KDX220 vs KTM 250 EXC

[dougjc]

I currently ride a KDX220 but am thinking about upgrading to a KTM 250 or 300 EXC. How do these bikes compare? I'm guessing the suspension must be much better on the KTM. How about engine performance? I see a lot of KTMs out there but don't have a good sense or reliability or ease of maintenance.

 

[KNeese]

A couple years ago I made the switch from KDX200 to KTM250 EXC.

The KTM engine naturally has alot more low end and power throughout the range. When jetted properly it will grunt up about any hill,usually while I'm tryiing to keep up. It will grunt around slow 1st and 2nd gear roots, rocks, logs, mud bogs, etc. But when it opens up it scares me. I rarely get it past half throttle.

The suspension and handling are huge improvment over the KDX. Very good in the tight stuff, a little busy on faster sections, but that can be cured with a damper I hear. Suspension is worlds better than the KDX could ever hope to be. The bike is fairly waterproof and it rains alot around here so big puddles and creek crossings.

I hate working on bikes but the KTM is very easy to work on. The air cleaner is right there. The seat and tank come off with 5 bolts. The subframe can be removed easily to work on the shock. Very easy bikes to work on.

The newer bikes I have heard have better suspension and handling than mine. I don't think you'll be sorry.

I ride mine in enduros mostly and trail riding in the Pacific Northwest once in awhile a hare scrambles.

 

[billc]

I have both:'00 KDX220 & '05 300exc.
I was going to keep the 220 for a spare bike because it has a few mods and is a real nice bike. But I think I'll have to sell it...

The KTM fits me better(6'0,170lb.),it's a longer bike,has better high speed stability,slimmer,way more power,comes with most of the good stuff already on it.
My KDX always feels a little squirrely at speed on dirt roads but the KTM is straight and steady.I like the KDX alot,and if I only rode in the real slow tight stuff with no big hills,it would be fine but for where/how I ride the KTM is the winner.I like it way better than my WR450(sold) too.
p.s. Kawasaki would be smart to come out with an updated KDX .

 

[fishhead]

This is like comparing a mule and race horse. I made the change a few years ago from a kdx 220 that was fully modded to a 250 exc. I ride the same type of stuff Kneese rides. The top end on my 01 is still pretty tight after 3 seasons of use, never had a breakage problem nor have any of the guys I ride with had a problem with the ktm's.

I'll choose a 200 next time for the lighter weight and flickability and probably add a damper for the high speed stuff.