Startin' late

Member
Jul 20, 2000
16
0
I am in the market for a new bike and have pretty much settled on KTM for many reasons. I ride about 70% woods/trails, 30% motocross practice track. I don't race (yet) but have been riding twice a week for one year now.

My question is: which model should I buy? I am 6ft, 190 pounds and in pretty good shape, for 36 years old anyway. I am leaning towards a 400MXC but am also thinking about the 300MXC/EXC/SX. I have 2 KTM dealers within 25 minutes of my house so selection is decent.

I currently ride a KDX200 and CR250 which I will be selling to buy the KTM. Any opinions out there?

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96 KDX200
96 CR250
 

Coach in ND

Member
Mar 19, 2001
212
0
I just bought a 2001 KTM 400SX this spring and love it. I ride about 50% motocross, and about 50% offroad and it works great. The suspension is soft enough for offroad use but can be firmed up enough for moto use. The electric start would be nice but mine starts great every time. The only thing I don't like about the MXC is the big tank....Like the slim feeling of the EXC and SX.

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2001 KTM 400SX #529
2000 SVCC 125cc H.S. #1
SPONSORS: MA'S CYCLE, SIDI, WD-40, ACERBIS, SMITH, SPROCKET SPECIALISTS, N-STYLE, WER, DEVOL.
 

Strick

LIFETIME SPONSOR
Nov 8, 1999
1,782
2
I like coach's answer, and would add the 300 MXC (the 300 doesn't come in an SX). The KTM rfs are so easy to start you don't need the button, so the 400sx would be a sweet ride. You will need to get used to the powerband.

The 300mxc is pretty close to a combination of the two bikes you have with a few more hp. Linear power like the KDX, but lots of punch when you want it like the CR. And you wouldn't have to get used to the 4-stroke power.

If I could own 2 bikes (wife won't let me) I would add the '02 400sx to my stable. I would not sell the 300 though.

The '02 because of the 48mm front forks. Good LucK

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Strick '99 KTM 300mxc, AMA & BRC member
 

RMDUSTER71

Member
Mar 27, 2001
19
0
You have to ask yourself some questions first off. What type of racing do you want to do? If you want to run enduros or moto-x, this makes all the difference in the world. If you want to run enduros you may be better off with a 250exc, if not you'll have to run open class. If you want to run moto-x and trail then the mxc might be better. The tank size on both machines(exc/mxc) are the same.
No matter which bike you pick I'm sure you'll love it. Good luck and remember ti ride with a smile!

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2000 300EXC
 

KTMster

Member
Mar 27, 2001
268
0
Originally posted by RMDUSTER71:
The tank size on both machines(exc/mxc) are the same.

The tank size on the 400 E/XC & 400 M/XC are not the same. The E/XC fuel tank capacity is 2.1 gallons and has separate shrouds. The M/XC fuel tank capacity is 3.5 gallons and the shrouds are part of the gas tank...they actually hold gas.

I have the 400 M/XC and I love the bike but I traded my tank for an E/XC tank & shrouds.


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'01 KTM M/XC400 (My bike)
'00 Yamaha TTR225 (My old lead sled, but new night rider/camp hopper & pit vehicle)
'00 Honda CR250 (Hubby's bike)
AMA D37

[This message has been edited by KTMster (edited 04-25-2001).]
 

RMDUSTER71

Member
Mar 27, 2001
19
0
KTMster,
In your defense, you are correct about the 400's but all of the 2 strokes exc/mxc share the same tank. If you don't believe me check out the specks on www.holeshot.com.


I have a question for strick. What do you mean buy getting used to the power of a 4 stroke? It sounds like you mean that the four stroke has alot more power than the 2 strokers. I have never heard anybody make such a claim, You may be right but I can't believe it. Nothing beats the brute power of the 2 stroke.

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2000 300EXC
 

DanS

Sponsoring Member
Dec 6, 2000
203
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I don't think he means more power just different power. 2 strokes and 4 strokes make power in different ways. Plus you have the engine breaking on a 4 stroke that is not there on a 2 stroke. Each takes a different riding style. It's a personel prefrence issue. I like both it just depends on what type of riding I'm doing.

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Now thats a BIG piston!!
Go big or go home!!
CR500,XR600,KTM300exc
 

Strick

LIFETIME SPONSOR
Nov 8, 1999
1,782
2
Dan S. - Good Answer, I could not have said it better myself.

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Strick '99 KTM 300mxc, AMA & BRC member
 

yarbonwick

Sponsoring Member
Mar 7, 2000
674
0
Along with that, take a 2 stroke and jump a good 50' double or tabletop with it and close the throttle. Now do the same on the 4 stroke. Did you feel it? The pucker-factor I mean?

Startin' late: I believe that you first should decide which technology you want to ride. Then break that down to the models. In other words, do you want 2 stroke, or 4 stroke. Some will never have the other. After you decided, start with the models. 2 strokes: there's the 125, 200, 250, 300, and 380. 4 strokes: there's the 250, 400, and 520. The differences between these can be just as synonymous as comparing your KDX to your CR.

