2019 KTM 150 SX Pro's Con's ?

ktm_34
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12/1/2018 4:51pm Edited Date/Time 11/24/2019 6:38pm
Hi Guys.

Thinking about getting a 150 SX before the end of December.

Just wanted to know of the Pro's Con's from any of you that owns this bike.

I'm currently busy with a 03' CR125 build that will be finished in the next couple days , will then be selling that and use the profit for a deposit on the 150sx.

Post some photos of your 150sx if you have some !

Any feedback will be appreciated Smile
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12/1/2018 5:13pm
ktm_34 wrote:
Hi Guys. Thinking about getting a 150 SX before the end of December. Just wanted to know of the Pro's Con's from any of you that...
Hi Guys.

Thinking about getting a 150 SX before the end of December.

Just wanted to know of the Pro's Con's from any of you that owns this bike.

I'm currently busy with a 03' CR125 build that will be finished in the next couple days , will then be selling that and use the profit for a deposit on the 150sx.

Post some photos of your 150sx if you have some !

Any feedback will be appreciated Smile
Love my 150, I would definitely recommend it!
Pros=One of the most fun bikes to ride
Cons= are there any? Lol
I love it in the woods, nothing too gnarly and the moto track is a blast. Photo is from overestimating my balance in the woodsBlush

5
ktm_34
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12/1/2018 6:43pm
ktm_34 wrote:
Hi Guys. Thinking about getting a 150 SX before the end of December. Just wanted to know of the Pro's Con's from any of you that...
Hi Guys.

Thinking about getting a 150 SX before the end of December.

Just wanted to know of the Pro's Con's from any of you that owns this bike.

I'm currently busy with a 03' CR125 build that will be finished in the next couple days , will then be selling that and use the profit for a deposit on the 150sx.

Post some photos of your 150sx if you have some !

Any feedback will be appreciated Smile
Love my 150, I would definitely recommend it! Pros=One of the most fun bikes to ride Cons= are there any? Lol I love it in the...
Love my 150, I would definitely recommend it!
Pros=One of the most fun bikes to ride
Cons= are there any? Lol
I love it in the woods, nothing too gnarly and the moto track is a blast. Photo is from overestimating my balance in the woodsBlush

haha wow hope you were alright ? Did the bike get any water in the airbox ?
12/1/2018 6:45pm
ktm_34 wrote:
Hi Guys. Thinking about getting a 150 SX before the end of December. Just wanted to know of the Pro's Con's from any of you that...
Hi Guys.

Thinking about getting a 150 SX before the end of December.

Just wanted to know of the Pro's Con's from any of you that owns this bike.

I'm currently busy with a 03' CR125 build that will be finished in the next couple days , will then be selling that and use the profit for a deposit on the 150sx.

Post some photos of your 150sx if you have some !

Any feedback will be appreciated Smile
Love my 150, I would definitely recommend it! Pros=One of the most fun bikes to ride Cons= are there any? Lol I love it in the...
Love my 150, I would definitely recommend it!
Pros=One of the most fun bikes to ride
Cons= are there any? Lol
I love it in the woods, nothing too gnarly and the moto track is a blast. Photo is from overestimating my balance in the woodsBlush

ktm_34 wrote:
haha wow hope you were alright ? Did the bike get any water in the airbox ?
I was alright, just cold and pissed off. No water into the airbox luckily!
1

The Shop

ktm_34
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12/1/2018 6:47pm
The only con I have is the forks.
Just out of curiosity, whats bugging you about the forks? Too harsh/soft ? I read there were many improvements made on the AER48 fork ?

I had a 2014 250 SX and those forks were horrible.
TeamGreen
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12/1/2018 6:48pm
I rode all the new KTMs at a demo day and got to spend a little extra time on the 125, 150 & 350 WP/Factory Connection CV48/Trax Bike. The 150 was easier to ride; but, the 125 seems faster than the 150 when I tried harder...if that makes sense?


The WP/Factory Connection suspension was AMAZING...(pictured at Hangtown Finish Line jump)
2
ktm_34
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12/1/2018 7:17pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I rode all the new KTMs at a demo day and got to spend a little extra time on the 125, 150 & 350 WP/Factory Connection...
I rode all the new KTMs at a demo day and got to spend a little extra time on the 125, 150 & 350 WP/Factory Connection CV48/Trax Bike. The 150 was easier to ride; but, the 125 seems faster than the 150 when I tried harder...if that makes sense?


