Sold my XR650... Looking for a lighter bike for playing in the woods... But it needs to have enough power to play out on the gravel roads too... I was thinking about looking for an XR400R which would be a cheaper way to go... I have heard nothing but good things about KTM's
(I am not interested in 2 strokes.)
Also see what appears to be good pricing on 06's at Sport Center's web site.
I am thinking about getting either a 400EXC or 450EXC...
Occasional short highway jaunts may be a factor..
Open for advice opinions... Yamaha??
CRF450X?
That might be a candidate..
Does he post here??
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Right Now, Counts Forever!
I don't think so. I seemed to have lost your e-mail address. If you can get it to me I can hook you up with some contact information.
My email is bswartz@conwaycorp.net
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If it were me looking at getting a new bike for what you are wanting I'd go with either of the KTM's - 400 or 450. They are light weight, ebutton equipped, zip through the woods at a very good clip and can get down the highway well as well. I think I can attest to the fact that the 400exc is pretty good as I owned an 01 and purchased a 06 to replace it. They have power to spare and still are lighter than the bikes you mentioned, plus the ebutton. Can't go wrong here and they are reliable.
Just my two cents worth. . .
peoman,
Thanks for your advice backed up with experience.. I called Sport Center, but all they had in stock according to the salesman, was a 525.. I did find a used 400 in Kansas City for $4300, but am somewhat uncertain about buying a used race bike.
Have decided on the KTM hoping to find an 06... price shopping now.
Thanks guys.
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peoman,
I found a new 05 450exc for $5500... is that a deal?
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Picking it up Friday. Anything special about break-in I should know?
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Be on the pipeline by 9am. I am sure Jim would volunteer to break it in for you.
LOL! I will be up on the mulberry & White Rock area Fri/Sat... I am trying to get over a prostate infection that has plagued me for over a month... I will be riding quite gingerly. :)
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As with all new KTM's you need to go over all you bolts especially the motor mounts and snug them up and recheck them after the first couple of rides. Some of the 05's had problems with pre mature wearing of the master cyclinder on the rear brake. Brett's went out on him and I some what contribute it to him having a fractured femur as he took out my big 3 honey for a little ride after his brakes failed on his 250 and he was not adjusted to the extra power. I think if he would have been on his bike he would not have broke his leg. Any way the problem is they used the same master cyclinder as the 04's but made major frame changes and it puts the plunger at a slight angle that is very hard to see with the naked eye. The fix is to put a washer between the frame and cyclinder on the top bolt. I think KTM even overs a beefer rebuild kit. I put the washer on my 05 and have not had any problems.
Thanks!!! I will check the master cylinder alignment.
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I got my bike yesterday... Dealer in Poplar bluff also has an 06 with a sweet price if anyone is looking.
I am having some problems that maybe someone can help me with... It is too pretty to ride!! :)
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We are waiting Bill. What did you think about the pumpkin?
Still doing mods...Have not ridden it, except in my yard.
So far I have cut the bars down to 30"
Relocated the CDI under the seat.. so I could adjust the steering stops all the way in..
http://bswartz.net/images/forums/cdimod1.jpg
http://bswartz.net/images/forums/cdimod2.jpg
Built a skid plate from 1/4" diamond plate aluminum
http://bswartz.net/images/forums/skid1.jpg
http://bswartz.net/images/forums/skid2.jpg
http://bswartz.net/images/forums/skid3.jpg
http://bswartz.net/images/forums/skid4.jpg
still on my list to do.. radiator guards, Jetting,
add a cooling fan, and get an IMS 3 gallon tank. Have only ridden it around the yard... but may try to go out to hwy 89 track if it is still in business this time of year.
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This forum software doesn't do html very well. You can copy the url's I posted in your address bar and see the pics..
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I thought you was taking that baby out for a test ride. I bet even in the front yard it feels lighter than the big Honda. Sorry about the html thing. Jesse is working on that. Enduro Engineering makes a ton of aftermarket stuff for KTM's. My favorite EE distributer is Mike Shown from Flatland Racing http://www.flatlandracing.com/ I have better luck calling the toll free number than ordering on line. If you talk to Mike tell him I sent you. Maybe he will give me a bigger discount next time.lol I use a lot of stuff from them but the tall soft seat has got to be my favorite item.
Spent most of friday riding the trails at Brock Creek. I am in love!! After riding the same trails on my XR650L for a couple years, I am overwhelmed at the KTM. Some of the steep climbs with root cross barriers used to be a real challenge... But the 450EXC climbs over them like childs play... It will take awhile for me to adjust to the lighter weight, and get the suspension dialed in for the rocky terrain that I so enjoy.. But I am very very pleased with the bike!!! Thanks for the advice guys!
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KTM's are almost like cheating. I put my request in for a 250XCFW today. They did not sound too hopefull for a 07 but if I have to wait for a 08 then so be it. I ain't planning on getting rid of my 3 honey any way.
Yup, My riding buds were ready to head home early... :)
Oh wait... one of them frequents this board... ;)
Anyhow It was broken in Friday... ( I also lost one of my radiator plastic louver guards.. ordered a unibiker guard... I saw one on a buddies CRF X and it looks much stronger than any out there. )I serviced it friday night and went back out today with my son. We rode for about 3 hours over at hwy 89... I will probably be taking my son to hwy 89 for a few weeks.. He needs to work on his rocky downhill skills some more before I take him back to brock creek...
How long does deer season last in the region where Ross Property is???? Deer Hunters only get a few weeks to do their thing, so I want to respectfully let them hunt without disturbiing them. But am anxious to take the new bike down there, to enjoy the best trails in the state!!
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Fellow club member Randy Harmon had a 4 sale sign hung on his Honda 450X the other day. He put a time meter on it the day he got it and it had like 35 hours logged in. The price he wispered in my ear was sweet as well. I am just not in the market for one or I would have it at my house now.