'05s that much better than '04s?

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tn_tuxedo

Member

Oct 9, 2004

63

0

• Apr 24, 2005

• #1

It's time to retire my '98 200 exc and get on a new(er) one. I've read about all the frame changes, etc. made in the past 2 years. I'm looking for opinions from folks who have ridden/raced both years models. Is the '05 that much better than the 04? Anyone out there raced an sx in the woods?

 

M

Midhigh

~SPONSOR~

Jul 19, 2002

481

0

• Apr 24, 2005

• #2

I have an 03 250sx that is totally woods out. I love it. However at Dirtweek I got to ride the 250exc & 300. They both handled better in stock form than my 03 250sx does with the emig clamps (22offset) & suspension done. I've riden an 04 250sx twice - handles just like my 03. I had to fight off the urge hard to get the 05 300mxc. That is an awesome bike. If it was up to me and the extra money for the 05 wasn't just a huge issue, it would an 05 without question - my .02

 

Zerotact

~SPONSOR~

Dec 10, 2002

1,001

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• Apr 26, 2005

• #3

I hear there are big weight losses across the board for '05 I'e only heard good things about the '05. 1/2 my local riding group ended up with '05's 200,250's, and a 300

 

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viking20

Sponsoring Member

Aug 11, 2002

428

0

• Apr 26, 2005

• #4

I would buy the 05 model , if the price difference isnt too big..
Most people think the frame is an improvement over the 04 model , and almost everybody I have talked to claimed the 05 suspension is way better than the 04 model in stock form too...

 

E

Ed Silva

Member

May 17, 2002

10

0

• Apr 26, 2005

• #5

I don't know about how much difference the swingarm & frame made, but heard that the suspension changes can be done if you have your suspension done at a shop. rear shock needle
and a spacer to shorten it, and some fork tube mods and going back to just two bushings.
so it starts with much price difference, and then decision time.

ED

 

V

viking20

Sponsoring Member

Aug 11, 2002

428

0

• Apr 29, 2005

• #6

Yup , if you plan to mod the suspension there is probably not much between them , but there would still be a higher re-sale value of the 05 , I guess

 

CR Swade

~SPONSOR~

Jan 18, 2001

1,764

5

• May 1, 2005

• #7

pretty noticeable difference in handling from 05 to the 02-04's...no need for different offset clamps or naything on the 05's, great handling woods bike!

Front forks are by far the best stock off-road forks I have ever ridden; the big drop in weight came w/ the 04 models, while the engine from 04 to 05 is very similar (w/ the 03 being the gnarliest running of the group, but least plush stock of the group)

To sum it up, the 05 has incredibly good suspension and handling (due to new frame and swingarm)...much better than the 03-04 models that I have ridden. It is one of those model years that all of the components work well together. If you can get a deal on a 05, I say snag it. Who knows if the 06's will work this well, and while the 03/04's are great bikes, the suspension and handling are just so noticeably better on the 05's

 

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angry jim

Sponsoring Member

Aug 4, 2000

429

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• May 2, 2005

• #8

I've raced KTM's since 2000. The 05 is the first one in which I've done NO modifications.
Mine is a 250exc. My buddy has an 04' with 3k in mods. In his own words, mine is better than his modified. I don't ever want to here how KTM's don't turn. I've ridden a brand new suzuki and yamaha 250 and mine turns at least as good and has way better suspension but less revy motor. You will regret not getting an 05'.

 

T

tn_tuxedo

Member

Oct 9, 2004

63

0

• May 7, 2005

• Thread starter
• #9

Thanks for all the input folks. Got a good deal on a new '04. Got to play ride in the yard for about 10 min. when I got it home. Was all grins when I shut it down. Now I have to figure out a way to sneak in a ride tomorrow without ending up in the doghouse.