450 EXC Factory Dual Sport

[jp]

Hi everyone.
I am pretty new to the site. I am looking at getting a dirt bike that is either dual sported or I will be installing a Baja Kit to make it a dual sport. I want something that will work good on the trails and something that I can ride to work once in a wile. The factory dual sport just seem so big and bulky that they would not work very good in the bush.

I have been thinking about getting a WR450 or a DRZ 400 and installing the Baja kit. I have just found a good deal on a KTM 450EXC that has the factory dual sport kit on it. I have always loved KTM’s but they have just seemed to be out of my price range. I am wondering if this is too much of a dirt bike to ride on the street? I would also be going on longer enduro trips with it. (back roads/gravel roads)

It is in fact factory dual sport, but all the reviews I have read say that it is not much of a dual sport as it is a race bike.

If there is anyone out there with the 450 EXC, how do you like it? What kind of terrain do you ride? Would it make a good dual sport?

Thanks
Kirk

 

[North]

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Hi jp,

and welcome to the site.

I have a 530 KTM. Like the 450 it's a racing bike that you can plate. Not a true dualsport bike. Having said that, I dualsport my 530 and change the oil a lot. It's a blast off road at 250 odd lbs.. I also have a husky 610. It weights 50 lb more than the KTM and I can feel the difference. (The Husky is good off road too.)

The Husky is a better all around bike, but the KTM is better off road and requires moremaintanence.

Rick

 

[SubMann]

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I have a DRZ400S - factory dual sport, and a KTM 450 EXC-R. The 2007 KTM is also a factory dual sport. It is the same as the earlier years, but it has the street legal stuff on it stock.

I'll try to list the pros and cons

DRZ
PROS
low maintenance
reliable (really really reliable)
smooth on road
can run on the highway all day

CONS
low power
poor front brake
hard to modulate rear brake
lower quality hardware everywhere
50 lb heavier which is really felt off road
5 speed tranny
so-so suspension

KTM
PROS
reliable given the proper maintenance
stunning brakes - stainless braided lines
real footpegs
hydraulic clutch
rim locks
awesome suspension (WP)
6 speed tranny
tons of power

CONS
higher maintenance - frequent oil changes and valve adjustments
It will need a rebuild sooner than the DRZ for sure
rim locks (odd vibrations on the highway)
painful to ride on the highway for long

Yes you can do a ton of mods to the DRZ, but you still end up with a 5 speed heavy bike. And you will have spent more...

Both can be converted to supermoto.

And dont' forget the new BMW 450X. Factory dual sport with 3 year warranty!

My off road skills are mediocre at best. But the KTM is WAY easier to ride off road. I'm short and the weight of the DRZ meant it always wanted to fall over. It really is night and day on the trails.

I hope this helps, and to all you DRZ lovers FLAME ON!:hb:

 

[cactusreid]

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jp: depends on what type of riding you want to do. drz-tamer and more road worthy.
-450 exc much more offroad/race ready but still platable dirt weapon!

and now the good news- which ever bike you choose doesn't really matter.as both are in very high demand,and even if you realize you've made the wrong choice-it's an easy sell for top dollar and buy the other bike!
i see nothin' bad here!!

 

[jp]

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Thank you all for you input. I am going to look at a 05wr450 tomorrow before work and then going to see this 07EXC450 after. I am leaning more towards the KTM as it seems like the better fit for me right now. I will keep you updated as what I do.

Thanks

Kirk

 

[Hooligan]

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Wat ever your choices, ride them back to back....then decide.

:hb:

 

[bajaman]

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Here is a pic of my 07 DRZ 400e,With my home made bajakit on it.Its not as fast as a WR....but I know its not going to blow up.I have rad guards,skid plate,hand guards,and a larger tank...:tup:

 

[Hooligan]

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North wrote:

I have a 530 KTM. Like the 450 it's a racing bike that you can plate. Not a true dualsport bike. Having said that, I dualsport my 530 and change the oil a lot. It's a blast off road at 250 odd lbs.. I also have a husky 610. It weights 50 lb more than the KTM and I can feel the difference. (The Husky is good off road too.)

Idid 6000km on my 450 EXCin one trip....minor additions will have youfinish the Dakar with the same RFS motor....

As good as any, better in many ways...!:wi:

:hb: