Posts
1198
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3/8/2021
Location
Saint Marys, PA
US
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256th
Edited Date/Time
5/19/2021 8:34pm
Which model would you guys go with and why? I’m about to put a down payment on either a new 2022 KTM or Husky which is expected in June. Or should I go buy a 2021 Gas Gas that a dealer has on the floor.
Each has their positives and negatives. Here are my personal thoughts.
KTM: I like the aluminum sub frame. I’ve snapped the composite frame a few times on my 2017 Husky. I (think) I like the looks of the KTM best out of the 3 but honestly it’s super close so I’m not hung up on this.
Husqvarna: I LOVE how the “graphics” are molded on rather than having traditional stickers. it has a little more bling than the other 2. I (think??) this is the only one of the three that comes with a mapping switch.
Gas Gas: like the KTM it has the aluminum subframe. I really like the looks as well but I have small concerns about resale value. I don’t think many would argue that the KTM and Husky will sell for more and much easier when that time comes in a few years.
I can get the 2022 KTM and Husky for $10k OTD from a dealer I contacted. I haven’t got the OTD price on the 2021 Gas Gas but the dealer told me he won’t go down on price because the bikes are selling so fast. So I’m assuming it will actually end up being more than the Husky and KTM which is obviously no bueno. (Disclaimer, no I’m not worried about spending a couple hundred dollars more either way. The price is not the issue on any of them, I’m just so hard headed that I have a hard time paying more for something (the GG) when it’s valued $1000 less MSRP.
So what do you guys think? What are the known differences at this point? Different brake/clutch systems? Different components or hardware?
Each has their positives and negatives. Here are my personal thoughts.
KTM: I like the aluminum sub frame. I’ve snapped the composite frame a few times on my 2017 Husky. I (think) I like the looks of the KTM best out of the 3 but honestly it’s super close so I’m not hung up on this.
Husqvarna: I LOVE how the “graphics” are molded on rather than having traditional stickers. it has a little more bling than the other 2. I (think??) this is the only one of the three that comes with a mapping switch.
Gas Gas: like the KTM it has the aluminum subframe. I really like the looks as well but I have small concerns about resale value. I don’t think many would argue that the KTM and Husky will sell for more and much easier when that time comes in a few years.
I can get the 2022 KTM and Husky for $10k OTD from a dealer I contacted. I haven’t got the OTD price on the 2021 Gas Gas but the dealer told me he won’t go down on price because the bikes are selling so fast. So I’m assuming it will actually end up being more than the Husky and KTM which is obviously no bueno. (Disclaimer, no I’m not worried about spending a couple hundred dollars more either way. The price is not the issue on any of them, I’m just so hard headed that I have a hard time paying more for something (the GG) when it’s valued $1000 less MSRP.
So what do you guys think? What are the known differences at this point? Different brake/clutch systems? Different components or hardware?
I went gas gas for the value alone. 1k less new than the others essentially. I see used orange and white versions asking more than I paid for my gasgas 450 new.
I’ll take new for a relative “bargain” every time.
I wasn’t aware the new KTMs had molded graphics. If that’s true that may persuade me enough to go KTM.
Gg and husky share the same swing arm.
Ktm uses its own.
All have the same chromoly frames.
The Shop
Oh and I think the '22s have brembo now but if they don't I wouldn't be afraid at all of the Magura's. I absolutely love the brakes on my bike (other than the stock pads didn't have much feel) but I was a little nervous about them but they have been great. Same pads as the brembo calipers too.
Pit Row
I like red plastics, but the KTM does give you the hour meter and handguards standard. The TX has a better handlebar than either, and I think it still has the hour meter and map switch so that might be the best deal if you don't mind the plastic subframe. Yes it has carbon fiber in it but it is mostly plastic. Tough call if you are looking at all 3 for the same price. I would think the KTM/Husky will have a little higher resale but it is hard to say. The red looks really good.
The gasgas seat material works for me, but I don't think it is going to be as durable as the KTM. It seems like more of a plastic fabric whereas the ktm is more vinyl. I haven't ridden a '21 KTM, but I did have a '20 300xc last year. The gasgas suspension is better front and rear than the '20 ktm. It is more plush especially on small hits and as good or better on big hits. The engine might spool up just a hair faster than the 2020 KTM did but that may just be the latest engine calibration.
Most of the hardcore enduro riders who ride to very remote locations prefer less working parts and electronics for less points of failure.
FI on two strokes is being pushed by the EPA, not by the consumer demand:
https://motocrossactionmag.com/ask-the-mxperts-a-fuel-injected-two-stro…
I love the Husky, BUT....I'd go with a KTM or GasGas for the aluminum subframe. The composite subframe is scary and I've broken the tabs that hold the seat down to it. Fixed that with JB Weld repair and some strategic Velcro. I don't like the Husky plastics and the way they clip together. I don't care about the molded in graphics at all because I run custom graphics.
So... I'd probably go GasGas just to be different from all the KTM's but I'd have zero problems with the KTM.
I want a carb, though, which is why we snapped up the '17 250XC (with 23 hours on it this spring) and why I grabbed the '19 Husky when I saw it.
Here's a good comparison of both fuel delivery systems. As for parts availability for different brands it depends where you live. In CA it's very easy to get Beta parts now. Not sure about TM or Sherco.
Some people like the option "to dick around with a carb", especially on the trail. If you don't want to watch the whole video start watching at the 6min mark:
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