KTM Bikes

[Highmarker]

lokking to get a new bike soon and was wondering what your opinion was on KTM. I really like the idea of electric start but not sure about the 450 being a 4 speed...really wanting a 5 speed...is 4 enough? how do they hold up?

 

[motojunkie101]

The 450's have enough torque that the 4 speed will work fine. Since you mention the electric start I assume this is going to be a dual sport/trail bike? KTM's are pretty stout bikes, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one at the right price.

 

[Martlee]

Love the KTM's. My 2001 is a 6 speed. Not positive but the 4 speeds might be the motorcross versions versus the enduro's are 5 or 6 speeds??

 

[Dam Dave]

AWESOME bikes, getting ready to buy my second 530
as far as 4 speed or 5 speed 450, that's only the Moto X versions and it depends what year, and yes KTM Moto X bikes have electric start, the 2010, 2011 450 SXF has a 5 speed and Electric start, the off road models are 6 speeds mostly, with a few 5 speeds

 

[Jaynelson]

4 speed for a motocrosser might be fine....but I doubt that would be the hot ticket for a woods bike.

 

[Dam Dave]

like I said before, most of the woods bikes are 6 speeds, a couple are 5 speeds

 

[Highmarker]

was looking more towards the SX..motocross bike. dont race but like the feel of them so much better than the trail bikes. will be riding everything from desert to mountains to dunes. probably no tracks. What about the 450 XCF? does it feel that much more cumbersome than a 450 SX? wouldn't even be against a 250, but noticed the XCF is the only 250 with electric start

 

[Dam Dave]

the 2010 450 SXF?? has a 5 speed and a electric start, I think they combined the SXF and XCF this year just for folks like you

 

[Highmarker]

2010 would be ideal! but...my price range is in the used market....so it would have to be a 4 speed SX or a 5 speed XC

 

[Martlee]

If you only get the SX with the 4 speed, you would regret the high first gear. Especially in the sand and tight woods areas. I ride in the mountains and need the low gearing that the 6 speed gives me. The SX is built for motocross racing.

 

[powderules]

I'd go for a 5 speed. You'll hate the 4 speed in the mountains. E start is a must, but I'd consider an e start bike that has a kick starter too. Some of them are just e start and would be difficult to bump start at the dunes if the battery dies. There is a good chance the battery will die since most KTM's take a small battery. Stay away from the 505 as they junk. XC or XCW is probably your best bet.

 

[Dam Dave]

08-09 450 XC-F would suit you perfect, if you can find one, they were very popular


http://www.dirtrider.com/reviews/dirt_bike/141_0905_torture_test_ktm_450_xcf/index.html

 

[Woody67]

4 speed 450 SX-F are not good woods bikes. Even the 450 XC-F is not the best choice unless you are a very good rider or the riding is more cross country or desert riding. most riders prefer the XC-W (wide ratio) models for tight woods and they have a kickstarter.

powderules why do you say the 505 is junk?

 

[Bkinz]

powderules why do you say the 505 is junk?

Ive heard nothing but good things about them.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Give me the 350 SX-F!!!!

Article

 

[ruffryder]

That 350 looks cool!! Looks like it is injected and has a linkage rear suspension.

Why a linkage rear suspension?

 

[Chubbydog]

That 350 looks cool!! Looks like it is injected and has a linkage rear suspension.

Why a linkage rear suspension?

Yes, & yes. They went to linkage because of the pressure of the magazine shootouts I think. I'm not a big fan of it, because of the extra maintence, & weight. The 2010 didn't have it, and won bike of the year. I would like the FI though.

As for the 4 speed, it works awesome on the track, and the dunes. I tried single track woods riding a few months ago, and I'd rather have a smaller bike with 5 gears. You really have to work the clutch with only 4. However the E-start is awesome, and you'll love that. If you can score a good deal on a 08-09 450sx, go for it. You won't regret it. I have a buddy who went from an 09 Kawi to the 2010 KTM, and he keeps over jumping everything. He said he can't get used to the extra power, and how much quieter it is than the Kawi.

 

[SNOW JW]

Big Fan for the new 570 EFI Husaberg as well!!! Great woods bike.

 

[xrated]

there is a reason KTM is sold under the phrase "ready to race"

you won't regret going Katoom....and I'm a Yami guy.

 

[Dam Dave]

Bought one of these today

Have clean 2004 KTM 525 EXC, Titled and plated for sale