Cheap Dirt Bikes » Reviews

2007 KTM 450 EXC Review – A Dual Purpose Bike That Gets it Right

Dirty Mike — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:41:53 +0000

2007 KTM 450 EXC

In the past, the vast majority of dual purpose bikes were made mainly to be used on paved streets. The manufacturers started with street legal models and tried to adapt them to be useful on dirt trails. Surveys showed that a lot of people used their dual purpose bikes mainly on streets, so they figured this was the logical way to go. However, this just didn't work for those who really wanted to spend some time riding these bikes as dirt bikes. This led to people taking regular dirt bikes and trying to convert them to make them more street legal (but usually not quite perfectly legal) by adding such things as mirrors, lights, and horns. Usually this was enough to get a person a license plate. The 2007 KTM 450 EXC is a dual purpose dirt bike that gets it right.

Since people were already using these dirt bikes on the road after making small modifications, and they were holding up well, they finally decided to start with the dirt bike and modify it to make a version that would be street legal all over, without having to make after market modifications. Most people will agree that in the review of the 2007 KTM 450 EXC that they did a pretty good job. They added EPA-friendly emissions controls, street-legal lighting, and DOT-approved turn signals, mirrors, and horns, and outfitted them with DOT-approved knobbies for tires.

Some of 2007 KTM EXC reviews will mention a few problems with the design. For example, the mirror can get in the way when you stand up unless you tilt it so that it really wouldn't be that useful if you were driving on the road. Also, the left rear turn signal gets in the way as you get on and off the bike, meaning that it gets knocked off and broken pretty easily. These were the main things that were noticed about the street gear that had been added to the dirt bike.

However, the bike does still ride well over all sorts of terrain, and 2007 KTM EXC as been tested in dirt, mud, and leaves, even on trails with tight turns, as well as on the road and the bike did well without any major problems. The bike seemed to handle everything well.

Those used to riding racers will realize that the suspension is a bit softer on these dual bikes, and they are a bit heavier and not quite as powerful as a purely dirt bike would be. However, they can be treated pretty much the same as a dirt bike when you are on the trail. If the softness in the suspension bothers you, this can be fixed without a lot of trouble.

Because of the emissions control changes that were made, there is sometimes a bit of reluctance for these bikes to start in the cold if you don't use the choke, but once they are warmed up there aren't any problems due to this added equipment. They still ran well at low rpm and when decelerating.

Another concession to make the bike more street legal is the 15/45 gearing, which might take some getting used to. This makes the bike a bit quieter at any given speed. However, it should still allow the bike to perform well in most conditions. Trails like those ridden with trials bikes might be a bit difficult, but otherwise first gear should work fine on most trails, and sixth gear is more than enough for highway speeds.

KTM did their best to create a bike that would satisfy both the requirements of riding the bike on the road and on dirt trails in order to satisfy the needs and wants of their customers, and came up with a pretty good dual purpose bike in the end. Those who wish to spend pretty much all of their time riding their bikes in the dirt should probably stick with a dedicated dirt bike, but for those that spend a bit of time on the highway as well, or going between trails on the road, a 2007 KTM 450 EXC review will show that this is one of the better options that are available.

2006 Honda CRF450X Video Review

Dirty Mike — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 04:23:02 +0000

The '06 Honda CRF 450X loves to be driving aggressively, and keeps coming back for more.

In only its second year of production, the 2006 Honda CRF450x has developed into a serious off-road weapon. With a tough to beat red and black exterior the performance levels of this moto-warrior is equally as sweet!

The aluminum chassis has been the staple of Honda's 4 strokes for years now, and the ridge frame gives the bike an aggressive feel. Whether splashing through a soggy field, or climbing the steepest hills, the Honda has the ability to offer the rider everything he/she will need.

The hot tempered Honda likes to be ridden aggressively and works best when it is.

View all the Honda CRF450 Dirt Bikes For Sale

Honda CRF 2012 Honda CRF250X
US $5,999.00

Honda CRF 2008 Honda CRF 250 Works Bike
US $3,200.00

Honda CRF 2011 CRF250R
US $3,900.00

2005-2008 Honda CRF450X written review and Specs for each year.

