Ktm 2 Stroke Exc Range

[dammad1]

I am thinking of upgrading early next year to a KTM 2 stroke exc, i'm not to sure which one yet (200, 250 or 300), I cant afford a new one so I will probably look for one that is a couple of years old.

Does anyone no of any issues with these bikes? Or if you have any info at all I would appreciate it.

p.s I really love my KDX, bullet proof reliability, low maintenance, plenty of power, can easily hook a gear or two higher than you should and it has no problems just keeps pulling and never fouls up, do these KTM's have similar traits?

[cheese]

KTMS are some dam fine machines, you are going from a toyota to a rolls though, you'll find that you just have nicer componentry in the suspension and a bike that actually has had some development in since 1995.

Only bad things I've heard is thta they are not the chepest for bits, and the steering angle is quite sharp so woodhill for example is a bit tricker in teh sand.

There is a nice EXC 200 at colans for 6k I think 2003 from memory. moto minder adn teh rest of it.

[dammad1]

Yeah I have heard that, but dont some of the newer models come with an adjustable offset?

[Danger]

The SX range comes with adjustable triple clamps, not the EXC's. The stock triple clamps are 20mm. Myself, I fitted 17mm offset clamps to my 200EXC and lowered the forks in the clamps and moved the wheel right back in the swingarm (fitted a longer chain). The reduced offset moves the tyres contact patch on the ground and improves front tyre grip. Once these mods are done and some work is done to the suspension a more stable bike would be hard to find. I believe the 200 is the pick of the bunch but each to their own. As for parts I don't really think there is much difference between them and my Suzuki for what I have had to spend money on which isn't that much really on either.

[clint640]

Mates of mine have got an '01 (I think) 300 & a '03 200. I've had a quick spin on the 300 & a good go on the 200. I've also had a good spin on an 04 KDX200.

The 200EXC is very similar to the KDX, but better, nicer suspension, more power but still really tractable & easy to ride like the KDX, better quality stronger components with more of a racebike feel. If I wanted a trailride/enduro bike I would own one.

The 250 & 300EXC's both have the same next-size-up frame & are bigger than the 200. The 300 also makes real nice usable power from next to no revs but the top end just keeps on coming - stacks of grunt. Mike's had the stock adjustable power valve that could be changed from mild to wild with the turn of a screw.

Haven't ridden a 250EXC but my bro's 02 250SX also makes pretty usable power in the bush (the stock SX suspension beats you up though) so I would say the 250EXC could only be better.

In my experience KTM parts are no more expensive & often a lot cheaper than parts for the jap brands & the 3 KTM smokers mentioned above have all been good reliable bikes.

Cheers
Clint

[F5 Dave]

I've ridden a early 2000s, say 02 KTM 200 & I really quite liked it, pulled good wheelies, not that that's a good measure of a dirtbike, just an observation. I would buy one if I hadn't ridden my bike. I swapped a ride with this guy & he rode my GasGas 200. He loved it, kept on about how the power was so tractable.

He's right, the GasGas is an easier bike to ride, at least in 200cc version. Suspension is better too, well after a Fork revalve, but the KTM needs that too as same forks on my 02 GG as KTM. I came from a KDX but one ride on the GG & it was find some money. They are pretty cheap now. As to what size to get, with the GGs the 300 is lazy but can bite, the 200 you can dominate the power, the 250 is fun but more expert snap. I think the 200 is the ideal size esp if you're not real fit & top rider.

[chris]

I really love my KDX, bullet proof reliability, low maintenance, plenty of power, can easily hook a gear or two higher than you should and it has no problems just keeps pulling and never fouls up
Says it all really. Ask yourself how much your riding will improve by moving to the KTM. It ain't the bike that's fast through the forest.

[F5 Dave]

Sounds like you are trying to talk yourself out of a job.
Next issue:
OK all bikes are pretty good, buy the nearest one & spend all your money on rider training.

Can I have a refund on my subscription?:innocent:

[chris]

Sounds like you are trying to talk yourself out of a job.
Next issue:
OK all bikes are pretty good, buy the nearest one & spend all your money on rider training.

Can I have a refund on my subscription?:innocent:
Luckily, a lot of buyers think a faster, more expensive bike makes 'em quicker in the forest. There are so many riders out there on 300cc two strokes and450 four strokes (and bigger) that would be quicker on a 200 or 250. You know the ones, sit next to their bikes for hours on end and rark up and down the parking areas at trail rides.... ;) I spent Sunday on the '07 250 ECX-F and had the time of my life. The 450 would have tried to wrench my arms from sockets at every opportunity.

Mr Dammad1 has given himself enough reasons to keep the KDX.

Oh, and we don't do refunds so you'll just have to keep on reading NZ's best bike mag.

[F5 Dave]

I def agree, well on some points. . .

I know I’m better off on a 200 than a 250 or 300, -though must ride a 300, they are supposed to be fun. Same as my Trials bike, I also have a GasGas TXT200 & it is easier to ride than a friend’s TXT280 of newer vintage.
The 200 is actually only a 160 with 200 badges, takes a while to get the ego over that one, but you wouldn’t know it to ride it.

