same suspension, main frame, motor and swing arm... I expect very similar in handling and power. At least for most people buying these bikes. - Chance
I'm just coming off a '17 450 XC-F and loved it but overall, yeah, a bit much for trail riding. I've been on a '19 250 XC-F for a few months now (32 hours on the bike) and I love it! Would like to see a great review like this one on the 250 XC-F. RMATVMC's recent review of the Honda 250 RX and Yam 250 YZ-XF was great. Any plans to review the '19 250 XC-F? Need a bike? Rider? I'm near St. George. Sayin'
Also it seems that the audio is independent of the video sometimes as the throttle doesn’t match the terrain at times. I could be wrong, but that’s what it seemed to me.
Coming off a 2014 350 exc-f I bought this bike 2 weeks ago... Absolutely loving it so far. It feels so light and nimble, turns on a dime and I'm finding the power delivery perfectly manageable. The thing I like most about this bike is that it encourages you to push it faster and faster and rewards you for it. Would recommend to anyone on the fence about getting this bike.
You're so much better at talking to a camera and sounding natural than all of those damn Magazine reviewers out on the motocross bikes... They drive me up the wall. Video was great and the review seemed fair and honest, Keep it up!
We really appreciate that!
Thank you, Jackson!
Dude you are right on with that that. A lot of them sound like they have a stick up their ass
Everyone in the comments are spot on! I get so tired of watching mx guys review these offroad/cross country bikes on mx tracks! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for comment!! - Chance
Bought this bike 2 weeks ago and it’s a beast love map 2 on tight New England single track, way more bottom. Map 1 makes it easier to ride in fast stuff.
Nice review! Need more real world reviews from normal Joes!
Thanks for the comment WFO Dave! - Chance
Awesome. Very in depth and detailed, real world review.
Thanks for the positive feedback! Glad you enjoyed it.
Very good review and good riding. I have a 2017 450 XC-F and I love it. I`m going to ride it a few more years.
Great bike! Thanks for watching!
I love my 450 xcf for down in the valley of az...but it will never replace my 250 2 stroke for the tight technical stuff up north.
In love. A 450 only 220lbs . Sick bike
I love that he described traction control as saving you from yourself 😁
Very well done! Way better video than the MX Magazine videos out there.
Great review - I have never seen one while the person is riding, so that was impressive/gave you an idea of the pace that the reviewer rides.
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for watching!
I would have liked to see how much difference there is been that bike and sxf models
How does it do rock crawling at Warner Valley? My concern is how lurchy the on/off power is compared to a two-stroke. I just picked up the 24 model for a smoking price but haven't had it in the dirt yet.
Note: if you are racing woods/trails a 450 is not needed but a 350 or even 250 is enough power that is needed to master the ark and skills of woods. If you dont agree look at examples such as ben kelly, kaliub russel, and thad
Yeah but...that's not as fun is it hahah.
Very true, the 450 is a handful when racing woods/trails. However out here in west, the 450 likes the wide open area! Thanks for watching! - Chance
@@rmatvmc yeah i guess it is very dependent on where you ride. Im not too familar with western terain thus making my statement misleading for the west riders.
Hey, this bike may make it over to a race GNCC someday... we'll see how it does over on the the other side! - Chance
@@rmatvmc That would be awesome to see! although GNCC isn't really considered single track, it is however woods racing at the fastest level. GNCC races quads on the same trails as the bikes so more of a double track. The east coast hare scrambles is where you will find true bark busting single track racing.
Impressive riding with all the info you're dishing out. Good job. ;-)
Thanks for watching!
Great review!
Thanks!! - Chance
Hey Chance....... I noticed when selecting a Trail tech 7 inch LED on the Rocky Mountain site, it says to connect the LED to the battery terminals as an Option. It also said the same thing for KX450's - I also read that during the 24 hours of Glen Helen, guys plugged LED straight into a new stock KX450 and Raced it - Have Fun Testing this Stuff and keep us informed - For Sure, Baja Designs Rewind is the way to go, its about Head-Room ! Thanks Dude !! -
What do you think of the 2023 450xc-f compared to the 2019. Great review
Do you think this new motor will come to the dual sport EXC-F's next year, and/or to the FE Husky's?
Will Moran, it's hard to say if they'll throw it in the dual-sport models. However, it has a very smooth power curve that would make a very nice addition to those bikes. Thanks for watching!! - Chance
great review. I have been looking for a big four stroke to desert race. Right now i'm 60% 350cc and 40% 450cc. Only problem with a 350 is that i dont know i will be able to compete in the AA class desert racing against 450's. I'm in the A class right now but plan on moving up and going faster. Decisions decisions..
What settings do you recommend for compression/ rebound on front and rear and fork PSI for 220lb rider that does single track on a 2020 XCF 450?