2005-2008 Honda CRF 450X Review

Dirty Mike — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:07:31 +0000

2005-2008 Honda CRF450X Review: Silent But Deadly

2005 Honda CRF450X

After ridding a '05 450X, we can tell you that it's friggin' incredible. We could not curb our enthusiasm while waiting for the CRF450X. In 2002 the CRF450R that years lineup of dirt bikes. It did not take long to start receiving inquires about an off-road version. The Rs were quickly converted to trail use by riders. In 2004 Honda announced there would be a CRF250X, the roomers spread like wild fire across the net of the possibility of a 450X.

Honda's CRF450R remains one of the best selling motocrosser on the planet, but a vast number of pro-wanna-bsold their XR400R.s in order to hit the dirt on this popular dirt bike. The 450R was great on the truck, but not so much on the trial. The suspension is stiff and the chassis ultrarigid, which is not the best setup for rocks and stumps. The 450R's first gear is tall, has a small tank, light flywheel, loud exhaust, you have to kick start it, and the fifth gear is short.

Honda CRF 450X

The 450X was produced for the 2005 model year, and it is everything the 450R is not. By comparison the 450X is fully equipped with the exception of hand protection.

The CRF 450X has been build for trail riding, but in no way has been neutered or even declawed. Any Honda Fan will feel right at home immediately. Honda spent a great deal of attention on detail and ergonomics, from the off-road tuned suspension, the efficient transmission rations, and the powerful engine make the 450X everything you would expect from a high performance off-road bike. We are totally amazed at just how much power the CRF produces.

The engineers who worked on this bike at Honda have the "horsepower fairy" working on their side. Most of us who have been riding dirt bikes our entire lives, are pre-programed to think that the loud four-stroke engines are fast, while the quite thumpers are slow. This has changed, Honda has a new definition in stealth technology. The chain slap is actually a significant part of the over all sound output, since there is so little exhaust noise. It is quite enough that it passes the federal sound standards as a street-legal bike. Its tailpipe emissions are nearly as clean, so it will even pass in California. It passed the 2006 federal EPA off-road standard! The only weak area of the engine, would be that the clutch is a little tender if abused, and the power on the bottom end could be a bit much for a less experienced rider.

What's Hot!
• Engine needs not changes, its performance is amazing.
• Thanks to the Wide-ratio 5 speed, it has a great cruising speed for transport, and low first.
• Unique radiator overflow catch tank is mounted low between skid plate and cases.
• Large rad to prevent overheating in technical and slow sections.
• Change the air filter with no tools
• Excellent braking control, they engage smoothly and are strong.
• Large gas tank, but yet, the bike does not feel overly wide.
• Seat offers a plush feel. What's Not!
• Can be slow to E-start when in gear.
• Seat foam feels as if it could become too soft for heavy riders.
• Overall suspension setting likely to be stiff for lighter riders or Eastern conditions.

The 450X can carve a line with the best, thanks to its solid and controlled front end. It maintained all of the legendary handling traits of the motocross model. For the chassis to be in proper balance and have the right suspension action, the sag should be set at 100mm. The 450X is suitably stable, and is very much at home in all the whoop and rock sections. While zipping up an down the most demanding obstacles, and threading through, around and over rocks, the bike handles great.

If you are use to Euro machinery, you may find the front end feels as if it is right under you, and that it steers quickly. The suspension feels firm but active and plush. The pro riders will soften the compression damping front and rear for tighter and technical trail conditions. It acts as if it carries a heavier weight bias than the 250X or a KTM on the front.

Even though it is next to impossible to have a bike run cleanly, quietly and produce big power, but Honda has done it! The Honda CRF 450X is a quite riot.

