Forum Dwellers,
Not my first go around on a bike build, however this is my first go around with a KTM, first ever brand new bike, and first ever enduro bike as well. Really hitting the trifecta on this go around lol.
I'm fortunate to have a job in the industry which has created some great relationships which is what allowed for this all to line up. First off, this couldn't have been possible without the guys at Dillon Brothers Motorsports in Omaha, Nebraska. Billy and the guys over there have become some close friends over the last few years and we were able to strike a deal on this 250, as well as a 500 EXC (which will also have a thread on here).
I picked this one up last week on Wednesday, and was able to rip around the parking lot to get an initial feel for the bike. I followed it up with a quick bearing check for grease and a few heat cycles in the garage at home.
I followed this up with a spur of the moment decision to head across the border to Tabor, Iowa for the IERA Harescramble on Sunday. Did a quick "Factory" number job and rolled up Sunday. Zero ride time on the new KTM, haven't rode much in the last 3 years, and went on ahead and compounded that with not racing anything in 4 years, and not racing any harescrambles in about 10. Didn't touch a clicker, just adjusted my levers and set my tire pressure and sent it.
Definitely seemed like the ECU had the bike pretty choked up until the hour meter clicked 2 hours. Once it did, it definitely opened up the bike and made the grass sections much more enjoyable.
Overall, right out of the box this bike is pretty sweet. I really enjoy the "racey" feel of the 250 in comparison to the 300 I rode a few weeks ago on a trail ride. Stock bars and grips definitely need to go as they give such a harsh feeling. Chasis definitely felt nice in the tight sections, just need suspension set up a little better for my weight.
Build plan is to get this set up to be a harescramble weapon. Definitely need to get some protective pieces on there, new plastics, replace the bars and grips, maybe play with some gearing. Pipe and ECU are also on my list. Definitely open to additional suggestions from anyone who has experience with this generation of KTM.
Cheers - GS
I have a 2022 GG EX250 TPI setup for grand prix. Seeing as we have different suspension components, I won't talk too much about that.
I've currently got the S3 high comp head, a JD tuner and 250sx silencer on the bike and it runs really good. In hindsight, I should have got the TSP kit with the ERM, but I have no complaints with how my bike runs right now. Clean in all conditions and safe. Tried a tpituning ... don't do that.
I really LOVE the stock tank. The range is amazing ... best 2-stroke I've ever owned for range and the cap is pretty simple. I had an IMS tank with dry brake and the filling is a little quicker, but the extra weight and the dirt leakage on an EFI 2stroke is definitely NOT worth it to me. I sold mine.
No need for a steering stabilizer, IMHO. I bought a 2-stroke for its flickability, not to feel dead and heavy. Same thought with the tank and a lot of heavy protection pieces. I had an issue with my frame ... you can PM for the details if you're interested.
I've got the stock triple clamps, just like yours. Stock wheels, stock pipe .. I've tried a few and they don't change much. ~200 hours.
I really am leaning into trying out the TSP kit since that's the go-to from what it sounds like. I also was really impressed with the stock tank range, seems like anyone I talk too is getting close to 85 miles on a trail ride day, and 55 miles at more of a race-pace. Will have to see what that checks out as in the long run.
I think I'm going to grab a FMF silencer first, as i've also heard its really hard to beat the stock header.
I went on ahead and tossed the stock bars and ODI lock ons. Went with twinwall 996 with renthal lock ons to try. I typically am very anti-lock on but figured why not try them as they were on hand. I also have a box of parts to pick up next week and some coming in the mail as well which I am excited about as well.
Going to sneak in a ride after work on Tuesday, and maybe Wednesday as well in Chadwick, MO this week if time allows and get some more time on it and get more familiar with the KTM chasis.
it’s been busy the last month so just getting around to updating this one. Rode in Chadwick, MO and definitely feel a lot more cockpit comfort just from switching out the stock bars and grips for those TwinWalls. Might do the crossbar cut for a little more flex once I start to pick up some more speed🤣
On my way home I stopped by to see Bud & the boys at Bullet Proof Design who stepped up big witch a whole slew of protection parts to keep me on the trail when I inevitably push my luck on some more hard enduro style riding. On this 250 I’ll be running front and rear rotor protectors, radiator braces, radiator fan, chain block brace, fork lug protector, clutch cover, TPS guard and brake caliper guard. Stoked to get these installed most likely next weekend. Also spent some time trying to clean up my workspace as I do have a 2005 KX I need to get finished this winter.
Took it on another ride just this past weekend for some more wide open trail riding and faster single track and have a pretty bad blubber at WOT. I am going to turn the PV adjuster out and see if that cleans anything up, might see about getting a second ECU to flash with a TSP ERM.
Also Andy at GUTS is a legend and got me a complete seat lickety split which is a massive improvement from stock in terms of grip.
These KTM’s have been pretty easy to work on so far which has been nice and out of the box has been really great aside from the WOT blubber. Really need to get a solid fork & shock setting and start putting it through its paces. Currently have 3.7 hours on it.
After a pretty deep discussion with the guys over at B's MotoLab, they advised me to check into my CCPS to see if that would be the cause of my issues at WOT. I did a "quick" swap of the CCPS (KTM really couldn't make it easy to get to the damn thing).
I've been wanting to ride, but have just been way to busy between work and family the last few weeks. Hoping to get some extra time on it this weekend, or next week. I am trying to get the bike through break in before I start stripping down to install parts.
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Mine also ran like a wet rag.
I seemed to recall a CCPS swap and/or ktm dealer remap fixing the issue.
HIGHLY recommend trouble shooting before mods. TSP has a good guide.
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