Why are KTM's such a POS?

BDOG
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BDOG 8/18/2008 9:21am
8/18/2008 9:21am
I think KTM's are bad azz bikes and would own one in a heartbeat with the right dealer support.
CamP
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CamP 8/18/2008 9:21am
8/18/2008 9:21am
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
BDOG
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BDOG 8/18/2008 9:31am
8/18/2008 9:31am
CamP wrote:
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
That is certainly debatable. KTM's are very well built bikes, that I do know.
jtiger12
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jtiger12 8/18/2008 9:34am
8/18/2008 9:34am
love my hondas.

"to be honest with you" I have never thought about owning a KTM.. someone mentioned they may be going to linkage in the next year or so?

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todder
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todder 8/18/2008 9:40am
8/18/2008 9:40am
Nick Wey did well this weekend but in watching him he did look like he was at odds with his bike in certain areas. After seeing other KTMs not do the same things his was doing I 'm thinking that is is more him and how his bike is set up than the bike fault.
wpcjs
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wpcjs 8/18/2008 10:10am
8/18/2008 10:10am
CamP wrote:
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
Some of the best bikes I have owned were Hondas, also some of the worst.
Deetsmx
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Deetsmx 8/18/2008 10:31am
8/18/2008 10:31am
I had some support from KTM a few years ago as far as getting discounts on bikes and a parts allowance. I had a 125 and a 250 in 2004. Both had great motors, great brakes, but the suspension left something to be desired, especially on the 250. We could not get the back end to track on acceleration bumps and that seems to be where most of their problems are at. However, it was by far the best bike I've ever ridden on a sand track, just felt real sturdy and crazy fast. Bolts seemed to keep falling off all over the place though on both bikes and parts were impossible to get so I ended up going to an RM250, which was hard to do since I really appreciated the support that they had given me but it didn't do a whole lot of good with the bike sitting there waiting for parts. My brother also rode their 450 the first year it came out and blew up about 4 of them, some after the first ride. They actually ended up buying a bike back. I know they have improved a great deal since then and I think they look awesome, but until they figure out that back suspension I won't purchase one again. Oh yeah, I ride mx.
Ing
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Ing 8/18/2008 12:11pm
8/18/2008 12:11pm
Deetsmx wrote:
I had some support from KTM a few years ago as far as getting discounts on bikes and a parts allowance. I had a 125 and...
I had some support from KTM a few years ago as far as getting discounts on bikes and a parts allowance. I had a 125 and a 250 in 2004. Both had great motors, great brakes, but the suspension left something to be desired, especially on the 250. We could not get the back end to track on acceleration bumps and that seems to be where most of their problems are at. However, it was by far the best bike I've ever ridden on a sand track, just felt real sturdy and crazy fast. Bolts seemed to keep falling off all over the place though on both bikes and parts were impossible to get so I ended up going to an RM250, which was hard to do since I really appreciated the support that they had given me but it didn't do a whole lot of good with the bike sitting there waiting for parts. My brother also rode their 450 the first year it came out and blew up about 4 of them, some after the first ride. They actually ended up buying a bike back. I know they have improved a great deal since then and I think they look awesome, but until they figure out that back suspension I won't purchase one again. Oh yeah, I ride mx.
I just love it when people complain about bolts falling off of ANY bike. Have you ever heard of a wrench? Come on really, all bikes need maintenance and yes, perhaps a bolt or 10 tightened. I've owned many KTM's and have never "blown" one up. Off-road and MX. Primarily MX. Also, any of the top 5 need a bit of suspension "work" out of the box. I think the parts problem is primarily with the dealer, as my local dealer has everything, and I do mean everything in the way of parts for all models. If he doesn't have it in stock by some odd chance he'll pull it off a floor model to get me or anyone else to the track. Motorcycle Enthusiasts-Spring Hill, FL., great dealer.
chrisgg90 8/18/2008 12:22pm
8/18/2008 12:22pm
CamP wrote:
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing Some of what he is smoking please

