KTM 144 SX

rkappes
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rkappes
Edited Date/Time 1/21/2012 2:44pm
Hey! I was just curious what people thought about the KTM 144 SX? I've never owned a bike but have ridden a handful of times and I now have some spare cash so I think I'm going to purchase a bike this spring. Any suggestions on a starter bike for a 27 year old man? Haha...Thanks much!
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huck
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huck 4/14/2008 1:55pm
4/14/2008 1:55pm
2 strokes are so...1990's...Pinch
TerryK
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TerryK 4/14/2008 1:56pm
4/14/2008 1:56pm
Awesome scoot!
R-acer
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R-acer 4/14/2008 1:59pm
4/14/2008 1:59pm
New model old school bike (2 stroke Sick ), With that said, I just bought my son one. Havent ridden it yet. He is splititng the season in two. He is doing half the season in super mini on a full blown KTM 85SX, then the second half in Novice A on the 144SX
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 2:00pm
4/14/2008 2:00pm
huck wrote:
2 strokes are so...1990's...Pinch
What's better for a novice, a 2 stroke or a thumper? How about a KTM 250 SX-F?

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huck
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huck 4/14/2008 2:01pm
4/14/2008 2:01pm
R-acer wrote:
New model old school bike (2 stroke :sick: ), With that said, I just bought my son one. Havent ridden it yet. He is splititng the...
New model old school bike (2 stroke Sick ), With that said, I just bought my son one. Havent ridden it yet. He is splititng the season in two. He is doing half the season in super mini on a full blown KTM 85SX, then the second half in Novice A on the 144SX
What is "novice A"...?
huck
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huck 4/14/2008 2:02pm
4/14/2008 2:02pm
huck wrote:
2 strokes are so...1990's...Pinch
rkappes wrote:
What's better for a novice, a 2 stroke or a thumper? How about a KTM 250 SX-F?
I would say that a novice could ride a KTM250 SX-F faster than a KTM144SX.

Just my opinion though...

Slow ~ Pro
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Slow ~ Pro 4/14/2008 2:05pm
4/14/2008 2:05pm
I was fortunate enough to be invited to ride all of the 2008 KTM off-road models. Of all, I think the 144SX was the best in stock form.

I liked many other models, the 530 XCW was something I would consider buying, or the 450SXF.

The 530 had a wide ratio six speed gear box, and the power was smooth.

The 450SXF, was fast, hit hard, but was real twitchy, all of which could be massaged and worked to suit my style of riding.

But in stock form, the 144SX would be the only one I would want.

However...to quote: "2 strokes are so...1990's."
jon(#42)
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jon(#42) 4/14/2008 2:05pm
4/14/2008 2:05pm
it all depends on what kind of riding you do more of or like better
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R-acer 4/14/2008 2:07pm
4/14/2008 2:07pm
R-acer wrote:
New model old school bike (2 stroke :sick: ), With that said, I just bought my son one. Havent ridden it yet. He is splititng the...
New model old school bike (2 stroke Sick ), With that said, I just bought my son one. Havent ridden it yet. He is splititng the season in two. He is doing half the season in super mini on a full blown KTM 85SX, then the second half in Novice A on the 144SX
huck wrote:
What is "novice A"...?
Where we race, there is Novice B class for beginers and slower riders, then Novice A which is actually a pretty fast class, then it jumps right up to Expert, 40plus and women.
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 2:08pm
4/14/2008 2:08pm
huck wrote:
2 strokes are so...1990's...Pinch
rkappes wrote:
What's better for a novice, a 2 stroke or a thumper? How about a KTM 250 SX-F?
huck wrote:
I would say that a novice could ride a KTM250 SX-F faster than a KTM144SX.

Just my opinion though...

Which one do you think would be easier to ride? I'm not really mechanically inclined so how about maintenance between the two? It looks like their is about a $1,000 difference between a 2008 144 SX and a 2008 250 SX-F. How are KTM's in general? Thanks!
R-acer
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R-acer 4/14/2008 2:12pm
4/14/2008 2:12pm
I have been preaching the 4 strokes to everyone, and would only buy a 4 stroke for myself at this point. In the case of my son, he is tall for a 13 year old 5'10" but pretty lenky, and the 144 feels so much lighter.....and coming off his 85/112cc, its a natural step for him to handle.

I think if you can handle the more powerful 4 strokes and the little extra weight that it has, I would go 4 stroke.
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 2:13pm
4/14/2008 2:13pm
jon(#42) wrote:
it all depends on what kind of riding you do more of or like better
Well, as of now I don't really ride all that much but I would be using it just to piss around on my buddies tracks, free riding and I wouldn't mind racing a few area Fair Crosses once I get used to the bike.
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 2:17pm
4/14/2008 2:17pm
R-acer wrote:
I have been preaching the 4 strokes to everyone, and would only buy a 4 stroke for myself at this point. In the case of my...
I have been preaching the 4 strokes to everyone, and would only buy a 4 stroke for myself at this point. In the case of my son, he is tall for a 13 year old 5'10" but pretty lenky, and the 144 feels so much lighter.....and coming off his 85/112cc, its a natural step for him to handle.

I think if you can handle the more powerful 4 strokes and the little extra weight that it has, I would go 4 stroke.
Alright, cool! I know that this is a really opinionated question but how about what brand 4 stroke?
huck
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huck 4/14/2008 2:17pm
4/14/2008 2:17pm
rkappes wrote:
What's better for a novice, a 2 stroke or a thumper? How about a KTM 250 SX-F?
huck wrote:
I would say that a novice could ride a KTM250 SX-F faster than a KTM144SX.

Just my opinion though...

rkappes wrote:
Which one do you think would be easier to ride? I'm not really mechanically inclined so how about maintenance between the two? It looks like their...
Which one do you think would be easier to ride? I'm not really mechanically inclined so how about maintenance between the two? It looks like their is about a $1,000 difference between a 2008 144 SX and a 2008 250 SX-F. How are KTM's in general? Thanks!
I think that the 4 strokes are much easier to ride...especially compared to the smaller 2 strokes that you have to keep "on the pipe".

I think any of the 5 major brands are a good choice. If you're not a pro rider, I'm sure that any will be good.

T-Fish on here has a KTM144. He is in my friends...send him a message and I'm sure he'll let you know what he thinks...

jon(#42)
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jon(#42) 4/14/2008 2:23pm
4/14/2008 2:23pm
yea four strokes are alot easyer to ride with two strokes you have to have them wide open alot, or use your clutch alot. But hey some people like me, like them
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 2:24pm
4/14/2008 2:24pm
huck wrote:
I would say that a novice could ride a KTM250 SX-F faster than a KTM144SX.

Just my opinion though...

rkappes wrote:
Which one do you think would be easier to ride? I'm not really mechanically inclined so how about maintenance between the two? It looks like their...
Which one do you think would be easier to ride? I'm not really mechanically inclined so how about maintenance between the two? It looks like their is about a $1,000 difference between a 2008 144 SX and a 2008 250 SX-F. How are KTM's in general? Thanks!
huck wrote:
I think that the 4 strokes are much easier to ride...especially compared to the smaller 2 strokes that you have to keep "on the pipe". I...
I think that the 4 strokes are much easier to ride...especially compared to the smaller 2 strokes that you have to keep "on the pipe".

I think any of the 5 major brands are a good choice. If you're not a pro rider, I'm sure that any will be good.

T-Fish on here has a KTM144. He is in my friends...send him a message and I'm sure he'll let you know what he thinks...

Alright, that makes sense. I'd probably go with a KTM since I have a friend who owns a KTM dealership or with a Honda. Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it very much!
Phlapjax
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Phlapjax 4/14/2008 2:36pm
4/14/2008 2:36pm
These people can't answer this question for you, buy what you want.
jon(#42)
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jon(#42) 4/14/2008 2:38pm
4/14/2008 2:38pm
Phlapjax wrote:
These people can't answer this question for you, buy what you want.
hey its just suggestions

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rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 2:41pm
4/14/2008 2:41pm
Phlapjax wrote:
These people can't answer this question for you, buy what you want.
Yeah I obviously know that, I've never owned a bike so I'm just trying to get peoples opinions before I go out and spend $6,000 to $7,000.
huck
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huck 4/14/2008 2:43pm
4/14/2008 2:43pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:36pm
Phlapjax wrote:
These people can't answer this question for you, buy what you want.
rkappes wrote:
Yeah I obviously know that, I've never owned a bike so I'm just trying to get peoples opinions before I go out and spend $6,000 to...
Yeah I obviously know that, I've never owned a bike so I'm just trying to get peoples opinions before I go out and spend $6,000 to $7,000.
Don't listen to phlapjax...nobody else does!

R-acer
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R-acer 4/14/2008 2:45pm
4/14/2008 2:45pm
Phlapjax wrote:
These people can't answer this question for you, buy what you want.
rkappes wrote:
Yeah I obviously know that, I've never owned a bike so I'm just trying to get peoples opinions before I go out and spend $6,000 to...
Yeah I obviously know that, I've never owned a bike so I'm just trying to get peoples opinions before I go out and spend $6,000 to $7,000.
huck wrote:
Don't listen to phlapjax...nobody else does!

