KTM Hare Scramble bike....

[jmiakaike]

Originally posted by markit
My KX is in the same condition, It's everywhere, outside inside
new parts and old parts whooo!

markit.. unfortuantely,i can say that exact sme thing about my engine....lol


james

[Big Maico 393]

Armadillo:


I own a KTM 525Sx & a BMW k1200Rs, just think of the KTM as a small light GS, you might want to check out the local dealer & see if you can find someone who has one of the KTM's your looking at & try to meet up the next time they go out ofr a ride. I think you will have no problems switching to these great bikes! You might also want to look at the 525 as it's power delivere is just awsome, want to go fast twist the gas hard ,want to trail ride just roll the gas on it will pull from way down low & do it smooth. The biggest thing you have to do is rejet it as they come very lean so that they can pass the Calif. green sticky law.

Best of luck

Howard

[armadillo]

Been reading various info on the 300 exc. Sounds like a great bike. Any input on 2 stroke vs. 4 stroke?
Does the wide ratio gearing make the 300 a more manageable bike?
As most would say the 4 stroke gives a smooth power band.

There's a pretty big cost difference between these two bikes. Don't know if that's what should sway a decision. But for some they have no choice.

thanks to all for the great info. tough decision here on the ktm's as they have great depth in their offering of bikes.

[markit]

The 250 or 300exc are very good Race bikes as are all the KTM's .
If your use to four strokes it would be better to stay with them,
the two strokes will have a hit in the power delivery but you would get use to it and these bike can be ridden in a more civil
manor (trail ridden).

[Rockey]

If I were you armadillo, I would get the 450exc. Seems like a great bike for you.

[markit]

The 450exc is the best bike you could get and the best bike
made with the execption of the 525exc (if you believe in the
bigger is better thing) I actually think i would have been happy with the 400 but , oh well. But if you want a smokey, goo dripping
mix this mix that 2 stroke, get the 300.

[Rockey]

One more thing,
Its easy to tone the 450 down to 250 level to learn on, than it is to power the 250 up to 450 level power.

[buzzardflatsjim]

Don't take this wrong, but if you're a beginning rider, I'm not sure you want the KTM RFS. I have one and love it, but they have these drawbacks: they are heavy; they are tall; they have slightly heavy steering. If you are very talented or very determined, you could learn to ride the woods in six months or so, and you might love the RFS. But most beginners would be better off with a lighter bike, like a KTM 200, or even a KDX 200. They're both light, easy to start, easy to ride, and the KDX has a lower seat height, which beginners usually like. It's no fun trying to find your footing from a tall bike on the side of a hill when you can't touch the ground securely. After a year of riding the KDX, you'd be ready for a more race-oriented bike. For what it's worth. But welcome to the dirt; good to have you. Whatever you choose, it's the most fun you can have with your clothes on (or even off, as far as that goes; I hate to admit it, but it's true; hope that doesn't mean I'm gay.)

[Rockey]

If you want to go two stroke, go KDX, they are great bikes!

[markit]

Buzz, you just gave your self away, You couldnt possibly own a RFS unless it's like a 90's model or somthing 620 with a flat front
tire. I'll give it may be a little tall feeling (when new or on the show room floor) but all your other points are just untrue. The
Jap 2 stroke 250's weigh 230 the RFS's are 248 with E start so
this weight thing is a joke. i'm sorry if you do own a RFS, you
got the only limmon i've herd of so far.
IMO, the 450exc is the perfect bike from beginer-pro and will grow
with you. The KDX is a great bike but not in the same category.

[buzzardflatsjim]

Markit, I find myself in the strange position of having to argue against someone who loves KTMs. It's strange because I am a dyed-in-the-(orange)-wool KTM rider. I've owned a 1976 400, a '78 400, an '80 420, a '94 300, a '99 300, and I currently own an '02 400SX and a '98 200 M/XC.

Obviously you love your KTM, and that's great. I love mine, too. All in all, they're the best bikes on the market to own. But they're not perfect. They DO have a funny turning thing; I think I have my 400 set up pretty well, but it's still no Gas Gas. As far as weight, I meant only that a four stroke is a heavier bike than a two. As far as thumpers go, KTMs are as light as any, give or take a pound or two. And despite what you think, ride my 400SX back-to-back with your e-start 450, and I guarantee you'll feel the weight difference. I prefer the light weight to the convenience of the button. For a beginner, a light two-stroke like the KDX is better.

And as far as being tall, I'm not saying the RFS is tall compared with other bikes in its class; I'm just saying that a beginner needs a bike that inspires confidence by allowing him to touch the ground with both feet.

I agree with you that the 450E/XC is a great bike. In fact, I'm considering getting one right now. I just think that it might be a bit much for a guy just getting started.

[okie]

Hey armadillo
Glad to hear ya want to do some serious dirt. I would suggest that ya do some trail riding with some good friends first. Go up to munster for a few times. Ya might find the demands a bit much if ya have a go at hair scrambles right off the bat. Your physical shape is very important for hair scrambles. Ya can get beat up pritty easly not only the crashing part, but the pounding you will take just riding in a whooped out cut up track. I might suggest trying an enduro first. That way you will build up skill and not ruine the experience trying to recover the next day. Enduros are at a much easier pace. IT'S you against the clock and the competers are a little easer the get information from. You have some great circuits in the great state. A 450exc will be more versital than the mxc in that the transmition ratios are wider giving ya a gear for just about any situation. Plus it is easier to make street legal. Cause I know ya will want to go riding in SE Oklahoma and New Mexico as well as Colorado. Believe me there are a lot of places to go and get your head stright. A 250cc or 300cc bike will be very demanding to learn on. Were as the 4 strokes are very forgiving and if ya get a hair can be very competative and ya got to love the electric foot.
See Ya Out There
Okie

[markit]

Buzz, yea I do love my exc but i also love my KX 250 I may just
be a loon or somthing but i dont notice the horible extra 20lbs.
the seat does stink though. It doesnt mater if it's a little heaver to me if you cant tell it when your riding it and yes i've had too
pick it up off the trail on a hill (no harder than the KX)I didnt have
to kick it though. The bike is beginner friendly and #1Nat enduro fast, if needed.
The 450 doesnt have the funny stiring and the suspension
is great (after breakin) I cant tell the diff vs the KX and you think im going to notice the diff vs the SX? A friend has the 02 400 exc
and I havnt noticed these problems on it, are these only related to the SX models?