Posts
782
Joined
8/21/2016
Location
Spring, TX
US
Edited Date/Time
8/30/2021 10:58am
I've got quotes from 2 dealers on each bike. Price difference is only 300, so the money doesn't matter at this point.
Bike is for a vet rider, 40+ and i intend on racing Loretta's next year on it.
I'm familiar with the KTM, been on their bikes since 2017. I find the Kawi intriguing.
The KX really felt good sitting on it. There's a couple thing's I'd have to change right away like levers and pegs.
On the KTM the only thing I'd be in a rush to change is converting the forks to spring. I know they have improved the forks, I have a 2020 125 for my kid and they are a lot better than previous years, but i still prefer spring. That's not an issue on the KX and a big money saver.
Thoughts? I'm going to get 1 of the 2 tomorrow.
Bike is for a vet rider, 40+ and i intend on racing Loretta's next year on it.
I'm familiar with the KTM, been on their bikes since 2017. I find the Kawi intriguing.
The KX really felt good sitting on it. There's a couple thing's I'd have to change right away like levers and pegs.
On the KTM the only thing I'd be in a rush to change is converting the forks to spring. I know they have improved the forks, I have a 2020 125 for my kid and they are a lot better than previous years, but i still prefer spring. That's not an issue on the KX and a big money saver.
Thoughts? I'm going to get 1 of the 2 tomorrow.
The Shop
Go with your gut feeling and don't regret it.
I would probably go with the Kawi
I'm surprised the price gap is only $300. It is significantly more here unless you buy the red KTM.
Dealer made me a solid deal, it's a leftover '21. The 22 wouldn't have been much more though.
I went ahead and called the dealer and told them to prep the KTM for me, I'm going to get it in the morning.
Getting a set of the split triple clamps with it. I want the connectivity unit as well but they don't have any.
The split triple clamp should help too.
At the end of the day, I like the frame, engine and fit and finish of the KTM's better. But the big reason I have the Kawi is cost to get suspension dialed.
My Kawi with Pro Circuit revalve, springs, bladder kit and pistons (about $1,000) is some of the best suspension I've ever had, first setting on the forks and only one change on the shock for more bottoming resistance.
My '17 KTM I had everything thrown at the WP AER, then went Con Valve and wasn't fully satisfied, and finally landed on the KYB conversion from Enzo. Ouch.
If I was prepared to spend $20k to build my preferred race bike, it would be a KTM. I had to be realistic with this current bike and that's why I'm on green. The bike is holding up very well and is an absolute joy to ride.
From my experience KTM engine is very user friendly, a do it all motor and is a few pounds lighter overall. The KTM handles and turns well, never does anything unexpected...very stable. I have Lucky fork spring conversion an shock upgrades which were spendy but worth it to me.
Pit Row
I really liked my 2017 KTM, to this day one of the favorite bikes I have owned. Sold it with 80 hours, never even removed the valve cover. Clutch looked brand new. The bike was absolutely stone cold reliable. Sold it when Covid hit...I put a big price tag on it, and someone bit.
I grew up racing Kawasaki, so I figured I would go back to my roots after being on KTM for 7 years.....I do not know if I like my Kawasaki better than the KTM yet. They are both good bikes, but I might give the nod to the KTM at the moment. I believe the KTM has a slightly better engine, just a bit more user friendly. The Kawasaki likes to be ridden aggressively. KTM had better overrev, but I think the KX puts the power to the ground a bit better down low. KTM was more "electric" feeling. The KTM clutch has a better feel. The Nissin clutch is a bit vague feeling, and is a bit harderto pull...but it is by no means bad.
People hate on air forks, but I liked the AER on my Katoom. Having trouble getting the forks dialed on my Kawasaki. They are just a bit harsh initially, but descent everywhere else. Both of the shocks feel excellent out of the box. Also, I do not have a ton of time in the setup of the KX forks yet.
The KTM might turn a little better than the KX, maybe...I don't know. There is not a real standout here. The Kawasaki is more stable in the long sweepers. The Kawasaki is super thin, and feels very flickable. Very comfy ergos for me, and the adjustable footpegs are nice.
The stock KTM components are of a better quality. i.e. chain guide, hardware, chain, etc. The stock KX muffler is gargantuan. The KTM is easier to change the air filter, The KX is easier to change the oil...but that depends on your skid plate. Brakes are excellent on both with the rear brake on the Kawasaki being almost too good for some. But, I like a really hard initial bite for my brake setups.
The more I ride the Kawasaki the better it gets. Only have something like 15 hours on it, so it may grow on me some more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xBgX-l98wg
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