The Honda 450's just flat out fly in the flowy and more open terrain. I found that the Rekluse auto clutch really made the tight technical stuff so much easier on the 450. It provides just enough slip down low to make the tight stuff very manageable on the 450.
i have an old 2004 ktm 450 sx 4 gear dinosaur and on much rougher single track near me a handful of years back it was a struggle to say the least yet a good challenge, lol, dropped it down a tooth on front sprocket helped but i am considering a rekluse clutch as well if available.
Rekluse is key. Have one on my RMX450. Made a world of difference. Also dropped down to a 12t front sprocket. Sacrificed top speed quite a bit, but in the woods it is excellent.
The stock KTM 350XC-F with only a flywheel weight is an amazingly capable all around machine. It is not as fun or as easy to ride in slow vertical single track sections as my 300XC-W, but it still does the tough technical trails very well. Honestly on medium and fast flowing single track the 350XC-F and 300XC-W are almost equal in capability and rider effort required, they each have the pros and cons.
I've owned a 350excf....spiced up a bit with mods and currently own a 250FX. No urge whatsoever to buy another 2 stroke. Have had 450s,300s,400s. Without doubt the 250FX has been my favorite off road bike....power for everything, amazing suspension,extremely reliable Anyone who thinks 250 strokes are not very capable machines is clueless. I loved the 350....and with better suspension it would be my favorite bike ever....tho the excf with the license plate could go anywhere,street or dirt. Really the only bike I'll change to is another 350 street legal....flexibility,performance.....maybe I'd spend some money on suspension this time. But Jesus they are expensive.....then throw more $$$ at it. There's the thing.
Love my 21’ 350 xcf and agree with everything you said. It actually lugs up sandy or technical inclines better and with more confidence than when I had my 16’ 250xc… it’s the torque. My only complaint is you have to spend the $1,000 on the ECU if you really want to stop the flameouts. Other than that, best handling KTM I’ve had to date, and is a great hybrid bike… I can rip it at the track and still hit a nice jump without worrying too much of a grade 3 ankle sprain 👊🏻👊🏻
I work for a Honda dealership and my boss often complains that I refuse to buy a Honda but he just doesn't understand that Honda simply doesn't make a bike that suits my riding needs.
Yeah the inertia on the 350-450s is a killer in snotty technical stuff I ride 250 2t and love them but the stability at high speed the big bores gives you is awsome I'm an Aussie and I ride the watagan mountains in NSW and it's all snotty rocky hills and tight singles its hard to beat the European market
I think your next bike should be the KTM 450 xc-f kind of give us a difference between this Honda and KTMs Big Bore 4 Stroker that would be very interesting. 👍
I have been riding a 2000 CR500 and a 2006 CRF450R on the trails for years and loved it. Just bought a 2023 crf450 RX and rode it for the last 4 days on the trails , tight , fast , huge rocks , boulders . I must have a different CRF450 RX cause my bike was so easy to ride ,I was laughing at how easy and fun, it was to ride . You have to use both hands to pull the clutch on the CR500
You are fortunate to own a CR 500. I’ve been scouring the earth for a long time looking for one been looking at this 450 as a candidate to use as a Snowbike but I would much prefer a 500 or gas gas is 700 2 stroke. But they are very expensive.
I have always preferred smaller bikes, but I have always preferred tight and twisty single tracks too. I made the mistake of letting my friends talk me OUT of the KDX-200 I was going to buy and getting a CR-450 Elsinore, for my first ever modern dirt bike in 1981. And my riding was in Washington state woods. Super high first gear, and only 4 speeds. Brutal power that stalled easy in slow stuff, and a really high up left hand kick start that required you to get off the bike and leap in the air to restart it. Total misery! Luckily I got it on sale for $1,600 instead of the $2,200 retail, and I sold it at a loss of only $100 after less than 10 rides. I then went and got the KDX-200, and actually had fun, and learned how to ride. The KDX was light and nimble, with good low end, and didn't stall easily. It also started WAY easier. I had researched and knew what I wanted, and let my buddies talk me out of it, against my better judgement. Lessons learned!
As you know Kyle , I am a 72 year old rider. I still ride everywhere I ever have and my personal choice is a 300 2 stroke. .. not speaking for anyone else... Just saying what i am personslly comfortable with. My kids and grandkids like riding 125s, 150s and 250s - all 2 strokes.
For me, the 450/500 bikes are really hardcore adventure bikes. I use my 450 EXC with a giant loop for camping & will also dual sport from the house which requires some road riding. Although I will admit that sometimes the 450 feels more planted & easier to ride up hills vs my Beta 300. But you feel the weight.
@@maxflight777 I use a giant loop coyote saddlebag & if needed I strap on a smaller bag on top of it. Sometimes it adds up to 40-45 lbs, so I have a heavier shock spring when needed.
Had a 450x. Its just too heavy overall. A beast to manage with the power. I downsized to a Husky FX 350. All the same power but 55lbs lighter. Best decision I ever made.
Similarly, I was on aYZ450FX last year and switched to a GasGas 350XC, and I could not be happier. The impact of the weight difference is hard to overstate, and it just is not lacking for power.
@@Jasonrcsd the 350 is awesome. The mappings with the traction control helps. Like all trail bikes the longer 1st and 2nd gear are great for hill climbs. Highly recommend if you're looking to get a lighter bike with essentialy the same power.
