97' 360, for 2500, a good buy?

[kdxtodd]

I am a kdx 200 rider and im thinking of buying a ktm 300-380 2-stroke. I was wondering if the 360 was a good, fast, reliable bike. Also, the 360 im looking at looks in pretty good shape, is 2500 a good deal? there is also a 98' 380 for 2800, its in pretty good shape also, would i get more for my money with the 380? thanks

 

[motomickey]

I had a 97 360 and a 99 380. Both were excellent, but between the two you are looking at, I might get the 97. 98 was the first year for PDS and it had some bugs-mostly stiffness. However, if it were a 99 380, even at 3000 or 3200 (which you can find them for), I wouldn't hesitate to get the 99. The 99 has GREAT forks, and also has the hydraulic clutch-big difference.
JHMO

 

[efivecoat]

I have to agree here, look for a 99 or up 380. I've been very happy with my 99 purchased on ebay for 2750!

 

[Enduro_Nut]

I found a 99' 300 for $2750 - great deal, 00' Wr250 Husky(CLEAN !) for $2,500. Keep shopping! Try cycletraderonline and ebay(be careful - can get expensive REAL quick).

 

[kdxtodd]

was the 97' fork a good stiff one that uou could race on or was it a real soft and flexy one.

 

[DEANSFASTWAY]

DEpends on your size . Either way with some springs you could bring them up to par . The bikes are all very good in my opinion . Soundslike fair dinkum on the prices too . Either on will have way more power than the KDX . Parts cost a little more than the KDX stuff though . GoodLuck DEAN

 

[kdxtodd]

I wiegh about 220lbs, would the 98' 380 forks be better for mx?

 

[bikeguy]

I still have a 360 and have owned several 380's. Raced them all in the Best in the Desert and Whiplash series when we lived in Flagstaff. So, a couple of thoughts:

The 360 is good on gas, the 380 is a guzzler. I can run 65-80 miles at race speed with a 4 gal IMS tank depending on the terrain. The best I achieved with any of the 380's is 65 miles.

Suspension: either bike can be revalved for you needs, not much of a concern or too expensive. However the 98 380 shock was the worst of the bunch, the 2000 was good, as were the 96 and 97 (Ohlins)

Handling: the 2000 is better, but both 96 and 2000 are good.

Both bikes are fast. How fast do you want to go? the 380 will get you closer to 100 mph than the 360.

$2500 for a 360 is the high end assuming it has all of the goodies
$2800 for a 98 380 is high as well.

I think we are getting into the difference between the Arizona and Texas markets.

In the end, you are purchasing a used bike. Maintenance is more important than year and price. A poorly maintained 99 is worth less than a 97 that has had good care in my book. Look at the wear levels of the pads and rotors, tires, chain and sprockets, ask when the clutch, top and bottom ends were replaced last and base your price accordingly.

 

[Patman]

Your a KDX rider and your concerned if the KTM forks are stiff enough? I'll venture that they will feel almost solid compared to a KDX :)

The 360 forks can be made to work like a BMW 745 in that they will be plush and controlled without bottoming. Check with MX-Tech, Jeremy did mine and they were AWESOME with the stock springs and I go about 210 geared up. The Ohlins shock is awesome stock, a little tweaking makes it even better.

Parts might be a little bit of an issue with the 360 since it's a generation old but they can still be had there is just usually a wait.

Is it this clean?

 

[kdxtodd]

compared to my kdx, is the 360 reliable? My kdx is stone reliable, never really had a problem. should i be concerned about any weak parts it may have, motor, transmission, frame,ect.

 

[Patman]

The only failures I ever had was a clutch pivot arm seal which was my fault because I nicked it when I installed the e-rider hydraulic clutch kit and an ignition side crank seal that was driven in too deep from the factory. It just so happened the crank seal went 15 minutes after I arrived at DW'01 which was a drag but Eric Gorr took my engine home and waved his wand over it and made it much more ridable. Other than that it was rock solid and a great bike just a little to much for what I need right now which is getting my son accustomed to his XR80 that's a little big for him yet.

 

[kdxtodd]

How would you compare the power to say, a kx250 or ktm250,

 

[CO Dan]

My 97 KTM 250 EXC (very similar bike) has been extremely reliable. For sale, btw, in Colorado.

Ride, ride, ride, ..., change oil, clean filter, ride, ride, ...

That's it.

I'm pretty sure the 360 motor is the same bore and stroke as the 380, probably some changes in porting or powervalve. Should have lots of power but smooth and tractor like.

I bought a new 01 300 and love it too.

 

[kdxtodd]

thanks for all of your input guys. when i get the 360, i'll be sure to give you guys a ride report.

 

[bikeguy]

I think you made a good choice-- particularly since I favor the 360.

Pat, it's scary, I didn't think that there were any other 360's as clean as mine. Where is Spicewood? I am in Lewisville, just north of Dallas.

FYI, the 360 has the same bore (78mm) as the 380 and the stroke of the 300. Parts have never been an issue. Of course they don't break that much. Even less if you keep them upright.

 

[kdxtodd]

oh, one more thing, is there a 360/380 website, like they got for the kdx?