The WP/Factory Connection suspension was AMAZING...(pictured at Hangtown Finish Line jump)
Makes sense lol. How was the stock suspension of the 150sx ?
TeamGreen
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12/1/2018 7:37pm
TeamGreen wrote:
I rode all the new KTMs at a demo day and got to spend a little extra time on the 125, 150 & 350 WP/Factory Connection...
I rode all the new KTMs at a demo day and got to spend a little extra time on the 125, 150 & 350 WP/Factory Connection CV48/Trax Bike. The 150 was easier to ride; but, the 125 seems faster than the 150 when I tried harder...if that makes sense?


The WP/Factory Connection suspension was AMAZING...(pictured at Hangtown Finish Line jump)
ktm_34 wrote:
Makes sense lol. How was the stock suspension of the 150sx ?
I thought it and the 125 were excellent...even for my old, slow and fat ass Grinning

I’d get it and Rip It & I expect to see pictures!
langhammx
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12/1/2018 7:57pm
Love mine !! But it’s an ‘18....

I hated the AER forks, but other than that, the bike is so fun to ride ! I have a RM250, RMZ450 and KTM EXC500, but the 150 is the finest bike I own.










ktm_34
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12/1/2018 8:01pm
langhammx wrote:
Love mine !! But it’s an ‘18.... I hated the AER forks, but other than that, the bike is so fun to ride ! I have...
Love mine !! But it’s an ‘18....

I hated the AER forks, but other than that, the bike is so fun to ride ! I have a RM250, RMZ450 and KTM EXC500, but the 150 is the finest bike I own.










your bike is a work of art, honestly Woohoo

Did you make any changes to the forks to improve the feel ?

Also , what changes did you notice when you installed the FMF system ?
langhammx
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12/1/2018 8:25pm
langhammx wrote:
Love mine !! But it’s an ‘18.... I hated the AER forks, but other than that, the bike is so fun to ride ! I have...
Love mine !! But it’s an ‘18....

I hated the AER forks, but other than that, the bike is so fun to ride ! I have a RM250, RMZ450 and KTM EXC500, but the 150 is the finest bike I own.










ktm_34 wrote:
your bike is a work of art, honestly :woohoo: Did you make any changes to the forks to improve the feel ? Also , what changes...
your bike is a work of art, honestly Woohoo

Did you make any changes to the forks to improve the feel ?

Also , what changes did you notice when you installed the FMF system ?
I replaced the AER forks with conevalves from PowerBand racing. It was either DelSaggio kit, KYB inserts or a set of Conevalves.

I put the FMF pipe/ silencer on it, before I rode it. I’ve read several tests with and without Dyno runs and the FMF has the best results.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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12/1/2018 8:36pm Edited Date/Time 12/1/2018 8:37pm
langhammx wrote:
Love mine !! But it’s an ‘18.... I hated the AER forks, but other than that, the bike is so fun to ride ! I have...
Love mine !! But it’s an ‘18....

I hated the AER forks, but other than that, the bike is so fun to ride ! I have a RM250, RMZ450 and KTM EXC500, but the 150 is the finest bike I own.










ktm_34 wrote:
your bike is a work of art, honestly :woohoo: Did you make any changes to the forks to improve the feel ? Also , what changes...
your bike is a work of art, honestly Woohoo

Did you make any changes to the forks to improve the feel ?

Also , what changes did you notice when you installed the FMF system ?
I’m in the same boat as Langham and on the old chassis(2016). When I speak about the forks I’m generalizing the whole AER line. I have just never rode a set that I liked as much as KYB, Showa or WP Cone valve. Yes the 2019s are better then say 2014-2017 forks in general.

I find the AER don’t have great front end feel(traction), they have a harsh feel on slap downs and initial hit.