C= Constantly
R= Repaired
F= Fourstroke
chrisgg90 8/18/2008 12:35pm
8/18/2008 12:35pm
Deetsmx wrote:
I had some support from KTM a few years ago as far as getting discounts on bikes and a parts allowance. I had a 125 and...
I had some support from KTM a few years ago as far as getting discounts on bikes and a parts allowance. I had a 125 and a 250 in 2004. Both had great motors, great brakes, but the suspension left something to be desired, especially on the 250. We could not get the back end to track on acceleration bumps and that seems to be where most of their problems are at. However, it was by far the best bike I've ever ridden on a sand track, just felt real sturdy and crazy fast. Bolts seemed to keep falling off all over the place though on both bikes and parts were impossible to get so I ended up going to an RM250, which was hard to do since I really appreciated the support that they had given me but it didn't do a whole lot of good with the bike sitting there waiting for parts. My brother also rode their 450 the first year it came out and blew up about 4 of them, some after the first ride. They actually ended up buying a bike back. I know they have improved a great deal since then and I think they look awesome, but until they figure out that back suspension I won't purchase one again. Oh yeah, I ride mx.
Must admit, I did blow up an 04 450 twice, but that was first year problems never had a motor let go since and I do think the 04 suspension was pretty bad, took a couple of times before we got it good and the settings came straight from KTM to do so.

There are a lot of suspension guys that are amazing at set up on Jap bikes but when they try a KTM they don't have a clue, I'm thinking that's what is happening over there as KTM are not that popular, maybe suspension shops don't have much experience in them.
Suns_PSD
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Suns_PSD 8/18/2008 12:38pm
8/18/2008 12:38pm
I've owned and wrenched on lots of Jap bikes and I currently own 2 KTMs.

The KTMs are simply put together better than the Jap bikes but I think the Jap bikes are better dialed in from the factory even w/ their cheap parts and all.

I think it's fun to turn wrenches and get my bike dialed in so I prefer the KTMs. Plus I enjoy the high quality hardware and the adjustability.

Not to worried about winning any races thru the stadium whoops myself but maybe this is an issue at the factory pro level?

Deetsmx
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Deetsmx 8/18/2008 1:33pm
8/18/2008 1:33pm Edited Date/Time 8/18/2008 2:23pm
In regards to Ing, I was just stating what happened to my bikes. Compared to the 20 or so Jap bikes I've owned there was a problem with bolts falling off. No need for asking me if I've heard of a wrench. I take excellent care of my bikes and work on them all the time, it's just that the same bolts kept coming loose over and over even after loctite. In particular the chain guard around the swingarm which would let go after even a few minutes of riding each time, not too mention the shift lever bolt. As I said, I love the looks of the bikes and I also like how they are different, just not a big fan of the rear end. We even had factory suspension on a 450 and it still did not hook up in the acceleration chop on hard pack.
CRF122
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CRF122 8/18/2008 1:41pm
8/18/2008 1:41pm
CamP wrote:
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
BDOG wrote:
That is certainly debatable. KTM's are very well built bikes, that I do know.
No, it's really not. I should have hopped on the red bandwagon a long time ago, would have saved me a boatload of cash. I don't want to jinx myself , but these 07 hondas we are running are nails. I am passing again this year on an upgrade.
lappedrider
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lappedrider 8/18/2008 2:26pm
8/18/2008 2:26pm
CamP wrote:
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
BDOG wrote:
That is certainly debatable. KTM's are very well built bikes, that I do know.
CRF122 wrote:
No, it's really not. I should have hopped on the red bandwagon a long time ago, would have saved me a boatload of cash. I don't...
No, it's really not. I should have hopped on the red bandwagon a long time ago, would have saved me a boatload of cash. I don't want to jinx myself , but these 07 hondas we are running are nails. I am passing again this year on an upgrade.
Sure it is, my last Honda was the least reliable bike I have ever owned. More time broken than fixed.
CRF122
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CRF122 8/18/2008 2:27pm
8/18/2008 2:27pm
user error
lappedrider
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lappedrider 8/18/2008 2:37pm
8/18/2008 2:37pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 8:05pm
Of course, user error. My KTM must just be easier to operate. So far, bullet proof. And fantastic on exceleration bumps. Not to mention the tightest bolts ever.
CRF122
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CRF122 8/18/2008 2:43pm
8/18/2008 2:43pm
I have no doubt the Katoom helped you become a lappedrider. Just playing, they do look really nice.