Used Honda CRF Dirt Bikes For Sale

2006 Honda CRF 450X Video Review

Used Honda CRF450s for Sale

Honda CRF Honda Crf450x Many extras Crf450r cr250
US $4,500.00

Honda CRF CRF450 Honda CRF 450
US $3,175.00

Honda CRF 2005 Honda CRF 450X CRF450X Electric Start
US $3,800.00

Honda CRF 450X Specifications for Each Model Year

2005 CRF450X

2005 Honda CRF450x

2005 Honda CRF450X

Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.0mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam; four-valve
Carburetion: Keihin 40.0mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition: CD with electronic advance and lighting coil
Starter: Electric & kick
Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/51T
Front Suspension: 47.0mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound- and 16-position compression-damping adjustability; 12.4-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.3-inch travel
Front Brakes: Single 240.0mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Single 240.0mm disc
Front Tire: 80/100-21
Rear Tire: 110/100-18
Rake: 27.25 degrees
Trail: 110.3mm (4.3 inches)
Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
Seat Height: 37.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.7 inches
Dry Weight: 250 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 2.27 gallons
Available Colors: Red
Model ID: CRF450X

2006 CRF 450X

2006 Honda CRF 450X

2006 CRF 450X

Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.0mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam; four-valve
Carburetion: Keihin 40.0mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition: CD with electronic advance and lighting coil
Starter: Electric & kick
Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/51T
Front Suspension: 47.0mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound- and 16-position compression-damping adjustability; 12.4-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.4-inch travel
Front Brakes: Single 240.0mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Single 240.0mm disc
Front Tire: 80/100-21
Rear Tire: 110/100-18
Rake: 27.28 degrees
Trail: 112.8mm (4.4 inches)
Wheelbase: 58.2 inches
Seat Height: 37.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.7 inches
Dry Weight: 250 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 2.27 gallons
Available Colors: Red
Model ID: CRF450X

2007 CRF450X

2007 Honda CRF 450X

2007 CRF450X

Overview: If you're going to set out to build the world's best off-road bike, then you'll need world-class inspiration, right? Enter the CRF450X. Bred from the MX Championship-winning CRF450R, this machine takes trail-riding to a whole new level, featuring the world-class four-valve Unicam engine, enduro-spec suspension, wide-ratio gearing, and hassle-free electric start. No wonder one ride is all you'll need to be hooked for life.
Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.0mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam; four-valve
Carburetion: Keihin 40.0mm flat-slide with throttle position sensor (TPS)
Ignition: CD with electronic advance and lighting coil
Starter: Electric & kick
Transmission: Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/51T
Front Suspension: 47.0mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound- and 16-position compression-damping adjustability; 12.4-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.4-inch travel
Front Brakes: Single 240.0mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brakes: Single 240.0mm disc
Front Tire: 80/100-21
Rear Tire: 110/100-18
Rake: 27.28 degrees
Trail: 112.8mm (4.4 inches)
Wheelbase: 58.2 inches
Seat Height: 37.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.7 inches
Dry Weight: 250 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 2.27 gallons
Available Colors: Red
Model ID: CRF450X

2008 CRF450X

2008 Honda CRF 450X

2008 CRF450X

Overview: After winning every Baja race it's entered, the CRF450X has established its racing cred -- and then some. Hands down, it's the best big-bore trail bike ever built. And this year, it gets even better, with fine-tuning that includes a new Honda Progressive Steering Damper, chassis upgrades, and a slimmer fuel tank. Call it perfection, improved.
Engine Type 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder Unicam four-stroke
Bore and Stroke 96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio 12.0:1
Induction 40.0mm Keihin® flat-slide
Ignition CD
Transmission Wide-ratio five-speed
Final Drive #520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/51T
Front Suspension 47.0mm inverted Showa® cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4-inch travel
Rear Suspension Pro-Link® Showa single-shock with spring preload, 13-position [low-speed] and 3.5-turn [high-speed] compression damping and 17-position rebound damping adjustability; 12.4-inch travel
Front Brakes Single-disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brakes Single-disc
Front Tire 80/100-21
Rear Tire 110/100-18
Rake 27.05 degrees
Trail 115 mm (4.5 inches)
Wheelbase 58.2 inches
Seat Height 37.9 inches
Ground Clearance 13.6 inches
Curb Weight 269 lbs (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel -- ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity 1.9 gallons
Available Colors Red
Model ID CRF450X