I also ride the FMF fatty with shorty and feels like the most low end power combination.
689
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12/1/2018 8:42pm
Have an 18 and the forks and carb are the worst part of the bike. Super fun bike to ride once I got a Keihin.
gristle568
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12/2/2018 11:13am
I have about 4 hours on my 19 150, its one of the best stock bikes ive ever had.
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navalseabee
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12/2/2018 11:43am Edited Date/Time 12/2/2018 11:47am
107 hours on my 2018 (forsale), I can honestly say its was one of the most fun bikes I've owned. If your just going to be play riding I would say theres probably not a better choice. I personally didnt have problems with the AER forks performance even stock. Had FC do a spring conversion just to see if it really was that much better, personally i didnt think it was. I also run an Fatty/shorty combo with a VF4 reed block and JD jet kit. She runs perfect.
2
navalseabee
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12/2/2018 11:46am
107 hours on my 2018 (forsale), I can honestly say its was one of the most fun bikes I've owned. If your just going to be...
107 hours on my 2018 (forsale), I can honestly say its was one of the most fun bikes I've owned. If your just going to be play riding I would say theres probably not a better choice. I personally didnt have problems with the AER forks performance even stock. Had FC do a spring conversion just to see if it really was that much better, personally i didnt think it was. I also run an Fatty/shorty combo with a VF4 reed block and JD jet kit. She runs perfect.

1
Jrewing
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12/2/2018 12:25pm
gristle568 wrote:
I have about 4 hours on my 19 150, its one of the best stock bikes ive ever had.
How’s the power spread and how’s it compare against a 250f?
I’ve heard the 19’s rev right on
langhammx
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12/3/2018 9:01am
689 wrote:
Have an 18 and the forks and carb are the worst part of the bike. Super fun bike to ride once I got a Keihin.
I put a Lectron on mine, it runs great.
1
loftyair
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riverside, CA US
12/3/2018 9:08am
ID say worst things are elevation, weight of rider, and the 150 doesn't Rev as high/good as the 125.
1
Cheddar
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12/3/2018 9:22am
I too was considering one of these.....Then I realized it's really just a play bike. If your racing....it does not fit well in the amateur class structure. obviously can't race 125 class, not gonna beat the 250f off the gate (yet it is more competitive here), and all vet classes will be an uphill battle against 450's. Now you could argue that some folks are faster on the small bore vs fighting the heavy 450. But the short 5 lap local races are all about the start.
2
gristle568
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12/3/2018 1:50pm
gristle568 wrote:
I have about 4 hours on my 19 150, its one of the best stock bikes ive ever had.
Jrewing wrote:
How’s the power spread and how’s it compare against a 250f?
I’ve heard the 19’s rev right on
its just as fast as my brothers 2018 kx250f. the power isn't as broad but its very easy to ride for a small bore. my last 125 was an 04 rm 144 with a lot of motor work done to it and this bike stock has smoother broader power and is easier to keep on the pipe. I'm not worried about racing 450s on it they might have me on the start and up the hills but I can carry momentum so much better threw deep ruts and in corners on this bike than my last 450. I would say my lap times are comparable between the two. A good 2 stroke rider would be competitive with riders on 250fs.
Jrewing
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12/3/2018 2:40pm
gristle568 wrote:
I have about 4 hours on my 19 150, its one of the best stock bikes ive ever had.
Jrewing wrote:
How’s the power spread and how’s it compare against a 250f?
I’ve heard the 19’s rev right on
gristle568 wrote:
its just as fast as my brothers 2018 kx250f. the power isn't as broad but its very easy to ride for a small bore. my last...
its just as fast as my brothers 2018 kx250f. the power isn't as broad but its very easy to ride for a small bore. my last 125 was an 04 rm 144 with a lot of motor work done to it and this bike stock has smoother broader power and is easier to keep on the pipe. I'm not worried about racing 450s on it they might have me on the start and up the hills but I can carry momentum so much better threw deep ruts and in corners on this bike than my last 450. I would say my lap times are comparable between the two. A good 2 stroke rider would be competitive with riders on 250fs.
Yeah I’m a small bore rider. My struggle on my cr is the starts, short races and pulling my 83kg.
I was wanting this or a 350. Went the 350 but I know in my heart I should be on the 19 150sx.
I’m going well in vets on a 33hp 125 with nothing off pipe. This with 43hp and pull off the pipe for those damned hook turns would be amazing!
AgileMike
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12/5/2018 11:23am
I have the 19 SX150 with about 15 hours on it now. Mostly Moto and track riding. It's the most fun I've had riding a bike in a long time. My thoughts:
Pros:
I think the AER fork works pretty damn good on the 125/150 compared to 450/250 bikes due to the lightness of the two Stokes. I have CV on mine because they came off a 450.
The 150 pulls harder but signs off earlier than the 125. My son has a 17 SX125 so I've ridden them back to back.
The 19 model year feels more compact, so that could be a plus or minus depending on your size.
The bike turns very well and is extremely light. Everyone I let ride it is amazed
Cons:
I've had problems with the carbs on the KTMs. I had to put a Lectron on the 125 to get it to run correctly. I put one on my 150 with 0 hours.
I race my 150 just fine, but I'd you absolutely must win, I feel a 250 or 450 is easier to win on. I race for fun only, so the 150 is best for me.
You must push this bike to go fast. If you are the least bit lazy, you will be slow.


