2017 KTM 150 SX Talk

CBA004
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CBA004
What's up, guys? I just bought a 2017 KTM 150 SX. It's been many years since I've owned a 2 stroke...have a KX 450 too but wanted something fun and light that won't kill me. I'm 30 years old and a B/C rider riding only moto. Want some feedback on this bike..

What kind of things should I do to it? Probably going to put a FMF fatty and 2.1 silencer on it this week.

What about bars/mounts to reduce vibration? Looking at Renthal twin bars in McGrath bend..do I need the mounts too? I'm not 100% sure but I think the stock mounts are oversized already...don't know yet how the handle vibration, though.

Planning on running Maxima 927 mixed 40:1 with 93 gas pump..lowest ethenal I can find. Thoughts? If it matters I live and ride in Texas.

I'm 165 pounds..going to get the sag at 105mm. I haven't played with the air pressure in the forks yet but I usually run 31 to 32.5 in my 450...assume that'll be good start for this bike too.

Any thoughts and ideas about this bike is greatly appreciated!

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Kx125rider 10/9/2016 10:36am
10/9/2016 10:36am
OEM bars shouldnt be too bad with vibrations, because they are already oversized. I wouldnt run 927, it will clog up powervalves. I run maxima Super M. Hold it wide!
1
Barry_Smith 10/9/2016 2:16pm
10/9/2016 2:16pm
Congrats on the bike. Pics and ride report, STAT!

I am roughly the same age/speed as you. I have a YZ125 and 450F, but I've been lusting after a current generation 150SX for so long!
Superdave19
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Superdave19 10/9/2016 5:29pm
10/9/2016 5:29pm
Dude you'll really have a blast with that bike- A friend of mine who's a very fast 55+ vet has one... shreds!!

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colintrax
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colintrax 10/9/2016 5:37pm
10/9/2016 5:37pm
Ride it first, vibrations shouldn't be bad.
And congrats!
crc245
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crc245 10/9/2016 5:55pm
10/9/2016 5:55pm Edited Date/Time 10/9/2016 5:57pm
Congratulations! PHDS are awesome bar mounts, but your stock ones are already oversized at 1.125" if you'd like to save the coin and ride it first; just a silencer does wonders on those things; and you're likely looking at 125-135 PSI on the forks, not the 30 PSI range you initially thought...Your KXF forks are probably PSF1's, whereas the KTM has the new WP AER system. Only one Schrader to check and not too bad on the 450's I've ridden thus far (for OE air systems anyways)...Have fun and hold it wide Cool
SmoothOperator 10/9/2016 8:12pm
10/9/2016 8:12pm
I prefered the stock pipe. It works very well. Prefered the shorty silencer though.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/9/2016 8:12pm
10/9/2016 8:12pm
I'm interested in getting one as well. Do you guys have to do much jetting changes when adding a pipe and silencer? What about riding in Southern Cal. Vs. Oregon, would I need to make changes that often?
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/11/2016 12:04pm
10/11/2016 12:04pm
I think I'm going to speak with my wallet! Found a great deal on a 16 125. What else do I need to know?
Pirate421
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Pirate421 10/11/2016 3:29pm
10/11/2016 3:29pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I think I'm going to speak with my wallet! Found a great deal on a 16 125. What else do I need to know?
I would thing California jetting would be pretty easy since the weather is pretty constant? Either way once you get a good setting you should be set. I've had 125s back in the day but would also like one of these. Do it!
SmoothOperator 10/11/2016 8:49pm
10/11/2016 8:49pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I think I'm going to speak with my wallet! Found a great deal on a 16 125. What else do I need to know?
The '16 4cs are far better than the prior units. Reduce the oil in each stanchion about 5-7cc. Adjustable compression bases can give you even more adjustability. I like my 4cs, and so has everyone that's ridden it.
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i3oykin 10/11/2016 9:12pm
10/11/2016 9:12pm
Really good sag on that bike I've found is 108mm. The jetting guide in the manual is near spot on. It's a TAD rich but they run it safe. It's a great starting v point for ambient temps and elevation. Ive found it to be about 95% good. I usually run my bikes a little leaner than most though.

