Euro models reliability

**Coldkiwi** · 14th April 2005, 17:27

Guys,

Just wanting some thoughts (preferably based on experience, not just bias) on the reliability and parts costs of any of the following makes:

KTM
Husqvarna
Husaberg

I'm thinking of buying one of these types (in supermotard trim) but the parts costs and reliability issues are weighing on my mind a little so any voices of experience would be most appreciated.

**White trash** · 14th April 2005, 17:32

Shit
Poos and
Crapola.

Get a Jappa son.

Suzuki's got the DRZ400SM here soon, trick as fuck. I'll see ya right on the price.

**Mr Skid** · 14th April 2005, 18:32

If you can hold off, I'd suggest waiting until the DRZ400SM arrives, and see what you think of that. Otherwise of the euro's I'd look towards the KTM, as there is more non-OEM bits for them i.e. plastics, exhaust, and other stuff.

Most of the go-fast bits I've available online have been for the DRZ400, 640LC4, and XR650R.

If you're looking for a do it all, go everywhere bike like you've been using the GSXR I'd look towards the KTM 640 LC4 SM as it appears more versatile, but if you want a more focused bike I'd seriously look at the Suzuki. Apparently it's a Yoshimura designed mill, which gives it a certain wank factor, and I understand you can change cams for the enduro spec engine.

Have you visited www.thumpertalk.com yet? I've been doing a bit of reading there lately.

**Coyote** · 14th April 2005, 19:35

Originally Posted by White trash

Shit
Poos and
Crapola.

Get a Jappa son.

Suzuki's got the DRZ400SM here soon, trick as fuck. I'll see ya right on the price.

Bugger off, they look like shite

Go european

And don't forget VOR, more dealerships seem to be able to get them lately

This just doesn't compare

Although, the DRZ does look better in real life I have to admit

**Coyote** · 14th April 2005, 19:37

The Husky and the VOR look the best IMO

**Mr Skid** · 15th April 2005, 02:37

If I didn't know any better alarumba, I'd have thought you were intentionally posting misleading photos to put CK off jappas..

The DRZ SM is water cooled, and has the USD forks from the RM250. It sounds like a well spec'd out suspension setup, but with the engine from the 'S' spec bike some people have been complaining about it's lack of power. It does sound pretty mint reving out though!

**White trash** · 15th April 2005, 07:36

Originally Posted by paparazzi

If I didn't know any better alarumba, I'd have thought you were intentionally posting misleading photos to put CK off jappas..

The DRZ SM is water cooled, and has the USD forks from the RM250. It sounds like a well spec'd out suspension setup, but with the engine from the 'S' spec bike some people have been complaining about it's lack of power. It does sound pretty mint reving out though!

And, you can get a Yoshimura 450 kit off the shelf and installed for less than the price of a Euro.

What do you think one Mr K. Schwantz rode in the US series lats season?

**White trash** · 15th April 2005, 10:28

Funnily enough, Richard. I've just conned the boss into getting a demo. Specially for you.

The bikes will be here next month, wanna put a deposit down now?

Price is $10990 + orc.

**Lou Girardin** · 15th April 2005, 12:24

Originally Posted by White trash

Shit
Poos and
Crapola.

Get a Jappa son.

Suzuki's got the DRZ400SM here soon, trick as fuck. I'll see ya right on the price.

Sez the Spewzuki dealer.
Buy KTM. Can't go wrong.

**Coldkiwi** · 15th April 2005, 12:38

you're a good sort WT, but Aralumba did hit the nail on the head. Jappa motards (v dissapointed in the 250 kwaka and the DRZ) look like a pair of wet soiled pants in comparison to the Euro motards. they remind me more of farm bikes than race bikes.

I should probably take them for rides before saying such biased things, but I am honest enough to admit that i'm a little bit vain and want a bike that looks good as well as having the guts and flair for fun.

what trick bits has the DRZ got? all the Euro motards I've seen thus far here have WP forks, ohlinsshocks , brembo brakes, marozzochi (sp?) forks and other tasty items of much repute.

And the other factor is that the DRZ's a 400. not so sure thats enough.

but back to the topic... any tales of relability or horrendous repair bills?

**DEATH_INC.** · 17th April 2005, 07:40

I owned a KTM a few years back(about when t-rex was a puppy)but was always rapt with it.Service (mark patterson in rotovegas)and parts supply was second to none.They even got me a gearbox part in one week(to my doorstep)from the factory.Most impressive.

**2_SL0** · 17th April 2005, 08:38

Cant go wrong with a KTM.

**k14** · 17th April 2005, 09:06

Yeah the KTM"s look awesome, specially with those twin pipes. Saw a guy out at ruapuna yesterday with one, I think it was a 660 something rather, he only got it on monday, paid $15500 for it i think. Only major problem with it was it was kick start. Took him about 20 mins to get it going, wouldnt rate that aye. Also the kick start is on the left side so thats another pain in the arse.

You had a look at a VOR?? They are farkin nice, pretty sure they have electric start aswell.

**Jackrat** · 17th April 2005, 09:31

A good mate of mine works in a shop up north servicing Honda,Suzuki and KTM.
He maintains the service hours for KTM are over twice that of any of the Jappers.As much as three times that of one particular Jap brand.
Just on that alone I would pick the KTM.
Anything else is up to the rider.

**Kwaka-Kid** · 17th April 2005, 10:00

go the KTM for sure CK

They really have proven to be awesome bikes over the passed few years... really coming up in the world...

Also all the aftermarket spares manu's are bringing stuff out for them left right and centre just now. just get one! I can help you with stuff for it

mmmm, and they come stock with a Twin-Air filter... sheesh, id buy the bike just for that! and the fact that ben townley rides one.