I’m doing some harscrambles now at 230lbs, currently have a 2017 crf 450rx. Wondering how much lighter this ktm 450 would be in the tight woods and muddy days. Love my crf for its power and does decent in woods if not too tight but man!, had a mud race and it was a workout but did get awesome traction. Or should I be looking at the 350 ktm, for better handling in the woods, only concern is lacking lower end grunt? Love my two strokes did it for years but I’m liking the smoothness and traction I get on the fours. Thanks, nice video! Looking for that do it all bike and still powerful enough to thrill...
How does it compare to the yz450fx
less power is way better for both b and c riders being even top pros ride 250 and 350, their's a clue, I'm going 450 because of the timbersled and the need for 450 power in the snow, auto cluch and ride in a taller gear, tractor it, it more fun and most will be way faster, belive me I've seen it with alot of riders. they always say I'm having more fun and I'm in more control....good luck to all...
Thanks for the comment!! - Chance
great review not much out there on racing the new 450 thanks.
Love the vid 👍🏻
Thanks Darren!! - Chance
Chance. Great video. I currently have a honda crf 450rx and like you said it is launches you in whatever direction it wants. The power is radical and is very touch in trails and tight technical stuff. The power is not linear and Im constancy holding on for dear life when in the woods and rocky terrain. Sounds like you have ridden both, what are your thoughts between the KTM 450xc-f and the honda rx. I am hoping you tell me night and day difference. the KTM 450 xc-g is linear and very ridable in every gear. If i need to chug up a hill it is possible on the 450 xc-g???? Thanks for all the help
You talk about the 450 RX. Which bike feels lighter and more playful? I know the KTM is lighter but the magazines say the Honda feels lighter.
Hi Chance great review! im seriously thinking on buying this bike,, i live in New England and race all the Jdays,and some Netra harescrambles too,im like you a B rider with some C here an there lol,, did you find the bike to be to heavy and just to much in the technical single track? did ya get arm pump at all?and was there alot of flame out staulling when chugging this 450? i sometimes like to ride up a gear and chug in 3rd gear,also is there alot of vibration? i know the first thing i would change is the bars.. Thanks. Troy.
The bike is super light!! I was able to bulldog through some rock gardens multiple times for certain video shots and it felt great. The motor did take a bit to wind up and reach those higher revs which made it feel heavier in sand corners where I need all of the power at once, however the bike comes with a "long pull" throttle cam installed but KTM includes a "short pull" cam that helps fix that. And I didn't get any arm pump that I can recall!!!
I was able to chug the bike pretty good. It won't chug as good as my KTM 300... but that is a completely different style of riding. But the only time it would flame out was when I was tired or made a mistake being in the wrong gear.
As for vibration, once the bike was broke in the suspension loosened up a little and felt great. There was still some vibration/feedback from the handlebar that would need to be addressed with another set of bars, but sounds like you have that taken care of.
Thanks for the questions tmlpony!!! - Chance
@@rmatvmc Ok Thank you for the fast reply,,how does this 450 compare to the 2017 ktm 450 xcf? i did notice there the same weight.
There are some definite improvements/tweaks to the suspension that are a lot better on the 2019. The motor has a smoother power delivery that makes coming out of corners almost like cheating! It seems a little less abrupt/jerky than the previous model. But the biggest difference is definitely the body and how sleek it feels compared to the last model. Hope this helps!! - Chance
@@rmatvmc Ok deff helps! thanks Chance! ya now i gotta make up my mind on what to buy? not easy lol
Nice review. Please do a 2018 KTM 350 EXC-F Six Days edition review and also explain more on the traction control uses and the map settings 1 and 2 differences and fuel consumption and top speed etc between the two. Well let me dream right? I know I will never see this review but well. Lose nothing..
What do you do with the bikes you guys test after you are done with them?
This bike will be ridden like it should be!! At least for a year or so and then sold. - Chance
I am stuck between buying the KTM 450 xc-f or the 2020 kawasaki kx 450 for racing MRAN desert series which has some slow technical sections and lots of rocky hi speed also. Would the KTM be best for this?
Get a ktm just got one love it so fast
Good Honest Review - A mellower low end helps after a Long Day of riding or Racing. Have you experimented with LED lights connected to the battery terminals ? I Would like to know if a Baja-Designs Squadron or Trail Tech 7 inch LEDs will work without a Stator change..
