KTM 200 vs KDX 200/220

[McRage]

My son has owned a 89 KDX for some time, but only last year we added an FMF pipe and silencer, Renthal bars and new knobbies.

I was not impressed with the bike in stock form, not that it was bad, just not what my KTM was... too short, not fast enough, ect.

With these added parts, this bike is awesome. Possibly the most competent, comfortable and fast scooter I have piloted in the woods. I love it.

I sold the old KTM and want something new, lighter, more comfortable and yet very capable in the woods. I haven't entered an enduro in many years, but still consider myself a fast "tight woods" rider. Which one would you buy and why?

All responses will be appreciated. Thanks

DJ

 

[KTMdude911]

With some hop-ups to both they would both be excelent woods machines.The Ktm is lighter but not be a whole lot.A bike i really think you would like would be a Gas Gas.Those are awesome wooods machines and tey are as light as the Ktm.I hope this helps.

 

[thorman75]

just bought a new 220 give me a week ill let ya know.but i wont be riding it stock,im going to beecher tomarrow to see mr.fredette

 

[W.P.EXC]

Wow, I can't believe a pipe, some bars and new rubber made that much of a difference. Was it that much faster? Did it make it taller in some way? IMO the KTM EXC line is the most competant woods bike you can buy without adding a ton of after market stuff, unlike the KDX which needs alot of help in alot of areas if your an aggressive rider. Don't get me wrong the KDX is a great bike it's just not a KTM. I'll probably catch hell from all the KDX riders out there, but oh well, ride the two machines back to back and you'll have your answer. :scream:

 

[EBOD]

I was choosing between the same bikes a couple of months ago ...

... and I went with a KDX 220. I added I pipe and stiffer shock springs and the thing rips. I am totally happy with my decision (which doesn't mean I'd be unhappy had I chosen a KTM).

You can turn a KDX into a competent race bike that is still fun to ride when you're not racing. Also, out the door, it's $1,500 -- $ 2,000 less expensive than the KTM (assume, however, that you'll spend at least $500 of that savings on hopping up the KDX).

I haven't spent a lot of time on KTMs. They're supposedly great bikes (and my few rides don't indicate otherwise). I hear that the 200 vibrates a lot and is a pure race bike (i.e., not as fun when you're just riding--even aggresively--as opposed to racing). I also hear that KTMs are fussy when it comes to jetting. That said, they come with all sorts of trick parts and their suspensions are much more modern than the KDX's suspension.

Either way you go, have fun.

 

[1A]

I raced KDXs for 15 years in the TSCEC. I've now ridden an 01 200 EXC for one season. The bottom line is that they're both fine enduro bikes.

For non-A riders, the KDX is as much as you'll ever need. They're also a good value. The EXC comes race ready and has little things that can really make a difference when riding the A class (i.e., you can change brake pads with no tools).

One real difference between the two units is low gear and the flywheel weight. The EXC has a little taller first gear and less flywheel weight. This means you'll need to slip the clutch to get it going a little more than the KDX. It will also stall when chugging at very low speeds a little easier. You'll want to keep your hand on the clutch lever in these situations. Once rolling both have good bottom end pulling power. I'd give the EXC just a little advantage in power and a little more advantage in the suspension department.

It is a shame that Kawasaki has abandoned the KDX. With just a little updating from parts they have on other models (suspension) we could be seeing an ocean of green again at the starting line.

 

[LawManNv]

My last bike was a '00 KDX200 and for the money it was a great bike. I installed a FMF Gnarley pipe which did wonders for the power. My biggest complaint was the suspension. I ride a lot of trails but also ride some high speed stuff in the desert. Even after installing stiffer springs the KDX forks were not too good. Ok in the woods, but not high speed stuff. My brother rides a '01 KTMEXC 200 and the bike feels much more like a race bike. It has way more power, way better suspension, and better quality components. For me the KDX was a lot like my XR400, fun to ride on the trails but not at race speeds. The KTM is a race bike and feels like it. With some hop ups the KDX could be a very good woods bike but if it was my money and you want a bike that is fast and ready to race right off the floor, get the KTM. If i wasn't on a thumper it is the bike I would be riding.

