has anyone tried the new ktms 2015?

Edited Date/Time 8/23/2014 7:25pm
im haven´t tried ktms before, but the new line look sick, and im really considering the new sxf250, also read that the new bikes comes with some changes in the frame, longer shock and different fork, it would be nice to see the opinion of anyon who has tried them or own one this new bikes.
|
ML512
Posts
15458
Joined
12/28/2008
Location
Wildomar, CA US
Fantasy
45th
8/21/2014 5:28pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2014 5:28pm
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
8/21/2014 5:30pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2014 5:32pm
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
I always felt the 2013 wanted to kinda blow through some of the choppy section even when the suspension was set up (only rode one for about 2 weeks wasnt revalved played with clickers alot) does the 2015 air fork help with that?
RCN4HIM
Posts
218
Joined
1/21/2013
Location
Holly Springs, SC US
8/21/2014 6:38pm
We have had a 125 for about a month now... Son loves it and the forks are much better for 2015!
MxKing809
Posts
6380
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
315th
8/21/2014 6:45pm
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
I always felt the 2013 wanted to kinda blow through some of the choppy section even when the suspension was set up (only rode one for...
I always felt the 2013 wanted to kinda blow through some of the choppy section even when the suspension was set up (only rode one for about 2 weeks wasnt revalved played with clickers alot) does the 2015 air fork help with that?
From my understanding the 4CS fork is not a air system, just separate function.... Kind of.

The Shop

JA946
Posts
460
Joined
7/24/2014
Location
Tucson, AZ US
8/21/2014 6:47pm
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
I always felt the 2013 wanted to kinda blow through some of the choppy section even when the suspension was set up (only rode one for...
I always felt the 2013 wanted to kinda blow through some of the choppy section even when the suspension was set up (only rode one for about 2 weeks wasnt revalved played with clickers alot) does the 2015 air fork help with that?
2015 is NOT an air fork.
bvm111
Posts
9323
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
8/21/2014 7:40pm
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
ML,

If you were a 41 year old VETB type guy that had somehow made it to 2014 only riding 250 2 strokes without ever ever ever owning a 4 stroke, would you go with the 350 or 450?

I am not opposed to either, but, leaning toward the 350 as I'm afraid the 450 will be too much for me. At the same time I'm neurotic enough to be afraid I'll wish I bought the 450 after the fact Tongue
JA946
Posts
460
Joined
7/24/2014
Location
Tucson, AZ US
8/21/2014 7:59pm
Bvm, the question is , where do you want the power? HP is about the same on both the 350 and 450, but the 450 makes more power under 8k RPM. The 350 seems like it's fairly tame until 9k, and then it explodes.
MxKing809
Posts
6380
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
315th
8/21/2014 8:01pm
JA946 wrote:
Bvm, the question is , where do you want the power? HP is about the same on both the 350 and 450, but the 450 makes...
Bvm, the question is , where do you want the power? HP is about the same on both the 350 and 450, but the 450 makes more power under 8k RPM. The 350 seems like it's fairly tame until 9k, and then it explodes.
Do you want to ring it out or lug it? I'm really nervous to buy a 250 or 350 four stroke. The need to rev those bikes to use the power worries my pocket book!! Shocked
RCN4HIM
Posts
218
Joined
1/21/2013
Location
Holly Springs, SC US
8/21/2014 8:02pm
I'm a 46 yr old Vet rider and race most weekends... I personally do not like the vibration of the current sx 450 motor and 13/14 forks are just horrible. 350s are a little better but if you can hammer a 250 and plan on lining up on a lot of gates I would go for the 450 to get more consistent starts imop. We like the 15 forks on our 125 and plan on a 15 250t real soon and we're done with 4 strokes for now but good luck!
8/21/2014 8:10pm
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
I always felt the 2013 wanted to kinda blow through some of the choppy section even when the suspension was set up (only rode one for...
I always felt the 2013 wanted to kinda blow through some of the choppy section even when the suspension was set up (only rode one for about 2 weeks wasnt revalved played with clickers alot) does the 2015 air fork help with that?
JA946 wrote:
2015 is NOT an air fork.
My bad thanks for the clarification. Anyone know how good the 4cs fork is?
bvm111
Posts
9323
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
8/21/2014 8:16pm
JA946 wrote:
Bvm, the question is , where do you want the power? HP is about the same on both the 350 and 450, but the 450 makes...
Bvm, the question is , where do you want the power? HP is about the same on both the 350 and 450, but the 450 makes more power under 8k RPM. The 350 seems like it's fairly tame until 9k, and then it explodes.
I'm really not sure to tell you the truth, The last 4 stroke I rode was a 426 in 2001 out at ET in Mesa.... I'm from AZ originally!

