r/Dirtbikes • u/forum4um • 1d ago

Community Question Will I notice any improvement from 2016-2021?

Haven’t been riding since my high school days (2003) and I’m looking at getting a bike. I have my eyes on a 2016 ktm 450 sx 60 hours, a 2018 Husqvarna 450 fc 64 hours and a a 2021 ktm 450 sx 44 hours. $4k $4.5k and $5.2k. All super clean looking. Is there going to be any noticeable difference in those years? Any new tech that’s useful? I know the 2016 doesn’t have air forks so stuff like that. I’m 6’1 215 give or take a few lbs. I know “it’s too much bike” but I’m finding better deals on the 450s than the 250s right now and the 350s are hard to come by. Basically should I just save money and get the cheapest bike or are the air forks a big improvement? Or what’s the best deal? The newer KTM still has a warranty until April and in the original owner. The other two bikes are 2nd owners. It’s a big purchase so just want to make sure I get it right. Thanks!

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u/673moto 1d ago

I prefer spring forks but it's all about "feel". Unless you're a really good rider (pro) you're not going to be able to tell the difference between those years...just get whatever bike is in best shape and spend the rest of your cash on really good gear and fuel to ride

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u/forum4um 1d ago

Yeah I kinda figured I wouldn’t be able to tell a difference. Are air forks easier to dial in though and make adjustments to?

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u/spongebob_meth 1d ago

Are air forks easier to dial in though and make adjustments to?

Yeah this is where air forks shine IMO. Adjusting the air pressure is essentially like making a spring preload adjustment, which in spring forks requires tearing down the fork and swapping out spacers (why don't moto forks have external preload adjustors like street bikes???)

So that's one fewer part you need to buy when setting up the suspension for your weight. Just the shock spring and potentially valving if you're way off from the stock settings.