2
#434
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12/5/2018 11:41am
AgileMike wrote:
I have the 19 SX150 with about 15 hours on it now. Mostly Moto and track riding. It's the most fun I've had riding a bike...
I have the 19 SX150 with about 15 hours on it now. Mostly Moto and track riding. It's the most fun I've had riding a bike in a long time. My thoughts:
Pros:
I think the AER fork works pretty damn good on the 125/150 compared to 450/250 bikes due to the lightness of the two Stokes. I have CV on mine because they came off a 450.
The 150 pulls harder but signs off earlier than the 125. My son has a 17 SX125 so I've ridden them back to back.
The 19 model year feels more compact, so that could be a plus or minus depending on your size.
The bike turns very well and is extremely light. Everyone I let ride it is amazed
Cons:
I've had problems with the carbs on the KTMs. I had to put a Lectron on the 125 to get it to run correctly. I put one on my 150 with 0 hours.
I race my 150 just fine, but I'd you absolutely must win, I feel a 250 or 450 is easier to win on. I race for fun only, so the 150 is best for me.
You must push this bike to go fast. If you are the least bit lazy, you will be slow.


Can you tell a little more about the difference between the 150 and the 125? I had a 2010 sx150 and loved the bike, but the power was very peaky.
ThatOneKid
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Royal Oak, MI US
12/5/2018 12:34pm Edited Date/Time 12/5/2018 12:37pm
Cheddar wrote:
I too was considering one of these.....Then I realized it's really just a play bike. If your racing....it does not fit well in the amateur class...
I too was considering one of these.....Then I realized it's really just a play bike. If your racing....it does not fit well in the amateur class structure. obviously can't race 125 class, not gonna beat the 250f off the gate (yet it is more competitive here), and all vet classes will be an uphill battle against 450's. Now you could argue that some folks are faster on the small bore vs fighting the heavy 450. But the short 5 lap local races are all about the start.
I got back into racing and got a 2017 last year. I race 250 C and Vet 25+. In the Vet class my starts are actually decent if I can get a good jump and I have even holeshotted. I won a few races against 450s and had a blast running my 150 in that class. Are there certain races I lost that I may have won on a 250f or 450f? Maybe but I don't find that i'm much faster on a 4 stroke, just that I recover from mistakes easier on one. I enjoy my 150 and don't see myself switching to a 4 stroke anytime soon.

The start is definitely the biggest disadvantage, but in this start (vet class, mostly 450s) I'm the 4th bike inside #65.



Stuntman949
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12/5/2018 12:44pm
Which silencer makes it sound like a 125? Asking for a friend.
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downard254
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12/5/2018 1:41pm Edited Date/Time 12/5/2018 1:43pm
downard254
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12/5/2018 1:41pm
A big fat juicy con it that I don’t have one.Angry
IanMac138
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12/6/2018 12:31am Edited Date/Time 12/6/2018 12:35am
I have a '19 150 SX and am in love (for the most part). Up until this bike I had been off a MX bike for 10 years after a very bad injury. Before my injury I had been riding and racing for 20+ years. Throughout my riding life I've had several 125's and 250's, and still to this day have never ridden a 4 stroke. Coming from an '07 YZ250 (last bike I owned pre-injury) I decided that I wanted to scream a 125 again but wanted some extra power and I'm glad I went with the 150. That being said, after 12 solid hours on the bike (3 hrs riding trail to break the motor in and the rest on legit MX tracks) here's my take on the pro's and con's so far. Again, I've been out of the MX game for a decade so my take on the 150 thus far is highly subjective although I've ridden and raced countless bikes in my day for which I'm basing the following on.

