KTM vs HONDA

[gixracer]

alright
i have two options
both new, both same price $6500 otd without tax

06 crf 450x
06 450 exc


i want to go trail ride. i want to hit a track if possible (time constraints)
i want to get a set of 17s on for toying around on the street or motard track.

which do you think and why? please no it sucks ideas
also does the ktm mso come just as motorcycle not offroad vehicle.

thanks

[rugbymook]

I would do the KTM. Not that i'm biased against Honda, i think you wouldn't really go wrong with either bike. I think you're getting a better deal on the KTM though....

I have a KTM 400exc and a KTM 450 SMR. There are plenty of less expensive options regarding supermoto and streeting them. KTM supermoto wheels/brakes are a bit easier to come by and they seem to support the effort from the factory better than any other brand.

The KTM MSO states "motorcycle" and has no mention of "competition use only" or "off road only", so depending on your DOT, it would probably be easier to tag. PA is pretty tough, and i have plenty of friends that had their KTM's tagged right off the floor (prior to the "all KTM's are DOT legal from the factory" like today)

The Honda would be nice because there is a Honda dealer in pretty much every town. The motard parts are there too, so i wouldn't worry about throwing the bike down on the track.

I'm sure others will have different opinions, but i think mine are fair.

[Ablev1]

I have a KTM 400EXC and it is a great bike. My advice is to ride both if you can. The Katoom feels different. To me it feels more planted, but people will disagree. Do you research on the Hondas. The newer large CRFs are known to blow through valves quickly. My KTM has been very reliable and after working on a Ducati it is EASY to work on.

Either way, ENJOY!

Alan

[gixracer]

well the honda sales guy i was dealing with turned out to be a prick and wouldn't give me price over the phone. i had been in talking to him twice. i was not about to go to the shop with the kids too cold.

anyway i went with the ktm.

i had riden both in australia this past year. the honda definately felt more twitchy to me. the ktm was more stable and solid for my size. 6'4" 215lb

reasons for the ktm
1. better sales person
2. set price no haggling
3. i got a price unlike the honda guy
4. value
a. computer oem
b. availabilty for cush drive rear hub on 17s
c. better parts spec rims, excel
d. wp shock
5. better price drop percentage
6. the ktm comes with a motorcycle mso not an offroad mso
easier to title -- no inspection for a plate
7. more motard support
8. he was willing to take my suzuki card for payment or guy didn't even suggest.

i cant wait for it to get here
i cant wait for springtime or at least 50 degrees.

[Capt. Home Slice]

Congrats on the purchase.

[misko]

Congrats on the new bike!

One of the guys I ride with has an '06 525 exc and loves it. I think he put about 70 hours on it this year, everything from dirt, to Deals Gap, including bunch of supermoto track days and it's been awesome.

I had a chance to ride it, along with a bunch of other bikes at the last supermoto track day and found that the KTM fits me the best (I am 6'3") and definitely feels the most stable. I just bought a 450smr myself.

[gixracer]

just think of what i could do to wade in 9 this this bike