Upgrade from KDX, thinking about KTM...

[wanaride]

I've been riding my KDX200 for a little over 2 years and I'm thinking about my next bike. I'm okay with its power, but after riding a YZ250F, I realize that I can have more confidence with other bikes. I guess the suspension is a big part of that.

I've noticed that most of the "serious" woods guys ride KTM, and I know their bikes have all of the good aftermarket parts on them on the showroom floor.

I ride about 50/50 track/trail. I love the 4T powerband but I'm a little leary of valve maintenance; taking the gas tank/seat/cylinder head off on a regular basis to check valves seems a little much (am I off here?). I will probably get a 2T for my next bike unless someone convinces me to the contrary. (Might not take much, that YZ250F was SWEET.)

Questions:
- am I really mistaken in the "how much maintenance will a 4T take" department (I'm not meaning to start a 2T vs 4T war here, but I've never worked on a 4T and I don't want to get in over my head.) I've heard that KTMs were designed to be worked on.
- which KTM 2T should I lean towards? I like the 2T "hit", but it needs to be manageable in the woods and I'm not interested in a "light switch" throttle. (I'm 6'2", 220lbs w/o gear.)
- I've heard that vibration on a KTM is pretty bad by KDX standards...true or false?
- or all things considered, does anyone recommend I try a KTM 4T? I've heard wonderful things about the 400EXC (XC now I guess).

Thanks! :)

 

[dirt bike dave]

All of the newer KTM models have their devoted fans. They are very impressive motorcycles and extremely capable. The 200 has a huge performance advantage over your KDX, and is lighter and more nimble than the bigger bikes. The 300 has a sensational motor that can be tuned to deliver the power smoothly or with more hit. The 250 is a very happy medium between the 200 and 300. At your size, most riders would be looking at the 250 or 300 over the 200.

My personal preference is the 250, but I could not fault anyone for choosing one of the other models - they really are that good. Hopefully you will have a chance to ride before you buy. I know people who have and love the 400, but I have not ridden one yet.

I'm a two stroke kind of guy, and if I could only have one, I'd pick the 250 two stroke.

 

[billtx]

I rode the 250 and 200 XC models recently (both 2 st). The 250 had much better low end, at 220lbs you would like it better. They are both fine in the woods.

One thing about the KTM 4 stroke models for off road, they come with stainless valves which need less adjustment than the titanium valves.

 

[john hubbard]

I was a former 02 (modified) KDX 200 owner. KDX...great bike, bullet proof, great for getting back into the "riding hame," especially after a 22 year layoff. BUT, after riding one for about a year and half, I was looking for something more...I bought a pristine 98 300 MXC (revalved fr/rr susp, applied triple clamps, new brakes etc..), in Jan 04, and didn't really get to ride it until I was home on military leave for a few days....Amazing, simply amazing...The first time I rode I knew there was no going back to the KDX. The bike actually made me a better rider. Ruts, stream beds, rocks, straight aways, it did it all...Things that would almost launch me over the handlebars on the KDX were like butter for the KTM...I knew the owner, and it hadn't been ridden much over the previous 6 years. However, very recently, I rebuilt the topend, replaced the reeds, bought a new filter, replaced the cables, flushed radiator etc... and I couldn't believe there was even more power! Chug it over rocks like a trials bike or rip it like a desert racer -- it doesn't matter...It's like old Ragu Pasta sauce commercial --"it's all in there."

It took awhile a little getting use to the fact that you don't have to ring it out like a 200...the 300 is all about throttle control, and a slip of the clutch when a higher gear...I let the engine work for me...Sure there was vibration initally, but I don't even notice it anymore...It's a 300, ya' know? I would expect it to breathe and roar a little bit more than KDX and so I wasn't hung up over that.

Parts? No problems at all, and in most cases, it was kind of easier finding parts for it than my KDX.

Don't get me wrong the KDX was a great bike, and I really struggled with letting it go...But after really riding the KTM, my decision was clear...The KDXwas sold several weeks later and there was no going back. So maybe that's what you could do, buy the KTM and hold onto the KDX for a little while, just in case the KTM doesn't work for you...2t or God forbid, 4t, I really think you could go wrong with a KTM.

 

[sloopy]

i own a 450 exc and love it. the valve maintance does kind of suck and having to change two oil filters and and cleaning two oil screens gets old. but every time i ride it i am super happy with the performance.

if you want to stick with the 2smoke. if you are a smaller guy and ride tight woods i would say the 200xc if you ride wider open trails the 300xc.

one thing i noticed when you buy a new bike make sure you buy it from a dealer that has good support, and will set it up right for you and your riding style.

 

[Yamadad]

I'll second sloopy. I have the 400SX and its a good bike, but is rather maintenance heavy. Either the 250 or 300 would prolly suit your build better.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

I'd recommend a KTM300XC or GasGas DE300. If you plan to moto more, look at the KTM. For hardcore trails, GasGas seems to have an edge on the KTM. Either way, I don't think you could make a bad choice.

 

[2-stroke diehard]

Considering your needs and also your considerable WEIGHT, get the KTM 300. I like the old 300 EXC trim (with headlight) available in '04 at least, apparently now they have only the 300XC without headlight, KTM is always changing the lineup! KTM owns the woods. I seriously considered the KDX since it was light, cheap and loved by many, but ultimately, I'm a power junky and feel I might outgrow it.