My bad experiences were mainly with other jap bikes anyway. I would not buy anything other then Honda, maybe we just got lucky with these.
lappedrider
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lappedrider 8/18/2008 2:58pm
8/18/2008 2:58pm
CRF122 wrote:
I have no doubt the Katoom helped you become a lappedrider. Just playing, they do look really nice. My bad experiences were mainly with other jap...
I have no doubt the Katoom helped you become a lappedrider. Just playing, they do look really nice.

My bad experiences were mainly with other jap bikes anyway. I would not buy anything other then Honda, maybe we just got lucky with these.
Old age and broken bones are what made me a lappedrider. And I wasn't saying Honda doesn't make a nice bike, mine just sucked.

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Ing
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Ing 8/18/2008 3:20pm
8/18/2008 3:20pm Edited Date/Time 8/18/2008 3:20pm
Deetsmx wrote:
In regards to Ing, I was just stating what happened to my bikes. Compared to the 20 or so Jap bikes I've owned there was a...
In regards to Ing, I was just stating what happened to my bikes. Compared to the 20 or so Jap bikes I've owned there was a problem with bolts falling off. No need for asking me if I've heard of a wrench. I take excellent care of my bikes and work on them all the time, it's just that the same bolts kept coming loose over and over even after loctite. In particular the chain guard around the swingarm which would let go after even a few minutes of riding each time, not too mention the shift lever bolt. As I said, I love the looks of the bikes and I also like how they are different, just not a big fan of the rear end. We even had factory suspension on a 450 and it still did not hook up in the acceleration chop on hard pack.
Yea, might have come off a little harsh on that wrench comment. Sorry about that. I don't like internet smart-asses, and that certainly was REAL close to the boarder. My bad, won't happen again. I can certainly be accused of being overly defensive about my KTMs. Don Jr.
Cygnus
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Cygnus 8/18/2008 3:25pm
8/18/2008 3:25pm
KTM riders are more dedicated than Harley riders . Speaks volumes .Wink
MikeyB35
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MikeyB35 8/18/2008 3:25pm
8/18/2008 3:25pm Edited Date/Time 8/18/2008 3:27pm
cannondales run awesome
Deetsmx
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Deetsmx 8/18/2008 3:57pm
8/18/2008 3:57pm
Ing, no worries and I appreciate the response. I was just posting my opinion and experiences on the bikes and trying to contribute to the post. I did say positive things as well as negatives. I'm sure plenty of people have had better luck with them and I also feel they have improved drastically over the last few years as I have not heard of many motor problems lately as opposed to when they first came out with the four strokes.
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eurohero 8/18/2008 4:26pm
8/18/2008 4:26pm
Deetsmx wrote:
In regards to Ing, I was just stating what happened to my bikes. Compared to the 20 or so Jap bikes I've owned there was a...
In regards to Ing, I was just stating what happened to my bikes. Compared to the 20 or so Jap bikes I've owned there was a problem with bolts falling off. No need for asking me if I've heard of a wrench. I take excellent care of my bikes and work on them all the time, it's just that the same bolts kept coming loose over and over even after loctite. In particular the chain guard around the swingarm which would let go after even a few minutes of riding each time, not too mention the shift lever bolt. As I said, I love the looks of the bikes and I also like how they are different, just not a big fan of the rear end. We even had factory suspension on a 450 and it still did not hook up in the acceleration chop on hard pack.
Ing wrote:
Yea, might have come off a little harsh on that wrench comment. Sorry about that. I don't like internet smart-asses, and that certainly was REAL close...
Yea, might have come off a little harsh on that wrench comment. Sorry about that. I don't like internet smart-asses, and that certainly was REAL close to the boarder. My bad, won't happen again. I can certainly be accused of being overly defensive about my KTMs. Don Jr.
Oh my god!!!!! Where did this politeness come from? An apology on this site is hard to come by, then follow that up with a "no worries." This is bigger than Stewart to L/M Racing. Sorry, hijack over, but we need more of this around these here parts.
lappedrider
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lappedrider 8/18/2008 4:42pm
8/18/2008 4:42pm
Cygnus wrote:
KTM riders are more dedicated than Harley riders . Speaks volumes .Wink
Ouch man.........Sad
kawasa84
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kawasa84 8/18/2008 4:43pm
8/18/2008 4:43pm
123 wrote:
How many times did Hill blow up his Yamaha YZ250f? How about those Kawasaki's at Southwick?
The Fan wrote:
Kawasaki's and Yamaha's have had some positives to go along with the negatives. What have KTM's really ever done in american motocross/supercross?
thiel77 wrote:
to continue 123's examples: Langston - flat tire in SX and his back shock breaking. Lawrance- i think is was San Fran where his bike quit...
to continue 123's examples:
Langston - flat tire in SX and his back shock breaking.
Lawrance- i think is was San Fran where his bike quit on him, and also at high point.
Townley- GH, bike quit.
All mfg's have thier problems and every mfg is not going to be able to stop them.

