Posts
547
Joined
11/24/2011
Location
Clarkston, MI
US
Edited Date/Time
12/14/2014 4:33am
Last week I bought my first non-Japanese bike, a new 2015 KTM SXF. Very pleased with my purchase thus far, the quality of the machine seems to be top notch. I haven't had a chance to get it on a track yet (they're all closed for the winter here in MI), but my impressions from riding it down back roads and through the trails behind my house are that the bike has plenty of power, the hydraulic clutch is awesome, and the ergonomics are great. My only complaint is that the KTM bar bend is very peculiar. I'll be swapping them for some Renthal 997 bends that come stock on the Honda and Kawi's that I'm used to.
I do have a few questions for you fellow KTM riders though. I would appreciate your thoughts and any other tips for a new KTM 350 rider...
- Throttle Freeplay: From the factory the bike had a ton of freeplay in the throttle. I followed the instructions in the manual and I think I took some out, but there's still more than I'd like (I prefer almost none). I backed out the top adjuster all the way but the effect seemed to be minimal. What am I doing wrong?
- Stand: With my Matrix M2 stand the bike rests on it's front wheel, similar to how Hondas do I believe. It's super annoying, especially when trying to wash the bike, tighten the spokes, spin the front wheel, etc. Anyone know if a Matrix M64 elite stand is tall enough or shaped correctly to eliminate this problem? If not, what stand would you recommend?
- Frame: The orange powder coated frame is so damn pretty I don't want to scratch it. I know it's a dirt bike and it's likely inevitable, but it seems like just putting the bike on and off the stand would likely nick and scrape the bottom. Anyone know how durable the coating on the frame is? Should I get a skid plate and, if so, who makes one that's not overly big and clunky looking? (I don't like the looks of them and they're often heavy)
Thanks in advance. I appreciate any advice you might be able to share
I do have a few questions for you fellow KTM riders though. I would appreciate your thoughts and any other tips for a new KTM 350 rider...
- Throttle Freeplay: From the factory the bike had a ton of freeplay in the throttle. I followed the instructions in the manual and I think I took some out, but there's still more than I'd like (I prefer almost none). I backed out the top adjuster all the way but the effect seemed to be minimal. What am I doing wrong?
- Stand: With my Matrix M2 stand the bike rests on it's front wheel, similar to how Hondas do I believe. It's super annoying, especially when trying to wash the bike, tighten the spokes, spin the front wheel, etc. Anyone know if a Matrix M64 elite stand is tall enough or shaped correctly to eliminate this problem? If not, what stand would you recommend?
- Frame: The orange powder coated frame is so damn pretty I don't want to scratch it. I know it's a dirt bike and it's likely inevitable, but it seems like just putting the bike on and off the stand would likely nick and scrape the bottom. Anyone know how durable the coating on the frame is? Should I get a skid plate and, if so, who makes one that's not overly big and clunky looking? (I don't like the looks of them and they're often heavy)
Thanks in advance. I appreciate any advice you might be able to share
I put a skid plate on every bike I buy. Just my opinion.
What do you think of the motor vibration? How noticeable is it? Im thinking about buying the same bike but rode a friends ktm 500 and it vibrated my teeth compared to my Honda.
Paw Paw
Honda comes with the 971 bend. I was a 998 guy til I tried the 994 (KTM) bend, it's very similar except for less pull-back.
The Shop
I've never had a big bike (125 an up) on a stand and both wheels spin freely - on all mine the front wheel rests on the floor. Try a lump of wood on your stand to get it higher?
Cheers
S
I also got an Acerbis plastic skid plate. The frame scratches easily...especially if doing any offroad (non track) riding, so a skid plate is a must for me.
I have 2 different stands and the front wheel touches on both...like others have said, use a small piece of wood as a spacer.
The factory coating on the frame is super tough, but for God sakes man put any type of glide/skid plate on that baby. As you know engine cases are not cheap.
Check your spokes often in the first few rides. Set your your sag too, but it takes a bit for the suspension to break in.
I never noticed a vibration issue on my bike, that is an Internet rumor.
And you can buy a wedge for the M64 stand that will keep the front wheel off the ground.
Shane
Still my favourite bike I've had the pleasure to race.
Especially when you stall it and hit the button!!
Raptor Ti (or IMS Pro Pegs) seem to help me with No Noticeable Vibration (I'm running stock '14 triples/bar clamps). I've ridden off-road KTMs w/Pro Pegs & they feel identical to my Raptors. I run Guts Racing seat-foam & cover...helps me feel like I can move arond easier than on a sacked-out Stocker...they get soft.
I run a 120/80 or 120/90 (Pirelli) on a 350, especially on slick or hard-pack surfaces, it softens the hit in 2nd & 3rd. I run the fork tubes 3-6mm higher in the clamps depending on the track. I run the rear axle farther back than most people...makes it feel like my 450 (more stable/stays straight w/ less effort)...especially in the whoops.
FMF Mega Bomb w/ 4.1 RCT (Quiet Core in slick or wet/makes it pull more like a 450-less like a 250)
VP T4 or U4.4
Revalve by WP (really only need forks done).
Ackro or Acerbis Glideplate
DT-1 Air Filters
Bel Ray Oil/Lubes
All Orange Plastic
Acerbis Chain Block
Move shifter up One notch
Brake Pedal slightly higher than foot peg
Those are all my notes from the 350.
Pit Row
And now that the bike purchase is complete we're working on the sports garage. Check back next summer and I should have something for you. LOL
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