 

[Fred T]

KTM 300's are difficult to find, they have a cult following. The 250 XCW is a really nice bike. I had a KDX 220 and bought a KTM 250 EXC in 2003 and I'm now on my 3rd 250. I plan to get a 2007 250 XCW.

 

[Sherby24501]

I have a KDX220 - I am in the same position as you I am considering a 200XC or a 06 YZ250, both have great reviews in Dirt Rider for woods / mixed use.

My buddie has a 99 300EXC for sale - nice bike suits him well (5'11" - 220 lbs).

Good luck

 

[wanaride]

FredT, you hit the nail on the head. New 300s are almost impossible to find in NC. I did contact a dealer with a new 250 XCW still in the box that I could get OTD for $7300, but man, that sounds like a lot of money! And I'm not sure if I want to replace the KDX with a better woods bike, or keep it and get an MX bike...

 

[Wolf]

I bought the 250 because I couldn't get the 300, and I am very greatful for that. My riding buddy has been on 300's for years, and I am always glad to get back on my 250 after palying on his 300.
I really like the 250 and will get another one next year.

 

[dez nut]

Sherby,
I own a 2001 KTM 300 MXC and an 05 YZ 250. I love both bikes but I wouldn't consider the YZ for serious woods work. It hits hard and rips in the open terrain but would be too "abrupt" in the woods. I suppose you could add a flywheel weight to slow the motor down a bit, but the suspension will be too stiff for woods work also. Why mess around with all the mods to make the YZ work when the KTM is great for the woods right out of the box? I'm sure the KTM 200 would be even better considering the light weight. The KTM also works pretty well on MX tracks but not as well as the YZ.
Deznut

 

[Zerotact]

I recently sold my '03 KDX 220, it had all the fredette motor mods, and Mx-tech suspension...
It would undoubtably hold it's own. But a recent " demo day " allowed me to ride all the ktm's..
The 200 XC was just plain fun to ride. It was very nimble and felt light. The 400 felt real nice also, but did start to feel a tad heavy at slow speeds weaving through trees. I'm sure going faster would take care of that , but I'm taking a new '06 200 XC-W. I got to ride all the offroad bikes ( no SX's ) KTM has to offer and feel that the 200 is going to suit me best.

 

[gnarlykaw]

I came off a 220R just two years ago, and went with the 450EXC. yes, it will make you a better rider, it feels much more nimble than the 220. Maint. is not that hard. the screens can be done just once a year. I have 2 k on mine, and the screens NEVER show anything in them, just aftert eh break in, was their anything in them. the two filter are not bad either. Valve adjustment should be checked about every 20 hours?? well, at least thatsa what I do. takes about an hour to do.
The 4 strokes are much more predictable on power, no waitring for a "hit" just roll it on, and go. much more managable in the woods. the main factor for me when I switched was no more clutch work! I too am 220 plus pounds, and having all thast low end power meant mo more clutch work.
Find someone with a 4t that will let you try it. I'm sure you will be pleased.

 

[Mc.85]

ok so I am maybe a little late replying, but...uh one what did u go for if you did? and two I am the very happy proud owner of a 06 250xc-w!
It is an amazing bike with loads of low end grunt. Feels kinda mellow,(I am comming off of a Gorr kx265), but the low end is cray-z.I mean it is really smooth, but I was riding over a hill and lofted the front wheel just a little..my weight was more towards the front of the bike, and I was barely on the throttle(bike sounding like it was gonna die), and it just held the wheel up no prob. I was truely amazed. It felt more like a 4stroke than my old 4stroke. Personaly I wish the xc-w felt a little more agressive than it does, but it is a great bike over all.I rode a 300 a few years ago and was amazed. Might be a little much in tight woods, not cause of massive hit, just because it seems u are going way faster than u realize when it comes time to stop, It is super smooth.

Anywayz my two cents....anything KTM is ROCKIN.....I love my 250, will probaly send it off to eric eventually, cause I do miss some of the added boost of my 265, but the ktm is in now way slow, just....smoother I guess.

Lates and good luck.

 

[DBR#1]

I have to recommend the 300exc for you. I'm about the same size and love the motor. Very predictable. Four strokes are OK, but you can't beat a 2 stroke in the tight stuff. Plus, have you seen the price tag to overhaul a thumper? Pretty ugly! Also, they are too loud. A four stroke at 92db is a turd compared to a 2 stroke.

 

[Bruce]

Well, you may have purchased already, but in case you haven't, this year I went from a heavily modded KDX 250 to an 05 EXC 300. I too weigh 220 and believe me, I love the 300. I like snap in the throttle personally, but if you don't, it's easy to change the powervalve springs that come with the bike.

The old 250 was kind of heavy, the difference in weight was immediate to me. I don't do much track riding, but I'm often into gnarly woods, and the bike will lug or scream... doesn't matter. I'm glad I made this choice (big investment, they cost lots up here in Canada, but glad I did).

 

[dirt bike dave]

After putting on about 15 miles of single track on Angry Jim's '05 250 e/xc at Clear Creek last weekend, I gotta vote again for the 250. It is the best stock bike I've ever ridden. Great bike.