KTM Ride Day

mx12boy
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Reno, NV, USA
Fantasy
Ride day at the Hangtown track tomorrow anybody from here going? I am having to miss two days of work to go. I really want to ride the new 250.
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dedi684
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Ravena, NY, USA
7/31/2016 9:32am
No but im leterally just looking at the calendar and making my plans when they visit the northeast. 250 2s and 350
adiaz791
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Corona, CA, USA
7/31/2016 10:01am Edited Date/Time 8/7/2016 4:18pm
They just had a ktm ride day at Glen helen this past Monday. I didn't go because of work, but my buddy went and rode every model. He was really considering buying a ktm. He absolutely loved the 150sx, 350sx-f, and 450sx-f models. He currently rides a 2011 kx450 but couldn't justify paying the premium price for a new ktm.
Markee
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Suffolk, VA, USA
7/31/2016 10:28am
South East not in the demographic?
KTMsc
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Roseville, CA, USA
7/31/2016 11:44am
I'll be there.
Can't wait to ride the all new 250SX.

The Shop

CarlinoJoeVideo
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Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
7/31/2016 12:37pm
If any of you guys have the moment to give a comparison between the 150 and 250f I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if the handeling and bike control feels simaler besides the motor.

Thanks guys!
walent215
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Ridgecrest, CA, USA
7/31/2016 1:02pm Edited Date/Time 7/31/2016 1:06pm
If any of you guys have the moment to give a comparison between the 150 and 250f I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if...
If any of you guys have the moment to give a comparison between the 150 and 250f I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if the handeling and bike control feels simaler besides the motor.

Thanks guys!
I rode them both at the ride day on Monday and I have to say they feel quite different. Just the fact that one is a 2 stroke and one isn't sets them apart entirely. The 150 has surprisingly good bottom end for a small bore 2 stroke. And the bike pulls hard through the mid. The suspension felt about the same besides the 150 being a little stiffer due to probably just a different fork setting the guys put on it. They both corner awesome and have great power delivery. The 250f is a little weak off the bottom but pulls hard once you get towards the mid and to the top. It pulls forever on top and if you ride it properly, will feel really powerful. The suspension on the 250f felt awesome as well and the bike felt light and easy to throw around and lay over in the corners. My opinion is if you enjoy 2 strokes more and are capable of riding a bike a little harder for more enjoyment, get the 150 because it is a great bike. If you are used to 4 strokes and want a bike that's easier to go faster on and get more power, get the 250f.Overall, the suspension and handling feels great on both and the bikes have a really planted front end in the corners.


Edit : 145 lbs without gear and novice- intermediate skill level. Glen Helen REM track.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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7/31/2016 1:21pm
If any of you guys have the moment to give a comparison between the 150 and 250f I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if...
If any of you guys have the moment to give a comparison between the 150 and 250f I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if the handeling and bike control feels simaler besides the motor.

Thanks guys!
walent215 wrote:
I rode them both at the ride day on Monday and I have to say they feel quite different. Just the fact that one is a...
I rode them both at the ride day on Monday and I have to say they feel quite different. Just the fact that one is a 2 stroke and one isn't sets them apart entirely. The 150 has surprisingly good bottom end for a small bore 2 stroke. And the bike pulls hard through the mid. The suspension felt about the same besides the 150 being a little stiffer due to probably just a different fork setting the guys put on it. They both corner awesome and have great power delivery. The 250f is a little weak off the bottom but pulls hard once you get towards the mid and to the top. It pulls forever on top and if you ride it properly, will feel really powerful. The suspension on the 250f felt awesome as well and the bike felt light and easy to throw around and lay over in the corners. My opinion is if you enjoy 2 strokes more and are capable of riding a bike a little harder for more enjoyment, get the 150 because it is a great bike. If you are used to 4 strokes and want a bike that's easier to go faster on and get more power, get the 250f.Overall, the suspension and handling feels great on both and the bikes have a really planted front end in the corners.


Edit : 145 lbs without gear and novice- intermediate skill level. Glen Helen REM track.
Thanks for your comparison. I currently have a 16 250sx-f and just looking for the 150 to throw around here and there.

Did they feel the same handeling wise and ergonomics?
mica.lagross
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Skowhegan, ME, USA
7/31/2016 1:47pm
dedi684 wrote:
No but im leterally just looking at the calendar and making my plans when they visit the northeast. 250 2s and 350
They're at Hemonds in Maine today
colintrax
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Taylorsville, GA, USA
7/31/2016 1:58pm
Markee wrote:
South East not in the demographic?
Highland park in Cedartown Georgia has done a few KTM demo days, not sure if they got any this year.

