KTM 250 sx way too narrow

peaz23
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peaz23
Edited Date/Time 2/11/2016 12:12pm
I just purchased a 2014 KTM 250 sx thinking it would fit similar to my old 2008 ktm 250sx, but the new bike is much more narrow. I can no longer grip the bike with my knees and the bike is constantly trying to dump me off the back of the bike. I am 5' 11'' and the widest part of my knees is above the widest part of the seat. I have tried the stick on stomp-grip pads but found that the bike is too narrow for my knees to even touch the stick on grip pads. I absolutely hate having to awkwardly tweak my knees inward to pinch the skinny seat (still struggle to hold on to the bike).

Is there anything I can do to widen the bike behind my knees and calves? I would really appreciate your help because as of now the bike is not any fun to ride cause i keep slipping off the back. Thanks!
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Crush
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Crush 2/7/2016 3:05pm
2/7/2016 3:05pm
Don't know... Could do Steg Pegz or a different seat.

As a tall dude though, I can tell you that not gripping the bike with your legs sucks... Try turning your toes in a little!
Justin314
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Justin314 2/7/2016 4:47pm
2/7/2016 4:47pm
I still have my '10 (same generation as your '08), but am around your height and can relate about the bike feeling a little narrow. I threw some Fastway pegs on, which allow you to use shims in order to have the pegs have a slight angle. I feel that they help me grip better. They're also wider and allow options for teeth. They may be worth looking into.
YZ125H1
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YZ125H1 2/8/2016 12:59pm
2/8/2016 12:59pm
I've rode a few different bikes and I would say the steel frames are the hardest to grip. Depending on the design of the frame. My 04 RM250 feels more narrow than my 96 YZ125. I really liked my 07 CRF250R, had a nice thick perimeter frame to grip easily. Rode an 06 KX250 and 07 YZ250 and they were fairly easy to grip also. I found frame guards can make them easier to grip (more flat surface area) or wearing knee protection. I have to admit it is quite awkward bending your legs in. Just have to get used to it though.
d394
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d394 2/9/2016 8:52am
2/9/2016 8:52am Edited Date/Time 2/9/2016 8:53am
I would have to disagree on the latest 250sx being too narrow. I currently ride a MY 15 which is basically the same bike. I felt it to be a little wide and removed the plastic frame guards for a more narrow feel(I'm 6ft). That being said, maybe try pinching more with your ankles and inner calf area (boot surface area) with toes inward. It brings more contact to the bike than one single focus of pinching your knees together. This strategy works for me being taller than your average Carmichael.

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RyanLester761
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RyanLester761 2/10/2016 5:14pm
2/10/2016 5:14pm
I had a tall seat on my 2003 yz250 and it helped a ton to grip with my knees. I'm about 6' tall myself. You should try a tall seat or look for lower pegs.

I like the idea of wearing knee braces (if you don't already) too.

Ryan
Markee
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Markee 2/11/2016 5:11am
2/11/2016 5:11am
I'm 6'2. I have lower pegs and wear knee braces. This is the first i've ever heard being to narrow. You bow legged?
JW381
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JW381 2/11/2016 11:57am
2/11/2016 11:57am
I like a narrow feel. My 04 CR is pretty sleek and narrow. The older KTMs feel like Harleys to me. To each their own.
2b
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2b 2/11/2016 12:12pm
2/11/2016 12:12pm
Do you have knee braces?
if not GET THEM, you will save your knees in the future and be able to grip the bike without being bow legged.
im 6'2 and have yz250.

cant ride without knee braces, cant grip the bike..
dont know how i did it before i injured knee and got the braces.

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