38:1 with VP 110 unleaded @ 50/50 pump 91. The lead in the gas really helps cushion everything, etc. It brings it right around 100.5 octane which I found helps prevent detonation.

I like the stock pipe with a shorty or slightly longer 304 factory silencer. Or paired with a PC works pipe works well too but brings the power up in the rev range. I like it. Others dont.

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i3oykin 10/11/2016 9:14pm
10/11/2016 9:14pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I'm interested in getting one as well. Do you guys have to do much jetting changes when adding a pipe and silencer? What about riding in...
I'm interested in getting one as well. Do you guys have to do much jetting changes when adding a pipe and silencer? What about riding in Southern Cal. Vs. Oregon, would I need to make changes that often?
Pm me. I have a 15 that's dialed. SoCal rider. Come to the track and try it before you buy!
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/11/2016 9:33pm
10/11/2016 9:33pm
What are you other guys running for fuel and oil?

Stoked to get back in the 2 smoke scene! I'm keeping my 250f but will be nice to keep the hours lower on that thing!
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/11/2016 9:34pm
10/11/2016 9:34pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I'm interested in getting one as well. Do you guys have to do much jetting changes when adding a pipe and silencer? What about riding in...
I'm interested in getting one as well. Do you guys have to do much jetting changes when adding a pipe and silencer? What about riding in Southern Cal. Vs. Oregon, would I need to make changes that often?
i3oykin wrote:
Pm me. I have a 15 that's dialed. SoCal rider. Come to the track and try it before you buy!
Thanks, I'm trying to get the 16 so it's the same chassis as my 250f and can interchange parts.
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i3oykin 10/11/2016 9:47pm
10/11/2016 9:47pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
What are you other guys running for fuel and oil? Stoked to get back in the 2 smoke scene! I'm keeping my 250f but will be...
What are you other guys running for fuel and oil?

Stoked to get back in the 2 smoke scene! I'm keeping my 250f but will be nice to keep the hours lower on that thing!
Right on! Maybe I'll see you out there.

I really want to get a 250f soon.... And by soon I mean In two years when I decide id i wanna stay on KTM/Husky or go back to Yamaha.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/13/2016 1:57pm
10/13/2016 1:57pm
I did it.... Well a 125, I'm very excited!


i3oykin
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i3oykin 10/13/2016 2:07pm
10/13/2016 2:07pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I did it.... Well a 125, I'm very excited! [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/10/13/155583/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
I did it.... Well a 125, I'm very excited!


I bet those cone valve forks and traxx shock would be amazing on that 125! Awesome man! You're gonna have so much fun on that. That 250f looks sweet as well.

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SmoothOperator 10/13/2016 2:19pm
10/13/2016 2:19pm
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I did it.... Well a 125, I'm very excited! [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/10/13/155583/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
I did it.... Well a 125, I'm very excited!


You're gonna love it. My '16 150 is by far the most fun bike I've had in years. Coming off the 5hunit and crf450, was a little worried I wouldn't enjoy the lower power levels. Complete opposite. Im all grins, all day on the 150. I race 30+ and never feel too out motored by the big bikes.
Congrats on the purchase.
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Pirate421 10/13/2016 5:52pm
10/13/2016 5:52pm
I like it man. Can always throw that 150 kit on there if you're feeling froggy. I think I saw them on eBay for the 16-17' for $799
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i3oykin 10/13/2016 10:08pm
10/13/2016 10:08pm
Pirate421 wrote:
I like it man. Can always throw that 150 kit on there if you're feeling froggy. I think I saw them on eBay for the 16-17'...
I like it man. Can always throw that 150 kit on there if you're feeling froggy. I think I saw them on eBay for the 16-17' for $799
I went to the 2017 ride day for KTM at GH. And I personally like the 125 better than the 150. The 150 needs to be shifted more and was harder to keep in the powerband. It's a lot more mid range with a sacrificed top end. The 125 feels more competitive to me. My opinion of course. That and I'm also bias because I mainly ride 125's. I had a 144 kit on my yz125 and it hit super hard mid but had no over rev. It all depends on where he likes his power, etc.

