[ncj01]

however, it is so true...the sad fact is that i'm my biggest performance problem. if only i could order a RC performance upgrade kit for the KEN model.

Ha.ha.ha.ha.ha...oh man, you're right...I need one of those RC performance Kits as well...I need the X-Large kit, along with one of them there "powerbands"...I need BIG ONE!!

Good thoughts about the moving the power though...I'm with you....

[zackw#194]

I have an 05 and all I plan to do to it is go with the JD kit and the linkage to make it turn better.

Other than that, stock pipe and won't mess with forks, unil they need service. They feel a bit stiff, and this might be part of the problem with the front wheel washing out.


Thanks
Mike (zack) W

[gillespiele]

1. crf
2. kxf
3. yzf
4. ktm
5. rmz

[zackw#194]

Well I have to admit, I am very suprised that only 12 people cast a vote.

If this were TT, a war would have erupted. It is nice to see that their are some good people left.

[ncj01]

Well I have to admit, I am very suprised that only 12 people cast a vote.

If this were TT, a war would have erupted. It is nice to see that their are some good people left.

I don't know much about the other bikes, I've read a few shootouts, it looks like the CRF's have been clear winners so far.

I've read that the Yamaha's are supposed to be really hot for 2006, and their valves are said to be less tricky.

I've also read that KTM's are getting some nice improvements for 2006. Speaking of which, I stopped by my local shop (do MC guys use the term "LBS"?) 2 nights ago, and they had a brand new 2006 KTM SX450 out there, and I must confess I had some serious lust going on...the Excel rims, hydro clutch, etc, it was pretty sexy looking...I've heard the power is very linear on the KTM's, they don't need much maintence (valve type stuff). Of course it was a honda shop, so apparently the guy rode it 1x, then decided it was too intense, he wanted a 250X...they had it marked down to $6000 even, I about broke out the checkbook right there on the spot...

[zackw#194]

Well you will have to let us know how the bike compare to the Honda.

I rode a 520 & 525 a few years ago, the motors were nice. I don't remember much about the suspention, but the seemed to turn ok.

Do remember thinking how easy they were to start.

[04 crf450]

i have to say i have owned a rmz and a crf and i really like both of them, but the rmz the handling is incredible and i like the 4 speed you never have to use first gear and you can go out of the gates in third and grab the whole shot. for 06 suzuki changed the motor to have more low end power and change the the gearing, in the latest review their only complaints was the handlebars and grips. honda has made alot of changes to their bikes i am getting ready to get my 06 bike so i am only looking at honda and suzuki, yamahas,ktm,and kawasakis are nice bikes but they just don't hold up

[zackw#194]

Hi,

just wanted to comment about the durability of the motors.

1) None will hold up under abuse, or the lack of up keep.

That being said, the yamaha engines have been very durable. The Hondas somewhat less. Can't comment about the rest.

I did own a 1997 KLX 300, and only rode it at the track, never had any problems.


My 1997 YZ 400 still has the original piston and rings, and have never touch the valves. Only replace 1 clutch and two water pump seals.

Hope my new Honda goes that long.

[zackw#194]

When I got my 05 CRF, I was debating a RMZ, but didn't get one, because I had never ridden one. I use to ride Zukes, but didn't like they way then handled down straights, to much head shake for me.

But, my 05 has some head shake as well, and this is what I figured out, that the 05 is better in soft track conditions, as the track gets harder (surface) it tends to washout.

On the other hand, my 02 get busy in the soft stuff (more weight on the front wheel), but sticks well on the hard stuff. So I am going to get the linkage kit, that lets you vary the off set. Then I can tune my 05.


I have to admit, my suzuki's were dependable.