 

[dko36]

I rode a 97 KDX 200 for a couple years, then went to KX 250, then Husky WR125. In April 2001 I bought a new 200 E/XC. I raced all of them (got 3rd in Dist 11 200 B H.S. on the KDX, better on the KTM) and did a lot of trailriding in Ohio, KY, & Baja. I loved the KDX (after FMF pipe & jetting, bars, gold valves, etc.). Also, I rode my friend's '97 KDX 200 for a 1/2 day this past fall (he didn't want to get off my KTM), so I can speak with some confidence as to the differences.

KDX
Soft seat, soft suspension, soft handling. Does NOT like you to slam into whoops/hills/rocks at race speed. Chassis feels best in tight woods when it is not being taxed. Great bottom-end, motor signs off immediately after. Quality of components is poor. Brakes are very decent. Ergos feel good if you're used to them, but come off another bike and you feel like you are sitting "in" the bike as opposed to "on" it. Makes it difficult to get up over the bars, but the bike turns so well, it's not a big deal. Harder to stand up and let the bike move beneath you, though. Overall, a very good bike for beginners/intermediates, doesn't have the motor, suspension, chassis for more demanding riders. I know Fredette can haul ass on one, but riding one back-to-back with the KTM I don't see how I ever went fast on one.

KTM
Better in every way. Properly jetted (different needle is a must) the power is awesome! Instant power right off throttle, smooth build up to great mid & upper. Will lug if you get lazy (if properly jetted). Front suspension great. Send the rear to Enduro Engineering (E.E.) for re-valve ($100). I ride very tight trails here in OH & KY, so I raised the forks in clamps. Steering won't carve quite as well as KDX or a CR (close), but it will not slow you down. Brakes are very good, not great (no one has brakes like Honda). A solid rear disk will give you more progressive feel in the rear, and your pads will last longer (the disc is a must in mud, stock will eat new pads in one long mud race). Reverse-bleed the brakes if they feel mushy. I run a Scotts steering damper & like it, but it's not essential as KTMs are stable. Great handling. Great quality on this bike. I've had zero problems.

Let's sum up: magic motor, super light, comes with lights, fantastic quality, great suspension. I like my bike more and more every time I ride it. My friends call it the cheater bike. This bike WILL make you faster. I enjoy riding more since I got it.

KTM Tips: Get soft seat foam. Combined with the shock revalve, bike is MUCH more supple on rocks/roots. Raise forks in triple clamps for better stearing. Get E.E. clutch cylender guard, chain guide, soft seat foam. Get eRider bracket to protect swingarm where shock mounts (mudflap wears it). Get Michelin tires. Get longer throttle cable if using Scotts damper. ENJOY!

 

[thorman75]

ive read all the posts so i thought id throw in my 2 cents.first off the original post comes from a rider from michigan.so were talking tight twisty trails.lots of small whoops.lots of sand.so either bike would do well.so now it comes down to price/what he plans on doin with the bike/dealer.THE DEALER. is there a ktm shop close to you.how about kawasaki.is the kaw shop a dirt bike shop.i used to race pentons at that time if you were racing the small bikes if you werent on a penton/ktm you were damn lucky if you did well.i had a bad experience with ktm in 94.i had so many problems rod bush wouldnt even except my phone calls.sad.parts were another problem.if something breaks,i hope its better now,i waited 2 months for a sub frame.another thing to remember you can get a 3 year extended warranty on the kdx.

 

[KTMdude911]

I think Kawasaki needs to revolutionize the KDX.If they would make them fast woods machines out of the crate they would sell a lot more.With the KDX still being as good as it is they sould make more woods machines.I think they could be a real competetor!!

 

[parkerCR]

One magazine did a shootout on the KDX 220, KTM 200, and a trail modified
YZ 125. The KTM won every category. I had a KDX with all the mods. Gnarly
Pipe, RB designs carb among many others. The fit and finish of the KTM is
unbeatable in my opinion. I would go with the KTM. I went from the KDX to
an '01 CR250 and am loving it. The KDX is a great bike don't get me wrong,
but why spend all that extra when the KTM has it all stock.

 

[DahlElama]

I had a 98KDX, added reeds and FMF Gnarly and SA. LOVED that bike. Totally dependable and really great in the woods. I wanted more so I went to the local KTM dealer and found that they were selling Gas Gas as well. I ended up on the Gas Gas XC 250. It was a huge leap in performance all the way around. I'm not comparing the two because it isn't a fair comparison. The transition from the KDX wasn't that tough for me (I just had to be real careful with the throttle for awhile). If you want to ride fast in the tight woods.. go with the Gas Gas. No slamming the KTMs...they are great machines. I just like the GG handling and power way better.

and thats all I have to say about that...