Being a 2 stroke guy, I carry a lot of momentum and love a big midrange hit to top end pull. It's been sounding like the 350 would be more what I'm used to and won't be as big a change going back and forth between the 2 as I'm never getting rid of my KX!

Shit I may as well just go all in and get the 15 KX450... Never thought crossing over to the dark side would be so difficult!!! Wink
bvm111
Posts
9323
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
8/21/2014 8:20pm
RCN4HIM wrote:
I'm a 46 yr old Vet rider and race most weekends... I personally do not like the vibration of the current sx 450 motor and 13/14...
I'm a 46 yr old Vet rider and race most weekends... I personally do not like the vibration of the current sx 450 motor and 13/14 forks are just horrible. 350s are a little better but if you can hammer a 250 and plan on lining up on a lot of gates I would go for the 450 to get more consistent starts imop. We like the 15 forks on our 125 and plan on a 15 250t real soon and we're done with 4 strokes for now but good luck!
Yeah I'm not sure why now I want to make the jump.... I love me some C12 and premix!!!
MxKing809
Posts
6380
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
315th
8/21/2014 8:23pm
bvm111 wrote:
Yeah I'm not sure why now I want to make the jump.... I love me some C12 and premix!!!
Just remember why you ride. I always want to go back to a 4 stroke with all their new fangled air forks and smooth torquey power, but then I look myself in the mirror and see a guy who is never going pro and is doing this all for fun. I don't care if I win races so I ride a 2-stroke. If I wanted to be competitive I would get a new KX-450 probably.
RCN4HIM
Posts
218
Joined
1/21/2013
Location
Holly Springs, SC US
8/21/2014 8:47pm
bvm111 wrote:
Yeah I'm not sure why now I want to make the jump.... I love me some C12 and premix!!!
MxKing809 wrote:
Just remember why you ride. I always want to go back to a 4 stroke with all their new fangled air forks and smooth torquey power...
Just remember why you ride. I always want to go back to a 4 stroke with all their new fangled air forks and smooth torquey power, but then I look myself in the mirror and see a guy who is never going pro and is doing this all for fun. I don't care if I win races so I ride a 2-stroke. If I wanted to be competitive I would get a new KX-450 probably.
Agree... the new KX 450's are great bikes ( spun laps on my buddies and they are sick) but as a vet rider there is great satisfaction beating them on 250t's and been doing it for a few months on a SX 125 ( my son's old one). Ya they get me on the start most of the time but it sure is fun picking them off one at a time and then getting the business from passing them after the race is over :-). I have been having way more fun finishing 10th out of 30 riders on a 125 than 5th or better on a 450!
bvm111
Posts
9323
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
8/21/2014 8:54pm
bvm111 wrote:
Yeah I'm not sure why now I want to make the jump.... I love me some C12 and premix!!!
MxKing809 wrote:
Just remember why you ride. I always want to go back to a 4 stroke with all their new fangled air forks and smooth torquey power...
Just remember why you ride. I always want to go back to a 4 stroke with all their new fangled air forks and smooth torquey power, but then I look myself in the mirror and see a guy who is never going pro and is doing this all for fun. I don't care if I win races so I ride a 2-stroke. If I wanted to be competitive I would get a new KX-450 probably.
RCN4HIM wrote:
Agree... the new KX 450's are great bikes ( spun laps on my buddies and they are sick) but as a vet rider there is great...
Agree... the new KX 450's are great bikes ( spun laps on my buddies and they are sick) but as a vet rider there is great satisfaction beating them on 250t's and been doing it for a few months on a SX 125 ( my son's old one). Ya they get me on the start most of the time but it sure is fun picking them off one at a time and then getting the business from passing them after the race is over :-). I have been having way more fun finishing 10th out of 30 riders on a 125 than 5th or better on a 450!
Damn it guys.... You are talking me out of it!!!! Tongue