My experience with the KTM demo day isn't really all that great, I had test rode a 2012 150. Couldn't keep it on the pipe and dropped her a few times. Just felt uncomfortable. Got back on my 250F and thought "I'll never buy a 2 stroke again"
Well... 2 years later I got a killer deal on a 2012 150. Best bike I've ever rode. I've got no problem ringing her out, and it just feels like home. Ergos are perfect. I don't know why I didn't like the test bike Dry
walent215
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Ridgecrest, CA, USA
7/31/2016 4:14pm
If any of you guys have the moment to give a comparison between the 150 and 250f I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if...
If any of you guys have the moment to give a comparison between the 150 and 250f I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm wondering if the handeling and bike control feels simaler besides the motor.

Thanks guys!
walent215 wrote:
I rode them both at the ride day on Monday and I have to say they feel quite different. Just the fact that one is a...
I rode them both at the ride day on Monday and I have to say they feel quite different. Just the fact that one is a 2 stroke and one isn't sets them apart entirely. The 150 has surprisingly good bottom end for a small bore 2 stroke. And the bike pulls hard through the mid. The suspension felt about the same besides the 150 being a little stiffer due to probably just a different fork setting the guys put on it. They both corner awesome and have great power delivery. The 250f is a little weak off the bottom but pulls hard once you get towards the mid and to the top. It pulls forever on top and if you ride it properly, will feel really powerful. The suspension on the 250f felt awesome as well and the bike felt light and easy to throw around and lay over in the corners. My opinion is if you enjoy 2 strokes more and are capable of riding a bike a little harder for more enjoyment, get the 150 because it is a great bike. If you are used to 4 strokes and want a bike that's easier to go faster on and get more power, get the 250f.Overall, the suspension and handling feels great on both and the bikes have a really planted front end in the corners.


Edit : 145 lbs without gear and novice- intermediate skill level. Glen Helen REM track.
Thanks for your comparison. I currently have a 16 250sx-f and just looking for the 150 to throw around here and there. Did they feel the...
Thanks for your comparison. I currently have a 16 250sx-f and just looking for the 150 to throw around here and there.

Did they feel the same handeling wise and ergonomics?
Yes they did
dedi684
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Ravena, NY, USA
7/31/2016 5:19pm
dedi684 wrote:
No but im leterally just looking at the calendar and making my plans when they visit the northeast. 250 2s and 350
They're at Hemonds in Maine today
Yeah i couldn't make it up but i think they were the xc's? I would have loved to try them.
mx12boy
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Reno, NV, USA
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7/31/2016 5:52pm
KTMsc wrote:
I'll be there.
Can't wait to ride the all new 250SX.
I'll be driving an orange Tacoma stop by and say hi.
slipdog
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Nor Cal, CA, USA
7/31/2016 6:33pm
I'll be out there with Travis Hudson...
8/1/2016 6:12am
mx12boy wrote:
Ride day at the Hangtown track tomorrow anybody from here going? I am having to miss two days of work to go. I really want to...
Ride day at the Hangtown track tomorrow anybody from here going? I am having to miss two days of work to go. I really want to ride the new 250.
2 days work to take 2 laps on a bike....

at least that's what they dide at the ride day I went to. you get to ride every bike for 2 laps and then one bonus ride.

it was fun but I don't know that I would miss 2 days work for it.

second thought........ yeah I would lol

mx12boy
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Reno, NV, USA
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8/1/2016 6:24am
mx12boy wrote:
Ride day at the Hangtown track tomorrow anybody from here going? I am having to miss two days of work to go. I really want to...
Ride day at the Hangtown track tomorrow anybody from here going? I am having to miss two days of work to go. I really want to ride the new 250.
2 days work to take 2 laps on a bike.... at least that's what they dide at the ride day I went to. you get to...
2 days work to take 2 laps on a bike....

at least that's what they dide at the ride day I went to. you get to ride every bike for 2 laps and then one bonus ride.

it was fun but I don't know that I would miss 2 days work for it.

