Thinking of a KTM

[Ritten]

I'm seriously thinking about dropping the hammer on this...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/300_XC_W_klein.jpg

KTM 300 xc-w. My reasoning is that although I've got plenty of years and miles of street experience, I am really digging the offroad aspect of two wheeled travel. A few gravel passes up in Colorado, the occasional fire road, and even a few cane roads on my GS have all brought me to the realization that there's a side to motorcycles that I really enjoy and haven't looked at in the past.

One of the predicaments in getting the Katoom would be having to convert it to a dual sport set up (relatively minimal cost), so that it would be street legal. I know there's some die hard KLR fanatics on here who are going to suggest going with the cheaper method of picking up something already set up, but my whole reasoning for going with the two stroke is it's extreme off-road capability and light weight, but still having enough power and torque to haul my big ass around.

ON THE OTHER HAND....I can set my GS up so that it's almost as capable as a loaded KLR. In fact, it'll be looking pretty close to this when I'm through with it next week...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d71/Thetedeo/spaakvelg0199hg.jpg

I've got engine protection on the bike in the event of a drop, but that doesn't help much in picking up a 450lbs pig in the middle of the trail. I think it's going to come down to what kind of riding I'm going to be doing. Are the trails in places like the spillway and Kasatchie single track? Alot of mud? Is the GS a bit too big for a moderately skilled offroad rider, or would the KTM be a MUCH better fit? I'm sure I know the answer to all of these, and I'm just looking for a few justifications to get another bike.:D

[JayD]

Are the trails in places like the spillway and Kasatchie single track? Alot of mud? Is the GS a bit too big for a moderately skilled offroad rider, or would the KTM be a MUCH better fit? I'm sure I know the answer to all of these, and I'm just looking for a few justifications to get another bike.:D

The 1st part of this video (up until the wide gravel road scene) is Kistachie
The KTM would RIP in there

http://media.putfile.com/Louisiana-Dirt-Redneck-Ridge

[scootertrash]

Do what you want man, as long as your having fun and enjoying yourself thats all that matters. KTM makes some nice bikes, I wouldn't mind having one myself. But I am content with my KLR for now.

[Flying Low]

i think scootertrash is right. do what you want. i think you know the kind of riding that you want to do and which machine will suit you best.

[le_capitaine]

I would re think the 300, it is a great bike but has amazing power, the kind that takes you from woo hoo to needing a new pair of shorts and a cast for your leg in the blink of an eye. I am considering it after 3 years of 15,000 plus miles of mostly serious off road riding on a DRZ 400 s that has has some major work done to it to make it a little bit more off road worthy than it was originally. The 400, 450 exc four strokes have better power delivery for riders looking for a bike that is more off road oriented but want to street plate it. either of these bikes can still get you into lots of trouble quick, but not as fast as the 300 will. All around the DRZ 400 is still a great bike for dual sport riding, I don't have the exact number but I would say more than a third of our 200+ members ride either the S or the E version.

As for your weight, I am 230 lb and have re sprung the bike to suit that, holds me up great and 140 kph on a rail trail or gravel road seems like a good idea at the time till you show the video to your spouse.

See if you can get some seat time in what ever you are thinking about choosing as the next ride to add to the stable.

How do you know as a dual sport rider to get out your camera.... your buddy says " watch this"

[JayD]

How do you know as a dual sport rider to get out your camera.... your buddy says " watch this"


LOL:D

[nickatnite]

DUDE... THAT ROCKED...


Hey Ted. THat is what I am going to do. I just picked up me a 01' yz 426 and ordering the Enduro front plate with light and rear render with light and HOPEFULLY I can get it street legal. SUspension work has been done..

[Ritten]

le_capitaine I've ridden a buddies 93 300 EXC already so I'm somewhat familiar with the power output and where it hits. Thanks for your recomendation though as I'm not opposed to going with one of the 450 thumpers. My only reason for making it road legal is simply for the times I might need to head down a developed road to get to another trail. Anything further than a tankful will either be accomplished with the bike on a trailer or on the GS. I'm 6'2" and hover +-280lbs so that helps tame the bikes somewhat, but being that top heavy, they sure do become wheelie prone. As most of my bike purchases, I'm sure I'll decide when I'm staring at the two side by side.