reasons for not buying ktm, let me have 'em!

[DBragg]

1) Your physical size; 5' 10" 150ish
2) How physical / aggressive; 7 on a 10 scale
3) What do you plan to ride; Nor cal woods/ some desert possible
4) Do you have any riding experience; Yes, dirt and street for about 22 years (started at the ripe old age of 8)
5) Do you think you will race; Nope
6) Are you mechanically inclined and will you be doing your own bike work; Yes I quite enjoy it, and am equipped enough for most jobs.
7) Do YOU have a preference to a brand/ motor choice; Yep, looking at a smoker this time. Leaning towards ktm.
8) Do you have a dealer close by your home that you might use and what brand(s) does he carry; Dealers for all brands are close
9) How much do you plan to spend on a bike; 2-3k
10) Do you live in California; Yep

The meat and potatoes of my question is why shouldn’t I get a 1999-2002 250/300 exc KTM. Is there a more woods ready green sticker smoker out of the box (i.e. stock)? I have been perusing the ktmtalk website and it seems like these machine are a great choice for switching to a woods 2T.

After a sabbatical leave from off-roading im return to this aspect of the sport. Currently im riding a mildly modified dr350 and would like to have a bike that is significantly lighter. I can keep up with my friends on their newer bikes but I find myself working alot harder than I really think I should for the ride. Less work and more fun is the goal. I have no intention of racing, just some reasonable aggressive trails and single track in nor-cal. I have been tempted to go to moon rocks, outside of reno, but havent made it yet.

My previous experience with 2strokes is limited. I had a few injected yammie’s when I was a kid, all of my other off-road bikes have been of the 4 stroke variety.

Any and all input is appreciated. If I left anything out feel free to roast. :nener: thanks in advance. :ride:

 

[Okiewan]

Because it's orange?

 

[DougRoost]

Because one of your riding buddies may say he rode one once and it felt weird to him? In general get as new a KTM as you can afford, since they made incremental improvements to the rear shock each year. Since you listed '99-'02 models, I will say that the '99 300 had the best fork ever to that point (50mm conventional), and the first few years of upside down forks were considered a step backwards. They then bumped them from 43mm to 48mm and they were better. I've had my shock rebuilt to later specs, an easy enough thing to have done when you have the shock serviced, and it made a big difference.

I love my '99 and have ridden each model as they've come out. Not until the 2007 did I see enough improvement for me (I don't race, either) to upgrade. But the 2007 models are so improved across the board (20lbs lighter, excellent suspension, new motors, etc.) that I'll soon be in the market for a new 300 XC-W (if I can find one!).

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Have you considered a GasGas? I'm not sure if they're green sticker, but if they are, I'd highly recommend one. Then you can really ride something different.

 

[2 strokes for life]

The parts cost more and some say they handle weired but other then that it is all positive.

 

[Chili]

The 07 Number Plates would be enough for me :laugh:

 

[evenslower]

The parts cost more

Not in every case, some parts are more, some are less. Just like the Jap bikes. Parts cost or availability shouldn't be an issue that deters you.

I'd say go as new as you can with the budget you have. The 99 bike is fine though if you find a clean one, great forks. I had one for a while, jetting is the key to get the 300 to run the way you want. A simple needle change is very noticeable. Mine had an FMF Fatty pipe and TC silencer which made it feel like a 5hunny when power valve snapped open. Up to that point though it was a tractor.

 

[kawicam250]

The 07 Number Plates would be enough for me :laugh:

they do look cool, but they expose the exhaust/silencer to much more damage.

 

[Matt 193]

The 07 Number Plates would be enough for me :laugh:

I love the KTM I love their off-road and mini models I don't like the SX's and yes the # plates look like crap. If you ride more off-road with the occasional moto a mxc or exc would be fun. With more Mx a MXC is great with knarly trails the EXC is best.

 

[RocketRaccoon]

Go for it. Unless Honda starts making 2-strokes again, I will be getting a KTM in the future.

 

[Yamadad]

The only real reason to not buy it would be part availibility. In some areas there are no KTM dealers within any reasonable driving distance.

 

[DBragg]

Thanks for the replies :)

Ive come to terms with the color and styling. They aren’t terrible, but not my first choice either. However, there is a whole lot more to a bike than the color. :ohmy:

I dont think parts are going to be much of a challenge, as I make most of my costly parts purchases online. The little tidbits I can pick up at the dealer.

The gasgas bike would probably be great, im just not into going that exotic yet.

And so the hunt begins. Now I have to find the right one :ride:

 

[snb73]

None, they are a quality hand built machine.

 

[apb]

Off topic, but DBragg, I see your in good ol' chico -- I do most of my riding in the hills above there. Let me know if your ever up for a ride, I get up there every once every few weeks usually.

 

[DougRoost]

The parts thing just makes me chuckle. When I owned a green bike, I spent stupid money every month at the local dealer. And the local dealer never had parts in stock, so I had go down there, order them, then come back in a week when they came in. And the components were not very impressive in quality.

In stark contrast, I bought my KTM used and as an engineer have to say the component quality is amazing. I rarely need anything (only if I break it off). As a proof point, a friend gave me a $50 gift certificate to our local KTM shop for my birthday 3 years ago. I finally used it up when I had to replace my chain roller last month....noticed it missing when doing an oil change...guess the nut came loose!

 

[uts]

Here's a reason. Jap bikes are better because Japanese are the best engineers on the planet!!

 

[Patman]

Here's a reason. Jap bikes are better because Japanese are the best engineers on the planet!!

Only the Honda engineers.

 

[Rhein]

The only real reason to not buy it would be part availibility. In some areas there are no KTM dealers within any reasonable driving distance.

There are at least 3 good parts dealers on the net (you use this forum which is on the net) for KTM. I am talking OEM parts. Great prices too.

That excuse doesn't hold at all. Like most other excuses people have for not getting a KTM.

Here's a reason. Jap bikes are better because Japanese are the best engineers on the planet!!

Yeah I just love a boring souless car with no usable power till 7,000RPM and no torque for my daily commute, NOT. Your opinion has little facts to back it up.

P.S. One of my good friends is Japanese, IMO they are the best with electrical gadgets, they are provably ahead in that area.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

There are at least 3 good parts dealers on the net (you use this forum which is on the net) for KTM. I am talking OEM parts. Great prices too.

That excuse doesn't hold at all. Like most other excuses people have for not getting a KTM.



Yeah I just love a boring souless car with no usable power till 7,000RPM and no torque for my daily commute, NOT. Your opinion has little facts to back it up.

P.S. One of my good friends is Japanese, IMO they are the best with electrical gadgets, they are provably ahead in that area.

Actually, there are a lot of facts that back up engineering. I'm in 4th year MecE in Canada, let's just say that Japanese engineers are known around the world as having the best design approach around. Communication is their key.

 

[username976431]

there is actually no reason not to buy a ktm they are awsome dependable bikes.

MOD EDIT: Attempted For Sale portion of the reply removed.