2003 KTM questions

[Jackpiner57]

I've heard that the 03' KTM's have less vibration. Is this true?
Also the steering geometry has been changed to be closer to a KDX?

I am considering buying one and the vibration issue is important to me.
I would like to hear any opinions on the 03's.

 

[MWEISSEN]

Which KTM are you referring to? All?

 

[Lew]

I can't speak for earlier year KTM's, but my 2003 KTM 250exc does have more vibration than a KDX. The bars on KTM are not rubber mounted like the KDX. The only time I noticed the vibration was at the end of a longer Harescramble 2 1/2 hrs+. I purchased a pair of Fasst bar inserts, soft compound grips and problem solved.
Lew

 

[MWEISSEN]

My '02 KTM 250 vibrates at idle, but once I'm up and running, I don't notice at all. I've also ridden 300's and 200's, and would say there's more vibration on the 200 than any of the 3.

 

[Jackpiner57]

Yes MWEISSEN, but particularly the 2003 2 stroke EXC's. I'd like to know how they compare to the 2002 models for vibration. Also the 450 and 525 EXC's.

Thanks for the good tips Lew. it's good that you have cured the problem.
So are rubber mounted bars not a good thing? Too weak?

 

[saint_steven]

I don't know if you've bought the 03 yet, I did last week. Vibrations are noticably reduced. steering geometry is tightened up a lot. It doesn't understeer, and as a matter of fact, it's actually the most precise bike I've ridden in loose, rocky stuff. I love mine so far.

 

[Jackpiner57]

saint_steven, What model did you buy?

 

[xrsforever]

a 450 exc has very low vibration

 

[saint_steven]

jackpiner,

Sorry for the delay in responding. I travel a lot out of town, and didn't get to check the mail.

I bought the '03 300 EXC. I have friends with the '02, and I have a '97 360 too. My new 300 is light years ahead of my 95 300 in every way imaginable. Although the new one will still need a suspension fix. That's pretty easy, though.

 

[BUCKWHEAT]

Vibration has been a funny thing for me from bike to bike. On my old WR250F my fingers would tingle alot when I clapped my hands after a 2+ hour race although the bike didn't seem to vibrate much at all. My current 200EXC seems to vibrate like crazy when just sitting there blipping the throttle but I don't notice it much if any while riding and my fingers don't do that tingle thing at the end of a race. Weird huh?

 

[Jackpiner57]

I've heard that the 200exc's vibrate. I'm glad to hear that yours doesn't bother you. Maybe you're having too much fun to notice!

Saint, Thanks for the info. The 300exc sounds like a bike I could like!

 

[Fred T]

JP57

I used to have a 2000 KDX 220 and bought a 03 250 EXC. I'm very happy with the bike and the power -which I think it has plenty. Many folks on these boards seem to prefer the 300, but I am happy with my 250 just fine. I do also notice that most of the super fast AA and pro guys ride the 250 vs the 300. I don't know why but I do know that a fast guy on a 250 should be able to go fast enough to win! Anyway what I'm trying to say is that I converted from a KDX to the 250 EXC and it seems just perfect to me. I wish it was lower though because I am barely 5"4" but I love the frame, suspension and the motor! I have not problem with vibration -but noticed a difference at first -you get used to it and it's not really an issue IMHO.

 

[Jackpiner57]

Glad you like your 250 Fred, I am just getting back into offroad riding after an eighteen year hiatus. My last bike was an early 80's Husqvarna 430 XC. I think I will keep the KDX200 for a couple more years, then get a KTM. The 250 has enough power for me, and I'm sure I would love it. I've always been a KTM fan. My first dirtbike was a new 1971 Penton 175 Jackpiner and it had an awesome KTM engine that was a claimed 36 HP! It was surprisingly fast and put my buddies new 250 Elsinore to shame. It was probably the best trail/enduro bike at that time. Can't wait for mud season. - Tom

 

[Fred T]

JP 57.
I too just got back to riding after not riding since 1982. I started up again in March of 2001. 19 years off! Rode the KDX for 1.5 years and bought the KTM last August. MY last bike was a 1981 KDX 175.

 

[Jackpiner57]

Saw the new KTM's at Mason Racing yesterday. Boy they look tempting, but I can't afford one right now. The new ones have a different steering head angle and should be a little more crawling friendly.

 

[Humai]

The KTM 200 has a new crank for model year 2003 which was supposed to reduce vibration.

FWIW, my 2003 KTM 200 vibrates noticibly less than any 250 I have recently ridden (00YZ, 03RM, 94RM, 00RMX, 00KTM 250EXC, 02 KTM250SX, etc).

Back to back, my 200 has no more vibration than the two '03 KDX200s I have compared it to and is a good deal more mechanically quiet.

 

[MWEISSEN]

How's the GasGas 300 compared to the others, with the counter-balancer in place? Is the 250 counter-balanced? I rode a GasGas 200, and don't remember any vibration to speak of - a really sweet bike actually.

 

[Jackpiner57]

Thanks Humai, for the comparison thats what I've been waiting to hear!

I would love to go to NZ to ride. I've seen pictures of some of the trails and big hills there and they look awesome.

 

[sledman]

My '03 300 EXC vibrates A LOT LESS than the YZF450 I rode last Saturday. My suspension felt much better also, and my KTM felt lighter and more agile. Especially after I got back on my KTM, after riding the Yamy. The ONLY thing that impressed me about the Yamy was the fact that I could've stayed in one or two gears all day probably. Lotsa torque everywhere! Made me appreciate how good a bike that I own, though!