second thought........ yeah I would lol

I work for the Railroad and needed some time off to just have some fun.
slipdog
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8/1/2016 6:42am
slipdog wrote:
I'll be out there with Travis Hudson...
Name dropper.Wink
I just like to say his name because it sounds like the leader of a '90's boy band. I say "I'm hanging out with T-Hud" and all the teen girls be like "OMG!!! Can I come over, I'll bring my friend Patty? She has a real great personality!" So then I'm like "Yeah baby, taking one for the team".
8/1/2016 8:04pm
We are gonna get so much ass up in here.....like crazy boy band ass.
8/2/2016 4:02pm Edited Date/Time 8/2/2016 4:05pm
On another note.....The 250sx is quite the machine, I think it would have to be my pick if i was in the market for a new 250 two stroke. The 450sx was not quite all that i thought it would be, ...dont get me wrong......its a very good 450, Just not quite the end all best 450 out there. To my surprise....[Especially for a 240lbs guy] I think i had the most fun on the 150sx and 125sx.....and giving the nod to the 125. That thing reved pretty far and was just a kick in the pants to ride. It has actually got me thinking that on the right track, maybe finding a craigslist 125 could be in my future...or hell...a new KTM or Husky!
8/2/2016 4:04pm
And i also wanted to say that KTM did an awesome job with this program and its really cool that you are able to spin laps on something before throwing your hard earned cash on the line.
bents
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CA
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8/2/2016 4:16pm
So Travis what is the story on the 250sx? Is the vibration that much less than any other 250 2 stroke you have ridden? Did you find it easy to ride? I would love to hear more about it? And the 125 sounds super interesting as well.
Ted722
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Sacramento, CA, USA
8/2/2016 4:24pm
On another note.....The 250sx is quite the machine, I think it would have to be my pick if i was in the market for a new...
On another note.....The 250sx is quite the machine, I think it would have to be my pick if i was in the market for a new 250 two stroke. The 450sx was not quite all that i thought it would be, ...dont get me wrong......its a very good 450, Just not quite the end all best 450 out there. To my surprise....[Especially for a 240lbs guy] I think i had the most fun on the 150sx and 125sx.....and giving the nod to the 125. That thing reved pretty far and was just a kick in the pants to ride. It has actually got me thinking that on the right track, maybe finding a craigslist 125 could be in my future...or hell...a new KTM or Husky!
That's awesome T-Hud! Smile Can't go wrong with adding a small bore to the stable.
JM485
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8/2/2016 4:30pm
I'm so pissed I couldn't go, I really wanted to but getting time off work would have been tough since I'm doing an internship. Why the heck did they do this on a Monday?
slipdog
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8/2/2016 5:02pm Edited Date/Time 8/2/2016 5:07pm
I only got to ride the 150sx, 250sx and 350sx-f and I had to get home to get my kids. While all 3 are very different bikes, they all felt the same from a chassis, ergonomic and suspension platform. I didn't like the power of the 350 at all, just not enough of it. It felt like it only made decent power at higher rpm, but was lethargic in getting there.

The 250sx felt much stronger to me than the 350, but for a 250 it was very linear in it's power delivery and fell flat early up on top. So kind of a bottom/mid motor with no real hit. I also have no idea which power valve spring it had and how it was set, but really a no hit 2-stroke motor is what most people would really want and it was fast. Vibration was nothing noticable. A very good platform for a MX bike and I can't wait to get one(Husky actually).

The 150 was just too fucking slow, the end.

Saying all 3 felt the same means the handling characteristics and suspension action was very similar and the only differences was in the power deliveries.The new AER forks are, if anything, the opposite of the old 4cs forks in that there was no hint of harshness and in fact felt on the mushy side. Overall all 3 bikes felt soft and springy in their action. The forks would dive quickly under heavy braking and would "pop" back up and almost push the front wheel when I'd release the brake. They would also spring back up landing from jumps that gave me a feeling of delay before I could accelerate away from the landing. As with the 250 motor, I have no idea what settings the suspension were at nor sag as they all felt like they were a biased to the rear a bit. I have no doubt sag, clicker and/or air pressure adjustment could correct a lot of the feeling I got and I think overall they have a decent suspension platform to start from. Certainly no worse than most of the recent attempts from the Japanese manufacturers.