CRF450RX in this video is 250 WET weight.... Husky FX 350 is 240 dry. In theory the RX is lighter of the two. The KTM/Husky bikes have a steeper steering angle that aids in that tighter terrain and likely makes the bike feel lighter w/ that quick "flickable" steering. 350 is an awesome sweet spot for 4strokes. Wish the Japanese manufacturers would embrace things others than 250's/450's as they are missing out.
I have had my 450rx for a year now but I do alot if tight technical riding it was that bad at flaming out I had to put a rekluse auto clutch in it 🙈the clutch was far to much of a heavy pull to cover that all day.. love the bike now but its the only bike i have ever had to do that too.
@@tjtuck4520 The RX is basically the 450R with softer suspension, softer mapping, larger fuel tank, an 18" rear wheel and a kickstand. The X has even softer suspension and mapping, a heavier flywheel, 6 speed wide-ratio transmission, lights, speedometer and a more durable engine with lower compression.
That’s it exactly. There is no unicorn. I love my TE250 for tight single tracks and my 450X for nearly everything else. Even my 20 year old XR650R in the wide open desert is amazing.
I don't have much to loyalty to brands, I could never afford it. I've owned them all. There's 1 absolute rule that I've learned the last 30 yrs riding is performance on the track / trail is 95% rider & 5% bike. I've seen pro riders destroy expert riders on hard enduro riding a 25 yr old XR600 vs modern 300's.
They did come up and over that “hill climb” 2 weekends ago, I’m kind of curious when you rode cause it doesn’t look as tore up as I would think it would be after 300+ guys tore through it.
The last few months I have been looking at the 450x. I rode thumpers before they were way cool with the 87 xr600r. THAT was a beast and I rode fairly the same stuff you have here in the video along with the flat out baja type riding. I was always trying to shift up one more gear but it didn't have it. 5 speed and very heavy bike. I even broke my right thumb when I went to start it and it kicked back and slammed my knee into my hand. I'm severely missing my old 600r but getting a little too old. So, how would I fair on this 450x?
I still don't get why anyone would ride a 450 four stroke over any 250 or 300 two stroke....unless riding MX. Especially if in the woods of the east coast
I ride both, current bike is a 250 2t gasgas. I prefer the 450 for wider quad trails/fireroads. Efi is nice for riding in variety of temps. I do occasionally ride mx, and a 4 stroke is so much easier for that imo.
Less maintainance, no oil mixing in the fuel and more engine braking (last one is preference but if you like engine braking in your riding a 2stroke is not gonna be that great of an experience) I'm not saying 4stroke is better than 2sttoke but there are enough reason to pick one over the other
I ride 450rx. In Washington state. We have very technical trails with lots of roots and trees , with rocks. I have no problems. 2 strokes are changing plugs all the time.
I almost bought a Honda. After watching this video, I'm glad that I bought my Yamaha 450FX. I hardly, almost never, need to slip my clutch to climb a hill.
Honda 450x have been going for good prices Second hand because they are a handful, a guy I know put a reclus clutch which I heard helped that clutching and maybe stalling
Love your videos Kyle. I have ridden these trails quite a bit. I have a YZ250FX, 300xc, and KX450. True that when the trails are nasty, rocky and slower in this area the 450 can be a lot. I have a Rekluse on both the YZ250FX and KX450. The 300xc simply doesn't need one (Rekluse)unless you ride super tough enduro terrain all day. The YZ250FX is a great bargain between the bikes. The YZ suspension is superb in all types of terrain and feels more planted in high speed stuff than the 300xc. Being over 200 lbs I prefer the 300 or the 450 in most terrains. In fast or sandy terrain my favorite is the 450, stable planted, and simply fun to wack the throttle open on. Kyle is right about energy though. The big 450's take it out of you. The best bike overall is still the 300xc for all terrain types and it doesn't like to overheat. If you are beginner or even an intermediate definitely skip buying a 450 (unless you ride the dunes only). There's my unbiased opinion after owning and riding bikes for over 35 years.
The 300’s are the most fun for single track/ hard enduro. I’ve owned and ridden plenty. But after 4 new 300’s I have moved over to a 2021 KTM 500 XCF-W. Why? Lots of reasons. First of all weight. My PDS 500 weighs the same as a linkage 300 TE 300i. It makes more torque down low and more power up top. It has a 15 mph higher top speed. 40 mile longer range on a stock tank. The top end lasts 6-700 hours. It finds traction easier in the gnar, especially hill climbs and snow. It is easier to ride, even in the gnar, requiring less energy. Best of all, it can be plated in my state and makes for a far better dual sport/ exploration bike. The front wheel stays planted and the 500 is far more stable at speed. The 500 has a far broader performance envelope and I no longer need both a 300 and 500, saving money and maintenance costs. The specialized nature of the 300’s make them the hard enduro choice for many, but these new gen 500’s have dramatically improved as to weight and handling. And they don’t seize in cold weather like the 300’s..
Don't take this the wrong way, I love your channel. It makes me laugh how much you get upset over riding a 4 stroke in the mountains. I grew up riding 4 stroke MX bikes in tech mountain stuff, MX tracks, dunes etc. You just need to modulate the clutch and blip the throttle (get some RPM). I know a lot of people that have the KTM 300 XC/XC-W's and the KTM 350XC's, they all love the 350 more for mixed riding.
Whats your opinion on the exc's from ktm? Never heard you talk about them but theyre kinda popular where i live and i think they are pretty similar to the xcw's
I picked up a 2022 350 exc-f recently and have about ten hours on it so far. amazing bike imo, especially coming from a crf250L! not quite as light as the 2 strokes, but pretty damn capable.
