16 Year Old KTM 450 EXC (RFS) Engine Test Ride

Just got my hands on a 2007 KTM 450 EXC, last year of the RFS (Racing Four Stroke) Engine. Let's go for a test ride on some local forest trails!
2007 : This was the first year that the 450 EXC was offered in full factory 50-state street legal trim. The conversion of the previously available model required changes in gearing, exhaust, DOT approved tires and lights and the addition of turn signals, and a horn. Other than these changes the bike was virtually the same as the previously off-road only bike. The US off-road only version of the EXC was replaced by the XC (Close-ratio transmission) and XC-W (wide-ratio transmission) models. 2007 was also the last year of the RFS motor. The RFS is very torquey and is known to have very good reliability. In some cases, the fully stock engines last for more than 45k miles. The RFS bike is known to be a good dual sport and super motard bike. The wide ratio 6-speed transmission will run all day long on the highway. Due to their dual-sport ability, there are larger aftermarket fuel tanks available.
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[@AdventureTomek]

⚡Thanks for watching. If you liked this video, make sure to Subscribe for more. Hit the Bell to get notified when the next Video comes out. ⚡Leave me a comment down below, catch you in the next one!

[@stevenleyshon3038]

Thankyou for sharing your new toy with us. My 1st bike is the same model and instead of guying a new one when the motor was due for a rebuild(over 400hrs) I've torn it down and gone for a full rebuild, it's nearly completed now and can't wait to ride it again. Fantastic bikes these rfs motors are. Stay safe and enjoy!

[@AdventureTomek]

Nice! Hoping this one will go for a bit before I have to do any rebuild on it

[@max1349]

i still have my 2005 450exc since 2011. no issue at all same piston and almost everything.

[@AdventureTomek]

Good to know! Most likely will keep this one for awhile

[@rapting14]

good to know!!

[@chillozz1]

i have the 04 model. How long do you ride with 1 piston ? I work with an hour meter. I olso do preventive maintance. I do with 1 piston 200 to max 250 hours. Then i do preventive rebuild.

[@max1349]

@@chillozz1 it only has 65 hours original. i dont use it very often...

[@Biscotticustoms]

The short shifting during that street pull made me giggle lol

[@eddycurrent9988]

Have an 04' 450SX, what a beast !

[@b00ndocker]

...and good to see the gates are open!

[@MMKnight_1]

Have a 2002 KTM 520sx with an Acrapovic titanium exhaust and it is pure madness. It pulls like crazy and wheelies in every gear. Only problem for me is the very tall 1st gear which makes trail riding more challenging. The engine is as far as I know all original since I got it in 2005 and still runs great. The RFS engine is truly great with its torque, reliability and its deep sound

[@AdventureTomek]

Ended up changing the sprockets in this one. Had to sell it unfortunately Might find another one someday

[@rowdytillwedie]

Looking to buy a 2009 450 xcw with 164 Hours on engine should I be worried for a rebuilt soon?

[@MMKnight_1]

​@@rowdytillwedie Not really. Maybe check the the engine at 200 hours just to make sure. If it runs strong, was properly maintained and has plenty of compression, it is perfectly fine. It also depends how it was ridden or how you will ride it. If you ride it hard, more frequent rebuilds are needed.

[@ivanvidojevic6890]

2002-2008 the years when ktm made actualy good dirtbikes

[@ninjazxd]

I have a 2004 450 EXC and it’s a really great bike and very reliable. I have since added tusk panniers, newer style headlight and front fender to get a brighter down the road view. Also have an acerbis 6 gallon fuel tank for it that I found on vacation in Florida for a $100. Have the trail tech Voyager Pro on it instead of the stock cluster. Tall seat, heaviest springs for my weight and the adventure pegs from Fastway which are like floorboards and have them in the low position. Also running the Tusk DSport Adventure tires and it’s great on and off road. I don’t plan on ever selling it.

[@AdventureTomek]

Sounds like you you have that bike setup nicely.

[@RidingWithDom]

2007 was the best and last year of the RFS 👌

[@HS-ru8ip]

I'm thinking of buying a 2002 450 exc, is It a good deal ?

[@b00ndocker]

Alright! I've been waiting to see this thing in action!

[@dennismacwilliams196]

What A cool bike nice pick... In just found your channel and I'm glad I did... Thank you

[@AdventureTomek]

Bike ran fantastic all last riding season. Thanks for subscribing!