FTR, I'm 5'6" 160lb Vet Pro


Edit: All 3 bikes shifted like crap, that was the biggest disappointment for me. I could not get them to up shift under a load and many times had to back off after a second failed attempt at a full power up shift.
JW381
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Harrisburg, OR, USA
8/2/2016 5:42pm
slipdog wrote:
I only got to ride the 150sx, 250sx and 350sx-f and I had to get home to get my kids. While all 3 are very different...
I only got to ride the 150sx, 250sx and 350sx-f and I had to get home to get my kids. While all 3 are very different bikes, they all felt the same from a chassis, ergonomic and suspension platform. I didn't like the power of the 350 at all, just not enough of it. It felt like it only made decent power at higher rpm, but was lethargic in getting there.

The 250sx felt much stronger to me than the 350, but for a 250 it was very linear in it's power delivery and fell flat early up on top. So kind of a bottom/mid motor with no real hit. I also have no idea which power valve spring it had and how it was set, but really a no hit 2-stroke motor is what most people would really want and it was fast. Vibration was nothing noticable. A very good platform for a MX bike and I can't wait to get one(Husky actually).

The 150 was just too fucking slow, the end.

Saying all 3 felt the same means the handling characteristics and suspension action was very similar and the only differences was in the power deliveries.The new AER forks are, if anything, the opposite of the old 4cs forks in that there was no hint of harshness and in fact felt on the mushy side. Overall all 3 bikes felt soft and springy in their action. The forks would dive quickly under heavy braking and would "pop" back up and almost push the front wheel when I'd release the brake. They would also spring back up landing from jumps that gave me a feeling of delay before I could accelerate away from the landing. As with the 250 motor, I have no idea what settings the suspension were at nor sag as they all felt like they were a biased to the rear a bit. I have no doubt sag, clicker and/or air pressure adjustment could correct a lot of the feeling I got and I think overall they have a decent suspension platform to start from. Certainly no worse than most of the recent attempts from the Japanese manufacturers.

FTR, I'm 5'6" 160lb Vet Pro


Edit: All 3 bikes shifted like crap, that was the biggest disappointment for me. I could not get them to up shift under a load and many times had to back off after a second failed attempt at a full power up shift.
Do you clutch when you full-power upshift? I was under the impression you can either chop the throttle and grab a gear or grab a handful of clutch without letting off.
dedi684
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Ravena, NY, USA
8/2/2016 5:44pm Edited Date/Time 8/2/2016 5:46pm
slipdog wrote:
I only got to ride the 150sx, 250sx and 350sx-f and I had to get home to get my kids. While all 3 are very different...
I only got to ride the 150sx, 250sx and 350sx-f and I had to get home to get my kids. While all 3 are very different bikes, they all felt the same from a chassis, ergonomic and suspension platform. I didn't like the power of the 350 at all, just not enough of it. It felt like it only made decent power at higher rpm, but was lethargic in getting there.

The 250sx felt much stronger to me than the 350, but for a 250 it was very linear in it's power delivery and fell flat early up on top. So kind of a bottom/mid motor with no real hit. I also have no idea which power valve spring it had and how it was set, but really a no hit 2-stroke motor is what most people would really want and it was fast. Vibration was nothing noticable. A very good platform for a MX bike and I can't wait to get one(Husky actually).

The 150 was just too fucking slow, the end.

Saying all 3 felt the same means the handling characteristics and suspension action was very similar and the only differences was in the power deliveries.The new AER forks are, if anything, the opposite of the old 4cs forks in that there was no hint of harshness and in fact felt on the mushy side. Overall all 3 bikes felt soft and springy in their action. The forks would dive quickly under heavy braking and would "pop" back up and almost push the front wheel when I'd release the brake. They would also spring back up landing from jumps that gave me a feeling of delay before I could accelerate away from the landing. As with the 250 motor, I have no idea what settings the suspension were at nor sag as they all felt like they were a biased to the rear a bit. I have no doubt sag, clicker and/or air pressure adjustment could correct a lot of the feeling I got and I think overall they have a decent suspension platform to start from. Certainly no worse than most of the recent attempts from the Japanese manufacturers.

FTR, I'm 5'6" 160lb Vet Pro


Edit: All 3 bikes shifted like crap, that was the biggest disappointment for me. I could not get them to up shift under a load and many times had to back off after a second failed attempt at a full power up shift.
Nice review. I plan on trying the same 3 bikes. Having owned a 15 250 sx and currently a yz 250 i understand a lot of what you're saying. I always end up leaning towards a 250 2s
slipdog
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Nor Cal, CA, USA
8/2/2016 6:09pm
JW381 wrote:
Do you clutch when you full-power upshift? I was under the impression you can either chop the throttle and grab a gear or grab a handful...
Do you clutch when you full-power upshift? I was under the impression you can either chop the throttle and grab a gear or grab a handful of clutch without letting off.
I don't slip the clutch when I up shift and you shouldn't have too, but that may be a habit I have to learn when I switch to an Austrian brand. My Honda 450 up shifts with no effort like it has an ignition cut/shift kit and I've noticed a shift issue with every KTM I've ridden in the past.