I have this biike and I still have my old BULLETPROOF 1985 XR 600 R. The old bike is a bit heavier but it's alot more reliable and alot faster. The 450 handles better and of course 100x easier to start but there are too many bs emissions control things on my 450 and that takes away alot from the bike. The flame-outs are really bothering me.
The Honny 450X is a magnificent tight trail cadillac if u let it do the work -- kinda like the way the old XR600 used to be. But if u try to fight against it, it'll brutalize u. Mine is an old '06 with a Rekluse that I used to place in Louisiana enduros (tight as hell!) quite often. I no longer race, but I still ride the beautiful beast w/my grandson on trails & it's just a lot more fun than it should be. i'm happy!
CHOSE YOURE COMPROMISE! coming from the crossover snowmobile world this is something i have come to understand. the RX is a crossover, hit the trails one weekend and the track the other< will it outperform a xcw on the trail... no but how well will you expect the cw to track? chose youre compromise!!!
Would you mind sharing the location? I'm down in S. FL, zero trails here anymore (all houses and golf courses), looking for once a year riding trip places to go.
@@8180634 if your traveling from Florida I’d definitely recommend trying out Colorado. The trails in Utah and Colorado are very similar. Research the Taylor Park area, endless single track. You’ll run out of fuel and energy before you run out of trails. Hope this helps and remember, tread lightly.
Definitely not designed for that environment. This bike is the ultimate desert bike. Built to conquer miles upon miles of wide open desert at high speeds. I made the mistake of taking mine to the Saboba Ride, like you stated, that single trail low speed application simply wears you out. The bike is heavy and doesn’t want to zig zag around. I love my 450x, however, I know where that bike needs to be ridden to maximize its performance.
I think that you would do yourself a favour, and provide some very informative video, if you were to adjust the fork height and learn about "trail" in the front end geometry. That bike can be adjusted to cut like an ice skate, or to drive in a straight line like a missile. "Trail" is the distance between the axis of the steering tube and the centre line of the front axle, this is what creates the amount of self-centring in the geometry. You can adjust any bike to turn quicker or slower, depending on whether you want high speed stability of slow speed turn-ability. It is entirely unfair to say that one bike is more or less quick in the steering than another, THE BIKE IS ADJUSTABLE. The factory sets the bike up for what it thinks the AVERAGE rider will appreciate, but builds in adjustment so that the bike's chassis can be tuned to suit the individual rider and the expected riding conditions. Adjusting fork height is NOT done to change the wheel base as I have seen many people write. It is done to change the "trail". A 5mm change to the "trail" measurement makes a significant change to the stability of the steering. Choose a riding loop, ride around it a few times, then stop and drop or raise the fork height by 10-15mm and ride the loop again, the difference in the feel of the bike will surprise you. This very subject is one of the main reasons that rider sag setting in the rear suspension is so important, because the height of the rear suspension also effects the the 'trail" measurement in the steering. Lower the rear of the bike 20mm and the steering will be significantly slower. Why do you think a bike feels more stable with a pillion rider on the back??? Yes, because the extra weight on the rear suspension lowers the rider sag, changes the "trail" measurement, and make the bike turn slower.. A very worthwhile subject for one of your videos.
95 percent woods riding and 5 percent desert (when the mountains are covered in snow)….. I don’t think I will ever go away from European two strokes…. I had a couple 350s and I really liked them…. But they just were not two strokes 😂… 125, 150, and 250 are the most fun bikes in the woods! (IMO)
I like the crf450 bein a heavy guy like me,its not a geared 2 stroke enduro slayer wich id eventually kill weighing it down!!big & powerfull... harder wearing still good on the trails you just need to learn how to ride it.
I have an 09 CRF450X it feels heavy because it is! 270lbs dry (and I even have a desert tank on there). I'm thinking about getting a 2-stroke 250 specifically for slower technical hard enduro style riding. Any recommendations?
I bought two of those brand-new a couple years ago. Took them on a trail that involved roads climbs technical Creek crossings and everything in between. They were tanks. Sold within a month of buying them new. Went to the KTM 300 two-stroke TPI. I’ve never looked back can’t imagine ever riding that Kawasaki again so big so heavy so gutless. If you get a chance to ride one of the newer 300 TPI bikes I highly recommend trying it out. And play with it and first second and third gears in slow stuff. They’re a mule and a mountain goat and a mustang all in one machine.
@@purtnearperkins yeah true, no doubt better bikes. At my skill level I like to the gradual power of the klx300r and tractor style torque. It is heavy. Price was also a factor for me. Half the price of the ktm. Coming from a crf230 it is a step up for me. I had a yz125 as well but not enough bottom end to move my fat arse in sand without revving the crap out of it.
Am I the only one who feels like the Japanese are just sitting back for the last couple of decades, just waiting for the Austrians and Italians and the French to keep putting out subpar prone to breakdown bikes and then they’re going to swoop in and put theme out of business? If Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki put out a true enduro trail bike I’m pretty sure 90% would jump ship to them. Maybe they’ve secretly got their electric bikes in R&D almost ready to go. I’ve just never known Europeans to build anything of quality versus the Japanese.