It would be better if it was stroked and bored. Not just a large bore kit thrown on. That would allow for different characteristics and would bw the "right" way to do it.
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/13/2016 10:23pm
10/13/2016 10:23pm
Multiple people said the same thing you're describing about the engines. So when I came across this good deal I jumped on it.

I read MXA said they liked the 125 with a 49T sprocket, could you imagine that working well?
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i3oykin 10/13/2016 10:29pm
10/13/2016 10:29pm Edited Date/Time 3/17/2017 12:24am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Multiple people said the same thing you're describing about the engines. So when I came across this good deal I jumped on it. I read MXA...
Multiple people said the same thing you're describing about the engines. So when I came across this good deal I jumped on it.

I read MXA said they liked the 125 with a 49T sprocket, could you imagine that working well?
If you're an intermediate rider or faster yes I could see it being perfect. The stock gearing is darn good for any tighter track IMO. Milestone, Perris, Pala vet. I think I personally could benefit from a 49t rear at places like Cahuilla. But I usually use my shorty silencer at the tighter tracks and the stock long silencer on more long, open tracks that are higher speed. It kind of accomplishes the same thing for me/ has similar affect. These bikes have less over rev than the yz that's for sure. I'm not aure if that's due to the KTM ignition map or what exactly. Once I do my top end I'll mess with squish and some other stuff. Maybe try a single ring piston. Ktm offers an upgraded CDI that id assume would raise the Rpm limit and allow for over rev more.

I'm just an average rider though so take my opinions lightly hahaha.
Pirate421
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Pirate421 10/14/2016 2:19am
10/14/2016 2:19am
Do these 125/150s have a powervalve adjuster like the 250/300s? Either way Joe that 125 looks sweet, I have no idea why the ktm 125s don't seem as popular as the YZ/CR/RM's.
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MxRyder 10/14/2016 6:06am
10/14/2016 6:06am
CBA004 wrote:
What's up, guys? I just bought a 2017 KTM 150 SX. It's been many years since I've owned a 2 stroke...have a KX 450 too but...
What's up, guys? I just bought a 2017 KTM 150 SX. It's been many years since I've owned a 2 stroke...have a KX 450 too but wanted something fun and light that won't kill me. I'm 30 years old and a B/C rider riding only moto. Want some feedback on this bike..

What kind of things should I do to it? Probably going to put a FMF fatty and 2.1 silencer on it this week.

What about bars/mounts to reduce vibration? Looking at Renthal twin bars in McGrath bend..do I need the mounts too? I'm not 100% sure but I think the stock mounts are oversized already...don't know yet how the handle vibration, though.

Planning on running Maxima 927 mixed 40:1 with 93 gas pump..lowest ethenal I can find. Thoughts? If it matters I live and ride in Texas.

I'm 165 pounds..going to get the sag at 105mm. I haven't played with the air pressure in the forks yet but I usually run 31 to 32.5 in my 450...assume that'll be good start for this bike too.

Any thoughts and ideas about this bike is greatly appreciated!

No need to run that much air in the forks...that 150 weights 40lbs lighter....use a lighter setting........
CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/14/2016 6:18am
10/14/2016 6:18am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
Multiple people said the same thing you're describing about the engines. So when I came across this good deal I jumped on it. I read MXA...
Multiple people said the same thing you're describing about the engines. So when I came across this good deal I jumped on it.