Well I just had cylinder and head done by Tom Morgan and can't ride until next weekend so I'm jonesing for some riding and seeing how she runs!!! I also love going in deep carrying momentum into a turn and making a pass while everyone is trying to slow their four stroke down... It's satisfying seeing their head spin around confused where the hell I came from!!!
MxKing809
Posts
6380
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
315th
8/21/2014 8:55pm
bvm111 wrote:
Yeah I'm not sure why now I want to make the jump.... I love me some C12 and premix!!!
MxKing809 wrote:
Just remember why you ride. I always want to go back to a 4 stroke with all their new fangled air forks and smooth torquey power...
Just remember why you ride. I always want to go back to a 4 stroke with all their new fangled air forks and smooth torquey power, but then I look myself in the mirror and see a guy who is never going pro and is doing this all for fun. I don't care if I win races so I ride a 2-stroke. If I wanted to be competitive I would get a new KX-450 probably.
RCN4HIM wrote:
Agree... the new KX 450's are great bikes ( spun laps on my buddies and they are sick) but as a vet rider there is great...
Agree... the new KX 450's are great bikes ( spun laps on my buddies and they are sick) but as a vet rider there is great satisfaction beating them on 250t's and been doing it for a few months on a SX 125 ( my son's old one). Ya they get me on the start most of the time but it sure is fun picking them off one at a time and then getting the business from passing them after the race is over :-). I have been having way more fun finishing 10th out of 30 riders on a 125 than 5th or better on a 450!
Yup, exact same here..... So there is your answer. Don't worry about the dark side, and just ride for fun and accept it as that!
TeamGreen
Posts
28966
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
8/21/2014 8:56pm
I rode the Husky's with the same fork: LOVED THEM. Actually, the best "stock" suspension I've ridden on...for any 14/15 450?

4CS.

Funny. I hadn't thought about that.

Note: I haven't ridden the new Yamaha stuff ('14/'15); but, all I've heard is a lot of "satisfaction". I've got time on KTM, Husky, Kawi, Honda and Zook.
JM485
Posts
5404
Joined
10/1/2013
Location
Davis, CA US
8/21/2014 9:20pm
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
bvm111 wrote:
ML, If you were a 41 year old VETB type guy that had somehow made it to 2014 only riding 250 2 strokes without ever ever...
ML,

If you were a 41 year old VETB type guy that had somehow made it to 2014 only riding 250 2 strokes without ever ever ever owning a 4 stroke, would you go with the 350 or 450?

