KTM info

QUOTE (Mike99KFX @ Jun 16 2007, 11:46 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2371

Guys, don't get too excited. I've owned 3 KTM dirt bikes over the past 2 years. The suspension can't compete with the Jap bikes. They are very hard to dial in. The jetting is brutal. Every nut and bolt is either too tight(snaps off) or too loose(vibrates off). I wasn't impressed and would NEVER buy their quad. Be careful.

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Hmmm...do I smell a fibber? The suspension can't compete with the Japs? How long have you been riding dirt bikes and which KTM bikes have you really owned (would love to see some pics for proof)? First off, the Japs do make good bikes but overall other than some Suzuki's and a few Hondas as of late the stock suspensions isn't really anything to write home about. In fact up until lately Yamahas kind of suck! The KTMs on the other hand have gotten better and better and are known for their easily adjustable suspensions and lately come stock with just about the best overall setup although they are usually a little on the stiff side but are really easy to adjust. I own a 07 450xcg, a 04 250sx, and previously owned a 2000 400sx so I'm speaking on experience. Yes, their older bikes aren't anything to write home about in the suspension department. If you've owned some older KTM bikes then I would probably believe your statement but if you've owned newer KTMs and have compared them to the Japs then your statement just doesn't hold any weight. And If you don't like their bikes then why did you buy two more after your first purchase?

QUOTE (Mike99KFX @ Jun 18 2007, 06:51 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=2397

I forgot, I'm in a website with ten year olds, but I'll entertain you.
I had an 06 450EXC, total junk, nobody could keep this ENDURO bike from overheating after 20 minutes.
I traded that for an 07 250 XC-F. Unfortunately I believed the magazine hype. This one didn't even start when I got it home from the dealer. After setting the jets to STOCK specs(not done by the dealer) It was WAY underpowered. Decided to try a 2 stroke and got the 200XC, please, gimme a break, all 2 strokes should be dumped in the desert and burned.

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I'm actually 36 and have been riding bikes/three wheels/quads sinse I was six. How old are you? Anyway, your 06 450 EXC total junk? Overheating after 20 minutes? First off this is more of a race bike and not a casual ride bike and I'm guessing your doing some regular riding and not racing it as it was intended to be rode. So if your not up to speed on it or you don't have it jetted right, then yes they will overheat. But most people who don't ride the bike the way it was intended to be ridden install a aftermarket fan or simply install heat guards on their EXCs, which should come stock. That will solve the overheating problem. Read the following reviews if you have any doubt and you will see this is one sweet Enduro.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/Article_Page...3319&Page=5

or http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2006/KTM450EXC/

As for the 07 250 XC being underpowered...what are you comparing it to? These bikes has always had the most peak HP compared to the compitition. If it wasn't jetted right then thats not KTMs fault but yours or the dealers. And yes, if your use to riding four strokes then going to a two stroke really isn't an option. I will never go back myself.

You obviously have it in for KTM. I'm guessing you own maybe a Honda or Toyota car and not a BMW or Porsche. Thats basically how I would compare a KTM to a Jap bike. With a little tweaking you will be rewarded a lot more with a KTM than a Jap. But if all your going to do is go to the dealer lot and purchase a new ride and then take it straight out to the trails or track then yes, a standard Jap bike would suit you just fine as they don't take much seat time or adjustments to get use to. Just my two cents.

And for the new KTM quads, if you in the market to purchase to new ride and are the kind of person who puts some extra $$ into their rides to suit your riding style then I would definitely hold off on purchasing one of the available Jap 450s as these new KTM bikes are going to be quite sweet STOCK. And don't forget about our friend from up north, the DS450 is a ride I would get some seat time on before I purchased one of the current Jap bikes as well. The Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha 450s are great rides but the competition is getting tough and there are finally some other choices for us serious riders out there. Remember when a 250R was your only choice? Man, have times changed or what!