#2281925 - 06/28/08 10:51 PM
KTM??
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mud_bogger
Campfire Guide
Registered: 03/02/07
Posts: 2907
Loc: Medford Oregon
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Well Im getting tired of my DR-350. Sure its tough, and dependable. But riding around the woods on it, is like riding a 2 wheeled sherman tank. Its heavy an leaves alot to be desired on the trails, an hill climbs.
Does anybody have any opinions on the KTM 4strokes? Im looking into the 400-450cc thumpers. Thanks.
Edited by mud_bogger (06/28/08 10:51 PM)
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#2282029 - 06/29/08 04:33 AM
Re: KTM??
[Re: mud_bogger]
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Middlefork_Miner
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Registered: 06/16/07
Posts: 886
Loc: Way past prime time
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If you're looking for the ultimate trail/hill climber...get one of these in a rolling frame with miter boxes...do a few mods & you'll never look at an atv the same way...This one is about 85% done. It's a Rokon with a chinese Honda Clone engine...the lower frame/engine basket has been cut & widened & slightly lowered. It's a two wheel drive bike. They will go places an atv can't. If you ever get a chance, take one for a ride through the woods...when I'm done working on this one I'll post some better pics...
Attachments
10300-rokon012.JPG (54 downloads)
Edited by Middlefork_Miner (06/29/08 04:41 AM)
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#2282275 - 06/29/08 07:49 AM
Re: KTM??
[Re: Middlefork_Miner]
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nsaqam
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Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 162
Loc: Hermantown MN
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Any KTM is going to be a wonderful motorcycle. Nobody make more or better woods bikes than KTM. Their quality and longevity are unsurpassed. Their parts are the finest available and they are race ready out of the box. All the 4 stroke models are available in a completely street legal configuration. Lightweight (comparatively), fast, reliable, and capable.
You will not be disappointed with a KTM.
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#2282347 - 06/29/08 08:36 AM
Re: KTM??
[Re: nsaqam]
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mud_bogger
Campfire Guide
Registered: 03/02/07
Posts: 2907
Loc: Medford Oregon
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Sounds good. Just have always wondered if they were worth the extra cost. sounds like they are
Dad has a DRZ-400. Good bike but I cannot like it for some reason.
Heres the tank Im currently riding
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#2282602 - 06/29/08 11:09 AM
Re: KTM??
[Re: mud_bogger]
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nsaqam
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Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 162
Loc: Hermantown MN
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I'd say if you got the 450 or the mighty 525 KTM you'd have double the HP and 30-40 Lb's less weight. Also much better suspension, handling and performance.
Don't get me wrong, the DR series of Suzuki's are as reliable as a stone and are very nice for what they are. The KTM's however are on an altogether different level.
BTW, that's a nice looking DR there. It looks like an oversized gas tank and a fairing of some sort. The OS gas tank is available for KTM's but I don't know about the fairing.
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#2283111 - 06/29/08 04:16 PM
Re: KTM??
[Re: nsaqam]
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mud_bogger
Campfire Guide
Registered: 03/02/07
Posts: 2907
Loc: Medford Oregon
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Thats exactly it right there. That DR of mine is bullet proof and for cruising logging roads an just farting around there is nothing wrong with it.
However like you said the suspension among other things is quite outdated. And I have to work harder to achieve the same thing, on a trail or climb.
Yes mine does have a desert tank on it. 3 or 3 1/2 gallons IIRC. The fairing is the stock fairing with the headlight. Its just the angle.
The 450 is also a consideration allthough I dont think I wanna go much bigger. You still have to throw the thing around on some of the tighter trails.
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#2284244 - 06/30/08 08:34 AM
Re: KTM??
[Re: mud_bogger]
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Boise
Campfire Ranger
Registered: 02/05/01
Posts: 1706
Loc: Boise, ID, US
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I also believe KTM makes a very good machine but I have always stuck with Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki. In my area the resale value of a KTM is disporportionately low. Guess that is a good thing if you're planning to purchase a used bike.
My suggestion is to ride as many other bikes as possible and then select a make and model. It will be extremely easy to find a bike that is an improvement over your DR - a great bike for their time but their time has passed.
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#2285334 - 06/30/08 08:02 PM
Re: KTM??
[Re: Boise]
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mud_bogger
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Registered: 03/02/07
Posts: 2907
Loc: Medford Oregon
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Thats my other thought is the good 'ol XR. I dunno if its possible to kill one of those bikes.
The kawasaki is the same as the Suzuki an Im not a fan of the DRZ.
Hadnt thought of the yamaha's.
Theres a local bike rental yard here. $90 or sumthin like that an you get a bike for the day. Kinda steep but I think it might be the best way to get a feel for the different bikes.
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#2285827 - 07/01/08 06:05 AM
Re: KTM??
[Re: mud_bogger]
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nsaqam
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Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 162
Loc: Hermantown MN
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The KTM SX motocross bikes have low resale value but their offroad bikes hold their value. They are also just as reliable and much more sophisticated and capable than any XR or DRZ.
An XR will not be a very big step up from what you're riding right now, a KTM EXC or XC will be a quantum leap forward.
If you want to find out about everything KTM, log on to http://www.ktmtalk.com
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#2286016 - 07/01/08 08:32 AM
Re: KTM??
[Re: nsaqam]
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mud_bogger
Campfire Guide
Registered: 03/02/07
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Loc: Medford Oregon
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I got to talking to dad about bikes last night. The bike before he got his DRZ400 was an XR400. He said the XR tired him out faster, but it had a lil more bottom end as well as longer legs.
I have been cruising Thumpertalk and reading up on the different bikes. Read some stuff that turned me off on the Yamaha WR's.
Got my eye on this KTM. Never heard of heated grips on a dirtbike before. But I like the idea of it.
http://www.cycletrader.com/find/listing/2003-KTM-450-EXC-90600535
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#2287395 - 07/01/08 11:28 PM
Re: KTM??
[Re: mud_bogger]
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222Rem
Campfire Guide
Registered: 01/26/05
Posts: 3711
Loc: Eastern, OR
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A guy in town that I visit with every few weeks has bought, ridden, and sold a LOT of motorcycles just since I've known him, and he's in his 50's. He's a good resource when I have questions. A couple years ago he was riding a KTM 450EXC and raved about it. He said that it's not his pick for doing much cruising on pavement because the seat and suspension is intended for hard and fast riding in the dirt. But for an out of the box four stroke he said it's one of the very best available today. He's sold the bike, but still raves about the power it had.
Another bonus is that the KTMs are eligible for registration and street use w/o any tricky maneuvering with the DMV.
Mudbogger, if you haven't done a Youtube search yet, punch in KTM 450 and take a look. I think you'll grin.
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#2288593 - 07/02/08 02:46 PM
Re: KTM??
[Re: mud_bogger]
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Boise
Campfire Ranger
Registered: 02/05/01
Posts: 1706
Loc: Boise, ID, US
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Thats my other thought is the good 'ol XR. I dunno if its possible to kill one of those bikes.
...
Plum boiled the oil out of my 250 XR riding it so hard. It just wasn't enough motor for my liking.
I think any of the new bikes is going to be a noticeable step up from the DR. And I hear good things about KTMs but my riding partners are all on Yamahas while I ride a KX250 - just haven't been force to the 4-stroke. We had mainly Hondas in the past.
Lots of choices out there, spending $90 is probably a good idea.
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