Yeah. My KX450F which I have converted as much as I can to be more of a bush machine including a Rekluse, is just simply not something that can be ridden on trails for more than 5-6 hours. But I knew that before I chipped away at the project. The only thing I haven’t done in an effort to improve things is an 18” rear, and the engine is stock apart from clutch and muffler
OMG … Where the heck is this ? Damm …. Freaking wicked great riding area 👍🏻👍🏻 Can you say JEALOUS :-) … You have miles and miles of beautiful scenery. Nothing like that here in New England :-(
If you don’t like the Rekluse clutch then you probably won’t like the X and also the RL long term for certain things- Because they really really need a Rekluse or else it’s almost abusive to the bike and rider- And an ECU for that matter. If you really need that green sticker-you just need to give in.
I’ve been a Honda guy my whole life but after switching to husky I won’t go back. Honda still has reliability but component wise, they are slacking compared to other brands out there. Even if you are on a budget go with gas gas it’s still a better bike than Honda
You need to admit your riding ability Is not good enough for that kinda bike you would have just as much fun go as fast on a 250 f the KTM 150 exc is a quick bike you already have a xc 250 why complain
I must admit I don't know why you would take a bike that my 7 year old could tell you was wildly inappropriate for that kind of riding, and then complain that it wasn't good for that kind of riding.....next are you going to tell us that a ttr230 is not going to win a supercross race?
@@billypulsipher7313 these 450 enduro bikes are really only appropriate for wide, straighter trails. They are not happy on tight twisty trails or slow technical sections, at least without a gearing change so it doesn't want to stall when crawling along in 1st. These bikes are very tall, relatively heavy and would love nothing more than to kill their rider lol a 250 would have been far better here, or obviously a 2 stroke.
They will sit back cos there still best they need a resons to make better ktm husky don't pressure them lol ccm who are they you get it so there siting back 😅
I ride the tight twisty sand trails of Northern Michigan on my 2022 CRF450RX. I have no problem with the handling and I’m 55yrs old. I love my bike.
The Honda 450's just flat out fly in the flowy and more open terrain. I found that the Rekluse auto clutch really made the tight technical stuff so much easier on the 450. It provides just enough slip down low to make the tight stuff very manageable on the 450.
%100.
i have an old 2004 ktm 450 sx 4 gear dinosaur and on much rougher single track near me a handful of years back it was a struggle to say the least yet a good challenge, lol, dropped it down a tooth on front sprocket helped but i am considering a rekluse clutch as well if available.
Rekluse is key. Have one on my RMX450. Made a world of difference. Also dropped down to a 12t front sprocket. Sacrificed top speed quite a bit, but in the woods it is excellent.
The Recluse is a diaper, it generates heat ,destroys the oil and must be embarrassing to know you never learned how to use a clutch
The stock KTM 350XC-F with only a flywheel weight is an amazingly capable all around machine. It is not as fun or as easy to ride in slow vertical single track sections as my 300XC-W, but it still does the tough technical trails very well. Honestly on medium and fast flowing single track the 350XC-F and 300XC-W are almost equal in capability and rider effort required, they each have the pros and cons.
350???😂😂😂
Can confirm. Anyone who scoffs at a modern 350 (or even a modern 250f) has never ridden one, and/or is lacking in skill.
@@gpaull2 Anyone who scoffs at a 350 has been double lapped by Cairoli!
I've owned a 350excf....spiced up a bit with mods and currently own a 250FX.
No urge whatsoever to buy another 2 stroke.
Have had 450s,300s,400s.
Without doubt the 250FX has been my favorite off road bike....power for everything, amazing suspension,extremely reliable
Anyone who thinks 250 strokes are not very capable machines is clueless.
I loved the 350....and with better suspension it would be my favorite bike ever....tho the excf with the license plate could go anywhere,street or dirt.
Really the only bike I'll change to is another 350 street legal....flexibility,performance.....maybe I'd spend some money on suspension this time.
But Jesus they are expensive.....then throw more $$$ at it.
There's the thing.
Love my 21’ 350 xcf and agree with everything you said. It actually lugs up sandy or technical inclines better and with more confidence than when I had my 16’ 250xc… it’s the torque. My only complaint is you have to spend the $1,000 on the ECU if you really want to stop the flameouts. Other than that, best handling KTM I’ve had to date, and is a great hybrid bike… I can rip it at the track and still hit a nice jump without worrying too much of a grade 3 ankle sprain 👊🏻👊🏻
I work for a Honda dealership and my boss often complains that I refuse to buy a Honda but he just doesn't understand that Honda simply doesn't make a bike that suits my riding needs.
Europe is the only one doing that, really, if you like 2 strokes, which everyone should.
Yeah the inertia on the 350-450s is a killer in snotty technical stuff
I ride 250 2t and love them but the stability at high speed the big bores gives you is awsome
I'm an Aussie and I ride the watagan mountains in NSW and it's all snotty rocky hills and tight singles its hard to beat the European market
Seems random without telling us more about what your riding NEEDS or what you choose as your alternative. Inquiring minds wanna know. 😊
What's ur riding needs?
@@tee8599 I enjoy struggle fest single track. Where most 4strokes turn into boiling steamy messes.
I think your next bike should be the KTM 450 xc-f kind of give us a difference between this Honda and KTMs Big Bore 4 Stroker that would be very interesting. 👍
Junk.
I have been riding a 2000 CR500 and a 2006 CRF450R on the trails for years and loved it. Just bought a 2023 crf450 RX and rode it for the last 4 days on the trails , tight , fast , huge rocks , boulders . I must have a different CRF450 RX cause my bike was so easy to ride ,I was laughing at how easy and fun, it was to
ride . You have to use both hands to pull the clutch on the CR500
You are fortunate to own a CR 500. I’ve been scouring the earth for a long time looking for one been looking at this 450 as a candidate to use as a Snowbike but I would much prefer a 500 or gas gas is 700 2 stroke. But they are very expensive.