Now since you already said you're interested in the 400MXC and the 300MXC/EXC (note there is no 300SX) I'm assuming that either technology is cool with you. With either of those model mentioned in this paragraph, distance riding won't be a problem. The major difference between the 300MXC and 300EXC is the abscense of lights on the MXC, and the more close ratio tranny. If that doesn't matter, then I would get the MXC. For the simple reason that if you don't need the extra weight and hassle from the EXC's lights and fenders that takes care of damage control. Note: The EXC rear fenders are just that, fender(s). There are two. Both Extremely expensive to replace. I found out the hard way. The MXC comes with a lighting coil so hooking up lights for those nigthtime riding events won't be a problem.
Now it's just a matter of what you want, 400MXC or 300MXC. Both exceptional bikes.

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Lloyd TMTC #540 - Y2K KTM 250 E/XC
Please sign my Guestbook at My Homepage
"You're fast 'cause the fast guys stayed home!!"
 

Strick

LIFETIME SPONSOR
Nov 8, 1999
1,782
2
Man Yarbo what an answer. What should my next bike be??

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Strick '99 KTM 300mxc, AMA & BRC member
 

RMDUSTER71

Member
Mar 27, 2001
19
0
Yarbonwick,
Great answer, but he must also factor in the possibility of racing. What type of racing is going to play a large roll in what technology he chooses also. If he wants to moto-x, hairscramble, or enduro. Then he has to think about what class he wants to ride in. It would be a shame to spend 6Gs on a 300mxc and have to run in the open class, when he really wanted to run in the 250 class. I know thats not the most important issue but none the less it's an issue that has to be looked at.

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2000 300EXC
 

motojunkie

Member
Apr 25, 2001
88
0
If you're going to do any MX get an MXC or SX the EXC gear ratios are too wide. Also, remember that 4-strokes are less susceptible to altitude & temperature jetting needs. The MXC has the close ratio gears, with EXC soft suspension and e-start. My opinion - if you're fast off-road get a 400 SX. If you need lights - get a 400 MXC (but be prepared to do suspension work). If you aren't breaking land speed records go with the 400 MXC - you still get close ratio for MX, and soft suspension for trails, and it has e-start and a lighting coil. The reason I recommend the 400 over the 300 is that it is eligible for the 250 MX class, as well as the 400 4-stroke class in off-road. Seems to me the best of both worlds. P.S. I have a 520SX, and see no need for E-start! Sorry for the long post.
 

Startin' late

Member
Jul 20, 2000
16
0
Thanks to all. I am not planning on racing motocross and should have added that in the post. My only concern with the 400 MXC, after thinking it over, is the added weight of the tank when full and the electric starter especially since the KTM owners seem to think it kicks much easier than say a WR426. The 520SX I sat on seemed slimmer than the 400MXC secondary to the shrouds versus the tank.

I can't find an SX in the area, unfortunately. I will probably look for a week then buy the 400MXC and swap out for an SX tank. The dealers in the area seem like decent guys but I put more credence in the people who shelled out the cash and bought one. Your comments are much appreciated...
 

yarbonwick

Sponsoring Member
Mar 7, 2000
674
0
The added weight of the electric starter is negligible. You'll still weight less than other thumpers. I'd just like to add that if you plan on swapping out for the SX tank, remember you'll also need shrouds and the SX doesn't come with reserve. I would get a EXC instead for the reserve or swap your reserve from the MXC tank to the SX tank if you can't find an EXC. I would also keep the MXC tank handy, for those lengthy rides. I'm basing all of this on 2 strokes. I'm assuming that thumpers come with reserves also? Acknowlegments?
 

motojunkie

Member
Apr 25, 2001
88
0
My only other reservation about the MXC tank is that it has a lot of potential for damage during the rare crash.:) If it doesn't break, it'll certainly look like crap after a few good falls. If you get an MXC, and don't want the tank, there are usually a bunch of EXC riders willing to trade straight across. Good luck, you're going to be real happy.

P.S. - If you can't find one in your local area, check with H&H KTM in Ga. They have a 400 MXC, and a 520MXC in stock. I bought my bike there, and got it cheaper (including shipping) than I could have here in AZ.
 

clw

Member
Dec 29, 2000
239
0
Hey Motojunkie:

What did it cost to send a KTM from Georgia to Arizona? I always thought that long shipping would kill a deal from far away, but maybe not. Gotta expand my horizons and maybe look at Gas Gas dealers out of state.

Even in state he's 4 hours away, do they charge sales tax if you buy from an out of state dealer? Seems I heard you beat sales tax that way and its 6% on a $6000 bike=$360.
 

motojunkie

Member
Apr 25, 2001
88
0
No sales tax if purchased out-of-state, but some states will charge tax when you transfer the title. Shipping from GA to AZ for a 520SX and a 65SX cost $256.06 for BOTH bikes. I think the dealer gets a special deal from the shipper. Check with Paul at www.shippingmasters.com, he specializes in shipping bikes, and can arrange for the lowest shipping fees for you.
 

ultrachrome

Member
Oct 25, 1999
88
0
CLW:

WA will charge me sales tax ($500!) but the shipping cost for my Gas Gas from GGNA in MS to WA was about $150. Quite a bit cheaper than the "prep" fee a dealer will charge.
 

ultrachrome

Member
Oct 25, 1999
88
0
You have to buy from a dealer. I tried to call GGNA to check the status of my order and they wouldn't give me the time of day even though the bike was paid for and they were shipping it directly to me.
 
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