KTM - What are they like to live with?

[watermellon]

Hi.

Still looking for a road legal trail bike and noticed a few 2002 KTM 400s on TradeMe.

Anybody got any idea what they're like to live with? Quirky? Reliable? Expensive for parts? Also, what do you think I could expect the tank range to be?

Many thanks.

[tommorth]

don't own one of those but genuine ktm parts are often more expensive/hader to get than the jap stuff . that said so far my bike has been very reliable since I rebuilt it bar a fouled plug

probably best to check ktmtalk or ad rider etc

have you looked at drz400s?

[barty5]

Mate had a exc 400 blood horid thing to ride but then i dont like KTMs anyway could go the drz as suggested or a wr450 or 250

[CHOPPA]

They break and the PDS bush wears out fast but they have always been good with warrantys. I have had 5 new KTMs but none in the last 5 years...

[tommorth]

pds bush doesnt wear out if you put a nipple on so you can grease it :-)

[D dub]

Do a search for the 400 exc ( called an xcw in the USA ) you will find a lot of info!
http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showforum=7

[Stylo]

pds bush doesnt wear out if you put a nipple on so you can grease it :-)

Try a KTM 300, I had one a couple of years ago for a few months , then it was stolen. More power than the 400 and lighter too, so............a typical 2 stroke. Won't buy a KTM again , only 'cos they're a bit like Subarus when it comes to the risk of theft ....once bitten twice shy

[barty5]

Be like living with my ex wife bloody costly to maintain and in the end will cost you a shit load to get rid of when your finished with it

[flyingcr250]

more haters......

[barty5]

hahaahahahahahaa
we liked ours so much youll find it here http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=299873251

[Reckless]

more haters......

Yep this thread and the forum has got so tainted now that you actually can't get a reasonable discussion going without the Ktm Haters taking over, quite the reverse of what was before. I suppose its the eb and flow of Kiwibiker! There is heaps of people here that ride and love their Ktm's Watermellon, the odd parts are expensive, but I haven't found it to bad, part of dealing with a manufacturer from way overseas and the suppliers having a captive market. A full piston kit for my Ktm 2smoker was $360 incl all gaskets and bearings not to bad overall. You get hydraulic clutch, braided lines, brembo brakes and all the fruit as well but hey I don't wanna bust up another Ktm beat up so you decide.

Watermellon I'd go other sites if you want a reasonable discussion on the pro's and con's of owning a Ktm. The Ktm owners are to gun shy to post anymore but we know what we like!

Good luck mate!

[CHOPPA]

Im not a KTM hater, the sxf350 would be at the top of my wish list! But stating fact I have blown up every KTM I have owned, snapped clutch plates, faulty water pumps, gearboxes, faulty pistons. 2 pretty much brand new bikes in one day.

All covered by warranty without any issue though so I would still buy a KTM if I was in the market.

Always liked the green bikes too...