2008 KTM 450 XC-F.... Thoughts for a snowbike?

[mountainhorse]

After a lot of thoughtful input in my PM's from other members on here... I've changed my target from a kick start bike to a good electric start bike.

"On a budget" is my mantra !!

I've found a "cherry", less than 200 miles of use, 2008 XC-F for a smokin price. It had an "Endura" odometer installed when new at the dealer. The overall excellent condition leads me to believe that it was not really used. It has the stock and the FMF pipes with it.

I found a similar 2009 for an even deal.

For a snowbike... what are your thoughts?

I know the plus/minus of carb vs. EFI already... and for my budget... carb it is.

This bike has the electric start, and 5 speed gear box.

Anyone out there that "bleeds orange" and rides with one of these bikes?

Thank you in advance.

I found this write up on it.

http://www.dirtrider.com/features/141_0709_2008_ktm_450_xcf_first_test

http://www.dirtrider.com/tests/off-road-bikes/141_0903_dirty_part_year_with_2008_ktm_450_xc

 

[summitboy]

If it was me i would want a motocross transmission like the SXF. They work much better imo ! I like the SXF or the 450 XC as a close second if i was in the market for a 4 stroke snowbike. The transmission is another reason i really like my CR500.

 

[UPsnowbiker]

I've got the exact same bike but 2010. Works great and no problems but can only speak for using it on a 2moto last year. Will be on a 16 Timbersled this year..

 

[mountainhorse]

The 450 SX-F is not a 5 speed until 2010... Out of my set budget.

I thought that the XC-F was a close-ratio 5 speed gear box?

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[Hbmtr]

mh call mark at reno ktm aka nms and ask him or his brother Chester @ 775-358-4388.I have bought 5 bikes from these guys and they bleed orange and a little blue with Husquvarna. All my ktms have been xc"s and i believe the 1st 3 gears are close if not the same as a sxf.Worst case you gear down a little.at our age top end speed is not a priority or is it

 

[madmax]

The 450 SX-F is not a 5 speed until 2010... Out of my set budget.

I thought that the XC-F was a close-ratio 5 speed gear box?

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It is the same on all the current Efi bikes (sxf and xcf), not 100% sure on the older bikes.

 

[Rush44]

It is the same on all the current Efi bikes (sxf and xcf), not 100% sure on the older bikes.

Yup. Not sure the year of the gearing change, but it's been since at least 12.5 that the SXF/XCF share the same trans. I'm sure it's not a deal breaker especially if you are on budget, but I seem to remember reading that it's not as wide as the XCW.

I have a 2013 KTM 450SXF I'll sell you with the right gearing!

 

[mrquick68]

The 450 SX-F is not a 5 speed until 2010... Out of my set budget.

I thought that the XC-F was a close-ratio 5 speed gear box?

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Bike will work great. Run it. Trans is fine too.

 

[GlennRMK]

I had an 09 450 XC-F for a couple years. It was a pretty good bike.

I had 106 hours on mine when I sold it and the only issue I had was I did the waterpump seals.

I believe the cam chain tensioners are problematic.

The 08 and 09 XC-F use the same trans as the 10-12 Sx-F. It is a close ratio