Want a KTM trail bike, but which one???

[Big Bad Voodoo]

I have just recently started checking out the KTM models and decided I want to get a KTM 4-stroke trail bike, prob a EXC. I am a smaller guy weight only 120lbs. 5ft 7 so I am wondering how friendly these bikes can be towards lighter not so tall riders. I am used to riding 2-stroke 250's and I want something with more power, pretty much a step up. ADVICE????

 

[Tony Eeds]

I have just recently started checking out the KTM models and decided I want to get a KTM 4-stroke trail bike, prob a EXC. I am a smaller guy weight only 120lbs. 5ft 7 so I am wondering how friendly these bikes can be towards lighter not so tall riders. I am used to riding 2-stroke 250's and I want something with more power, pretty much a step up. ADVICE????

As the owner of both a 400MXC and a 200MXC, I have come to prefer the 200 in the woods and find the 400 likes open spaces. I am 5'10" / 160# so I am a bit bigger, but not by much. Both of my bikes are a bit tall for me and I am toying with lowering them about 2 inches. I have heard that most people feel the 250F is underpowered, but the 400 is great. KTM actually returned the bike to production this year after a break of a year or so with the introductionof the 450.

I would plan on coming to DirtWeek as all the KTM models are going to be there for test rides. :ride:

 

[Big Bad Voodoo]

KTM bikes will be there for test riding? Awesome, think ill do some research on the 200 right now.

 

[Chriscorv5]

Tony when is this "Dirt Week" i have wanted to try a 300 and a 525exc for so long. O and big bad voodoo you said your use to riding 250s but your such a light guy what do you think of the idea of ktm 250exc with a ht racing 351 kit on it?

 

[ScottS]

what about a 300 ? are you going to a 4 stroke because they are bigger than your 250 ?

Big 2 strokes = Big Fun !

 

[Chriscorv5]

yeah i guess i never thought of a 2 stroke for voodoo because he said he was looking for a 4.

 

[bcoutdoor]

I ride a KDX 220 in the woods. My dealer let me take a KTM 450 EXC for the weekend, put over 120 miles on it ! Awesome bike.

 

[Big Bad Voodoo]

I have been very interested in the 300 2-stroke, i'd love to try that baby out and I also like the 450 EXC. Met up with some guy on the trails who had the 450 EXC and he said he's only 150lbs. and loves it. The 525 EXC seems to be the ultimate trail bike but all the internet reviews make it sound like you have to be a 200lb 6ft. lumber jack to ride one. Any experience you guys can tell me on these 3 bikes would be fantastic. I am basically looking for lots of torque which will power me up any hill.

 

[KTA]

I'm going from a kx250 to a 300EXC. I'm picking it up in one week!!! I'll give a full review after a couple rides.

 

[Chriscorv5]

well if you want power get the 525 its much easyer to lug around than the 450.

 

[Big Bad Voodoo]

I look forward to your 300 report, I am going to the KTM dealer on sat to check out all 3 bikes, see for myself. Can't wait

 

[Chriscorv5]

tell us your thoughts!

 

[Big Bad Voodoo]

Went trail riding sat and went to a KTM dealer. Basically the 300 2-stroke and the 525 EXC were the bikes I was busy checking out. The 450 seemed like a very stable bike but surprisingly I felt the most comfortable on the 525. So to sum it up I think its between the KTM 525 EXC and the Honda CRF450 for me.

 

[Layton]

Where are you located Voodoo? The 525 will be a handfull if you ride in tight woods but great in open spaces.

 

[Big Bad Voodoo]

I am on the east coast new hampshire, the trails I rode on sat were just all straight shots that were pretty wide and open with a sand pit about half way. Then there is one other trail I go on in a different area of NH that's pretty much hills and tight trails.