This. I uses to ride a 2006 450r on trails. I just bought a 2024 crf450rx and couldn't be happier. It was so easy to ride.
I have always preferred smaller bikes, but I have always preferred tight and twisty single tracks too. I made the mistake of letting my friends talk me OUT of the KDX-200 I was going to buy and getting a CR-450 Elsinore, for my first ever modern dirt bike in 1981. And my riding was in Washington state woods. Super high first gear, and only 4 speeds. Brutal power that stalled easy in slow stuff, and a really high up left hand kick start that required you to get off the bike and leap in the air to restart it. Total misery! Luckily I got it on sale for $1,600 instead of the $2,200 retail, and I sold it at a loss of only $100 after less than 10 rides. I then went and got the KDX-200, and actually had fun, and learned how to ride. The KDX was light and nimble, with good low end, and didn't stall easily. It also started WAY easier. I had researched and knew what I wanted, and let my buddies talk me out of it, against my better judgement. Lessons learned!
The KDX-200 is a awesome bike it was my first bike purchase
KDX 200 was a serious single track machine. They are still sought after. Washington state has some awesome single track.
Only a girl thinks bigger is better.
As you know Kyle , I am a 72 year old rider. I still ride everywhere I ever have and my personal choice is a 300 2 stroke. .. not speaking for anyone else... Just saying what i am personslly comfortable with.
My kids and grandkids like riding 125s, 150s and 250s - all 2 strokes.
Well done sir . I just purchased a new CRF 450RX at 61 ,
For me, the 450/500 bikes are really hardcore adventure bikes. I use my 450 EXC with a giant loop for camping & will also dual sport from the house which requires some road riding. Although I will admit that sometimes the 450 feels more planted & easier to ride up hills vs my Beta 300. But you feel the weight.
More weight = more planted...who would've knew...interesting observation
You mention camping …May i please ask, what bag setup do you use on your EXC ? Thanks
@@maxflight777 I use a giant loop coyote saddlebag & if needed I strap on a smaller bag on top of it. Sometimes it adds up to 40-45 lbs, so I have a heavier shock spring when needed.
Had a 450x. Its just too heavy overall. A beast to manage with the power. I downsized to a Husky FX 350. All the same power but 55lbs lighter. Best decision I ever made.
Similarly, I was on aYZ450FX last year and switched to a GasGas 350XC, and I could not be happier. The impact of the weight difference is hard to overstate, and it just is not lacking for power.
how is the FX 350 lugging on holding back on hills? I too had a 450X and the weight was one of my complaints.
@@Jasonrcsd the 350 is awesome. The mappings with the traction control helps. Like all trail bikes the longer 1st and 2nd gear are great for hill climbs. Highly recommend if you're looking to get a lighter bike with essentialy the same power.
CRF450RX in this video is 250 WET weight.... Husky FX 350 is 240 dry. In theory the RX is lighter of the two. The KTM/Husky bikes have a steeper steering angle that aids in that tighter terrain and likely makes the bike feel lighter w/ that quick "flickable" steering. 350 is an awesome sweet spot for 4strokes. Wish the Japanese manufacturers would embrace things others than 250's/450's as they are missing out.
@@parkcityadvdualsport9525 bad info. 221lbs according to the spec sheet. 450x is 275 dry. Where are you getting these bad numbers?
I have had my 450rx for a year now but I do alot if tight technical riding it was that bad at flaming out I had to put a rekluse auto clutch in it 🙈the clutch was far to much of a heavy pull to cover that all day.. love the bike now but its the only bike i have ever had to do that too.
I wanna ride these trails so bad. Looks awesome, good stuff Kyle.
Yeah where is this?
@@johnwrees These trails are pretty common in the Utah desert, west of Salt Lake City
@@nicholasconklin9586 Ahhh, Utah. Thanks Nicholas.
Are any bikes fun to ride at 0-5mph in close tight trees / rocks? I dont think so.
That was an awesome hill!! Super long climb, starts out relatively simple but saves the best part (and the view) for last!
What an amazing trail tempted to move to Utah just for the riding.
I had a 2017 crf 450rx and put 20 hours on it. Sold it immediately because I hated it on the trails. Its a beast of a bike but not easy to handle.
Do you know any difference in the 450x vs. 450rx ?
@@tjtuck4520 The RX is basically the 450R with softer suspension, softer mapping, larger fuel tank, an 18" rear wheel and a kickstand. The X has even softer suspension and mapping, a heavier flywheel, 6 speed wide-ratio transmission, lights, speedometer and a more durable engine with lower compression.
A bike, an application. Every machine has it's specific purpose.
That’s it exactly. There is no unicorn. I love my TE250 for tight single tracks and my 450X for nearly everything else. Even my 20 year old XR650R in the wide open desert is amazing.
The 350 4T's are pretty dang close to a 1-bike do it all, I would say.
USRA raced that trail for sure in 2018. Great video.
I don't have much to loyalty to brands, I could never afford it. I've owned them all. There's 1 absolute rule that I've learned the last 30 yrs riding is performance on the track / trail is 95% rider & 5% bike. I've seen pro riders destroy expert riders on hard enduro riding a 25 yr old XR600 vs modern 300's.
They did come up and over that “hill climb” 2 weekends ago, I’m kind of curious when you rode cause it doesn’t look as tore up as I would think it would be after 300+ guys tore through it.
