KTM's older than 2000 are bad??

G

Guest

I was told that anything older than the 2000 MX models were not a very good bike to buy. I found a 1998 125 for $3199 and probably could get it for a little less than that, but is there anything wrong with the older KTM's

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'00 KX-100 slightly modified (if ya know what I mean)
Get off the gas so I can pass
 

380ePete

Member
Dec 27, 2000
39
0
My 99' rocks. No problems whatsoever. I love the 50mm WP forks!

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"The trail less traveled has more to offer than the beaten path "
 

IDkTm

Member
Jul 12, 2000
516
0
I wouldn't be afraid to buy any KTM that was a '98 or newer. In 98 they introduced the no link rear suspension and generally made the bike better. I say go for it.

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Patman

Pantless Wonder
LIFETIME SPONSOR
Dec 26, 1999
19,774
0
Wow guess I better get rid of my 1996 360
wink.gif
I really don't think there is a BAD KTM just some that may be less desirable. Sure my 360 doesn't have the PDS but then again the early PDS bikes were not exactly perfected. I think like with ANY bike it's how well it's been cared for.

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I ride, therefore I crash
KTM 360EXC
 

CR Swade

~SPONSOR~
Jan 18, 2001
1,764
5
My 97 EXC250 was probably the most versatile, best suspended bike I've ever owned. It would pull holeshots at Dragoon MX, and then be happy in a Blackjack Enduro with no changes. It was just a little heavy, but truly a cool scoot. In fact, I think the new ones would be hard-pressed to be as plush (50mm Marzzochis/Ohlins shock came on that bike).

01CR250

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ID 360mxc

Member
Feb 24, 2001
19
0
I have a 97 360mxc I bought new.It has been a great bike .The Ohlins shock and the 50mm marzokes have had zero problems.It also has the Kokusan 2k-2 ignition.I did the top end on it last year and it runs great.

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IDkTm

Member
Jul 12, 2000
516
0
Sorry guys I didn't mean to knock your bikes. I know that the pre 98's are good/great bikes, to me it justs seems that 98 was a year of big changes for the entire lineup. I know big changes aren't always good and the PDS did have some teething issues at first, but I wouldn't hesistate to buy a 98 if I was in the market for one.

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Jeff Gilbert

N. Texas SP
LIFETIME SPONSOR
Oct 20, 2000
2,969
2
My 98 125sx kicks butt! It's runs very strong and it'seasy to work on. Not as plush as some of the other bikes I've riden, it has a solid new feel to it, not like a 64 belaire.

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"Nature Boy"
 
G

Guest

thanks for your input. I kind of thought the guy that told me not to buy this bike, probably has a very narrow mind as to what the best bike is. Some people have a problem with what color a bike is and I personally haven't rode a bike that I really didnt like. As long as it is well maintained, it is probably going to be an OK bike. I say it is 90% rider and 10% bike, because I dont think Ricky could lose even if he rode his Momma's motorcycle for the rest of the series. His head is on straight as to what he needs to do and thats why he is tearing up the track.

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'00 KX-100 slightly modified (if ya know what I mean)
Get off the gas so I can pass
 

jeb

Member
Jul 21, 1999
633
0
You're talking about the 125SX models in particular, I assume. The 98 and up motors are all screamers. The teething problems with the PDS that was mentioned is something I'd consider in buying a 98. They can be improved with valving but they will never be as good as the 99 and up because the internals of the newer shocks have been altered.

The 99 125SX was the only 98/99 KTM 125 or 200 that had the 50mm WP forks. Those forks are awesome and worked great on that bike so I'd lean towards that bike if you have the option. The 98 125SX has the 45 'zoke.



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John Brunsgaard - JEB
01 KTM 400 EXC, 99 KTM 250 EXC, 99 KTM 200 EXC, 98 KTM 125 EXC, 98 KTM 380 MXC (gone), 96 KDX 200
 

GlennP

Member
Jun 6, 2000
311
0
'98 PDS was hard to valve right for sharp edge conditions (shock design flaw). This was more noticeable on the lighter 125/200. Consider your terrain. Other than that they are fine.

Glenn
'00 GasGas XC250

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