KX or SX 65?

[Skitspuce]

Planning on getting the man-child a 65, and am torn between the Kawasaki and KTM. I'm really of the opinion that the KTM is the better bike, but is it THAT much better? Keep in mind that I really have no idea what I'm talking about. He'll be using it for trail riding and such with me for a year, and then he wants to try his hand at racing. I have a KTM (and Kaw) dealer within 10 min of my house, so parts and stuff isn't a concern. Price, however may be. I'll be buying used, are they similar in price range for a recent bike? I've seen '01 and '02 KX's for $1500-1800, but haven't seen an ad for a KTM yet. Thanks for any help.

 

[agitt73]

ktm much better power wise

 

[dog2]

It depends on how you are using the bike and level of the rider. For trail riding, off-road, and up to intermediate MX racing, I would favor the KX. Lower price, smoother power delivery, and more reliable from the research I have done. If the kids is large (i.e. getting almost ready for an 85) or an expert level mx racer I think the KTM gets the edge. The KTM has more power and better suspension for big jumps and a heavier rider. If you are looking at a used KX65, I would get the 2002 or newer. They made some changes to the head design and porting that are supposedly significant from the 2002 over the previous models. My 12 year old son rides the KX65 and does very well trail riding and off-road racing. He has won the 65B class in a WORCS national as well. I also recommend the FMF pipe/ spark arrestor silencer combo to make it legal in national forests and smoother power delivery for trail use.

 

[agitt73]

works east or west

 

[ktmdad]

The KTM has better low to mid power delivery over the KX, which makes it actually easier to learn and ride. Don't get anything older than an '02 or either model. The KTM is better suited to the taller rider and better stock suspension. More room between the pegs/seat and handle bars. Hydraulic clutch is also a big plus. Best bet is to see if he can ride both bikes and let him decide which he likes best.

 

[joereitman]

We like our 02 KTM. KTMdad is correct on the above.

 

[agitt73]

the 99,s are more of a top end bike

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

We've had both and Tigger prefers the KX. She went from a KTM 50 to the KTM SX65, this is the one she learned to clutch and shift on, it was a 99. Her being rather "short" for her age, the KTM was akward for her. We sold it and went with a KX60 for another year before her next 65. When that time came we had a time deciding between the KX & SX 65, she wanted both. I think she wanted the KTM moreso for the reason that her old man rides KTM but after test riding each it was hands down KX65 for her. She said it just felt better to her and "sorry Dad, I want the Kawasaki." :laugh:

Which ever you pick, I recommend 2002 or newer on either.

 

[LaRider20]

My son wanted an RM 65 (disguised KX) so I bought him a new 03' model. He's had it for 14 months now, and I've done nothing to it except change the oil, clean the air filter, and keep fresh grease in the bearings. He's rode it in the woods, and raced it sucessfully. It's been a great bike, and I'll be checking the compression some time this week for a possible top end change.

We didn't consider the KTM.

LaRider20

 

[Red Rider 53]

I would go with the Katoom. More power, and overall a better bike in my opinion.

 

[joereitman]

White Power shock, upside down forks, 17 hp with DEP pipe and silencer, heavy duty frame, good low end power, can pick SX's up for 16-1800 used and modded, what's not to like? :)

 

[Skitspuce]

I think its going to boil down to what the best deal is when I get the money saved up. If I find one going for cheap, thats the one for me no matter who makes it! Thanks for all your help peeps, I really needed it

 

[Rcannon]

As a small side note, I spent last weekend doing a top end job on a friends KX 65. This bike has had the beejesus ridden out of it. We replaced the top end out of guilt!

After taking all that two 11 year olds could throw at it, the piston looked brand new! I was shocked to see how well this machine held up.

I think the KTM might be better overall, but I would go for the KX. The fact that you can get parts from Kawasaki or Suzuki would seal the deal, for me.