KTM SX as a TRAIL BIKE

**KDXKID** · 17th July 2008, 18:58

Hi ,
Is there a downside to using an SX for trail riding as opposed to an EXC ??
Have seen a couple of nice 200 and 250 SX's about 03-04.While on the subject how does a 02-04 YZ 250 with flywheel weight stack up against the above(cheaper than KTM)??
cheers

**mattwood** · 17th July 2008, 22:08

I love trail riding my mx bike,

The SX will most likely be alot lighter and easier to push up hills and throw around in the tight stuff. But then again i guess they designed the exc to be better at trails so theres bound to be upsides to them.

**B0000M** · 17th July 2008, 23:30

nothing wrong with mx bikes on trails, i trail my cr250 frequently. no flywheel weight needed

**motorbyclist** · 18th July 2008, 00:17

ditto

i trail ride my yz400f more than i race it, only issue is no headlight and really should drop a few teeth on the front sprocket

why the ktm/suzuki though? couldn't go for the manufacturers somewhat less prone to expensive failure?

**fridayflash** · 18th July 2008, 00:27

sx will trailride well but doesnt have wide ratoi g/box
and youll need to pley with suspension settings to plush up
initial and mid stroke.
bog standard yz250 is a good economical option

**Danger** · 18th July 2008, 07:00

Originally Posted by KDXKID

Hi use my KDX mainly in rough /gravel/boulder/shingle river-bed conditions.
Is there a downside to using an SX for trail riding as opposed to an EXC ??
Have seen a couple of nice 200 and 250 SX's about 03-04.While on the subject how does a 02-04 YZ 250 with flywheel weight stack up against the above(cheaper than KTM)??
cheers

For those conditions I would not recommend the SX250. They are widely recognised as having a demon engine for MX during those years and would not be my choice for rough /gravel/boulder/shingle river-bed conditions.
The 200 SX could be used but without the wide ratio gearbox it would not be ideal, nor is the suspension designed for those conditions. I do have a customer in Wellington who uses a 200SX in rocks with a re valve and lowered suspension both ends.
The YZ would be a better choice engine wise but it still does not have the wide ratio box. I have a RM250 without a wide ratio box and the EXC is much better for slow tight going. I can get the RM through tight trails ok at speed but if I'm riding with slower riders and have to ride slow myself the clutch slipping required is a pain and it is hard on the clutch if doing it constantly, and this is what you will end up doing in boulders. If the trails are open the YZ can be used to good effect but remember it has super X suspension, again not ideal for rocks, boulders etc.
So if the choice was between the SX250 and the YZ250 go the YZ, but you would still be better to get an EXC in my opinion.

**motorbyclist** · 18th July 2008, 10:42

has he changed that original post?

(go the 4 stroke

)

**Pierce** · 18th July 2008, 11:55

As danger said, I'd probably say go for the EXC if you're wanting to do that sort of riding. They're made for that kind of terrain

**Danger** · 18th July 2008, 12:40

Originally Posted by motorbyclist

has he changed that original post?

(go the 4 stroke

)

No he failed to add what sort of riding he was doing but I remembered from his earlier posts last week what he wanted to use it for.

**KDXKID** · 18th July 2008, 18:06

cheers danger, that was back in march when i was blasting up and down the river.
been full of that wet stuff for a while now.

main usage is on organised trails down here over rolling hills farmland with a few forestry sections,bouldery cuttings and the odd bog(suzuki trails).

**4stroke** · 18th July 2008, 18:33

the big four strokes arnt to bad to tril ride, i have enough fun playing in the shit and slop, the mx four strokes can be quiet alot of fun on the trails if you like the snapy and aggressive riding.

**KDXKID** · 18th July 2008, 19:45

tell me 4 stroke,if you were going to a 4 banger after my KDX200 2 smoker,to be used as above,what would you recomend ??Seen an 04 kx250 for 3500 the other day.YZf.CRF,RMF,KXF,just curious.

For instance would a KTM200 have a tad more power over say a CRF250 ??

**4stroke** · 18th July 2008, 20:44

Originally Posted by KDXKID

tell me 4 stroke,if you were going to a 4 banger after my KDX200 2 smoker,to be used as above,what would you recomend ??Seen an 04 kx250 for 3500 the other day.YZf.CRF,RMF,KXF,just curious.

For instance would a KTM200 have a tad more power over say a CRF250 ??

its a different sort of power, the 4 strokes have more torque and can require a slightly different riding style. im not the best on this subject s i have very lil experence on the 2 strokes, pierce rides a cr250 and a crf250r hed have a better idea on a comparison, altho the ece-e 300 ktms are supose to be the bees-knees. id think for the conditions youve descibed id bee leaning towards a 250 four stroke kxf crf or yzf, im unsure on the rmz, the 450's have had a few isues. as for gearing of the mx to the enduro bikes, in most cases it doesnt matter unless you racing at a experenced level, yeah my bikes runs out of legs along the beach at top end, but whos out there to scream up the beach at top gear??
thats my view anyway a few on here may dissagree.

**motorbyclist** · 19th July 2008, 01:07

+1

if it helps, the only real difference (imo) between a 4 stroke 250 and 450 is the 450 is more "brutal" and will power up anything in any gear so long as you keep it pinned. no real overall speed nor weight difference i can discern

why not go for the CRFx or WR models?