+2
WhKnuckle
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WhKnuckle 4/14/2008 3:10pm
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Buy it. Ride it. Love it.
Gonzo0100
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Gonzo0100 4/14/2008 3:11pm
4/14/2008 3:11pm
The KTM 144 would be a blast. Though, if you think about it eventually you will be on a 4-stroke if you continue riding. 3 of the 5 major brands have already quit making them. I learned on a 2-stroke, though my 250f is WAAAAAAY easier to ride than a 125 2-stroke. The 2-stroke will be a bit easier on maintenance, but you also have to make sure and put oil in your gas every time. The 4-stroke you can put premium pump gas in. KTM's are bitchen, but My Honda is SUPEr reliable (given I am not really riding it to its fullest potential) .

What kind of bikes have you ridden?
I also dont know what kind of re-sale value the 144 KTMs have but the rest of the 2-strokes hold their value like a half eaten cheeseburger.
TerryK
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TerryK 4/14/2008 3:14pm
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jon(#42) wrote:
yea four strokes are alot easyer to ride with two strokes you have to have them wide open alot, or use your clutch alot. But hey...
yea four strokes are alot easyer to ride with two strokes you have to have them wide open alot, or use your clutch alot. But hey some people like me, like them
Not true. That 144 is a torque monster.
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 3:15pm
4/14/2008 3:15pm
WhKnuckle wrote:
Buy it. Ride it. Love it.
Hahaha, I like that!
mx757
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mx757 4/14/2008 3:19pm
4/14/2008 3:19pm
if youre just starting out a ktm 144 would be a great bike to start on, or even a 125. the 2 strokes are easier to work on, lighter and easier to make turn, but they are a touch harder to ride fast. the good thing is though, if you start on a small bore 2 stroke your riding skills will improve much more quickly than if you go directly to a 4 stroke.
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 3:21pm
4/14/2008 3:21pm
Gonzo0100 wrote:
The KTM 144 would be a blast. Though, if you think about it eventually you will be on a 4-stroke if you continue riding. 3 of...
The KTM 144 would be a blast. Though, if you think about it eventually you will be on a 4-stroke if you continue riding. 3 of the 5 major brands have already quit making them. I learned on a 2-stroke, though my 250f is WAAAAAAY easier to ride than a 125 2-stroke. The 2-stroke will be a bit easier on maintenance, but you also have to make sure and put oil in your gas every time. The 4-stroke you can put premium pump gas in. KTM's are bitchen, but My Honda is SUPEr reliable (given I am not really riding it to its fullest potential) .

What kind of bikes have you ridden?
I also dont know what kind of re-sale value the 144 KTMs have but the rest of the 2-strokes hold their value like a half eaten cheeseburger.
Yeah, I thought it looked like a fun little bike! Alright, I wasn't aware of that and that's good to know. Mixing the gas probably wouldn't be a real big deal, not as convienent as premium pump gas but I wouldn't think it would be a problem. Yeah, I always see people slamming KTM's on the Vitalmx Forums. KTM's seem like their a little more popular outside of the U.S. I've ridden a Honda CR85, bored to a 110, a Honda CR250F and a Yamaha YZ250F. Yeah I've kind of noticed that the re-sale value isn't very good on the 2 Strokes.
rkappes
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rkappes 4/14/2008 3:24pm
4/14/2008 3:24pm
mx757 wrote:
if youre just starting out a ktm 144 would be a great bike to start on, or even a 125. the 2 strokes are easier to...
if youre just starting out a ktm 144 would be a great bike to start on, or even a 125. the 2 strokes are easier to work on, lighter and easier to make turn, but they are a touch harder to ride fast. the good thing is though, if you start on a small bore 2 stroke your riding skills will improve much more quickly than if you go directly to a 4 stroke.
That's kind of what I'm looking for, a bike that's light, easy to ride, reliable, and just plain fun! What all needs to be done to a 2 stroke and vice versa a 4 stroke when it comes to maintenance?
WhKnuckle
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WhKnuckle 4/14/2008 3:26pm
4/14/2008 3:26pm
On gasoline - depending on where you live, strongly consider buying leaded race gas and using a 50/50 race gas to pump gas mix at least. Straight race gas mixed with 32:1 oil (ask the dealer what he recommends oil-wise) is best. High performance two strokes don't like pump gas too much. Race gas is expensive but you won't burn all THAT much of it anyway.

If you aren't used to mixing oil, buy a "Ratio-Rite" when you get the bike, it makes it super easy to do.

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