Ktm 450 exc?

[CableDog]

I'm looking to buy a KTM 450 EXC at around the 4k-5k price range.

Is there any particular year or issues I should be concerned with?

Thank in advance.

[LukasM]

04-07 RFS series are good and live very long, skip 08, 09+ XC4 series are a bit more refined but maybe not quite as durable.

Sign up for KTMtalk and read this link:
http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=374972

[jeventures]

I recently bought a high mileage '06 450 EXC that just keeps on giving like there is no tomorrow...only there is a tomorrow, and it gives more then too.

[jeventures]

there are some lightly used RFS 450's out there for $3-4k.

[207]

Originally Posted by CableDog

I'm looking to buy a KTM 450 EXC at around the 4k-5k price range.

Is there any particular year or issues I should be concerned with?

Thank in advance.

I have my 05 KTM 450 EXC for sale
http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...4#post19924184

[Off the grid]

Originally Posted by CableDog

I'm looking to buy a KTM 450 EXC at around the 4k-5k price range.

Is there any particular year or issues I should be concerned with?

Thank in advance.

02-07 Some of the best dual sport/enduro bikes ever made. Later years are better. Updated frames and other minor tweaks. Lower hours/miles is better, try to get one that had an owner that kept maintenance records.

Pay attention to how often and how they treated the air filter. The RFS engine does not take kindly to particles in the intake. It should have a healthy slab of grease around the filter.

Good luck on your purchase, prepare to have your life changed.

[CableDog]

Originally Posted by 207

I have my 05 KTM 450 EXC for sale
http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...4#post19924184

I we wernt a milllion miles from one another I'd be interested.

Thanks

[CableDog]

Thanks for all the information.

[antpatterson]

i have an 08 XC4 engine and it is amazing, just be sure to do the small tweaks that are required (Oil seal problem mainly). Other than that I've had NO problems out of it and it still runs like a raped ape.

[stin987]

Also looking at 400 exc. How do I spot an RFS bike? I'm a ktm noob and though I would give orange a chance.

[Rockcat]

Originally Posted by CableDog

I'm looking to buy a KTM 450 EXC at around the 4k-5k price range.

Is there any particular year or issues I should be concerned with?

Thank in advance.

My '07 has been great. It is the last of the RFS engines and has had 0 problems. Some people had problems with the '08's, especially the 530.

[jar944]

Originally Posted by stin987

Also looking at 400 exc. How do I spot an RFS bike? I'm a ktm noob and though I would give orange a chance.

RFS:
00-06 400/450/520/525/560/610
07 450xc, 450exc, 525(all), 560
0x-05 250

RC4:
05.5-13 250

RF4:
07 450sxf
08-12 450/505 sxf/xcf

XC4:
08-11 400/450/530 exc/xcw

"new" XC4:
12-13 450/500 sxf, exc, xcw

Then there is the 350. There is no engine model number, all 350s are the same model

[CableDog]

I'm still hunting for a "04-07" KTM 450EXC. Let me know what you have...

[OrangeYZ]

Originally Posted by CableDog

I'm still hunting for a "04-07" KTM 450EXC. Let me know what you have...

I have an 07 450EXC. It's fuckin sweet, you should buy one!

Originally Posted by stin987

Also looking at 400 exc. How do I spot an RFS bike? I'm a ktm noob and though I would give orange a chance.

Another answer to this question is to look at the water pump. Is it on the top left side of the cylinder head? RFS.

[81forest]

I searched for a long time before I bought my 2005 450EXC a few weeks ago. I was looking around in your price range for about a month, waiting to find one with the lowest hours. Found a pretty-much mint '05 with lots of upgrades and 69 hours for $3500, and I have not had one second of buyer's remorse! The thing absolutely rips, and really will go 80 mph without screaming too hard.

My research was what others have mentioned: either a strict maintenance schedule with frequent air filter cleanings, or very low hours so you can track the maintenance yourself. Mine is having a starter issue, where it acts like the battery is dying/dead, but the battery has a full charge. I'm not worried about, I'm sure its a bad ground and I haven't looked at it yet because the kicker works first time almost every time. They are fantastic bikes, you'll love it. There's the one on CL in Spanaway for $3300, I called the guy and the hours were higher than I wanted, and he wasn't the kind of anal nerd that I look for in a previous owner. Wait a bit, the perfect one will come up. The EXCs seem to be the most sought after model. Good luck, let us know what you find!