Upgrade to enjoy this feature!
Vital MX fantasy is free to play, but Premium users receive great benefits. Premium benefits include:
- View and download rider stats
- Pick trends
- Create a private league
- And more!
Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
1). The personnel issue is still WAAYYY out there, so we're not sure who will be riding or wrenching for KTM USA next year. The speculation far outweighs the facts in evidence. We know who will be running the show. We have a very basic knowledge of Mike's "relationship" with the company. It's all question marks from there. I do not believe DeCoster would have significant problems with Mike if other influences were taken out of the equation.
2). I don't give a shit if you're Larry Brooks, or Larry the Cable Guy. The idea that you can tell the displacement of an internal combustion engine by listening to it (live or on TV or over the internet) totally disregards all the factors that create the engine's "note", from the well-known differences in exhaust and fuel between GP and US bikes, to the effects of compression ratios, valve size and configuration, cam profile, ignition timing, throttle body design, and airbox configuration. Managing engine/exhaust output sound has been significant in the engineering of both motorcycles (trying to make Hondas sound like Harleys) and current performance cars (trying to make high tech Fords, Dodges, and Chevys sound like early muscle-cars).
3). It amazes me that anyone would ask the question "WHY" AC and KTM might go for the 450 versus the 350 at altitude. That "infernal conbustion engine" is a big air pump. In the mountains, there is less air to be pumped. Gimmee a big gulpin' cylinder any time.
4). Consumers in the US have been shown a side of KTM that only exists there. Elsewhere in the world, Austrian orange bikes are the standard the others are playing catch-up to.KTM has listened to the consumer and even added a linkage to a bike that probably didn't need it, because your huge US market really wanted it, even if it was for no good reason. They have continued to provide 2-strokes as asked for by the consumer and have more than lived down the criticism of e-start on both 2 and 4 strokes.
Roger D and KTM will do well together.
Damn , dudes!! The Austrians didn't bomb Pearl Harbour. Why are we hatin' on KTM?
99% of these idiots dont have the slightest clue what its like to be under the microscope of the american public. we build em up just to tear em to pieces.
not sayin TA hasnt earned his rep. just sayin that most couldnt last a day in the spotlight without melting down. hell, meltdowns are a regular here and were mostly anonymous.
perspective and empathy are way too much to ask for let alone intelligence and thinking before typing.
If they believe they will face something that's almost the opposite of that, the 450 may be the better choice.
I don't see the conspiracy?
Why do you bring up FIM riders vs AMA riders?
I actually belive it's more interesting to discuss with people who knows what they are talking about. First hand experience will always beat listening to an engine on the internet in my world.
The Shop
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
talking to the kid at a local yocal track in alabamy doesn't mean shit man. you talk like you know him and are privy to his inner feelings but i don't think you are.
and the statement about tony in yer post makes no sense whatsoever. and it wasn't even a crash that messed mike up...jesus man give it a rest
On a high altitude they are afraid that the torque and hp will be so low that they will be at disadvantage. I guess a 250f could compete with the 450's on certain tracks, but perhaps not at a power robbing track at high altitude.
If you are looking for a bike to buy for a specifik event, and that event is MXON at a high altitude maybe the 350 isn't the best choice.
Question - Are you forced by someone to run a KTM 350 at this years MXON or are you just looking for conspiracys. Are you looking to excuse your own poor performances? Mikes performances? or are you questioning Cairolis performance? Are you uncomfortable with KTM being a major player?
When both riders are using all available HP/Torque, less means slower, all day long. And laptimes don't mean much when for example, a smaller bike running 450 times finds himself having to turn inside a 450 or race one uphill, or long laomy start maybe.
Pit Row
Post a reply to: It's official: DeCoster to KTM