Advice - YZF, CRF, KXF, RMZ....

[paco291]

Hi.

So, i'm looking around the Seattle area for some '08 (or so) 450cc mx bikes to convert into a dedicated SM track bike. I've noticed bikes don't sell quickly out here so I have choices.

Which is the best to make into a Sumo? Yamaha, Honda, Kawi or Suzuki? Does any one have more/cheaper/? parts compared to the other?

I realize it seems like a silly question, but I'm all about being as practical as i can since i don't want to fork out 10k on a Husky or spend HOURS tinkering w/ a Husaberg.

Let me know what you all think. ?

[Woody R]

Only dead fish follow the stream, go with a two stroke ?

[paco291]

there's a few KX/CR 500's for sale. ?

[707drz]

whats your flavor..power is about the same and parts aplenty. i bleed yellow so naturally i say rm-z.

nothing wrong with a husky. parts might be a little more depending on your source but if you have a good dealer near by it might be your best bet. upkeep isnt as bad as some might try to tell you. i have road with several smr owners and miles of durability with the usual oil and such just like any .other bike

[mikedabike]

YZ or CRF. There is better parts availabilty for those models. Try to buy one already converted to save money.

[JimmyD450]

CRF or a KTM.

i doubt you would get any longevity from a yz gearbox, unless they have been making them stronger than they used to. crf have alot of parts out for them and the ktms have got shitloads of parts (SMR parts etc).

[crash279]

KTM, Yamaha WR450, Honda 450X. The Honda will cost the most to convert it and then to make it reliable. The Yamaha will offer the best bang for the buck. The KTM, hands down best bike, but you'll have to find the one that fits you best.

[fender bender 59]

KTM 525 with a 570 kit

[highmarker]

If this a track bike check price and availability of a slipper clutch for each brand. Go to the track and see whats running and talk to some people. Favorite brands may not be the bike to be on depending on the track.

[rmzrider151]

I love my rmz 250 supermoto and mx bike. But I'm pretty sure you can get more sumo parts for crf or yzf. You race SupermotoUSA or OSB?

[paco291]

I dont race - just for fun. ?

[ZéPovinho]

just for fun... go for a 5speed gearbox yamaha, carburated 2006 and up model. the suzuki is also nice and quite reliable, and whith some nice hopp-ups fast, honda can be fast but not as reliable.