 

[woods_rider1]

In my opinion, having owned and ridden both, the KTM is my favorite no questions asked. The main reason I say that is suspension. To me suspension is everything, even more-so than the motor. If a bike doesnt feel right, turn right, handle correctly, etc. it isnt worth my time. I had my suspension totally reworked and still wasnt happy with it. With the stock KTM we are talking a rolling wet dream! It tracks straight, corners wonderfully, and handling the whoops...... like a dream!!! The top quality components and race ready motor dont hurt either... My guestimate is trying to make a KDX similar to a KTM will set you back at least 1000.00 (o-ring chain, decent handlebars, stronger chain guide, taller/harder seat, pipe, silencer, reeds, porting, suspension etc) and even then it will fall short. The KDX is a GREAT trail bike at moderate trail speeds, the KTM is an AMAZING bike everywhere else.

 

[Perk]

I agree with an earlier post. If you are an "A" level rider, definitelyl go with the KTM. For "C"riders, and most "B" riders, the KDX is a better bike than you are, with some simple mods. The KTM, for those same riders, I think would be a handfull at those slower paces.

 

[dirthappy]

KDX

I would stongly reccommend the KDX 200 or 220. I have heard some very good things about them. Also my friend has a KDX he has an ftf power cor 2 pipe with an fmf fatty. with new dunlop tires. And that bike rips **** in trail ridding!! It is very smoth and a easy ride. Does good hill climbing. And has a lot of power!:)

 

[Ace McCool]

I think it all boils down to what type of riding you'll be doing.

If you'll be spending most of your time putting around the woods with your son, and you're looking for a comfortable steed that you can ride all day without too much discomfort, then its tough to beat the KDX. It will require less maintenence and will be less expensive initially and in the long run.

However, if you're going to be racing or riding fast, then you'll probably want to look at the KTM. It is set up for aggressive riding out of the box, so you won't need to do any hop-up to make it a competent race machine. Alot of guys on here suggest the Gas-Gas, so I'd say that if you can, try to get a test ride on one, they sound like pretty nice bikes.

I've ridden the KTM 200 exc and currently own a KDX220 (quite a few modifications), and you will most likely be happy with any choice you make.

Good Luck!

 

[GBKTM]

I ride a 99 200 EXC and love it! my riding buddy has a 99 KDX and he really likes it also. However after riding both I prefer the KTM for my type of riding.
I like to ride quite a bit faster and the KTM suspension and power is up to the task. I have ridden his KDX and I can't ride it near as fast, the suspension is just not up to it. the motor doesn't have the power either. I hear that the pipe and silencer on the KDX is very restrictive and that these will really make a big difference.

the KTM is ready right out of the box, only mods I have made are trimming the bars, handguards, radiator guards and an EE clutch cylinder protector.
the KDX is a good trail bike that can be made into a woods racer with mods.
either way they are both very reliable bikes and fun to ride.
If I was a beginner I would buy the KDX and then you could do modifications as your level progresses. if you have some experience the KTM will suit you better in my opinion.

Either way:)

Greg

 

[GaryKTM200]

I had a 99 KDX220 and did all of the mods. About 1000.00 worth. I now have a 2000 KTM 200 mx/c. Both are great bikes. One guy who responded earlier said that it could depend on the type of riding you want to do. I agree. For a relaxing and great trail bike the KDX gets the nod. For a great trail bike and racer all in one the KTM gets the nod from me. Some have said that you need to be an A rider to really get the benefit from the KTM. While this may be true I have to say this. I am a 43 yr. old C rider. I need al the help I can get from the bike. The KTM is at least 10 pounds lighter than the KDX and about 18 more HP at the rear wheel. Thats what I was told by my KTM dealer anyway. Heck he may have said at the shaft. What I know is that the KTM is lighter and more powerful. Thus it is easier for me to carry a log, water puddle ect. The suspension is way better on the KTM. I can attack things on the KTM that I would have to tip toe on with the KDX. The hard seat of the KTM took some getting used to but I prefer it now. I can move on the seat a lot better. And besides. I am standing a lot more now. I vote for the KTM. If you don't like it it will sell very easy. Don't worry about it.

My two cents.

Gary