Where's all the KTM?

[gardner154]

After buying a KTM it dawned on me that there is hardly any KTM's in the AMA! Whats the deal? Are they just outclassed by Honda/Kawasaki/Yamaha/Suzuki or is it just that no one has stepped up to race one... I know the SXF250 is a top competitor in the 250 class, but whats the deal with the 450 class?

 

[SpeedyManiac]

While KTM makes excellent woods bikes, their premier class motocross bike isn't quite as good as the competition.

 

[scottyr]

The 450SX isnt up to the same level that the CRF,YZF and RMZ450s are.

Looks like the 07 450SXF may try to change this though.

 

[Masterphil]

Go to an enduro, you'll find 'em!

 

[gardner154]

Oh I already know their enduros are excellent bikes, Hopefully they get working on their supercross bikes, I'd really enjoy watching them compete against the other big companys.

 

[hndarida4life]

go to an enduro or hare scramble their everywhere

 

[holeshot]

KTM can't afford to throw around cash for the likes of a Carmichael or Stewart. All they could afford was an Alessi...

 

[Masterphil]

KTM has made it clear that they wish only to maintain a presence in MX/SX racing, but plan to dominate 80% of off-road riding/racing within the next 5 years. They already own the 50/65 classes in MX. They have the new 250f this year, and are unleashing a totally new 450f for next year. But, off-road is where they truely shine. The other big-bike manufacturers are still shoving old technology down off-roaders throats while KTM has more off road bikes than all the other companies combined. It's quite clear where their priorities stand. KTM is the king of niche marketing and bike manufacturing, and they know it. It will be tough for anyone to reverse what they have already done to the off-road market.

 

[HiG4s]

KTM can't afford to throw around cash for the likes of a Carmichael or Stewart. All they could afford was an Alessi...

Or into the machines.. a KTM 450sx out of the show room is as close to being the same as RCs bike as any Suzuki RM450. Neither one is close to what RC rides with out about $30k in mods.

 

[Masterphil]

But the KTM's are closer to the factory bikes than Jap bikes are to their factory counterparts.

 

[HiG4s]

KTM can't afford to throw around cash for the likes of a Carmichael or Stewart. All they could afford was an Alessi...

Or into the machines.. a KTM 450sx out of the show room is as close to being the same as RCs bike as any Suzuki RM450 out of a show room. Neither one is close to what RC rides with out about $30k in mods.

 

[Masterphil]

KTM can't afford to throw around cash for the likes of a Carmichael or Stewart. All they could afford was an Alessi...

Don't forget Langston (not current), MC (not current) and Nate Dog.

 

[gardner154]

Yeah that was my dream, to race for KTM, but if they really don't want to concentrate on SX then forget that.

 

[Zerotact]

Some people are not find of the linkless suspension for MX..
But all in all, KTM just doesn't have winning pro riders in MX, and that's what makes a bike popular..