I am not opposed to either, but, leaning toward the 350 as I'm afraid the 450 will be too much for me. At the same time I'm neurotic enough to be afraid I'll wish I bought the 450 after the fact Tongue
I have limited time on the 350, but if you are coming from a 250 smoker I think you will be disappointed in the lack of bottom end power from the 350. I think a 450 would probably be a better bike for you, but that is just my personal opinion. Not to say the 350 is a bad bike, but you will likely be able to handle a 450 without issue.
JA946
Posts
460
Joined
7/24/2014
Location
Tucson, AZ US
8/21/2014 9:54pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2014 9:58pm
I want a white 350.
gpracer36
Posts
419
Joined
12/8/2011
Location
El Cajon, CA US
8/21/2014 10:09pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2014 10:09pm
I am coming from a 450 to a 350. I would bet there is not one single person on this site who really needs 450 power. More power does not make you faster. The 350 has plenty of power, plenty of torque for 99% of us. Quit pretending you really need a 450. The 350 is not slower people. If you have any skills at all you actually may be faster. But my guess is this will go right over most peoples heads. No surprise.
bvm111
Posts
9323
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
8/21/2014 10:12pm Edited Date/Time 8/21/2014 10:14pm
Yup right over my head.....nice contribution to the discussion
moto314
Posts
892
Joined
10/20/2009
Location
Mooresville, NC US
8/21/2014 10:14pm
I rode all the 2015's KTMs, 350 was my favorite. The 250 four stroke felt slow compared to the 2014 YZ250F and the 450 was a bit too much. The 450 forks worked better for me. The 250 two stroke was the best two stroke I have ever ridden, very easy to ride and keep in the power band. The 125 and 150 not so much. For reference I ride a 2014 CRF450R.
scooter5002
Posts
4761
Joined
6/6/2010
Location
Nanton Alberta CA
8/21/2014 11:03pm
bvm, what about a 300, then do all the mods like Digger29 did? Sounds like that bike he has really hauls ass, and no extra weight to go along with the added punch. If I was looking to buy a new bike, I would look real hard at one of those.
bvm111
Posts
9323
Joined
7/1/2008
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
8/22/2014 12:03am
bvm, what about a 300, then do all the mods like Digger29 did? Sounds like that bike he has really hauls ass, and no extra weight...
bvm, what about a 300, then do all the mods like Digger29 did? Sounds like that bike he has really hauls ass, and no extra weight to go along with the added punch. If I was looking to buy a new bike, I would look real hard at one of those.
Well I just modified my cylinder and head with Tom Morgan Racing. if I get the results I am hoping for with the motor I will probably start adding the cool stuff like rims and suspension coatings just for shits and grins like he did!

His KTM is sweet!!!!
8/22/2014 2:50am
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
bvm111 wrote:
ML, If you were a 41 year old VETB type guy that had somehow made it to 2014 only riding 250 2 strokes without ever ever...
ML,

If you were a 41 year old VETB type guy that had somehow made it to 2014 only riding 250 2 strokes without ever ever ever owning a 4 stroke, would you go with the 350 or 450?

I am not opposed to either, but, leaning toward the 350 as I'm afraid the 450 will be too much for me. At the same time I'm neurotic enough to be afraid I'll wish I bought the 450 after the fact Tongue
go with the 350 mate you wont regret it! you can ride the 350 alot more like a 2 stroke. In my opinion its alot more fun to ride than the 450 - they like to be revved but you can lug a higher gear in the tight stuff too if you want. Perfect bike for most people. They feel alot lighter than the 450 and they're a hell of alot easier to ride when the track gets rough/ when you get tired at the end of a moto!!
Huckster
Posts
2572
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Woodstock , NY US
8/22/2014 4:14am
TeamGreen wrote:
I rode the Husky's with the same fork: LOVED THEM. Actually, the best "stock" suspension I've ridden on...for any 14/15 450? 4CS. Funny. I hadn't thought...
I rode the Husky's with the same fork: LOVED THEM. Actually, the best "stock" suspension I've ridden on...for any 14/15 450?

4CS.

Funny. I hadn't thought about that.

Note: I haven't ridden the new Yamaha stuff ('14/'15); but, all I've heard is a lot of "satisfaction". I've got time on KTM, Husky, Kawi, Honda and Zook.
Team Green what's the low down on the Husky 450? I have a 13 KTM 450 and am thinking of a color change. Is it much different than its orange brother? Like to hear your opinion on all the 15's for that matter..
Cadpro18
Posts
174
Joined
10/17/2013
Location
Crystal Lake, IL US
8/22/2014 6:29am
I've got a '14 450 sxf and I hate the 13/14 fork. I've got some time on the '15 350 and the 4CS fork is much better than the 13/14. The 4CS holds up better, doesn't deflect in braking bumps, and has good bottoming resistance. While I feel braking bumps (I'm 150 lbs), it doesn't deflect like the 13/14 fork. The performance is due to much more than moving the axle back 2mm because I did that on the '14 also.

