Help me speak with my wallet

benstone
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Des Moines, IA US
benstone
Edited Date/Time 3/8/2020 7:52am
I moved to Colorado last year and I am getting ready to pull the trigger on a dual sport dirt bike to blaze through the mountain trails and roads. I live about 15 minutes from the closest Mountain road so it seems like a waste to not get out there. I'm on the back side of my riding career and 15 years past my racing years but I still like to go fast (I ride a Ducati Monster on the road). What's the current thoughts on the current crop of dual sport bikes? I'm leaning towards new, but I'm open to a solid used deal. It seems like KTM owns most of this market but I'm not a brand-centric buyer.

My wallet is listening for your take!
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ShredGraphic 3/2/2020 7:28pm
3/2/2020 7:28pm
I have a ktm 500exc comes plated from the dealership which is nice. I have plated a Honda 450x in the past and wasn’t hard (live in CO too) between the two tho the ktm has been better in my opinion to the Honda. And didn’t have to deal with fitting the lights etc, just hop on and ride
benstone
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benstone 3/2/2020 7:40pm
3/2/2020 7:40pm
ShredGraphic wrote:
I have a ktm 500exc comes plated from the dealership which is nice. I have plated a Honda 450x in the past and wasn’t hard (live...
I have a ktm 500exc comes plated from the dealership which is nice. I have plated a Honda 450x in the past and wasn’t hard (live in CO too) between the two tho the ktm has been better in my opinion to the Honda. And didn’t have to deal with fitting the lights etc, just hop on and ride
Do you use all of those 500 cc's or would a smaller KTM in the EXC line be enough power? 500 cc's on a dirt bike seems like a lot of bike to throw around but that's not really based on any experience.
Chance1216
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Chance1216 3/2/2020 8:12pm
3/2/2020 8:12pm
ShredGraphic wrote:
I have a ktm 500exc comes plated from the dealership which is nice. I have plated a Honda 450x in the past and wasn’t hard (live...
I have a ktm 500exc comes plated from the dealership which is nice. I have plated a Honda 450x in the past and wasn’t hard (live in CO too) between the two tho the ktm has been better in my opinion to the Honda. And didn’t have to deal with fitting the lights etc, just hop on and ride
benstone wrote:
Do you use all of those 500 cc's or would a smaller KTM in the EXC line be enough power? 500 cc's on a dirt bike...
Do you use all of those 500 cc's or would a smaller KTM in the EXC line be enough power? 500 cc's on a dirt bike seems like a lot of bike to throw around but that's not really based on any experience.
Get a CRF1000. Africa Twin. lol
Langhammx’s recommendation would be my two choices.

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Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 3/2/2020 8:35pm
3/2/2020 8:35pm Edited Date/Time 3/2/2020 8:35pm
Check out the Beta's. Their 4t's aren't neutered. And no, 500's aren't too big for tight single track, easier to ride actually with the strong bottom torque.

Pretty sure you can plate a 2t easy in CO? The Beta's are wired up with switches and lights. The 2t 250/300 Race Editions are sold out for the year. Some top dealers in CO.
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GCBC
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GCBC 3/2/2020 8:54pm
3/2/2020 8:54pm
any self respecting biker cant get by with any less than 5 bikes at the absolute minimum.
no excuses.
get all your major bases covered then get at least 2 specialty use bikes.
Plugga
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Plugga 3/2/2020 10:13pm
3/2/2020 10:13pm
Well, if you're speaking with your wallet it must be a 2 stroke for starters. Whistling
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bvm111
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bvm111 3/2/2020 10:18pm
3/2/2020 10:18pm
Buy a two stroke... you sir are welcome!
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sumdood
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sumdood 3/2/2020 10:33pm
3/2/2020 10:33pm Edited Date/Time 3/2/2020 10:35pm

This followed me home last August. 2019 EXC500. I'm not really a brand specific guy, I really wanted to like the Honda 450L, but after checking them out side by side and moving them around, sitting on them, leaning them over etc. I went with the KTM. I did a little dialing in, de-smogged, new ignition, silencer, dirt tires, seat concepts low seat, double take folding mirrors, ditched the stock rear blinker / light assembly for a smaller sicass one, had the suspension valved more to my liking (plush) Now that I've got a few hundred miles on it I can honestly say I love this motorcycle, the motor, the suspension, the handling, the button Laughing It tractors down low like a trials bike and the top speed is faster than I care to go. I like it, a lot. Cool Plus the ability to go wherever I want cause it's plated has opened up lots of new places to ride.
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ShredGraphic 3/3/2020 4:35am
3/3/2020 4:35am
ShredGraphic wrote:
I have a ktm 500exc comes plated from the dealership which is nice. I have plated a Honda 450x in the past and wasn’t hard (live...
I have a ktm 500exc comes plated from the dealership which is nice. I have plated a Honda 450x in the past and wasn’t hard (live in CO too) between the two tho the ktm has been better in my opinion to the Honda. And didn’t have to deal with fitting the lights etc, just hop on and ride
benstone wrote:
Do you use all of those 500 cc's or would a smaller KTM in the EXC line be enough power? 500 cc's on a dirt bike...
Do you use all of those 500 cc's or would a smaller KTM in the EXC line be enough power? 500 cc's on a dirt bike seems like a lot of bike to throw around but that's not really based on any experience.
Honestly no not here in CO. However I take it to Baja pretty regularly where the 500 works very well in the desert. If I were to only ride in CO trails I’d probably get a ktm 300 and plate it
ShredGraphic 3/3/2020 6:41am
3/3/2020 6:41am
GCBC wrote:
any self respecting biker cant get by with any less than 5 bikes at the absolute minimum. no excuses. get all your major bases covered then...
any self respecting biker cant get by with any less than 5 bikes at the absolute minimum.
no excuses.
get all your major bases covered then get at least 2 specialty use bikes.
Current garage vibe 😬 150, 350, 450 and 500
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benstone
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benstone 3/5/2020 11:45am
3/5/2020 11:45am
sumdood wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/03/02/408199/s1200_EXC_500_8_8_19.jpg[/img] This followed me home last August. 2019 EXC500. I'm not really a brand specific guy, I really wanted to like the Honda 450L, but after...

