Buying Advice: 08’ KFX450 -or- 06’ LTR450?

[rep1krr]

So, its been narrowed down to this. A 2008 KFX450R or a 2006 LTR450. They seem to be similar in price, used, around $3200, stock, very low use/hours.
This is what I’m looking for. What are your recommendations?

I’m 40 yrs old. Grew up riding LT250s and Quadzillas, until my late 20’s. My skill level, I’d say is a strong intermediate. Being a bit older I’m looking for perhaps, sport for sure, but handling, suspension and comfort is probably more important than speed. Power, of course, is very important, but I’d prefer a great handling machine first. I’ve ridden a current (08’) YFZ450, and wasn’t impressed (clunky, rough, too warm). I was actually more impressed by an 05’ TRX450. Haven’t ever ridden the LTR, and I’ve only spent a few minutes, on the street, on a KFX450R. 80% sand, 20% dirt. I’ll perform the basic modifications (exhaust/fuel/intake).

In order of importance -
Handling, suspension, comfort, power, brakes.

I’d appreciate a mixture of Suzuki and Kawasaki fans.

Thanks in advance!

[AZkfx450rider]

it really depends man to me they feel like completely different bikes!

[quadracer45]

having owned at 06 ltr and currently owning an 08 kfx i think it all depends on what you want to do as far as upgrades. the ltr was heavy to me on the track the suspension was great but didnt' get much better after an aftermarket upgrade, but who knows it could have been the a-arms i was running and the used shocks so you can throw that test out. Stock wize the ltr hands down has the kfx beat in power, and suspension. However after you do the big 3 to the kfx it is right in there with the ltr after the big three. When you put suspension on the kfx, and suspension on the ltr, the kfx wins big time.


basically it all depends on what your going to be doing and what you plan on putting on it aftermarket wize.

personally though i like how nimble the kfx is stock on the track with just 3:5 offset wheals and the toe set in a little bit it handles awsome for me and its lighter so i don't get anywere near as tired.

id say try to ride both and see what you think.

[kawa x]

Well comfort wise the LTR wins. The kfx has a brick hard seat!

Handling? The LTR wins again, comes stock wider and more stable then the ''Woods'' setup KFX

Suspension is a toss up they're both pretty decent my neighbor has a LTR we ride a lot and i've rode his a lot an the suspension to me seems pretty similar in the woods.

Brakes I can't tell you much about but I go thru a set of brakes like every 5 races.

Power? Stock for stock the LTR again.

BUT once you do what you said you would do, Intake, exhaust, programmer the KFX will smash an LTR.

Another thing. REVERSE!!! So handy that's what sold me on the KFX!

If you want straight up answers stock for stock modded for modded talk to

WALSHYFZ86

He's had both the KFX and LTR. And is currently on a LTR.

[DirtyDawg]

If your looking for comfort, then it's the LTR. Stock for stock, I think the LTR is the more rideable quad. The KFX does have reverse which the LTR does not, and that was kind of the deciding factor of my purchase. Don't get me wrong, I love my KFX, but had I rode an LTR before buying my KFX, I would probably own one.

[Duster]

What kind of areas do you ride?... Open? Tight?

What about mods you will do?
How wide will you want to be, and will you be doing suspension, arms, axle, etc???

I think the KFX is a better woods machine... and the LTR is a better open riding machine.

[SCEADU]

I heard the 06 LTR had tranny problems. Any truth to that? I am knocking on 40 years as well and I chose the KFX for the reverse and am sure glad I did. I race an XC series in the south and have needed reverse several times. I went from a cherry 88 250 R to an 03 LTZ and then to the KFX I currently run and so far it is by far my favorite machine.

[Duster]

Quote: Originally Posted by rep1krr

So, its been narrowed down to this. A 2008 KFX450R or a 2006 LTR450. They seem to be similar in price, used, around $3200, stock, very low use/hours.
This is what I’m looking for. What are your recommendations?

I’m 40 yrs old. Grew up riding LT250s and Quadzillas, until my late 20’s. My skill level, I’d say is a strong intermediate. Being a bit older I’m looking for perhaps, sport for sure, but handling, suspension and comfort is probably more important than speed. Power, of course, is very important, but I’d prefer a great handling machine first. I’ve ridden a current (08’) YFZ450, and wasn’t impressed (clunky, rough, too warm). I was actually more impressed by an 05’ TRX450. Haven’t ever ridden the LTR, and I’ve only spent a few minutes, on the street, on a KFX450R. 80% sand, 20% dirt. I’ll perform the basic modifications (exhaust/fuel/intake).

In order of importance -
Handling, suspension, comfort, power, brakes.

I’d appreciate a mixture of Suzuki and Kawasaki fans.

Thanks in advance!

OK... I think I read a little fast and posted a little fast...

I'm 35 approaching 36... and have had 250R's LT250R's and an LT500R.
Good old simple machines... cheap to deal with, etc...

These 450's are not so much like that... more complicated and more expensive to deal with.

The KFX450R is the most mechanically reliable 450, by far, or I wouldn't say it.
But it is the least electronically reliable.
And it probably cost the most to mod nicely.

The LTR is cheap to improve initally, then about the same if you go farther.
And I don't read of electrical complaints or EFI issues...
But it is true on the tranny problems, and the engines do not live as long between builds as the KFX.


80% sand 20% dirt... I'd probably look to the LTR if I wanted a good cheap machine for that which would not "require" a lot. Like tires, cherry bomb, remove the baffle, etc... and go.

It's big like the Quadzilla but handles better... roomy, comfy, etc...
And out in the wide open, reverse is not much of a consideration.

So it is a good choice for that... but if you are going to mod the crap out of everything... just sit on both and pick which layout you prefer as far as seating, body work, etc...

[w4r3z]

What about a Raptor 700 ?

[kawa x]

Quote: Originally Posted by w4r3z

What about a Raptor 700 ?

Lol ewwwwwwwwwww