I read MXA said they liked the 125 with a 49T sprocket, could you imagine that working well?
i3oykin wrote:
If you're an intermediate rider or faster yes I could see it being perfect. The stock gearing is darn good for any tighter track IMO. Milestone...
If you're an intermediate rider or faster yes I could see it being perfect. The stock gearing is darn good for any tighter track IMO. Milestone, Perris, Pala vet. I think I personally could benefit from a 49t rear at places like Cahuilla. But I usually use my shorty silencer at the tighter tracks and the stock long silencer on more long, open tracks that are higher speed. It kind of accomplishes the same thing for me/ has similar affect. These bikes have less over rev than the yz that's for sure. I'm not aure if that's due to the KTM ignition map or what exactly. Once I do my top end I'll mess with squish and some other stuff. Maybe try a single ring piston. Ktm offers an upgraded CDI that id assume would raise the Rpm limit and allow for over rev more.

I'm just an average rider though so take my opinions lightly hahaha.
So it came with 3 silencers, any idea of the characteristics of each?
FMF Shorty-
FMF Powercore 2-
Stock-

Thanks for all the advice! Haven't been on a 125 since I was a kid. Hahaha
i3oykin
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i3oykin 10/14/2016 9:21am
10/14/2016 9:21am
Pirate421 wrote:
Do these 125/150s have a powervalve adjuster like the 250/300s? Either way Joe that 125 looks sweet, I have no idea why the ktm 125s don't...
Do these 125/150s have a powervalve adjuster like the 250/300s? Either way Joe that 125 looks sweet, I have no idea why the ktm 125s don't seem as popular as the YZ/CR/RM's.
Yes, they do! You can change out the springs to alter when it comes on in the Rpm range.

Maybe because initially they cost more and parts cost more?
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i3oykin 10/14/2016 9:25am
10/14/2016 9:25am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
So it came with 3 silencers, any idea of the characteristics of each? FMF Shorty- FMF Powercore 2- Stock- Thanks for all the advice! Haven't been...
So it came with 3 silencers, any idea of the characteristics of each?
FMF Shorty-
FMF Powercore 2-
Stock-

Thanks for all the advice! Haven't been on a 125 since I was a kid. Hahaha
On a 2-stroke the longer the silencer the more top end you will have.

So the shorty will give you the most crisp off-throttle to mid. It makes the throttle response fast and crisp to me.

The powercore is a slightly longer shorty I believe which is what I prefer (the pro circuit version I think is the factory sound 304). And I think overall for MX track riding it's the best overall. Makes it snappy off throttle and very responsive with little to no sacrifice up top.

I don't really notice much sacrifice if any with the shorty on my Tc125 I think it's cause like o said earlier these bikes are limited in top end by the ignition mapping or something. Just set up a little different than the yz is all. Not necessarily a bad thing lol.
GimpIndustries 10/14/2016 11:11am
10/14/2016 11:11am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
I did it.... Well a 125, I'm very excited! [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/10/13/155583/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
I did it.... Well a 125, I'm very excited!


Let me know when you want me to make that bike cry Joe. Smile
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CarlinoJoeVideo 10/14/2016 11:27am
10/14/2016 11:27am
CarlinoJoeVideo wrote:
So it came with 3 silencers, any idea of the characteristics of each? FMF Shorty- FMF Powercore 2- Stock- Thanks for all the advice! Haven't been...
So it came with 3 silencers, any idea of the characteristics of each?
FMF Shorty-
FMF Powercore 2-
Stock-

Thanks for all the advice! Haven't been on a 125 since I was a kid. Hahaha
i3oykin wrote:
On a 2-stroke the longer the silencer the more top end you will have. So the shorty will give you the most crisp off-throttle to mid...
On a 2-stroke the longer the silencer the more top end you will have.

So the shorty will give you the most crisp off-throttle to mid. It makes the throttle response fast and crisp to me.

The powercore is a slightly longer shorty I believe which is what I prefer (the pro circuit version I think is the factory sound 304). And I think overall for MX track riding it's the best overall. Makes it snappy off throttle and very responsive with little to no sacrifice up top.

I don't really notice much sacrifice if any with the shorty on my Tc125 I think it's cause like o said earlier these bikes are limited in top end by the ignition mapping or something. Just set up a little different than the yz is all. Not necessarily a bad thing lol.
Cool, I'll start with the shorty I guess? Would you recommend?

Matt, can't wait! I hope we can link up this winter!

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