DuneMe
Elk Grove, CA
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Joined: 09/19/2004
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What kind of dune riding do you do? Tighter trails? Hill climbs? Drags?
I went from the DS650 to the Raptor 700. The Raptor is plenty nimble for my style riding.
The 3-mod Raptor flat out rips. (Pipe, Air Filter and Power Commander). Fuel injection is awesome. I'll never go back to a carb. You won't find many with carbs in a short time (IMO). They have in-line fuel filters so, sand in the injector isn't a worry. If you have an injector go - it isn't that expensive to replace one. I could replace my injector in less than 15-minutes including beer time.
I've got a bud that has the KFX - not someone I normally ride with but, someone I know. It seems like a fine bike but, I do prefer the big-bores myself. The low-end torque is just a lot easier on the big-bores. Most 450's are high strung.
The YFZ 450 is a leader but, the bike is more prone to mechanical issues than others and it doesn't have Fuel Injection - I wouldn't buy a bike without it.
The Can-Am has had some great reviews and they are coming out with a wider unit right from the factory. . . no need to spend a bunch of money on an axel and A-Arms. . . This is a very attractive option. As with many 450's - no reverse.
The KTM looks like a nice ride but, you are going to pay for it. Would like to see them add Fuel Injection but, the FCR carb they have is the best carb out there (IMO).
Good luck with the decision making process.
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BigDogF250
San Diego
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Alright, I guess my thinking is a little old school on the carb/injected thing, sounds like many have worked it out. Part of my concern is that this is the first year they have injection but so many seem to be using it... I won't say I was wrong but maybe I'm learning too.
I do very frequently wish I had the long travel in the dunes so give that Suzuki a look. Also see if the dealer will give you a break on parts for upgrades, I got 40% off any parts I bought with the quad, I spent about $850 for $1,400 in bolt on parts and helmet. In this market it's all about the package deal.
Good luck with the shopping!
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jasona33xj
Montrose, CO, USA
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Joined: 05/16/2004
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Our local dealer sells Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM. They are having a deal on the KFX so it peeked my curiosity. After sitting on it, the seat was hard and I felt "big" on it. Gonna check out a Raptor 700 next time I go there.
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DuneMe
Elk Grove, CA
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Joined: 09/19/2004
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The Raptor has been fuel injected for 3 years now (2006, 2007 and 2008.)
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jsalazar310
Carson, CA
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i ride the suzuki ltr450 and a $40 cherry bomb mod w/ spark arrestor and air lid off will wake this quad up. my buddy has the kawi, and his only gripe is the seat being to thin.
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RVpullinGuy
North Ogden, Utah
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jasona33xj wrote:Our local dealer sells Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM. They are having a deal on the KFX so it peeked my curiosity. After sitting on it, the seat was hard and I felt "big" on it. Gonna check out a Raptor 700 next time I go there.
IMO the Raptor 700 is the best all around sport quad right now. EFI is the only way to go. You will love the Raptor if you get one. Unless you are a SERIOUS racer, I would never consider one of the 450 class machines... they take way too much maintenance compared to the Raptor. With the change from the 660 to the 700 the Raptor is AWESOME.
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davegvg
Los angeles
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Joined: 03/02/2008
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KFX 450 is an AWESOME quad.
Dont worry about the efi,it works like a dream and the throttle return spring is super light making long rides less tiring, its got the the best reverse gear selector of any quad I've ridden and the aluminum frame keeps it light, It also has really beefy axles and very good (not KTM quality, but very good suspension)
I also have a raptor 700 which for casual riding is an easier bike to ride,nd in many ways the big bore makes it a bit more fun but the KFX is faster up olds with my 220lbs than my 120 lb GF on the 700 by about a length and a half!
If you like the 450 class machines its a great no apologies ride.
Davegvg
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Bad Brad
Utah
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Joined: 10/15/2003
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I have the Honda 450 and love it. It's great on both the mountain trail systems and at the dunes. Not to play down any of the other brands, but I believe Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki have stole most of the attention when it comes to the 450s. While I think the Yamaha may be the fastest, I hate the suspension. The Suzuki is a great dune bike, but too wide for many of the trails I ride on...hence my choice to buy the Honda. I would have a 450 again in a heartbeat. Their lighter than the big bore bikes, rev faster and in MY opinion, easier to ride for a long period of time. Ride all of them and make your choice. Best of luck.
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