USRA went over the top of it last year as well. This year it is UMORA and NHHA
The last few months I have been looking at the 450x. I rode thumpers before they were way cool with the 87 xr600r. THAT was a beast and I rode fairly the same stuff you have here in the video along with the flat out baja type riding. I was always trying to shift up one more gear but it didn't have it. 5 speed and very heavy bike. I even broke my right thumb when I went to start it and it kicked back and slammed my knee into my hand. I'm severely missing my old 600r but getting a little too old. So, how would I fair on this 450x?
I still don't get why anyone would ride a 450 four stroke over any 250 or 300 two stroke....unless riding MX. Especially if in the woods of the east coast
I agree, except for out in the desert. The bigger bore four strokes seem to be a little bit better.
I ride both, current bike is a 250 2t gasgas. I prefer the 450 for wider quad trails/fireroads. Efi is nice for riding in variety of temps. I do occasionally ride mx, and a 4 stroke is so much easier for that imo.
I rip fields and trails and stuff on east coast. 450 works pretty well. 250 2t are fun tho too!
Less maintainance, no oil mixing in the fuel and more engine braking (last one is preference but if you like engine braking in your riding a 2stroke is not gonna be that great of an experience) I'm not saying 4stroke is better than 2sttoke but there are enough reason to pick one over the other
I ride 450rx. In Washington state. We have very technical trails with lots of roots and trees , with rocks. I have no problems. 2 strokes are changing plugs all the time.
Personnellement, avec des suspensions préparées, cette moto est géniale. Quelle plaisir de rouler avec. Et j'ai 63 ans.
Where is the trail you were riding in the video?
Cheery Creek, Utah
Dang what a long hill! I thought it was never going to end 😜
What's the name of this trail?
I almost bought a Honda. After watching this video, I'm glad that I bought my Yamaha 450FX. I hardly, almost never, need to slip my clutch to climb a hill.
Honda 450x have been going for good prices Second hand because they are a handful, a guy I know put a reclus clutch which I heard helped that clutching and maybe stalling
I've watched a lot of his vids. He's had knee surgery at least once. Is he riding alone way up there?
There is always people out there everyday, yeah it’s still sketchy but as of the last 6 months there is almost perfect cell coverage out there.
You meant Jones the Sherco 300, when are you going to try to get your hands on some TMs. I would love to see you try their 300 4stroke.
Have you tried sliding the forks up into the triple trees?
Love your videos Kyle. I have ridden these trails quite a bit. I have a YZ250FX, 300xc, and KX450. True that when the trails are nasty, rocky and slower in this area the 450 can be a lot. I have a Rekluse on both the YZ250FX and KX450. The 300xc simply doesn't need one (Rekluse)unless you ride super tough enduro terrain all day. The YZ250FX is a great bargain between the bikes. The YZ suspension is superb in all types of terrain and feels more planted in high speed stuff than the 300xc. Being over 200 lbs I prefer the 300 or the 450 in most terrains. In fast or sandy terrain my favorite is the 450, stable planted, and simply fun to wack the throttle open on. Kyle is right about energy though. The big 450's take it out of you. The best bike overall is still the 300xc for all terrain types and it doesn't like to overheat. If you are beginner or even an intermediate definitely skip buying a 450 (unless you ride the dunes only). There's my unbiased opinion after owning and riding bikes for over 35 years.
Yeah but the KTM you referenced is not street legal. That's important in Maine. So for a street legal dirt bike what would you suggest?
You have any plans of doing a 450x review in the future?
The 300’s are the most fun for single track/ hard enduro. I’ve owned and ridden plenty. But after 4 new 300’s I have moved over to a 2021 KTM 500 XCF-W. Why? Lots of reasons. First of all weight. My PDS 500 weighs the same as a linkage 300 TE 300i. It makes more torque down low and more power up top. It has a 15 mph higher top speed. 40 mile longer range on a stock tank. The top end lasts 6-700 hours. It finds traction easier in the gnar, especially hill climbs and snow. It is easier to ride, even in the gnar, requiring less energy. Best of all, it can be plated in my state and makes for a far better dual sport/ exploration bike. The front wheel stays planted and the 500 is far more stable at speed. The 500 has a far broader performance envelope and I no longer need both a 300 and 500, saving money and maintenance costs. The specialized nature of the 300’s make them the hard enduro choice for many, but these new gen 500’s have dramatically improved as to weight and handling. And they don’t seize in cold weather like the 300’s..
Don't take this the wrong way, I love your channel. It makes me laugh how much you get upset over riding a 4 stroke in the mountains. I grew up riding 4 stroke MX bikes in tech mountain stuff, MX tracks, dunes etc. You just need to modulate the clutch and blip the throttle (get some RPM). I know a lot of people that have the KTM 300 XC/XC-W's and the KTM 350XC's, they all love the 350 more for mixed riding.
If it’s not orange he doesn’t like it
Whats your opinion on the exc's from ktm? Never heard you talk about them but theyre kinda popular where i live and i think they are pretty similar to the xcw's
They are virtually identical bikes.
I picked up a 2022 350 exc-f recently and have about ten hours on it so far. amazing bike imo, especially coming from a crf250L! not quite as light as the 2 strokes, but pretty damn capable.
Americans have XC-W instead of EXC. Same bikes
The xplor is dangerously bad.
@@postmortemspasm ive recently got an iffer to buy an xcw, i live in germany though. That confused be a bit and let me to asking this question...