And lets see about success: they have only had a factory team since i think 99 or 2000. And since ive been following it, Langston won a Outdoor title with Ryan Hughes in 2nd. Lil Hanny tying Langston for the East Coast SX title a few years ago. Even though it has been brought up, Alessi's second place last year. But one thing i think KTM haters over look is that 2007 was thier first big push to contest in the big boys class. I would think for a team who has only been racing at this level over here for 8 years, thats not too bad.
Don't forget Nate Dawg Ramsey got 2nd in championship pts in 250f West Supercross in I believe it was 05'.......... He would have won the championship that year but his KTM 250f stalled on the 2nd lap of the Phoenix round and it took a lap to start that 4-stroke tractor.
GuyB
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GuyB 8/18/2008 6:05pm
8/18/2008 6:05pm
eurohero wrote:
Oh my god!!!!! Where did this politeness come from? An apology on this site is hard to come by, then follow that up with a "no...
Oh my god!!!!! Where did this politeness come from? An apology on this site is hard to come by, then follow that up with a "no worries." This is bigger than Stewart to L/M Racing. Sorry, hijack over, but we need more of this around these here parts.
Amazingly, a little common sense and civility does actually happen. Now if more people would take the initiative... Smile
Larry
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Larry 8/18/2008 6:12pm
8/18/2008 6:12pm
Cygnus wrote:
KTM riders are more dedicated than Harley riders . Speaks volumes .Wink
You just made my day.

Dedication counts in moto.
KTM boy 137
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KTM boy 137 8/18/2008 6:31pm
8/18/2008 6:31pm
As my name suggests... i love KTM's.

I'm a big fella, and I'm hard on bikes because of it. My KTM's have always stood up to the test of me.
I'm not the fastest, not the slowest guy on an MX track, and in the woods, I can do okay sometimes...

Other than wasting all my milk money on my bike when I was younger... they proved reliable as hell for me. Even when I had to invent ways to fix things rather than going and buying the 'proper' replacement part right away, they still were ready to go racing at a moments notice.

I got a family now - and don't ride near as much - but I won't part with my '03 KTM 250sx. If I do - it will be for a new 250sx. No ifs ands or buts.
jmar
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jmar 8/18/2008 8:07pm
8/18/2008 8:07pm
CamP wrote:
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
No doubt about it.

Everything from the casting of the cases, quality of the bearings and seals and the tolerances on all of the machined parts. All superior quality components compared to anything else on the market.
jmar
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jmar 8/18/2008 8:07pm
8/18/2008 8:07pm
CamP wrote:
Nobody builds better bikes than Honda.
No doubt about it.

Everything from the casting of the cases, quality of the bearings and seals and the tolerances on all of the machined parts. All superior quality components compared to anything else on the market.

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