The 350 feels a lot lighter than it is and changes direction easier than the 450... and it doesn't push the front like the '14 450

The 450 motor can be ridden in any rpm range... the 350 can't. The 350 needs to be shifted more to keep the rpm up.

To me, the 350 feels more like my re-valved/re-sprung '14 RMZ 450 than my 450 sxf... just without the roll-on power.

ML512
Posts
15458
Joined
12/28/2008
Location
Wildomar, CA US
Fantasy
45th
8/22/2014 8:09am
ML512 wrote:
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/member/Untitled,10670/ML512,13480]350[/url] and [url=http://www.vitalmx.com/videos/features/First-Impressions-Riding-the-2015-KTM-450-SX-F,10686/ML512,13480]450[/url]. I'm also up to answering questions if you have any...
These links will take you to our First Impressions of the 2015 KTM 350 and 450.

I'm also up to answering questions if you have any specific ones.
bvm111 wrote:
ML, If you were a 41 year old VETB type guy that had somehow made it to 2014 only riding 250 2 strokes without ever ever...
ML,

If you were a 41 year old VETB type guy that had somehow made it to 2014 only riding 250 2 strokes without ever ever ever owning a 4 stroke, would you go with the 350 or 450?

I am not opposed to either, but, leaning toward the 350 as I'm afraid the 450 will be too much for me. At the same time I'm neurotic enough to be afraid I'll wish I bought the 450 after the fact Tongue
Few questions:

How much do you weigh? (street clothes, not gear)

Do you race often, or just practice?

In the pure essence of fun, the 350. I've rode the KTM one in that video and I went over to Sweden to ride the Husqy as well. I used to be very critical of the 350, mostly because of it's power. But KTM has made massive improvements to that bike since it was introduced. It really is all around fun to ride. It's barely any lighter than the 450, but it has so much less inertia that fights you.

As for the 4CS forks, it's an improvement over the bladder forks. Out of the 250,350, and 450 though, the 350 is my least favorite with the forks. It's not as plush initially as the other two. It has a very similar setting to the 450, but the 450 pushes the front end through the stroke more. The 350 feels a bit deflective initially. (I'm also a bit on the lighter side, 150lbs)

The KTM's 450 has an extremely, extremely broad engine. The down-low power is very smooth, builds through the range, and out revs any other 450 on the market (except for it's white cousin of course). So it's deceiving how fast it really is. It's still a 450 however, it will wear you at.
MxKing809
Posts
6380
Joined
10/13/2013
Location
Big Sand Whoops, MI US
Fantasy
315th
8/22/2014 8:11am
Cadpro18 wrote:
I've got a '14 450 sxf and I hate the 13/14 fork. I've got some time on the '15 350 and the 4CS fork is much...
I've got a '14 450 sxf and I hate the 13/14 fork. I've got some time on the '15 350 and the 4CS fork is much better than the 13/14. The 4CS holds up better, doesn't deflect in braking bumps, and has good bottoming resistance. While I feel braking bumps (I'm 150 lbs), it doesn't deflect like the 13/14 fork. The performance is due to much more than moving the axle back 2mm because I did that on the '14 also.

The 350 feels a lot lighter than it is and changes direction easier than the 450... and it doesn't push the front like the '14 450

The 450 motor can be ridden in any rpm range... the 350 can't. The 350 needs to be shifted more to keep the rpm up.

To me, the 350 feels more like my re-valved/re-sprung '14 RMZ 450 than my 450 sxf... just without the roll-on power.

How did you move the axle back on your 14? Did you have to get new lugs for your forks or did you just get 4CS forks all together?

Post a reply to: has anyone tried the new ktms 2015?

The Latest