Help me with my bike decision

[kinneyt]

I have narrowed down my search to a KTM 500 EXC or XCW or a Berg 501, all 2014.

I have also found this http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/4237786797.html I can pay cash for this one and not have to sell my Pro. My only concern is the Carb rather than EFI.

Let me know what your thoughts are.

I like the used one because I plan on riding it on the street and also trail riding in the summer.

 

[Rush44]

There is NO reason to hesitate because that 450 EXC is carb.... hell, with the APT Smartcarb it's a downright advantage. I would buy that 450 EXC, throw a Smartcarb on it and do some of the other standard snowbike mods and have a blast. Looks like that 450 was really well taken care of too.

 

[kinneyt]

I was doing some research on the SmartCarb (new to me) and did not see any info on the 4 stroke.

 

[Rush44]

Call Corey at APT and he will hook you up. I know that they DO have 4 stroke Smartcarbs but it seems like most of the public focus on application has been for the 2 stroke.

 

[kinneyt]

Thanks Rush

After talking to the guy who owns the 405 EXC R from craigslist. it has 16,000 miles which at an average of 40mph that is 400hours. Makes me a little nervous for that amount of money.

What are your thoughts. I dont know much about the longevity of the KTM motors. I dont have a problem tearing the motor apart and rebuilding it, dont want to pay good money for a bike and then have to rebuild it right away.

 

[Draxxus]

I would not get that bike unless you intend to do the one sump conversion , like I said before 600ml is not enough oil to be gambling with oil loss. IMO , given the cost and the spare sets of wheels it seems like a really good price tho


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rush44]

Uhhh yea.... that is a lot of hours. Even though the bike looks superbly maintained that would be enough engine time to make me, personally, walk (to be fair I almost walked away from a bike with less than 20 hours). But I'm sure there are many people here who can testify that their bikes have that many miles or more and still rock on.

I'm a big fan of the 450 racers (with a few exceptions). But if your intention is to drive them on the pavement with tags then that option isn't as attractive.

 

[kinneyt]

I would not get that bike unless you intend to do the one sump conversion , like I said before 600ml is not enough oil to be gambling with oil loss. IMO , given the cost and the spare sets of wheels it seems like a really good price tho


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

More infor on the One Sump you are talking about would be great.

 

[Draxxus]

I haven't done the mod or looked into it , I through in the towel and jumped from team orange back to red . Search ktm talk to find lots of info on the 08-09 ktm 450/530 oil consumption. The one sump info is probably on there too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kinneyt]

Thanks Rush

After talking to the guy who owns the 405 EXC R from craigslist. it has 16,000 miles which at an average of 40mph that is 400hours. Makes me a little nervous for that amount of money.

What are your thoughts. I dont know much about the longevity of the KTM motors. I dont have a problem tearing the motor apart and rebuilding it, dont want to pay good money for a bike and then have to rebuild it right away.

Updated info on the miles is 1,600 not 16,000. Which makes me feel better about it.

 

[1dn5up]

then save some coin on the bike and spend on a turbo

 

[dhdey]

As far as I know no one is doing a turbo for carbed bikes

 

[kinneyt]

I made up my mind


2014 FE501

 

[thejean]

I made up my mind


2014 FE501

What made you choose the 501 over a 450 MX bike?

 

[Niskibum]

I made up my mind


2014 FE501

Did you get it from Australia?

 

[up-high]

I made up my mind


2014 FE501

Maybe that's the orientation he's going to be riding?

 

[cpatts2000]

good choice

 

[kinneyt]

What made you choose the 501 over a 450 MX bike?

I have it licensed for the street and plan on riding it in the summer to get my speed fix. I have raced motocross many years ago (+15 years ago) my body does not heal as quick anymore.
After having this bike for a while, would I buy this one again?? I dont know for sure yet becuase I have not ridden it with the wheels. I can see the advantage of the MX gear ratio witht the snowbike. I do not have any regrets.

 

[FinSno]

What is Timbersled MH snowbike overall height? Kx450f etc.

 

[sodahucker]

From what I've heard a lot of the EFI bikes have problems with gas in the oil because they run way too rich. A carb won't do that, and on a four stroke it will hardly ever freeze (in my experience).