Dual sports-how old still work ok

yak651
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yak651
Edited Date/Time 8/28/2021 5:23pm
What’s the earliest year you would look at for a decent dual sport to try out without spending a boat load of cash? This is a price point I would spend but seems little old…probably should look for something with efi, what year did that start?
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gt80rider
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gt80rider 8/27/2021 4:27pm
8/27/2021 4:27pm
Xr650l ... any year... and the first year was 1985 ish??
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yak651
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yak651 8/27/2021 4:38pm
8/27/2021 4:38pm
gt80rider wrote:
Xr650l ... any year... and the first year was 1985 ish??
This Honda just looks so bulky….but maybe be better option? Of course would like this other Honda but don’t think I want to spend this….

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suspensionguy 8/27/2021 4:45pm
8/27/2021 4:45pm
2013-2016 500EXC. Great bikes. Don’t think I’ll ever sell my 15’.

Those early 530’s like the one pictured had some issues. The 500’s are worth the extra coin. Tons of aftermarket parts for them.
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yak651
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yak651 8/27/2021 5:17pm
8/27/2021 5:17pm
suspensionguy wrote:
2013-2016 500EXC. Great bikes. Don’t think I’ll ever sell my 15’. Those early 530’s like the one pictured had some issues. The 500’s are worth the...
2013-2016 500EXC. Great bikes. Don’t think I’ll ever sell my 15’.

Those early 530’s like the one pictured had some issues. The 500’s are worth the extra coin. Tons of aftermarket parts for them.
Thanks, what year is efi?

The Shop

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suspensionguy 8/27/2021 5:25pm
8/27/2021 5:25pm
suspensionguy wrote:
2013-2016 500EXC. Great bikes. Don’t think I’ll ever sell my 15’. Those early 530’s like the one pictured had some issues. The 500’s are worth the...
2013-2016 500EXC. Great bikes. Don’t think I’ll ever sell my 15’.

Those early 530’s like the one pictured had some issues. The 500’s are worth the extra coin. Tons of aftermarket parts for them.
yak651 wrote:
Thanks, what year is efi?
2012 was the first year of efi and the first year of the 500. The newer ones have more emissions. The 12-16 just need the emmissions pulled and a remap which most have had done by now. 2017+ require a aftermarket ecu to delete the emmsions crap.
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yak651
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yak651 8/27/2021 5:30pm
8/27/2021 5:30pm
suspensionguy wrote:
2013-2016 500EXC. Great bikes. Don’t think I’ll ever sell my 15’. Those early 530’s like the one pictured had some issues. The 500’s are worth the...
2013-2016 500EXC. Great bikes. Don’t think I’ll ever sell my 15’.

Those early 530’s like the one pictured had some issues. The 500’s are worth the extra coin. Tons of aftermarket parts for them.
yak651 wrote:
Thanks, what year is efi?
suspensionguy wrote:
2012 was the first year of efi and the first year of the 500. The newer ones have more emissions. The 12-16 just need the emmissions...
2012 was the first year of efi and the first year of the 500. The newer ones have more emissions. The 12-16 just need the emmissions pulled and a remap which most have had done by now. 2017+ require a aftermarket ecu to delete the emmsions crap.
Cool at least now I have a search target!
loftyair
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loftyair 8/27/2021 5:49pm
8/27/2021 5:49pm
Mid 80's klr is great. More dirt than on road. I wish I had my 600 still. The 250 was pretty good too. Now I'd like to have that husky 700.
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Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 8/27/2021 6:02pm
8/27/2021 6:02pm
Seems like you are looking for half the price of a new one, around $6k? Are you planning moto, if so linkage on Husky and Beta. Beta FI started in '16. If you go for less money the Suzuki's are worth a look.
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yak651
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yak651 8/27/2021 6:17pm
8/27/2021 6:17pm
Johnny Depp wrote:
Seems like you are looking for half the price of a new one, around $6k? Are you planning moto, if so linkage on Husky and Beta...
Seems like you are looking for half the price of a new one, around $6k? Are you planning moto, if so linkage on Husky and Beta. Beta FI started in '16. If you go for less money the Suzuki's are worth a look.
No I have a ‘21 yz250f for moto. Just looking for something to go explore on. Yes looking around $5-6k max as just seeing if something I like and not a huge amount of trails near me
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biondo
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biondo 8/27/2021 6:25pm
8/27/2021 6:25pm
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great!
A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter bike when going gets rough…
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suspensionguy 8/27/2021 6:30pm
8/27/2021 6:30pm
Johnny Depp wrote:
Seems like you are looking for half the price of a new one, around $6k? Are you planning moto, if so linkage on Husky and Beta...
Seems like you are looking for half the price of a new one, around $6k? Are you planning moto, if so linkage on Husky and Beta. Beta FI started in '16. If you go for less money the Suzuki's are worth a look.
yak651 wrote:
No I have a ‘21 yz250f for moto. Just looking for something to go explore on. Yes looking around $5-6k max as just seeing if something...
No I have a ‘21 yz250f for moto. Just looking for something to go explore on. Yes looking around $5-6k max as just seeing if something I like and not a huge amount of trails near me
The ktm/husky’s are literally a dirt bike with a license plate. Some of the others mentioned would likely do better if doing stretches of pavement but for me trail manners are most important and why I like the ktm/husky’s. . DRZ400’s are very reliable, tons of aftermarket for them but porky and suspension is questionable if you want to click it up a notch on trail, they are a much lower price point then the FI ktm.
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Spudnut
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Spudnut 8/27/2021 7:00pm
8/27/2021 7:00pm
You need to have the latest and greatest every year or you won’t have fun.
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dcg141
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dcg141 8/27/2021 7:09pm
8/27/2021 7:09pm Edited Date/Time 8/27/2021 7:41pm
You want a true dual sport or a street legal dirt bike? That’s your first decision.
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BigBoreFan58
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BigBoreFan58 8/27/2021 7:12pm
8/27/2021 7:12pm
biondo wrote:
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great! A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter...
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great!
A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter bike when going gets rough…
The paint shaker. I had a 640 ADV.
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Langhammx 8/27/2021 7:15pm
8/27/2021 7:15pm
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO.

‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)
‘09 EXC 530 (2nd year of next generation)
‘14 EXC 500 (much better than previous)
‘17 EXC 500 (even better than the ‘14, much lighter as well)
‘20 EXC 500 (best yet version)

All these were 510cc, regardless of their model (525/ 530 / 500)

The ‘17+ really needs a vortex ignition and a pipe to get the most out of the bike.

The ‘07 525, if you can find one, is a great bike (better than the ‘08-‘11, IMO)

The ‘12-‘16 is probably your best bang for your buck
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garagedog 8/27/2021 7:57pm
8/27/2021 7:57pm
x2 on honda. Super confortable seat, great supple suspension for trail (not serious trail).
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Ozy
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Ozy 8/27/2021 8:13pm
8/27/2021 8:13pm
Langhammx wrote:
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO. ‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)...
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO.

‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)
‘09 EXC 530 (2nd year of next generation)
‘14 EXC 500 (much better than previous)
‘17 EXC 500 (even better than the ‘14, much lighter as well)
‘20 EXC 500 (best yet version)

All these were 510cc, regardless of their model (525/ 530 / 500)

The ‘17+ really needs a vortex ignition and a pipe to get the most out of the bike.

The ‘07 525, if you can find one, is a great bike (better than the ‘08-‘11, IMO)

The ‘12-‘16 is probably your best bang for your buck
Do you know much about 07 450EXC? I bought this model a few months back and it backfires pretty bad. What are the tricks to solve this? I read a little info on some message boards about using some CRF parts

Grateful for any input
Langhammx 8/27/2021 8:21pm
8/27/2021 8:21pm Edited Date/Time 8/27/2021 8:24pm
Langhammx wrote:
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO. ‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)...
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO.

‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)
‘09 EXC 530 (2nd year of next generation)
‘14 EXC 500 (much better than previous)
‘17 EXC 500 (even better than the ‘14, much lighter as well)
‘20 EXC 500 (best yet version)

All these were 510cc, regardless of their model (525/ 530 / 500)

The ‘17+ really needs a vortex ignition and a pipe to get the most out of the bike.

The ‘07 525, if you can find one, is a great bike (better than the ‘08-‘11, IMO)

The ‘12-‘16 is probably your best bang for your buck
Ozy wrote:
Do you know much about 07 450EXC? I bought this model a few months back and it backfires pretty bad. What are the tricks to solve...
Do you know much about 07 450EXC? I bought this model a few months back and it backfires pretty bad. What are the tricks to solve this? I read a little info on some message boards about using some CRF parts

Grateful for any input
Get some of this and use it on your manifold to head pipe connection.
You might find that there are also pin holes in the manifold, they had a bad run of them. It’s sucking cold air in on decel

The manifolds are fairly cheap if yours has small pin holes, but the tailpipe sealer will also work to fill them

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/permatex-muffler-tailpipe-sealer-3-…

High temp silicone won’t last, but this stuff seems to last quite awhile. Very common problem with that generation bike.

There’s a good thread on KTMTALK
https://ktmtalk.com/showthread.php?561234-2007-450-EXC-Popping-is-drivi…!
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Pit Row

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queen of spodes 8/27/2021 8:52pm
8/27/2021 8:52pm Edited Date/Time 8/27/2021 8:53pm
gt80rider wrote:
Xr650l ... any year... and the first year was 1985 ish??
650L wasn't until 1992. Also nowhere near as dirt worthy as a KTM EXC of pretty much any year even back to the 90s with the earlier LC4s, KTM always won out in the dual sport wars.

XR600R was dirt only, 1985-2000.

XL600R was garbage, last made 1986.
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queen of spodes 8/27/2021 8:55pm
8/27/2021 8:55pm
biondo wrote:
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great! A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter...
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great!
A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter bike when going gets rough…
I loved my 99 LC4 640
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headlightracer 8/28/2021 3:13am
8/28/2021 3:13am
Every bike with a Keihin FCR (generation wise) would be ok imo.
EFI is perfect but a Keihin is already pretty good.
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Ozy
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Ozy 8/28/2021 9:02am
8/28/2021 9:02am
Langhammx wrote:
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO. ‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)...
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO.

‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)
‘09 EXC 530 (2nd year of next generation)
‘14 EXC 500 (much better than previous)
‘17 EXC 500 (even better than the ‘14, much lighter as well)
‘20 EXC 500 (best yet version)

All these were 510cc, regardless of their model (525/ 530 / 500)

The ‘17+ really needs a vortex ignition and a pipe to get the most out of the bike.

The ‘07 525, if you can find one, is a great bike (better than the ‘08-‘11, IMO)

The ‘12-‘16 is probably your best bang for your buck
Ozy wrote:
Do you know much about 07 450EXC? I bought this model a few months back and it backfires pretty bad. What are the tricks to solve...
Do you know much about 07 450EXC? I bought this model a few months back and it backfires pretty bad. What are the tricks to solve this? I read a little info on some message boards about using some CRF parts

Grateful for any input
Langhammx wrote:
Get some of this and use it on your manifold to head pipe connection. You might find that there are also pin holes in the manifold...
Get some of this and use it on your manifold to head pipe connection.
You might find that there are also pin holes in the manifold, they had a bad run of them. It’s sucking cold air in on decel

The manifolds are fairly cheap if yours has small pin holes, but the tailpipe sealer will also work to fill them

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/permatex-muffler-tailpipe-sealer-3-…

High temp silicone won’t last, but this stuff seems to last quite awhile. Very common problem with that generation bike.

There’s a good thread on KTMTALK
https://ktmtalk.com/showthread.php?561234-2007-450-EXC-Popping-is-drivi…!
Great info, Thank you very much for taking the time to educate me!!!!!
Cheers
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sumdood
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sumdood 8/28/2021 9:10am
8/28/2021 9:10am
My sons fcr carbed ‘03 WR450 flat out rips. If you can find a grandfathered in WR 450 from that era nab it.

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Giraffe579
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Giraffe579 8/28/2021 9:33am
8/28/2021 9:33am
Langhammx wrote:
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO. ‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)...
I have owned several KTM dual sports and they are all good. The newer the generation, the better, IMO.

‘07 EXC525 (first year of street legal)
‘09 EXC 530 (2nd year of next generation)
‘14 EXC 500 (much better than previous)
‘17 EXC 500 (even better than the ‘14, much lighter as well)
‘20 EXC 500 (best yet version)

All these were 510cc, regardless of their model (525/ 530 / 500)

The ‘17+ really needs a vortex ignition and a pipe to get the most out of the bike.

The ‘07 525, if you can find one, is a great bike (better than the ‘08-‘11, IMO)

The ‘12-‘16 is probably your best bang for your buck
Same experience:

07 525 great bike with JD jet kit
14 500 great bike
19 500 needs Vortex

Owned an XR650L for 13 years. Fun, but the carburetor is a POS. Also had electrical problems.
Still own my 640 (15 years) and too heavy for dirt.

KTM 08-11 is okay, by now would have issues fixed, especially if not beat.
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Fouled Plug 8/28/2021 10:10am
8/28/2021 10:10am
If you are just looking to explore back roads, gravel roads and the odd non technical trail I would highly suggest a DRZ400S. You can pick them up cheap, huge following with support. Smoother motor on the road vs any KTM.
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biondo
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biondo 8/28/2021 11:05am
8/28/2021 11:05am
biondo wrote:
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great! A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter...
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great!
A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter bike when going gets rough…
BigBoreFan58 wrote:
The paint shaker. I had a 640 ADV.
They do vibrate a bit 😎 and at 67 when I drop it…let’s you know it weighs 350lb also my only complaint is it wears front tires out quickly! I’ve been running Pirelli…maybe someone can suggest a better tire for on /off more off road …Thanks! Stay Safe
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Tim Whatley Dentistry 8/28/2021 11:40am
8/28/2021 11:40am
12-16 KTM 500 exc all day! Absolutely amazing engine and suspension. Good reliability and lots of aftermarket.
wreckitrandy
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wreckitrandy 8/28/2021 12:16pm
8/28/2021 12:16pm
biondo wrote:
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great! A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter...
Hi I bought new a 2001 Lc4 640 still runs great!
A bit big for single track…lots of power! Would like to have a bit lighter bike when going gets rough…
BigBoreFan58 wrote:
The paint shaker. I had a 640 ADV.
I had the '02 Enduro. It would blurr your vision! Wish I still had it though.
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UpTiTe 8/28/2021 12:23pm
8/28/2021 12:23pm
I had a 92 DR350 a few years ago that I bought for $1200, had the local guy do the suspension for another 400, loved it.

I use to run with all the new KTMs.
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mxracer828
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mxracer828 8/28/2021 5:23pm
8/28/2021 5:23pm
I run a plated Crf450x 07. When I’m not riding big bear or single track near Honda valley,I’d ride it at cahuilla and honk the horn as I pass guys. Just a fun bike to screw around on.
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