Hey sir what mic do you have, having a hard time finding the right one that doesn’t pick up wind noise.
Hi just wondering Where are you riding Ty. Tom in Long Beach so cal
Can you do a video on the 250rx same trail?
Great videos man! I got into dirt bikes a month ago and about to make my first purchase this week. 👊🏻
The yz250fx is better all around 4 stroke in every way. Otherwise id say if you like 2 strokes get a 250 or even a 150 ktm husqvarna
Are you going to do a review on the Stark Varg when it comes out??
I have this biike and I still have my old BULLETPROOF 1985 XR 600 R. The old bike is a bit heavier but it's alot more reliable and alot faster. The 450 handles better and of course 100x easier to start but there are too many bs emissions control things on my 450 and that takes away alot from the bike. The flame-outs are really bothering me.
ANY GOOD LINKS OR INFO ON HOW TO PROPERLY ASJUST THE VALVES ON THESE. 2022 450RX
The Honny 450X is a magnificent tight trail cadillac if u let it do the work -- kinda like the way the old XR600 used to be. But if u try to fight against it, it'll brutalize u. Mine is an old '06 with a Rekluse that I used to place in Louisiana enduros (tight as hell!) quite often. I no longer race, but I still ride the beautiful beast w/my grandson on trails & it's just a lot more fun than it should be. i'm happy!
What???
This is the rx the x has the headlight and is heavier. And has a 6 speed I bought that one. I love it
This is where the fx truly shines, although it’s a 5 speed the w/r trans really puts the Honda to shame.
Hi do you recommend the 250RX for enduro mostly single track some steep stuff baja type of shit but less sandy ?
Love those trails. Good seeing you at Home Depot the other day!
CHOSE YOURE COMPROMISE! coming from the crossover snowmobile world this is something i have come to understand. the RX is a crossover, hit the trails one weekend and the track the other< will it outperform a xcw on the trail... no but how well will you expect the cw to track? chose youre compromise!!!
That's a fun trail, I just road it a few days ago. My dad and I ride out there a lot in the winter/spring/fall.
Would you mind sharing the location? I'm down in S. FL, zero trails here anymore (all houses and golf courses), looking for once a year riding trip places to go.
@@8180634 if your traveling from Florida I’d definitely recommend trying out Colorado. The trails in Utah and Colorado are very similar. Research the Taylor Park area, endless single track. You’ll run out of fuel and energy before you run out of trails. Hope this helps and remember, tread lightly.
You are riding in dirt bike heaven. Awesome video! Great riding!
You need to review the new KTM 350
Definitely not designed for that environment. This bike is the ultimate desert bike. Built to conquer miles upon miles of wide open desert at high speeds. I made the mistake of taking mine to the Saboba Ride, like you stated, that single trail low speed application simply wears you out. The bike is heavy and doesn’t want to zig zag around. I love my 450x, however, I know where that bike needs to be ridden to maximize its performance.
I think that you would do yourself a favour, and provide some very informative video, if you were to adjust the fork height and learn about "trail" in the front end geometry. That bike can be adjusted to cut like an ice skate, or to drive in a straight line like a missile. "Trail" is the distance between the axis of the steering tube and the centre line of the front axle, this is what creates the amount of self-centring in the geometry. You can adjust any bike to turn quicker or slower, depending on whether you want high speed stability of slow speed turn-ability. It is entirely unfair to say that one bike is more or less quick in the steering than another, THE BIKE IS ADJUSTABLE. The factory sets the bike up for what it thinks the AVERAGE rider will appreciate, but builds in adjustment so that the bike's chassis can be tuned to suit the individual rider and the expected riding conditions. Adjusting fork height is NOT done to change the wheel base as I have seen many people write. It is done to change the "trail". A 5mm change to the "trail" measurement makes a significant change to the stability of the steering. Choose a riding loop, ride around it a few times, then stop and drop or raise the fork height by 10-15mm and ride the loop again, the difference in the feel of the bike will surprise you. This very subject is one of the main reasons that rider sag setting in the rear suspension is so important, because the height of the rear suspension also effects the the 'trail" measurement in the steering. Lower the rear of the bike 20mm and the steering will be significantly slower. Why do you think a bike feels more stable with a pillion rider on the back??? Yes, because the extra weight on the rear suspension lowers the rider sag, changes the "trail" measurement, and make the bike turn slower.. A very worthwhile subject for one of your videos.
If you don’t cover the clutch automatically you should do clutch drills or something to get better at it
Crazy terrain, I'd love to ride an area like that (with someone familiar with the area) sometime in my life.
You sure made it look pretty good! Nice Vid!
Please review the Kawasaki KX450X
Or Yamaha Honda Kawasaki shootout
All these 450 are the same shit. And Kyle dont like 450’s
I wish you did your bike giveaways on the weekend afternoons as I work second shift Monday through Friday and always miss out on the blessings.
Central time
I’d love to see a review from you on the Yamaha YZ450FX compared to the KTM and Honda!
95 percent woods riding and 5 percent desert (when the mountains are covered in snow)….. I don’t think I will ever go away from European two strokes…. I had a couple 350s and I really liked them…. But they just were not two strokes 😂… 125, 150, and 250 are the most fun bikes in the woods! (IMO)
I like the crf450 bein a heavy guy like me,its not a geared 2 stroke enduro slayer wich id eventually kill weighing it down!!big & powerfull... harder wearing still good on the trails you just need to learn how to ride it.