[@cmonkey525]

Yup. You’ll get more comfortable with the power and the fact that it “ lighter”. Still not a 300xcw but you’ll be able to clutch the front end over those wash out and ride over them standing instead of having to plow through them like a big bike would.

[@AdventureTomek]

Still getting to know the bike a bit better. The sprocket setup was 12f 45r in this video. I’ve changed the sprockets to 13f and 52r… much better on the trails now Considering getting a better spring for the rear shock as well

[@dREaDneck_Moto]

Nice, dude, glad you picked up a play bike. See you out there.

[@AdventureTomek]

For sure!

[@Sinaassnipper]

Nice video, i had the same year. Great bike, never had any trouble with it

[@AdventureTomek]

Thanks, it was a solid bike all last season

[@mkramsauer]

Now that's fun brother 👊

[@glenbuys]

Dude!!! Awesome!!!!

[@cmbscx1084]

Loved my 07' 525EXC and love my 07' 450EXC. Check your counter shaft spline for wear, change the CS sprocket, put a Dirt tricks washer a JD jetting kit and have fun trying to wear out that RFS. AKA Orange DRZ or a XR in Orange plastics.

[@AdventureTomek]

That’s one thing I’m not sure about. If the bike has a JD jetting kit or not. Had it up to 12,000 ft with no issues though. Any recommendations for a stiffer rear spring?

[@cmbscx1084]

@@AdventureTomek The fuel screw would look like an aftermarket one. Depending on your weight the stock rear spring might be fine. Due to the age of the bike it likely needs simple rebuild with fresh oil and nitrogen. The fork oil could use a new oil too. My 450 had 439hrs and 10230mi before it was sent to Dave Hopkins in WA for a rebuild. My top end still had hashmarks. Change the oil and air filter as often as you can and they will last A LONG time

[@AdventureTomek]

I’m 200lbs. I’ll get it off this winter and see if I can find someone nearby to help me rebuild it. Forks I can tackle myself.

[@PetterIvarsson]

Nice vid. Thinking about these instead of my heave Tenere

[@AdventureTomek]

That funny because I’m trying to hunt down a Tenere 700

[@PetterIvarsson]

@@AdventureTomek 😀 both these bikes are awesome but in total different ballparks. Love everything about the Tenere except the weight. Can barely pick it up, I am 55 now and not getting stronger. Have considering and tried so many bikes. Want only one bike in the garage but maybe I should keep the Tenere for big roads and use this one for the smaller stuff. Or as my son said: is the road comfort or being able to pick it up when you are alone in the woods the most important thing?

[@theadventurousrider]

ok that was quite brave running up those rocks like that. I would have busted my butt doing that. Like the offroad jump there at the end. Wonder what a car would have done if they were behind you. LOL

[@AdventureTomek]

Race! Ready… set… go 😂

[@Hebhansen]

Hey Chief. Looks really fun! I’m new to KTM, so I wonder is RFC the same as R?

[@AdventureTomek]

Hmm, I’m not sure

[@mikej6542]

nice,...i have the same combo, 15' 1190r & 05' 450exc. i wouldn't pass it on of you want newer... I'd keep it as a "buddy bike", just rebuilt top on mine last year, new piston kit and sainless valves, carb rebuild. Parts for the major stuff is out there and the rest is generic. I'm in Broomfield so maybe I'll see you out there 🤙

[@AdventureTomek]

How many hrs of did you have when rebuild was needed. Shoot me an email- [e-mail]

[@mikej6542]

rebuild was at about 3600 miles, didn't need it though, just for piece of mind, also went with a jd jet kit and just followed the chart. stock gearing for now.

[@AdventureTomek]

@@mikej6542 did you notice a substantial difference with the jet kit? Juts ordered myself 13F 52R sprocket. See if it feels better on the trails

[@mikej6542]

@@AdventureTomek didn't notice a difference for just the jet kit. All the work was done at the same time. The valves in the rfs motor are soft so they wear quicker. they were replaced with Kibblewhite stainless valves. The difference from before and after was immediately noticed.

[@nickandmotorcycletime5246]

Im looking at a very well maintained one owner 2007. It has 12000kms on it and 250hrs, but he took such good care of it. Should I plan for a rebuild? and how hard and $$ are parts to find? Thank you.

[@joeuno4399]

I had the 2000 520 service it every 5 hours still had metal chunks

[@AdventureTomek]

Hmm, I’ve only owned this one for a short period. Never had a issue with it and no metal chunks. Maybe your was just a lemon, I feel like that’s what you get with KTM…. A really great one out of the batch or a problem child.

