2001 400SX Opinions?

K

ktm/kdxrider

Member

Nov 20, 2000

8

0

• Mar 27, 2001

• #1

Hi, I'm currently riding a lightly modified KDX 220. Yesterday a friend of a friend let me ride his 520SX. In a word: WoW. In fact too much wow -- but it did really get me thinking of a 400xxx. I happened to find a barely used '01 400SX for sale that I'm going to go ride. I'd be interested in folks views on: price (seems the E button models are hotter selling units than the SX's, true?), any other reason I should be considering the exc or mxc models? (besides the obvious lights, etc.). I don't race, but I sometimes ride hard with my friends -- anything from tight woods to steep hills...

Thanks for any help/insight you can offer...

 

Strick

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 8, 1999

1,782

2

• Mar 28, 2001

• #2

The only, ONLY draw back to the '01 400SX is the small tank IMO. I would love to have one as a stable mate to my 300. Maybe the perfect bike(s) for me! You don't need estart on KTMs.

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Strick '99 KTM 300mxc, AMA & BRC member

 

K

ktm/kdxrider

Member

Nov 20, 2000

8

0

• Mar 28, 2001

• Thread starter
• #3

Thanks! I do have another Q on gear ratios: How is the SX geared relative to the EXC and the MXC? I think I'll cross-post this in the other current thread on those models...

 

Strick

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Nov 8, 1999

1,782

2

• Mar 28, 2001

• #4

I hope I have this right. 1st, 2nd same, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th are closer ratios on the MXC. You will probably sacrifice 8-10 mph on top with the mxc vx. exc.

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Strick '99 KTM 300mxc, AMA & BRC member

 

K

kenkfish

Member

Dec 16, 2000

24

0

• Mar 29, 2001

• #5

Hey guys, I have both the 400 and the 520sx. After riding each one at least five times, I can tell you that I still can't tell you which one is a better choice. As advertised, the 400 does not tire you out as much and the 520 has blinding top end. The 520 revs a little slower and does "handle a little heavier". I have only added one tooth to the 400 rear sprocket, two might be better. I tried a smaller counter sprocket with poor results(took away too much rev and top end) on the 400. When I get a chance to take both bikes to a track and ride them back to back,maybe I can shed some more info. If the lap times are close, I will definately keep the 400 due to the less tiring effect.

Ken

 

K

ktm/kdxrider

Member

Nov 20, 2000

8

0

• Mar 31, 2001

• Thread starter
• #6

Thanks for all your help -- I test rode the '01 400 SX today and bought it on the spot. It was a sweet deal with only about 4 hrs. on the bike -- it's close to new (but a LOT less money). I'm thinking a steering dampner and possibly bigger rear/smaller front sprockets for the tight woods work. What a FUN bike!

For Sale: '97 KDX 220....

 

C

Coach in ND

Member

Mar 19, 2001

212

0

• Apr 2, 2001

• #7

I got to ride my 2001 Katoom 400sx today and it rocks. The gearing is way tall so i installed a 13 tooth front sprocket and that helped a bunch. I think 14-52 would be the best set-up. It helps use 2nd and 3rd more but lets your powerband be plenty broad.

Mine is bone stock except for a WER stabilizer, the gearing, and some Acerbis handguards.

Most fun bike i've ever owned.

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-------------------------
2001 KTM 400SX #529
2000 SVCC 125cc H.S. #1
SPONSORS: MA'S CYCLE, SIDI, WD-40, ACERBIS, SMITH, SPROCKET SPECIALISTS, N-STYLE, WER, DEVOL.

 

R

Ryan_9124

Member

Nov 15, 2020

3

0

• Nov 15, 2020

• #8

20 years ago this thread was created... insane. Any of you still on here or still ride?

 

Mully

Moderator / SuperPowers

Jun 9, 1999

4,234

114

• Nov 24, 2020

• #9

I do.

Mully

 

R

Ryan_9124

Member

Nov 15, 2020

3

0

• Dec 7, 2020

• #10

Mully said:

I do.

Mully

Click to expand...

Thats crazy man 21 years, have a good one keep riding

 

krspankie

Member

Mar 19, 2023

1

0

• Mar 19, 2023

• #11

Hey guys...I just bought a '00 sx 400 racing with upgraded five speed and took it out today for the first time....haven't had a bike for 20 years and let me just say that I am really happy with this machine. So fun! So manageable yet so much power. Light and determined. Felt like I'd been riding the whole time and got me everywhere I pointed my wheel at on technical single track trails Ive come to the orange side. There's no going back.