I have an 09 CRF450X it feels heavy because it is! 270lbs dry (and I even have a desert tank on there). I'm thinking about getting a 2-stroke 250 specifically for slower technical hard enduro style riding. Any recommendations?
Take the KTM 300cc 2 stroke, very light and easy bike
I love how honda just refuses to put out 2 stroke trail bikes so they just continue to produce lack luster 4 strokes
I recently bought a klx300r and it’s the perfect bike for me
I bought two of those brand-new a couple years ago. Took them on a trail that involved roads climbs technical Creek crossings and everything in between. They were tanks. Sold within a month of buying them new. Went to the KTM 300 two-stroke TPI. I’ve never looked back can’t imagine ever riding that Kawasaki again so big so heavy so gutless. If you get a chance to ride one of the newer 300 TPI bikes I highly recommend trying it out. And play with it and first second and third gears in slow stuff. They’re a mule and a mountain goat and a mustang all in one machine.
@@purtnearperkins yeah true, no doubt better bikes. At my skill level I like to the gradual power of the klx300r and tractor style torque. It is heavy. Price was also a factor for me. Half the price of the ktm. Coming from a crf230 it is a step up for me. I had a yz125 as well but not enough bottom end to move my fat arse in sand without revving the crap out of it.
Am I the only one who feels like the Japanese are just sitting back for the last couple of decades, just waiting for the Austrians and Italians and the French to keep putting out subpar prone to breakdown bikes and then they’re going to swoop in and put theme out of business? If Honda, Kawasaki or Suzuki put out a true enduro trail bike I’m pretty sure 90% would jump ship to them. Maybe they’ve secretly got their electric bikes in R&D almost ready to go. I’ve just never known Europeans to build anything of quality versus the Japanese.
Yeah. My KX450F which I have converted as much as I can to be more of a bush machine including a Rekluse, is just simply not something that can be ridden on trails for more than 5-6 hours.
But I knew that before I chipped away at the project.
The only thing I haven’t done in an effort to improve things is an 18” rear, and the engine is stock apart from clutch and muffler
Throttle tamer. And fly wheel weight.
OMG … Where the heck is this ? Damm …. Freaking wicked great riding area 👍🏻👍🏻 Can you say JEALOUS :-) … You have miles and miles of beautiful scenery. Nothing like that here in New England :-(
He lives in Utah that’s where he does most of his riding
and im out here still just learning to stand up for more than a couple seconds...lol great vid!
definitely not a woods in Alabama bike. Good for those wide open straights and long hills you got out there
How much do you weigh?
Sounds like it doesn’t have much low end grunt, I cannot accept that.
Nice climb,I would hsve dropped a gear lower on top
That was some climb wow awesome💪👍
Nothing like taking a good pounding in the rear end 🤣🤣
Enter training day reference 😆
If you don’t like the Rekluse clutch then you probably won’t like the X and also the RL long term for certain things-
Because they really really need a Rekluse or else it’s almost abusive to the bike and rider-
And an ECU for that matter.
If you really need that green sticker-you just need to give in.
Nice ride 👍🏼
It’s just a motocross bike, with an 18” rear tire.
That bike would be a great candidate for a Rekluse clutch!!!
Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad...
I’ve been a Honda guy my whole life but after switching to husky I won’t go back. Honda still has reliability but component wise, they are slacking compared to other brands out there. Even if you are on a budget go with gas gas it’s still a better bike than Honda
I’ve never understood blind brand loyalty. Brand quality, value, and competitiveness are constantly changing depending on the year and type of bike.
Put a rekluse auto clutch on 450 woods bikes you won’t ever touch 1st
I got a 250 for that reason
2021 Husky FX 450 is awesome in tight stuff.
the wind's blowing you?
nice
1st gear on the 450? you never use it, even from stand still on a hillclimb you put 2nd to start!
Looks like you ride pretty fast.
That terrain wasn’t really even tight technically or difficult. Sounds like that bike wouldn’t be fun in the mountain bush terrain here.
Nice vid
450 sounds good though.
Nice hillclimb!
Flash the ECU, add flywheel weight, problem solved
The yz450fx is supposed to be a pretty impressive bike as well
Excellent overall but very heavy feeling compared to the Austrian options.
I love my 22 450r I do xc and moto with it. Videos on my page. Once u set it up right it’s a bad dude that can do both np.
Agree
You need to admit your riding ability
Is not good enough for that kinda bike you would have just as much fun go as fast on a 250 f the KTM 150 exc is a quick bike you already have a xc 250 why complain
I must admit I don't know why you would take a bike that my 7 year old could tell you was wildly inappropriate for that kind of riding, and then complain that it wasn't good for that kind of riding.....next are you going to tell us that a ttr230 is not going to win a supercross race?
What is it good for? This trail looks about as easy as it gets.
@@billypulsipher7313 these 450 enduro bikes are really only appropriate for wide, straighter trails. They are not happy on tight twisty trails or slow technical sections, at least without a gearing change so it doesn't want to stall when crawling along in 1st.
These bikes are very tall, relatively heavy and would love nothing more than to kill their rider lol a 250 would have been far better here, or obviously a 2 stroke.
@@alexmaclean1 this is a wide straight trail to me.
Nice until. Looks like u need more ride time on that bike.
350xcfw please, great vid tho😂
They will sit back cos there still best they need a resons to make better ktm husky don't pressure them lol ccm who are they you get it so there siting back 😅
I love 2 stokes.
Ride it any slower you will Coke it up mate go by a 125