Also remember these demo rides are 2 laps and hand it off to the next guy in line so not really enough time to even adjust to the bike let alone get a total feel for it. I may have highlighted the the things I didn't like, but overall I really liked the fit and feel am sure if it was a shootout with all bikes, I'd have plenty of negative things to say about the other manufacturers.
KTMsc
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Roseville, CA, USA
8/2/2016 9:49pm
After 2 1/2 years post injury the ride day was my first time back on a bike.
I'm old and a two stroke guy, however I rode the 450 first.
I have had two 450s, and 04 and a 09. The 09 was much better but I never felt at home with it.
After my two laps on it to pass judgement, I just did not like the feel.
Jumped on the 250SX and of course felt right at home.
As mentioned you are handed the bike from the previous rider, so there is no set up or adjustments of any kind.
The power was good, however the smoothness was very noticable.
The suspension while a little too soft for me, felt much better than my 13.
I put a deposit on one today.
8/3/2016 12:12am
bents wrote:
So Travis what is the story on the 250sx? Is the vibration that much less than any other 250 2 stroke you have ridden? Did you...
So Travis what is the story on the 250sx? Is the vibration that much less than any other 250 2 stroke you have ridden? Did you find it easy to ride? I would love to hear more about it? And the 125 sounds super interesting as well.
The 250sx was much better on vibration than I remember....I last raced one in 2005........of course they are set up for the average joe....I feel there was a lot of awakening that could be done but it was overall strong. The bikes corner much better than I remember a KTM doing...like slip said. There was a little bit of a shifting issue, and yes...they all had the same issue. Overall for the bikes I rode....I liked them, I think with some tweaking they could be very good.....but they were good staring points. Also mentioned , I thought that while way on the soft side for me, this new air fork was decent....and didn't notice any harsh spikes.
Phillip_Lamb
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2094
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ORANGEVALE, CA, USA
8/5/2016 12:41pm
slipdog wrote:
I only got to ride the 150sx, 250sx and 350sx-f and I had to get home to get my kids. While all 3 are very different...
I only got to ride the 150sx, 250sx and 350sx-f and I had to get home to get my kids. While all 3 are very different bikes, they all felt the same from a chassis, ergonomic and suspension platform. I didn't like the power of the 350 at all, just not enough of it. It felt like it only made decent power at higher rpm, but was lethargic in getting there.

The 250sx felt much stronger to me than the 350, but for a 250 it was very linear in it's power delivery and fell flat early up on top. So kind of a bottom/mid motor with no real hit. I also have no idea which power valve spring it had and how it was set, but really a no hit 2-stroke motor is what most people would really want and it was fast. Vibration was nothing noticable. A very good platform for a MX bike and I can't wait to get one(Husky actually).

The 150 was just too fucking slow, the end.

Saying all 3 felt the same means the handling characteristics and suspension action was very similar and the only differences was in the power deliveries.The new AER forks are, if anything, the opposite of the old 4cs forks in that there was no hint of harshness and in fact felt on the mushy side. Overall all 3 bikes felt soft and springy in their action. The forks would dive quickly under heavy braking and would "pop" back up and almost push the front wheel when I'd release the brake. They would also spring back up landing from jumps that gave me a feeling of delay before I could accelerate away from the landing. As with the 250 motor, I have no idea what settings the suspension were at nor sag as they all felt like they were a biased to the rear a bit. I have no doubt sag, clicker and/or air pressure adjustment could correct a lot of the feeling I got and I think overall they have a decent suspension platform to start from. Certainly no worse than most of the recent attempts from the Japanese manufacturers.

FTR, I'm 5'6" 160lb Vet Pro


Edit: All 3 bikes shifted like crap, that was the biggest disappointment for me. I could not get them to up shift under a load and many times had to back off after a second failed attempt at a full power up shift.
slip, lets be honest, the 150 is probably fast in relation to a yz,

you're just jaded cuz you hate small bores Wink

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