When I upgraded the Trials bike from an old aircooled Beta to the GG it was a lot more money & how much diff can it make for Trials? - The answer is a lot! I never regretted spending the extra money. Hence when I saw a GG Enduro bike I asked for a go from a friend & was sold. Never regretted it. I really do have more fun on it. Am I better on it than the KDX, I feel yes, but I’d probably be better off on a WR250 in bad conditions. Don’t care, they bore me & I ride for fun.

But on the control side I’m not rushing out to update it. Mind you I did ride a new Beta Trials bike & it is better than my '00 GG Trials. Nah, some restraint is required if I want a new roadbike.

Damn, now I’m getting an itchy throttle hand, looking for some more ride dates down here. Not much on, boo.

[dammad1]

Says it all really. Ask yourself how much your riding will improve by moving to the KTM. It ain't the bike that's fast through the forest.

You are absouletly right and I totally agree, its all about the rider. But, I ride with alot of guys who have 250 2 stroke mxers who have been trail riding for many years and I am starting to deal to these guys even on my kdx, but i find its alot of work and I have to push extremely hard, I think if I get a more sophisticated piece of machinery my riding may step up to another level?

I guess I really need to ride some of these bikes to really see if they are that much better.

i hear there may be some cheap KTM's for sale after the ISDE.

[chris]

You are absouletly right and I totally agree, its all about the rider. But, I ride with alot of guys who have 250 2 stroke mxers who have been trail riding for many years and I am starting to deal to these guys even on my kdx, but i find its alot of work and I have to push extremely hard, I think if I get a more sophisticated piece of machinery my riding may step up to another level?

I guess I really need to ride some of these bikes to really see if they are that much better.

i hear there may be some cheap KTM's for sale after the ISDE.

OK, GasGas EC250. This one is in excellent condition and the bike and owner are known to KR. You should be able to talk him down...
http://www.bikemart.co.nz/modules/catads/adsitem.php?ads_id=1788

[telliman]

Luckily, a lot of buyers think a faster, more expensive bike makes 'em quicker in the forest. There are so many riders out there on 300cc two strokes and450 four strokes (and bigger) that would be quicker on a 200 or 250. You know the ones, sit next to their bikes for hours on end and rark up and down the parking areas at trail rides.... ;) I spent Sunday on the '07 250 ECX-F and had the time of my life. The 450 would have tried to wrench my arms from sockets at every opportunity.

Mr Dammad1 has given himself enough reasons to keep the KDX.

Oh, and we don't do refunds so you'll just have to keep on reading NZ's best bike mag.

yea dude, those kdx;s are performance plus arnt they!:scooter:

[dammad1]

OK, GasGas EC250. This one is in excellent condition and the bike and owner are known to KR. You should be able to talk him down...
http://www.bikemart.co.nz/modules/catads/adsitem.php?ads_id=1788

Looks nice, but whats it like trying to get parts for these? are there any local dealers?

[F5 Dave]

Piece of pees. Not sure of Auckers, but I get all my stuff from Dirt Action in chch as they are good guys, bear in mind I'm wgtnian. Airfilters, brake pads etc are all CR250 'onda.

[Wellyman]

here is the list...




gas gas cross over list: from www.gasgasriders.org


Brakes with Brembo Brakes:
KTM

Brakes ‘00 to Current Nissin:
Honda CR Brake Pads ‘87-’01

Brake Pedal:
KX with Modification

Rear Sprocket:
Late model Husky

Kickstarter: Yamaha YZ -
part number 5NX-15620-00

Front Wheel Bearings:
Standard Bearing Part #s 6004 2rs (quantity 2)

Seat Foam:
KX - trim some off bottom

Front Fender:
‘02-current - YZ
‘97-01 - KX

Rear Fender:
‘94-’98 KX

Subframe:
‘94-’98 KX

Pistons:
200cc - polaris snowmobile -> wiseco #2365M06250
vertex - TM250

Radiator Louvers:
KTM

Footpegs:
‘98-current YZ

Fork Guards:
‘90-current Honda CR

Upper Pipe Mount:
Kawasaki Part #92160-1201
Honda Part#18355-KS6-000 (‘96 CR250R)

Air Filters:
‘92-’96 Honda CR250R
‘90-’97 KTM 250/300/360
‘94-’96 Kawasaki KX
‘00-’01 Honda CR250R

Radiators:
KTM

Radiator Cap:
KTM - slightly higher pressure than stock lessens boil-over

Exhaust Flange O-rings:
Late Model CR250R

Connecting Rod:
Honda CR250R




WM

[dammad1]

are these parts that will fit or are they the actual parts that GAS GAS have used? It sounds like they haven't made anything themselves?

[notch]

I have a '98 300exe. I've had to de-tune it, as it had too much power for me. After a bit of tweaking, now it's great to ride. It's much easier to detune a 300 than try and get more power out of a smaller capacity bike... The 300's also regularly do 90+ hours on a piston and rings as they dont get such a hard time as the smaller bikes, this may be a element if you don't like spending $$$ on maintenance.
I have found the KTM parts to be top quality - even for my aging '98...

[dammad1]

Yeah I think i'm going to go with the 300, theres a mint one on trade me, but I really need to sell my bike first.