Great question Joe Schmid! So the 2019 450 xc-f produces 65 watts. However 50 watts of that is used for the fuel pump and charging system. I have contacted Baja Designs and they say the bike has the space for an upgraded stator to give you the output you'd need to run one of those lights. So you might be able to run a small light, but getting a new one or rewound stator would be the best option. This is the plan for this bike!! - Chance
For my 2013 ktm 300 xc I just wired a led headlight straight to the battery and it works fine. I don’t use it often, but when I do it works . My blinkers, horn, and headlight run straight off of my battery and the tail light is the only thing on AC power
So I’m from the north west territory where it’s wet and very rutty lol if that is a word? And rocky. I’m looking to get another bike for gncc racing up here which is very much single track good luck on not hitting trees. So whiskey throat would be bad I idea up here. I have a yz250 older and Modified. I’ve been looking at a 300 or 350 but never road one. You my it sound like that bike would be good because they took out some of the bite out of it? What would you Recommended three bikes I listed?? Also I’m bigger and class 0 ride lol
If GNCC is what you are looking for, then you couldn't go wrong with a 300 or 350. Both of those bikes are awesome for those types of conditions (even for us bigger guys!). The 450 would be a bit much for tight trees even with a super linear power curve. - Chance
Rocky Mountain ATV MC thank your response. That helps a lot. It’s hard to get on bikes unless you have friends with them and I don’t right now. Please keep giving us information on bikes and mods for bigger guys. Everyone who put out videos are 5’8” and 170lbs. Lol that doesn’t help us bigger guys at all so thank you
Great review. Awesome that I got to see it in terrain similar to what I ride near Las Vegas / surrounding area. Been riding Yamaha last few years, thinking about buying one of these. Do you really need to check the fork every ride? Anyway, we have some good riding spots near Laughlin with similar terrain and less rocks if you are in the area and ride at your pace.
Idk why they don't include traction control with the exc-f lineup... :/
Great job !
Thanks for watching!
Are these all corked up stock?
xcf is an absolute beast
Stellar review
Thanks!! -Chance
Where are you riding? Coming from S. Florida where there's nearly zero places to ride these days; if you want a side job, offer some tours or group rides in that area! Rent bikes if you can swing it, guys from places like me would fly in and pay a guide and for a rental bike to ride for a couple of days!
Just curious how much of a difference between the two maps? And would a tooth or 2 more on the rear sprocket help?
It make a noticeable difference like both
Looks like awesome winter riding!
Where are you riding in this?
great review! what camera are you using? is it the new GoPro Hero7? good footage.
incredible bike.
Have to agree with you on that!! - Chance
Nice video!! Watermark at the bottom left is unnecessarily huge
Good reviews bro
Much appreciated! - Chance
Where was this video shot?
Parts of it right here close to Payson, Utah, and the other parts were filmed down in Warner Valley near St. George, Utah.
Thanks! Jw
Looked a lot like over here in Colorado but I heard you say Utah in the video after I commented
I am currently on a 2018 KTM 250 XCF, I am still somewhat of a novice rider, but want more power for some hills and open desert I ride.. Would a beginner rider be able to handle this bike?
This bike is a beast and it is a definite handful. But if you are riding more sand and open terrain, it may be a good option. But again KTM makes a great middle weight class bike the 350 XC-F. -Chance
Thanks Chance! I was leaning toward the 350 xc f, thanks for clarifying! Super helpful. Love these off road bike review videos!!
Does it have a 6 speed transmission like the crf 450x
The 450 XC-F comes with a 5 speed transmission.
Where was the first segment of riding at?
This was at West Mountain, Utah. There are a few hidden gems out there! - Chance
Rocky Mountain ATV MC Thanks, I will have to get out there and see what we can find!
Is there a way to get spring forks for it
Yes, we don't offer any at this point but there are a few different conversion kits you can get to turn these to coil spring forks or just swap them completely.
Thanks for watching!
Rocky Mountain ATV MC ok thank you
Awesome bike!! 🤪
Nice bike
Do a mx review on the e wanne
Let's be honest....any company out there trying to make themselves bigger, no matter what the bike they always sat it's an awesome bike perfect for everything with only 1 or 2 small complaints lol. Same video I've seen thousands of times before... Don't get me wrong great job on commentary but just imagine what would happen if rmatv went out there and completely bashed this bike lmao
BWAM 1ST
How would you compare it to the Husqvarna version?
Unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to test out the new Husky version. However, being that the have the same suspension, main frame, motor and swing arm... I expect very similar in handling and power. At least for most people buying these bikes. - Chance
You forgot to mention that during this video you had to change the transmission oil 3 times and do 1 top end rebuild.
🤘😁👍
I'm just coming off a '17 450 XC-F and loved it but overall, yeah, a bit much for trail riding. I've been on a '19 250 XC-F for a few months now (32 hours on the bike) and I love it! Would like to see a great review like this one on the 250 XC-F. RMATVMC's recent review of the Honda 250 RX and Yam 250 YZ-XF was great. Any plans to review the '19 250 XC-F? Need a bike? Rider? I'm near St. George. Sayin'
We love doing bike reviews so we'll try to get on one of those and review it. Also, really appreciate the suggestion and offer!
Top ktm
If I buy a ktm I would buy it and build not to keep forever. Honda wouldn't invest much into it.
In other words, the forks blow lol
Dude was out of a breath riding on flat ground
Thanks for the positive feedback! ;)
Also it seems that the audio is independent of the video sometimes as the throttle doesn’t match the terrain at times. I could be wrong, but that’s what it seemed to me.
Nice catch Nathan!! A lot of the audio was placed over different riding shots. - Chance
so stupid doing that terrain with this bike could pick worst
Horrible el diseño de la moto ya la arruinaron ☹️☹️ y que es esa bajada del escape? 😫😫😫