KTM 300 EXC? or 250EXC.

[Deano249f]

Hey buds'

I have a few questions about these KTM EXC's.
First off. They are Sexy machines, I know that much
I have always been attracted to them.

Are they reliable though?
I have heard many times, from many people that KTM's are really expensive to keep, because things keep going wrong. Is this true?

I am going to have the bike road-registered, and I'm going to have SM wheels fitted, as some of you probably already know having read my "YZ125 supermoto thread"
But I will also be keeping the off-road wheels for trail riding and dual-sporting.

I have heard the 300 is much better (power wise).

Which one would you reccomend? and why?



300:

[redrider4]

Actually in Dirt Rider Magazine They are Both good Ive Heard.
Dirt Riders Thoughts about a KTM 200 EXC were that its control placements are nice, Engine has OUTSTANDING power for a 200cc, Brakes are very powerful, Bike feels tight and strong even after long use, Most parts show good quality, and exhaust is nicely subdued. This is their thoughts. Hope this helps!

[redrider4]

I have some other magazines that have the 300 and 250 but i cant seem to find them. Are you going more towards a 2 banger or Thumper?

[Deano249f]

No, not the EXC racing (thumper)
I'm stuck on wether to choose either the 250 EXC or 300, 2 smoker.

[redrider4]

i would get the 300 lol more power! sorry i could not help. i will try to find them reviews

[DaveS]

Other than the stock suspension KTM builds some of the best offroad motorcycles around. They use quality components, have excellent fit and finish and are very reliable. My '00 380EXC required one minor repair in the two years I had it.
As to street use, I hope the SM rear hub has cush drive....

[Garasaki]

Originally Posted by Deano249f

Are they reliable though?
I have heard many times, from many people that KTM's are really expensive to keep, because things keep going wrong. Is this true?

Not sure who you are getting that info from, but it's incorrect.

My KTM is much more reliable then previous bikes, and seems to be more reliable then many of my friends bikes. The only things I've ever had to do to mine are regular maintaince items (chain replacement, brake pad replacement, fork oil changes).

I would recommend the 300, I think it would probably make a great supermoto bike. It has very little "hit" to it, the power is very smooth. That dosent mean there isn't a lot of power, there is, it's just very linear.

[OLDMXRACER 393]

My 250 is very reliable. I have a little time on the 300 and it's sweet. Great power. I've heard it refered to as a 3-stroke. How about a 525 4 stroke? I have a short ride on one of those and it might be better suited to your needs. Easy to ride with mondo power when ya twist it.....

[Deano249f]

Originally Posted by DaveS

Other than the stock suspension KTM builds some of the best offroad motorcycles around. They use quality components, have excellent fit and finish and are very reliable. My '00 380EXC required one minor repair in the two years I had it.
As to street use, I hope the SM rear hub has cush drive....

What is cush drive?

[Deano249f]

Originally Posted by Garasaki

Not sure who you are getting that info from, but it's incorrect.

My KTM is much more reliable then previous bikes, and seems to be more reliable then many of my friends bikes. The only things I've ever had to do to mine are regular maintaince items (chain replacement, brake pad replacement, fork oil changes).

I would recommend the 300, I think it would probably make a great supermoto bike. It has very little "hit" to it, the power is very smooth. That dosent mean there isn't a lot of power, there is, it's just very linear.

Sounds good to me.

[Deano249f]

O.K, I've made up my mind.
I am definatly, 100%, getting the 2006 KTM 300 EXC.
I can't wait!
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

When I'm done, my bike should look a little like this:
Only It'll be the 06 model, with Gold Talon hubs, and a wavy 320mm front disc.


Thanks' for the help guys.

[DaveS]

"Cush drive" is an old term for a rubber damped rear hub.

[chabat]

How would the 250exc or 300exc in stock configuration do for a mostly trail bike with occaisional MX track visits? Do offroad bikes like this do okay on MX track jumps?

[tman88g]

I have seen them on the motocross tracks just riding around for the fun of it. I think they can handle the jumps, but they just won't be as comfortable as an MX bike would be. Whether that matters or not is up to you. I know that they're awesome out in the woods.

[Deano249f]

Originally Posted by chabat

How would the 250exc or 300exc in stock configuration do for a mostly trail bike with occaisional MX track visits? Do offroad bikes like this do okay on MX track jumps?

You want the KTM 250 or 300 MXC.
The MXC's are basically the same as the EXC's, but they're lighter and they have a closer-ratio transmission, and a few other things are slightly different aswell. So they are perfect for trail riding And MX tracks.

Link:
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

[Crazy]

Originally Posted by chabat

How would the 250exc or 300exc in stock configuration do for a mostly trail bike with occaisional MX track visits? Do offroad bikes like this do okay on MX track jumps?

The EXC RFS models do really well! They are great for trail riding and I actually liked the stock EXC suspension better than my SX suspension.

As for the MXC, I wouldnt recommend that being that you said you mainly do trail riding where the SX/MXC gears would kill ya in tight single track trails. It's basically nonstop clutching. Plus if you are going to ride it on an MX track, you can either just remove the headlight and tail (5 minutes max to swap them). The MXC has alot wider tank which some might not like in MX, but for trail riding would be ideal.

Its a tough call gamble on the best combo for you.

[tman88g]

Originally Posted by CRazy

The EXC RFS models do really well! They are great for trail riding and I actually liked the stock EXC suspension better than my SX suspension.

As for the MXC, I wouldnt recommend that being that you said you mainly do trail riding where the SX/MXC gears would kill ya in tight single track trails. It's basically nonstop clutching. Plus if you are going to ride it on an MX track, you can either just remove the headlight and tail (5 minutes max to swap them). The MXC has alot wider tank which some might not like in MX, but for trail riding would be ideal.

Its a tough call gamble on the best combo for you.

I have to say, I'm sort of in the same boat as Chabat is in. One day I might be on a mx track, the next I'm in some gnarly, technical trails. After looking at all my options, I've decided upon getting a 300EXC as well. I just had to ask though, what about the EXC suspension do you like better? I'd be really glad if I could still motocross (no racing, just practice) on a 300EXC. I am not a huge triple jumper or anything, but it'd sort of be like the best of both worlds then.

[Crazy]

I looked up the differences to find out the cause. It was more so that his was an 05 and mine was an 04. They changed the valving quite a bit. Even though they had the same spring rates his didnt bottom out where mine did all the time.

[tman88g]

Ah ok, thanks for the info.

[Oring]

In every review of the KTM 2 smokers they have all said the same thing! Every rider is quicker on the 200exc then the 250 or 300 for that matter!
It is lighter, goes like the wind, less fatigue, Can ride all day!
I have a 200exc and although it is a first model it ain't lacking in the power department! Also now have a YZ450! Which will I ride in an enduro? The KTM of coarse! It is just easier to ride as you get tired!
Get a 200, Get it setup right! JD jetting kit, pipe, 45 rear spocket! Then go and do an event! You'll absolutely love it!
Mine will run at 135KM! That is fast enough! My mate has a 525 and it keeps up with him!
I hope you ain't got it yet so you can consider the little 200!
Deano did you watch the poms win at cricket?
Bloody Freddie! What cave did he come out of! (hope there is more like him)He was Awesome!
Good luck in the rest of the series, I think most Aussies are kinda sick of beating everyone at cricket! Sad but true! Kinda like watching RC beat everyone at the AMA! Boring!
What a great game!