Not Impressed!!

skitzo433 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 03:41 PM

Just rode a DS450 the other day. I thought they were supposed to have great ergonomics. The only thing it had was a softer seat than the kfx. Not too much power on the bottom. Like none. I really had to clutch it in second gear to get going. then the clutch squealed at me like a squrill on crack. and it still has stock gearing with full motoworks exhaust and there racer ecu. All of the power is on top, kind of like riding a banshee.

jimmyjames1700 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 06:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by skitzo433

Just rode a DS450 the other day. I thought they were supposed to have great ergonomics. The only thing it had was a softer seat than the kfx. Not too much power on the bottom. Like none. I really had to clutch it in second gear to get going. then the clutch squealed at me like a squrill on crack. and it still has stock gearing with full motoworks exhaust and there racer ecu. All of the power is on top, kind of like riding a banshee.

I've never rode one but I hear that the stock suspension is very nice though. That was the only reason I considered buying one but the KFX won out cuz of the reverse and I think it is built better.

TibGT · #3 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 07:09 PM

I heard the suspension is good but the front needs to be revalved cause it rolls real bad in corners. Just what I have heard haven't drove one.

Kawi348 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 07:29 PM

Ive ridden one also, that was before I bought my KFX. I wanted a DS so bad, road one, then said ya right. A 400ex has more bottom end than a DS, the suspension is amazing, rolls alot though, and it needs to be clutched alot to get the power coming, feels like a 2 stroke. The seat was pretty soft too, loved it. The power is very smooth too.

**nkeen07** · #5 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 09:49 PM

I haven't heard anything good about their reliability or performance, other than decent suspension. The motor sucks, as you've all noted.

AZkfx450rider · #6 (**permalink**) 02-08-2010, 10:06 PM

ha well chad weinens was fast! but then again he had a fully built motor :P haha

Duster · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 12:21 AM

That's what I thought of it....

Gutless on the bottom... pure top end engine.

It had to be running unnerving RPM levels to make any go...
OK for the rev freaks... but probably why they have so much engine trouble.

I was tempted twice... just couldn't see it at all the first time... and couldn't see how I could get the power out of it where it lacks it the second time around.

kawasaki · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 12:36 AM

I went riding with a group of guys the other day and one of them had a ds. It kicked everybody's ass there. Including a highly modified 450r. The guy said it was stock but no one really believed him. This was all in sand though. Maybe the higher rev's help it out there.

AZkfx450rider · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 12:48 AM

haha when im in the dunes i am ALWAYS in a high rev, but thats why i love my kawi, i will go all day 2nd and 3rd pinned and not have a single issue with over heating or engine problems

jsilver919 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2010, 01:18 AM

i did QUITE a bit of reading a few weeks ago before i decided on the kfx and the ds needs a lot from the beginning to really make it a good bike. the clutch sucks, it over heats, and have to throw a 3 mod at it to get any low end... dont understand why i had someone telling me they were the best atv in the WORLD...