I just bought a 2017 ktm 450 sxf. My budget is about 4k for the snowbike kit. I have only rode a 137 mountain horse. I like to play and ride the trees, some climbing to stay with my sled friends. The 137 felt a little heavy and long. Right now there is a 2018 or 19 CMX 129 for 4500 with a ktm fit kit and he mentioned the belt upgrade being done.
My other option i am looking at is a 2020 Riot LE with a zbros strut for 3900. I like the idea of wheelie mode and then switching to climbing mode.
Wildcard there is a 2016 129 yeti but is 4 hours away for only 3200 and has the raptor strut, but it seems like the first yetis had issues and brake problems.
I am seriously struggling between the cmx and riot, I like the idea of wheelies, but I sense the cmx might climb better and be an all around assassin, any thoughts would be appreciated
First you picked a great bike! AER forks that year didn't do well in the cold and could calllapse. If you have them serviced they can update the seals to newer ones and they are bullet proof. Depending on your size you can just add air and there isn't a need for a TRIO or custom forks. There are some issues with KTM oil pump gears in that era but other then that your good to go.
Far as kits go this is my opinion. I have owned and or ridden all these on many occasions. I would avoid the 2016 yeti. I may have had the updates but it may not. I don't know enough about the pre 2020 kits to really be a help. Great kits when they work and arn't broken. It wasn't until 2020 that they finally had a bulletproof kit. They are 30+ lbs lighter which is VERY noticeable! That said I pack 3 gallons of gas (20 lbs) and a pelican case (6lbs) with gear/tools (10 lbs). If i just left that stuff at home it would help lol.
Cant go wrong with the riot LE. $3200 is a good price for it as well, depending on condition. I found it wasn't very playful. It will get you around and it will be fun though it just wasn't for me. Even the RIot 3 was kind of a letdown compared to the CMX 129. That said timbersleds have a smoother ride on the trails.
Far as CMX goes I currently own 2 and $4500 is a good price depending on their condition and level of upgrades. CMX kits can be upgraded from year to year so for instance my 2017 kit is up to 2021 specs. I personally like the 120 more but my wife loves the 129. The 129 is unstobable. Its still playful on a 450 but its not gonna wheelie all over the place. Just occasionally when you want it to. The 120 will out climb a 129 2.5 in timbersled all day long on any snow hands down. If you add a little preload to the rear shock the front stays down more. loosen it up and your in play mode. I like mine soft and playful but going up steep hills i have to sit on the gas tank so i an steer.
What to look for: You want the CMX track. Its the 2 overlapping paddle design vs the old 3 lug design like timbersled uses. The 2019 will have it the 2018 should?
You want the 28mm belt drive. 2018 may not have it? When they put the new track on they were breaking the 21mm belts. The 28mm generally don't brake.
CMX ski and spindle, the plastic belt drive cover, new revalved shocks, and the newer chain tensioner are nice upgrades.
Things to check: the eye on the lower end of the front shock for play. Those bushings are what wears out first on mine.
Tunnel cracks at the very end of the side plate.
Bend or cracked gussets near the front of the kit. Generally from impacts. (note a loose chain will contact one of the gussets and thats fine)
Far as buying an "exotic" kit? Not sure how many kits CMX makes every year but its a lot. Belt drive is no joke. Its way more efficient then chain drive which is free HP. My 17 350 xcf on a 120 CMX will out run a 450 ktm on a riot until 3rd gear. Then they leave me lol. CNC means less welds to break and easy repairs when you smash it. Just bolt on new parts. in 2 years I have had CMX overnight me parts several times. (my fault, not theirs) Never an "in stock" issue or cant get someone on the phone. Just call/ text and parts are on their way.