[@joeuno4399]

@@AdventureTomek honestly man I feel that 100 percent my 09 250 2 stroke is a beast never had a issue Same as 450 same year but can't beat that old girl power 🤣

[@gixxer7907]

This bike might be ready for a new top end or something isnt right, the performance compared to my 2004 450 exc this looks very underpowered. My 450 wheelies off throttle through first 3 gears and do 0-60mph in like 4 seconds where as yours was like 7+ seconds... Mine has got a hi comp piston and full exhaust but even before these mods it was still a lot quicker than this one 🤔

[@AdventureTomek]

Hmm, I’ll have my buddy look at it for me. At how many hours did you rebuild your top end?

[@gixxer7907]

@@AdventureTomek it honestly seems like it's restricted compared to mine. I think the 2007 models had some restrictions to kill the power, you'll have to look into that, yours might still have the restrictions. I changed it at around 250 engine hours but only for peace of mind, didn't need it. Now have more than 500 hours. Solid bikes 👍🏻

[@gixxer7907]

@@AdventureTomek apparently the 2007 models have an exhaust restriction and are lean from factory. Sure they had an air box restriction as well but I could be wrong...

[@LeviBalla]

Very nice bike :) better than ktm exc 500 2016? which one is better ?

[@AdventureTomek]

Both! I just sold the RFS a few weeks ago, as parts are getting harder and harder to find and had an opportunity to make some money on the sale. Looking into a newer 500 with fuel injection at some point. I gotta say the 07 450exc was a ripper, after I got more comfortable with it was keeping up with buddies on the modern bikes.

[@MarioDuranoficial]

Guys, I'm new to these bikes , can I use this bike as a dirt bike, kinda like for trails and woods, or what model do I choose , help please. I been on street bikes for over 15 years.

[@AdventureTomek]

This bike is great, will get the job done. You should try out a smaller CC dirt bike and see if the power is sufficient for you. I rode my buddies CRF300L and really enjoyed it off rode, very easy to handle.

[@jeremymayle]

I have a 2005 450 EXC plated. But this is absolutely a dirt bike and you can (should) certainly use it as one. Although mine is street legal and I spend a lot of time on the road with it, these are awesome off road machines. A little heavier than the older 250 two strokes I grew up on, but still very easy to manage off road. If you want to spend considerable time above 65 mph I’d recommend a sprocket modification. I couldn’t be happier with my newfound love for KTM and these RFS engines.

[@nickandmotorcycletime5246]

How has this bike been reliability wise? Im looking at one. Do I need to go crazy on valve checks or is it a myth. I dont mind frequent oil changes. Thanks!

[@AdventureTomek]

I only put about 2k miles on this one and sold the bike. No issues the whole time ive owned it. Not sure how frequent you need to change the value. Maybe read up on some forums and see what you can find

[@danlachappelle]

im looking at a 2006 is it pretty much same bike KTM 450 ECX whot would you sell this for , Im in Colorado Springs , love the videos are you up by deckers hwy 67?

[@AdventureTomek]

I would probably let it go for $3600. Has new chain, sprockets and enduro engineering skid plate . I’m near Longmont

[@oldgold380]

@@AdventureTomekstill selling it?

[@Kแมคโคน้อย]

ช่วยบอกข้อแตกของเครื่องยนต์250กับ450ให้ฉันหน่อย

[@AdventureTomek]

450 had a bit more power, not much over all weight of bike

[@tonyrichengod9280]

Put a nice pipe on that bad girl

[@glenbuys]

I need to phone you

[@AdventureTomek]

WhatsApp?

[@glenbuys]

@@AdventureTomek yes i have watsapp

[@glenbuys]

Do you have

[@AdventureTomek]

@@glenbuys email me : [e-mail] I’ll add you on WhatsApp

[@smr4712]

Thanks

[@csiautodetail]

aren't you concerned that is a KTM? I am planning a trip to Colorado, and I can decide if I take the KLR650 or the 1190. Can I get your email? I would like to ask some questions. Thanks

[@AdventureTomek]

Not planning on keeping it long. One nice thing about this one, it’s older…. has a carburetor, just a simple tachometer. Still kinda funky to work on, even a oil change. Parts are also a bit scarce. [e-mail]

[@gixxer7907]

Very reliable bikes KTM rfs range. More than 500 hours on my KTM 450 and not a single problem only changed the top end at 250 hours for peace of mind, still on the same bottom end. Also my KTM 525 rfs close to 150 hours and also not a single problem. Great bikes