Time to move up!

[danjerman]

This summer it's time for me to move up to a KTM. I've heard lots of good things about them, and they just seem like an ideal bike for myself. Problem is I don't know what year to get. I'm looking for a 1996 or newer 250EXC or 300EXC because I hear that these models are best for trails, if not feel free to correct me. I'm willing to spend $3600 at most. I'm going to be selling a KX250 and am looking for a KTM with the same kind of grunt power, so any opinions or reviews of this would be much appreciated. Thanks.

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Schwing!

91' KX250
71' Yamaha HT1(For Sale)

 

[BenjaminPQ]

Go for a 98 or newer. Because you have only $3600 to work with, go for a 99. The 98 is fine but it has some problems with the rear shock and the 99 has the hydraulic clutch. Pre 98 bikes are totally different.

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BenjaminPQ
1979 RM125 (long gone)
1995 CR125 (sold)
1999 KTM 300MXC!!!

 

[jeb]

BenPQ hit it pretty well on the head. I'd go for a 99 on your budget. As far as 250E vs 300E, it's hard to say. Both great choices and I think you'd be happy with either one. The 300EXC, KTM's best selling dirtbike for years BTW, would give you lots of lowend grunt with a nice linear powerband throughout. The 250E is a bit softer down low and you'll find yourself working the gears and clutch a bit more than the 300. The 250E wins the magazine enduro bike shootout year after year after year and I love mine. Both are easy bikes to go fast on and, like most KTMs, the faster you go, the more they like it.

Welcome to the orange world. Let us know what you end up with.

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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

 

[KTMDan]

JEB, I have a 98 380 MXC and I am selling and thinking of getting either a 200 or 300 EXC. Which would you recommend since you have riden a 380 and a 200. How much difference is there?

Thanks

 

[jeb]

The 380 and the 200 are a LOT different from each other. What year bikes are we talking about?

The 200 is a wonderful tight woods bike, especially if you're under 6' or so as it's the smaller frame. Since I'm 6'2", I always feel a bit cramped on the 200, though.

The 200 motor is a rocket. Depending on jetting, it can be quite pipey, though. Once it hits, it feels like a 250. The 6th gear gives it long legs, too.

The 300's I've ridden had a very linear powerband that was a lot of fun. No weak spots, no big hits, etc. For my size, if I was choosing between the 200 and 300, I'd take the 300. Much less vibration than the 380 without the explosive, tiring (although big fun!) power.



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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

 

[danjerman]

How much could I get a 98' 250/300EXC for? Also do the MXC's and EXC's differ much from eachother?

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Schwing!

91' KX250
71' Yamaha HT1(For Sale)

 

[IDkTm]

The EXC's and MXC's aren't that different. The EXC's come with litghts and a wide ratio transmission while the MXC is a close ratio and has lighting coils with no lights. it allows you to really fine tune your bike choice. My 2000 250 exc has been converted to another type as I removed the lights but I still have the wide ratio, so it is like a cross between an EXC and MXC.

 

[DanS]

With a little shopping you should be able to get a '99 300 exc/mxc for $3000-$4000 depending on extras and condition.

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

 

[jeb]

Originally posted by danjerman:
How much could I get a 98' 250/300EXC for?

It depends on the area of the country you're in. Here in MN for some reason bike prices are lower than most areas. I'd expect to pay about $2800 or so for a 98 250E.

I'd really recommend the 99, though. The 98 was the first year for the PDS shock and it had some problems. Plus you get the hyd clutch on all the big bikes in 99.



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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

 

[Josh Cook]

I know a guy in Branson MO. with a 98' KTM 300 who is looking to make somone a great deal.......
He has a 98 GG250ec and a 99 Yam wr400.
has 3 & only needs 2

 

[jeb]

Originally posted by Josh Cook:
I know a guy in Branson MO. with a 98' KTM 300 who is looking to make somone a great deal.......
He has a 98 GG250ec and a 99 Yam wr400.
has 3 & only needs 2

Good point, Josh. And I know that bike has very little use. The owner bought it new.

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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