Anyone have, or have ridden a crf450x?

[beobe99]

Whats up guys? So it's been awhile since I've had a 2 wheeler and recently got the bug after watching some XC racing. I've always had 2-stroke's (KX125, KTM125, then a RM250) but think I'd like to go the 4-stroke / e-start route this time around. It's been a while (10+ years and about 40lbs later - I weight 190lbs now) so It's hard for me to gauge what would be good without using sellers for test rides (not a fan of that).

This would be for spirited trail riding and the occasional practice track fun.

To quickly sum this up, I've taken the following bikes for a spin (on asphalt) more recently.. A 03 CR125 that felt like a quick scooter, a 06 yz250f which wasn't THAT bad but lacked, and a 05 RMZ450 which I thought was bonkers - too much, but fun in straight lines :disillusionment:!

The CRF450X on paper seems like a good fit but I've never ridden one. Reviews I've watched / read use terms that bug me like "Monster" or "super powerful w/o comparisons to the kinds of bikes I've ridden. Can anyone here give me a solid comparison particularly between the 250 and 450 4-stroke MX bikes?

Thanks guys,

[Tbone07]

I've owned the R and ridden the X. The 450X had softer suspension, tamed down cam, wider ratio transmission, and a few other XC customized options.

I like the R more because it was lighter, but the X carved like a knife in the woods. You could make it go anywhere and do anything you wanted it to. The power doesn't hit as hard as the R, and the wider ration transmission smoothed it out a lot. I loved both bikes

[beobe99]

Thanks Tbone, that's kinda what I was hoping for and expecting as a review, glad to have it confirmed. Most of the reviews I have seen are in sync with what you mentioned as far as handling and weight (roughly 30lbs more if I'm correct) but didn't compare power levels like you did. All's I heard was "Gobs of power" which reminded me of the Punch into power I felt with the RMZ450. Glad to hear that really translates into all around power and not punch..

Thanks,

Bob

[Skeans1]

I've rode an x before and hated the weight of it but I'm also 70 pounds lighter. Still today favorite woods bike is the KDX 200.

[broken1]

My friends 2014 KTM 250XC/W is a 2-stroke with electric start. I've never ridden the crf450x to compare but his KTM was a sweet ride with lots of bottom end & very predictable power. There pricey but worth it.

[atvcrazy]

I have a ktm 250xc 2 stroke I bought last summer and have been doing alot of woods riding.  Electric start is great. Nice and light and easy to throw around in the tight trees.  Surprisingly alot of low end torque with this little 250 honestly alot better than a 250 4 stroke.  6 speed trans is also really nice.  Suspension is a little on the ridged side the xc-w has better suspension right out if the box.  This is a great bike almost electric power band and what's nice is the options you have for tunability with the power valve, etc.  it's a great bike and its a 2 stroke

[Tbone07]

I also loved the KTM 300xc I rode for awhile, I think it was an 06 or 07. The power was awesome and surprisingly torquey. It was also light as a feather. But the CRF gets so much traction when you hit the slippery stuff, I swear it's almost like traction control

[beobe99]

Thanks for all the advice guys. KTM is def. on my radar considering they have so many choices and seem to hold their value (good thing, but bad when your only debating getting 2 wheels). If money wasn't to much of a concern or if my focus was 100% 2 wheels I'd grab up the KTM 350exc site unseen!! A buddy of mine has the 300xc and said the same thing Tbone - Torque! but as of late though the only 2-stroke I can stand is the 250r

the 450X's hold their value as well (like what the hell) so my search continues for one that may need some work. Hopefully no well priced R's come about till then..

Thanks again guys,
Bob