This followed me home last August. 2019 EXC500. I'm not really a brand specific guy, I really wanted to like the Honda 450L, but after checking them out side by side and moving them around, sitting on them, leaning them over etc. I went with the KTM. I did a little dialing in, de-smogged, new ignition, silencer, dirt tires, seat concepts low seat, double take folding mirrors, ditched the stock rear blinker / light assembly for a smaller sicass one, had the suspension valved more to my liking (plush) Now that I've got a few hundred miles on it I can honestly say I love this motorcycle, the motor, the suspension, the handling, the button Laughing It tractors down low like a trials bike and the top speed is faster than I care to go. I like it, a lot. Cool Plus the ability to go wherever I want cause it's plated has opened up lots of new places to ride.
I think you helped me make up my mind - That sounds like the bike for me. Not sure I'd add all farkles (mostly due to budget constraints) but that is the general direction I'm leaning. Thanks!
Hammer
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Hammer 3/5/2020 12:46pm
3/5/2020 12:46pm
KTM will meet your needs and very reliable!
HAMMER
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JoeWV
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JoeWV 3/5/2020 2:30pm
3/5/2020 2:30pm
300 2t all the way, unless you’re gonna be taking it on a highway. Love my plated 300 xc-w tpi on small back roads. And you can’t beat tje 300 on about any off-road situation. Also a bonus with the tpi you can ride right up to a gas pump then haul a to the trails.
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bh
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bh 3/5/2020 4:41pm
3/5/2020 4:41pm Edited Date/Time 3/5/2020 4:41pm
GCBC wrote:
any self respecting biker cant get by with any less than 5 bikes at the absolute minimum. no excuses. get all your major bases covered then...
any self respecting biker cant get by with any less than 5 bikes at the absolute minimum.
no excuses.
get all your major bases covered then get at least 2 specialty use bikes.
ShredGraphic wrote:
Current garage vibe 😬 150, 350, 450 and 500 [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2020/03/03/408218/s1200_521360DE_047B_474E_B212_3D9BF73D9F18.jpg[/img]
Current garage vibe 😬 150, 350, 450 and 500
You must know someone at technical touch. That’s a lot of kyb kit suspension and x trig clamps lol.
HackMan162
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HackMan162 3/6/2020 6:22am
3/6/2020 6:22am
There is only one TRUE way to speak with your wallet. Pick out which NEW two stroke you are going to buy, and go down to the dealer and buy it. You have then spoken with your wallet, the correct way!
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benstone
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Des Moines, IA US
benstone 3/6/2020 5:31pm
3/6/2020 5:31pm
HackMan162 wrote:
There is only one TRUE way to speak with your wallet. Pick out which NEW two stroke you are going to buy, and go down to...
There is only one TRUE way to speak with your wallet. Pick out which NEW two stroke you are going to buy, and go down to the dealer and buy it. You have then spoken with your wallet, the correct way!
I sorta forgot that the "Speak with my Wallet" thing started out about 2 strokes. This place is hard to pay attention to sometimes. Unsure
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 3/8/2020 7:48am
3/8/2020 7:48am Edited Date/Time 3/8/2020 7:52am
sumdood wrote:
More info to ponder Laughing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFfTP1Lwv6s
benstone wrote:
That was a perfect overview for me - thanks.
Keep in mind 3 bikes had to have knobbies put on. Those same 3 bikes will most likely need to be uncorked. They test a KTM 500 when Beta and Husky also have one. Beta has a 1 year warranty and offers custom builds.

2019 Closeout deals can save thousands, call your dealer after looking on Cycle Trader, there may be bikes left in the warehouse's.
rf928
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rf928 3/8/2020 7:59am
3/8/2020 7:59am
I traded a 350 EXC and a 690 Enduro R for a CRF450L. I love the Honda but it does need some work. It came between a 500EXC and the Honda for me, and I could buy the Honda with a vortex and yosh system still for less than the 500. I rode it in stock form a little bit last fall, and it certainly needs the vortex to eliminate some bog. That said I know the new KTM’s are incredibly lean too. I’m hoping to have my Honda finished before the snow melts and see what it really can do.

If budget is tight as it was for me, the Honda is a fantastic bike and handles incredible. It is also MUCH smoother than the KTM on the pavement. The KTM’s however are slightly better preforming bikes IMO. Although the Honda smokes it in the suspension category, that fork is incredible compared to WP garbage.

Engine - KTM
Suspension - Honda
Brakes - KTM
Comfort - Honda
Pavement - Honda
Single track - KTM
Fire roads - Honda

And don’t be scared to count out a KTM 690R depending on what you’re doing. That bike was the ultimate machine for fire roads and logging roads. Handled single track quite well and certainly has the biggest smile factor out of any bike I’ve ridden when the throttle twists.

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