Posts
255
Joined
9/11/2018
Location
Chula Vista, CA
US
Edited Date/Time
10/28/2018 6:17pm
Never really considered a ktm before as they've always seemed insanely small, but someone was cool enough to let me spin a few laps on their 2017 at Pala and for me being 6'6" and the bike only having tall bars, I felt pretty comfortable on it so I'm thinking of making a switch if I can get a decent price for my Yamaha.
I'm seeing some great deals on 2016-2018 models, some FE, some standard. All under 100 hours.
ANYTHING I should know about these before I snag one? And I mean in terms of owning a ktm, not buying used.
I'm seeing some great deals on 2016-2018 models, some FE, some standard. All under 100 hours.
ANYTHING I should know about these before I snag one? And I mean in terms of owning a ktm, not buying used.
The Shop
I can't imagine the Huskys being different than a ktm.
I had a 16 FE and had zero problems. I did a top end at 80hrs and the piston and cylinder looked great, and the valves were still in spec. Traded it in with 85 hours.
A one piece unit like the raptors?
The -16 fork is pure poo, trust me
1 extra tooth on the rear so I could use 3rd in corners more
2 stroke filter cage with flame resistant twin air filters
shorter pull throttle cam
way less air pressure in the fork
like the filter, clutch, front brake, motor, look/feel, pretty much everything
Could be a bit narrower at the shrouds to make it easier to get forward in corners but that's about my only complaint. Probably not an issue when you're 8 feet tall.
That's about it.
I have had a 16 Factory Edition and a 17. They are bulletproof, great bikes!
I heard rumors that it wasn't the spokes but the rims that are causing this issue. Confirm?
Either way, as long as the stock hubs are strong I have no issue lacing up some fresh hoops and beefier spokes.
My primary concern is longevity of the engine's bottom end, frame strength and forks.
So basically, if I get a '16 FE or newer it sounds like these things will last forever with proper maintenance.
Mind you, I'm anal about upkeep on bikes. I'm that guy that every 10hr oil change I check valve clearance, every 20-30hrs I'm replacing bushings/seals/fluid on the suspension, every 50-60hrs I tear down to the frame.
It's excessive, but I've NEVER had a failure of any kind since being on four strokes and I'd like to keep that streak going.
Be aware of the spokes, I think some 2016 had fuel pump issue where they hose would kink, but that was hard to diagnose without it having a fuel problem.
Upgrade to the WPS Featherlight battery for easier starting and more reliability.
Keep the inline fuel filter clean.
There’s great deals out there, good luck!
Pit Row
The motors on these bikes are rock solid. The 4cs forks aren’t the best, but I wouldn’t let that sway you away from getting a 2016 if you find a good deal. Of course you can always slap on cone valves and be done with it. That’s what I did.
CRF Axle and nut
Yosh Blocks
I found a new Honda axle on eBay for cheap!
My 450sxf have been perfect, come over from a crf it’s night and day difference. The built quality is so much better on the ktm. It’s built to last not like cheap Honda stuff. Plus you get hydraulic clutch, and all the mapping options traction control and launch control.
Here’s how I ensured (as much as possible) that it won’t happen again. My motto: never replace, always upgrade!
Best bike I've ever owned. Raised the bar a bit and use a tall seat.
I change the oil every 3 hours and had the piston changed at 48 hours just to be sure, so far the bike has never let me down.
Post a reply to: Any need to know on 2016-2018 ktm 450SXFs?