[Duster]

NHrider,

You can read my reply and call an end to this thing... if you will trust me... because I will not point you in the wrong direction.

The local guys are not really lying to you. Their experience with 450's is genuine. But understand they are NOT sharing their experience with you about the KFX450R. It is very much true that the Honda, Yamaha, Can-Am, Polaris and KTM 450's have required a LOT of maintenance, and SHORT engine life.

The KFX450R is not like this though if you take care of it. It's pretty much the polar opposite of the others. It lives a very long life and has without question the best mechanical life on internal engine parts. It's weak point is the electrical stuff associated with the EFI.

And if something electrical goes wrong it's a lot more complicated to deal with. But rest assured I've been through a lot in this department and can help you figure out anything you need to on the electrical/EFI stuff. And from where I am sitting now, I would much rather have learned that than how to rebuild motors frequently.

If you are going to trail ride a sport ATV, the KFX, Polaris & KTM are the clear choices because they have reverse. I liked the KFX most overall.

If all you are going to do is ride trails, all you "need" is a 400 or a stock KFX. The LTZ/KFX/DVX400 is going to be easier to ride and have a softer seat. Some of those years had weak frames though, so google that. The 400EX is even easier, but is last on the list in performance too.

It really all depends on what kind of trails you ride and who you ride with... as to what is a better choice.

For me, I find the 400's to be the better choice for the tight technical stuff, and the slow riders and slow machines I ride with sometimes. The 400EX is really good at going slow and the KFX is not so much... It's tough sometimes.

On the other hand though, I was really bored with the 400EX fast, and mods didn't cure that. But then I rode 250R's and stuff back in the day. So the 450's are a good cure for boredom of the thumb.

In the end I probably could have swapped my 400EX for an LTZ/KFX/DVX 400 and modded to happiness or gotten a 700R and spent the mod money on suspension... and been about as happy as I am now with the 450... and maybe happier on the trails.