As some may know I took delivery of my new '03 KTM 250exc last week and went for my first significant trail ride yesterday (sunday). To bring everyone to speed I am comming off an '01 KDX 220 with decent mods, and I compete in Hare Scrambles and an occasional Enduro.
To start off, all tho the KTM out weighs the KDX by approximately 16lbs, it handles as if it were 16lbs lighter. We rode 58 miles in a variety of conditions, single track, open fire roads, to very rocky technical areas. The bike handles like a dream. The suspension is wonderful, I now understand what people meant about fork flex on the KDX. The KTM front end is rock solid yet soaks up everything in its path. power delivery is predictable and even. I was able to lug down and then roll on the throttle to pull back into the power range. The KTM is quite a bit narrower than the KDX and this made gripping the seat with my knees a real pleasure. The foot pegs are very wide, I felt quite stable in a standing position, which is good because the KTM seat is about as soft as a 2x6 board. The suspension and carb are still in stock form. The suspension seemed to get plusher as the miles clicked on. I will make a few more rides before I do much fiddling with the clickers. As for the carb, it is an absolute that the pilot jet at least is rich. I had the air screw turned out about 2 1/2 turns for best throttle. I think I will move needle clip up one slot and pilot down one size for next ride. Then I will do some plug chops. This bike will really rip, For the first time ever I was able to shift gears while doing a wheelie. I did not get past 4th gear, and spent most of the day in 3rd gear. I am very satisfied with the purchase and KTM used to be a bike I only dreamed of. Now I have one... :yeehaw: :aj:
Thanks all
Lew
To start off, all tho the KTM out weighs the KDX by approximately 16lbs, it handles as if it were 16lbs lighter. We rode 58 miles in a variety of conditions, single track, open fire roads, to very rocky technical areas. The bike handles like a dream. The suspension is wonderful, I now understand what people meant about fork flex on the KDX. The KTM front end is rock solid yet soaks up everything in its path. power delivery is predictable and even. I was able to lug down and then roll on the throttle to pull back into the power range. The KTM is quite a bit narrower than the KDX and this made gripping the seat with my knees a real pleasure. The foot pegs are very wide, I felt quite stable in a standing position, which is good because the KTM seat is about as soft as a 2x6 board. The suspension and carb are still in stock form. The suspension seemed to get plusher as the miles clicked on. I will make a few more rides before I do much fiddling with the clickers. As for the carb, it is an absolute that the pilot jet at least is rich. I had the air screw turned out about 2 1/2 turns for best throttle. I think I will move needle clip up one slot and pilot down one size for next ride. Then I will do some plug chops. This bike will really rip, For the first time ever I was able to shift gears while doing a wheelie. I did not get past 4th gear, and spent most of the day in 3rd gear. I am very satisfied with the purchase and KTM used to be a bike I only dreamed of. Now I have one... :yeehaw: :aj:
Thanks all
Lew
