Ktm 450 or 530 exc-street legal what is the difference

[blocker]

Since my KTM 400 was stolen I have been looking to replace it. They don't make the 400 any more. It had nice linear and predictable power response and (cost less to insure). That made it very manageable on single track.
Since the prices on the 450 and 530 are virtually the same what is the difference in the rideability. The dealer said there is a switch that can be put on the 530 that will make it more docile on single track. Has anyone tried this. Just looking for comments and opinions before I purchase.
Cheers,
blocker

 

[Strongleftleg]

You can also put a switch on the 450. The switch toggles between 2 different ignition maps. Makes a small difference, mostly noticeble in low-traction situations. If you liked your 400, I imagine the 450 would be your best bet. You will notice a power difference between the two bikes, plus the 530 will feel a touch heavier. What about a Husaberg Fe390? As street legal as your 400 was. Cheap insurance, FI, sweet linear power.

 

[flyn]

I have an 09 KTM 450 EXC with a map switch, The switch only changes the upper RPM horsepower and does little to off Idle torque. If you are a big guy or you like lots of grunt, the 530 is for you. I 'm an average build and I like a bike with smooth power off idle and lots of horsepower up top. I don,t use my switch that often (You could just disconnect the map connector if you didn't need a lots of HP)

For Sale KTM map switch

 

[cactusreid]

blocker: check the beta's,i think? they may still use the sweet 400 rfs motor that you seek. it is a beauty isn't it? i'm not sure if they are BC street legal as delivered though,check that out for yourself. a buddy of mine has a 450 beta, it's a well put together bike. if you have to go bigger in cc's,i know the 525 is way more linear in power and easier to ride than the 450 rfs motor. I would think (all though i haven't ridden one yet) that the 530/verses the 450 new style ktm motor would be similar. good luck,any sign of your 400 yet?

 

[Bora20]

I don't think there is any difference in reliability between the 450 and 530. Pretty much identical in every way, except for the piston and required hardware. You can make them both a 570, so virtually identical.

I don't know if the Beta's are Transport Canada legal and have a TC sticker, or grey market bikes brought in from the USA. Bill from 5th Gear would be able to chime in on that one. Funny, that is the add at the top of my page right now

 

[blocker]

Just put a down payment on 2011 450 EXC

Just put a down payment on 2011 450 EXC

I went for a street legal KTM 2011 450 EXC.
The fe390 is not factory street legal, and similar in price to the KTM.
The last KTM was very reliable, and with stood a lot of drops. It had 425 hrs and 22,000 k. Thanks for the input. I don't think that I will see the stolen bike again.

 

[Ty]

I have heard a few bad things about the newer 450exc's. Does anyone have any input to ad?
How do they compare to a wr450 or crf450x?

 

[alphajory]

what are the bad things that you have heard on the exc'c. I have ridden one of a couple of years with not problems yet. Although everyone has there own favourites the crf 450 is not street legal and is a 5 speed gearbox and is a good performer but has its week points as well. the rmx is fuel injected built of the the rmz platform and has a better suspension stock than the ktm but lacks the ability to put on a big tank. for now the ktm is the bike of choice but that could change if the others step up and make a street legal 6 speed with a big tank.

 

[Bora20]

I have heard a few bad things about the newer 450exc's. Does anyone have any input to ad?
How do they compare to a wr450 or crf450x?

I have a 2010 530 EXC Champion Edition (2009 frame) and there has been nothing wrong with it. If you want to come take a look at it and kick the tires or take it for a quick rip you are welcome too.

It has lots of protection and falls down nicely. It will have a FMF Q4 Ti on it this weekend too.

Compared to a WR450 orCRF450X? Not sure the specs on those bikes, but mine has a Transport Canada sticker and can be ridden on the road. If I needed a non-legal dirt bike, I would buy a 2-stroke 250 or 300 enduro in a heartbeat.

 

[Ty]

I have heard more good than bad and the couple of people I know that have blown up there 450's are kind of questionable when it comes to maintenance or ever checking anything like shims.oil etc

Bora, that is great bike you have! I have spent a little bit of time on the 525 and loved it (bit too much power for me though)

 

[Bora20]

The general feeling is to stay away from the 2008 models. There were MANY changes to the motor for 2009 and the problems have been resolved.

 

[Farp]

I bought a 2009 Beta 400RR from Bill at 5th Gear (site sponsor) in Richmond. It has the KTM 400RFS engine and it is an excellent bike. I think you would like it as much, or probably even more, than your KTM. The bike is completely street legal and it was insured and plated before it left the shop. I transferred the ins from my Honda and when it expired last November there were no problems with the ins renewal.

Starting with the 2010 models Beta makes their own engines and from every report I've read those engines are very good. If you want to replace your KTM 400 buy a Beta 400, you will not be disapointed.

John

 

[04klr]

as the owner of a rum bike i'm not trying to start anything but, riding it out of the shop does not necessarily make it street legal, and on that one i'm not sure, is the vin tag a "motorcycle", or just a number?
just curious, thx.

 

[Rock Chucker 1]

I ride a 2009 exc 450 funnest dirt bike I have ever owned. I have 40hrs on motor and had a seal go between motor and tranny, and motor has always drank oil on every ride. I think it's just my bike but at only .6liter for oil capacity I guess it burns a little. I have friends on 530 and 525 and don't think the 530 is any better .overall for the quality of parts on ktm u can't compare to a Japanese I like mine even with the issues I have
Had

 

[ScottM604]

i have seen some of the new ktm's burn oil. it is some thing to keep an eye on