Does anyone know who won the Dirtwheels, QUAD or any other shootouts including all the "MX" 450s? Searched all over the web and can't find the articles or even the results, about to break down and order the back-issues. Really liking the DS450 MX and wanting to know how it compares in the articles.

 

The DS450 does not usually do well in the shootouts....... they complain that the low end power is weak, and the mid-range is not great, and that the handling is twitchy compared to the others.....The only high marks it usually gets is for the plush suspension......

In the last one the YFZ450 was the winner of the "all around" ........ the KTM450 was the best, fastest, best suspension, most goodies. But they also cost a good 2-3k more than the others so most of the time the magazines point that out.....

The Honda 450R was the best "bang for the buck" since it still only costs $7000 new.....

Right now the best 450s seem to be the YFZ450, 450R, and the LT-R450....... the KTM is out of most people's price range, the DS450 leave a lot to be desired for most people, and the KFX450 is just not quite up to the level of the top 3.........

 

Yeah I read that in Dirt Wheels trail 450 shootout. I'm talking the 50" wide quads, 450SX, YFZ450R, LTR450 and DS450MX. I know quad and dirtwheels did shootouts with these but I can't find the articles anywhere online or anybody talking about them.

 

If you really like the DS, just buy one already. Any shortcomings that YOU find in the machine are sure to be solved in the aftermarket.

 

for mx (as in ~50" wide from the factory), it comes down to the yfz450r and the ltr450 (pick one, you can't go wrong with either). the ds is crap, and the ktm is awesome but so expensive i dont even consider it.

just to get an idea about the engineering on the ds, take a look at the front brakes, WTF are they thinking?! it costs more money for a doofy *** setup which while it looks fancy, in reality it doesnt perform as good as standard systems since the effective braking area is CLOSER to the spindle, creating a higher-torque, lower-speed disc action which is not as effective. they think theyre being cool by charging more money for a *different than usual* feature while in reality doesnt even function as good as the norm.

 

Well the new king of the 50" 450s is the YFZ450R .....it just edged out the LT-R450 in most shootouts because it is faster stock. The Suzuki is a bit de-tuned from the factory. To get those to shine you have to add in a Cherry Bomb EFI controller and an exhaust system...

The KTMs are the best you can get....but they also cost a lot more than the others..... If you took the extra 2-3k and dropped it into the YFZ or LT-R you'd have something on par with the KTM.

The Can-Ams are just not there yet....maybe they will be someday but not yet. Just think about how many years of performance ATVs Suzuki and Yamaha, and Honda have put out....They have a HUGE head start on Can-Am and Polaris and everyone when it comes to experience.

The main reason the KTMs are so good so quick, is because they spared no expense. And they have been making performance MX bikes for decades......

Can-Am was out of the performance game for so long they are basically starting over. They have some interesting ideas, but they are still learning what works and what doesn't. This does not mean the Ds450 is a pile of crap....it just means that it is not nearly as refined as the Yamaha or Suzuki.

If you like it, get it..... I doubt you will be disappointed you did. As others have said, there are enough aftermarket parts out there that you can change whatever you don't like.

 

Here is one I scanned in from ATVSport last year: 450_Shootout.pdf

They just recently did another one I need to scan as well.

Rob

 

The KTMs are not going to be around for 2010. If you can find a 450SX buy it. I've sold several and my customers loved them. They are pricey. If you were looking to save money find an 08 450 XC and mod it.

 

Alright here is the one from May 2009 ATV Sport magazine.

ATVSport_450Test_May2009.pdf

Rob

 

Alright, thanks guys. Maybe I'll try waiting for a chance to ride one first.