Pros:
- Weight: The bike is super light. Actually, amazingly light. Feels like I'm riding my Santa Cruz 5010 MTB if that makes any sense. So fun.
- Ergonomics: Incredible. I'm 5' 8" and 175 lbs and the bike just feels so tight, slim and easy to move around on and manipulate for any situation. In the air, it's the most flickable bike I've ever ridden. Compared to my '07 YZ250 and even my '05 YZ125 it feels light years ahead in this department.
- Power: It's true that if you don't ride this bike aggressively as it is meant to be ridden, it will bum you out. You have to be quick on your shifts and keep the bike in the revs or else it will eat you alive and make you feel slow. I'd go so far as to say that you better be well versed in riding a small bore 2 stroke, otherwise you will feel inept and be very frustrated. Fitness will also go a long way when riding the 150 especially if you're riding tracks or racing it because you better be ready to hang on when riding it to its full potential...when the power hits, it hits HARD. But to make the bike work to its full potential, you cannot be lazy. When riding trails, it's pissed off if you're just bogging around. It wants to scream.
- Suspension: I actually really like the AER forks and the easy adjustability. I took my time for the first few hours at the track to dial in the air pressure and settings. Do a few laps, come in for a minute and adjust, go back out and repeat until I got them where I felt comfortable and even more so, confident. The shock is feeling money to me as well once I got the sag set correctly for my weight and riding style. I ride the bike hard and aggressively so I like my setup to be stiff overall. That being said, my previous Kayaba SSS forks were incredible.
- Brakes: Nothing compares to Brembos. Holy sh*t. More than a few times I've gone way to hot into a corner and thought I was going to die but the brakes quickly gave me a lease on life. Love 'em.
- Clutch & Transmission: Abusing the clutch goes hand in hand with a small-bore when riding a 125 but the 150 not so much, as long as you are riding it hard. A simple tap of the clutch will get you into the meat of the power when needed. Grabbing gears feels effortless and sharp as well (although finding nuetral when pulling off the track has been a pain in my ass until I figured out I need to open the throttle with the clutch in ever so slightly to engage. Never had this issue with a bike ever so not sure what thats all about but I can deal with it now that I found that little trick).
- Design & finish: The bike came out of the crate looking factory to me. The quality of materials, engineering, attention to finish and machining of even stock parts makes the Japanese brands look second-rate. Austrian's. Go figure.

Cons:
- Mikuni Carb: Living in the Pacific Northwest we have seasons. I bought the bike in mid-September when the temperature was still relatively warm and living in Portland at sea-level the bike initially ran great. Even riding at elevations of 3,000 ft...no problem. As soon as the temps dropped I've been struggling. Yes, jetting the bike for temp changes is necessary along with the right premix is critical but I've experimented with both (race gas mixed with premium pump + jetting) and I'm still having a hard time getting the bike to feel like it did back when I got it. I'm still tinkering but am starting to get to the point of going all in on the Slavens Mule HV Lectron so I can stop bashing my face into the ground when I go ride and it's still not running like I want. Maybe I'm just a jetting idiot but I don't think I'm alone with the Mikuni carb frustration.
- Gearing: This is subjective like everything else, but I went from the stock 48 to a 49 rear and couldn't be happier. Going to a 49 tightening up 2nd to 3rd which I like much more, especially leading up to the face of a jump right out of a corner.

So far, that's my input for whatever it's worth. Only upgrades I've done is put on Flo levers, 49 tooth Renthal rear, and switching out the stock silencer for a FMF PowerCore 2.1 (leaving the stock pipe as is) The FMF definitely gave the bottom-end more grunt and gave the mid-range a bit more spread without noticing any sacrifice with the top-end or over-rev. But I can only make that statement based on riding tracks, both tight and more national style (Mountain View / Washougal).

Bottom line, this bike is so much fun and every time I drive home after riding it (aside from cold days where the bike runs somewhat shittier than I would hope, yet doesn't ruin my day), I have a giant smile on my face and am so f'ing pumped to be back riding again.

Pic of my bike below. All the best and cheers!





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