White is the new Orange?

[Savage]

If you skim through any dirt rag you see KTMs all over. Air filters, boots, helmets, you name it, a lot of the guys are riding orange bikes. I'm sure it has to do with $$$$.
Now that KTM and Husqvarna are in bed together you see a lot more white bikes everywhere. Now they are the best thing since sliced bread. Any thoughts on why? Just wondering.

Sometimes I think companies make changes, just to make us believe the new model is so much better, so they keep selling new units.
Discuss...

[Jamee]

If you skim through any dirt rag you see KTMs all over. Air filters, boots, helmets, you name it, a lot of the guys are riding orange bikes. I'm sure it has to do with $$$$.
Now that KTM and Husqvarna are in bed together you see a lot more white bikes everywhere. Now they are the best thing since sliced bread. Any thoughts on why? Just wondering.

Sometimes I think companies make changes, just to make us believe the new model is so much better, so they keep selling new units.
Discuss...

Troy mentioned at some point the Husqvarna bikes are to be R&D bikes for KTM. So all the latest and greatest will be on the Husqvarna's and then migrate over to the KTM. No idea how valid that is, but so far, Troy's been a great source of info and hasn't steered me wrong.

[Ed M]

If you skim through any dirt rag you see KTMs all over. Air filters, boots, helmets, you name it, a lot of the guys are riding orange bikes. I'm sure it has to do with $$$$.
Now that KTM and Husqvarna are in bed together you see a lot more white bikes everywhere. Now they are the best thing since sliced bread. Any thoughts on why? Just wondering.

Sometimes I think companies make changes, just to make us believe the new model is so much better, so they keep selling new units.
Discuss...

The main reason you see KTMs all over is because of the number of models KTM offers in both 2 stroke and 4 stroke configurations. Alot of choices to fit the type of riding you do and the type of bike you want.

I never had the financial ability to buy a new dirt bike every year. My 2003 KTM 200 that I bought used in 2004 lasted me until 2012, then I was able to buy a new 2013 350XCFW. It is my hare scramble and trail riding bike, and yes it is plated. I was actually looking for a leftover 2012 model but couldn't find one. Honestly I don't think they have changed much on the 350XCFW's since 2013 except for Bold New Graphics (BNG's), even if they had I'm happy with my bike and will keep it for a number of years.

I also own a KTM 690 Enduro, I researched bikes for over a year before I bought it. It is my commute to work, gravel road running, future TAT, ADV Bike. I'm still playing with the suspension to find the right settings for the different load configurations but that is me. I'm a picky SOB when it comes to my suspension. It took me almost two years to get it right on my 350XCFW for different types of terrain etc.

If your curious I used to have Kawasaki KDX 200's, a 1990 model then a 1995 model. In 1998 I switched to a 1997 KTM 250 EXC, the suspension was sooo much better. My 95 KDX 200 was a good bike but the front forks hung down too low from the front axle attachment. At two separate races about three months apart one fork caught a vine and ripped the bike out from under me - slammed me into ground pretty good. The first time it happened I thought what are the odds of that ever happening again, after the second time I finished my lap loaded up the bike and went home I never rode that bike again - Kawasaki never changed the design and stopped selling the bike in 2006, probably lost too many sales to the KTM 200 which was lighter, faster, and had better suspension.

As for the Husky / KTM get together it is still too soon to say. I've heard the same thing that Troy said about how Husky would be the R&D version. However I think people will buy it as they are basically a different color KTM. Alot of people on KTM's have said they are tired of the color orange and looking forward to a white KTM. Strange reason to buy a new bike but for some people that may be reason enough. My racing buddy has been looking for a Husky 300 but couldn't find one and had to settle for a 300 KTM.

[Savage]

Nice writeup, I like it! KDX is one of those bikes I have yet to ride but I still want one. I had a KTM 200 and really liked it, except for the seat.

[HanesAnizer]

Biggest differences between Husky's and KTM (as far as I understand it) -
- Billet triple clamps on Husky (very nice to have)
- Linkage suspension vs PDS (good debate out there, but I don't have the experience to comment on)
- Different tunes on engines (mainly on 2 stroke)
- Slightly different suspension settings

I believe there are other differences, but I'm not sure. I'd say a Husky is like Toyota to Lexus...maybe not quite as substantial difference, but nonetheless slightly upgraded.

As for why KTM vs other brands....lots of models to choose from, trail oriented and stock components are higher quality. HOWEVER, I LOVE that Yamaha is back in the game!!! I have to say I dig their new off road bikes and think they will only get better in the near future. KTM needs competition other than the small guys like Beta and GasGas.

[Jamee]

I really love my 14 WR450. Most of where I'll be riding is more open/higher speeds then what I've seen semi local to KS, but was out to perry a few weeks back, had the FI on a higher tuned map, struggled a bunch in the really tight stuff. Was stalling the bike a lot and having issues keeping it under me, wanted to jump really hard off idle.

It didn't help that I've not done really any trail riding for the last 3-4 years and that was on a woods setup kx250 2ts. The Yamaha is mt first 4ts machine that is a serious woods bike. Had a drz400sm during the off years with cams, header, etc.. Talk about heavy and didn't go anything like this WR, just made a lot of noise..

Anyway..
Went back to the truck, plugged in the programmer, loaded a more mellow map.. Took all of 2 min.. Really didn't have any more issues the rest of the day. I've since loaded several more maps into the programmer so I have a wider selection, everything from super mellow/tame to pull your arms out at any RPM.

Need to finish setting up a few more items on it, but from the factory, the suspension seem excellent and was able dial it in just the way I like it. It maybe a few pounds heavier than a KTM, but when I look at the construction, grade of hardware, etc am very pleased, specially considering it was an easy $3500 less than an orange one.

I see many years of usage with little more than, checking valves, change oil, brake pads etc. dealers and parts are everywhere and reasonably priced.

Now if was going to racing hare scrambles and such, weight would be a bigger concern, but for a good trail bike/ride with the family, I couldn't be happier.

With the new 2ts and yzx I think Yamaha is going to jump back into the game in a big way.

Edit: sorry for the grammar issues, typing on the tablet can br a real pain..

[Savage]

Cool! Every thread on here is getting off topic, but I don't care, at least we're drumming up some well-needed activity!

It is nice to see Yamaha staying in the market.
I've been wanting a YZ250x ever since I first read about them. I really like my RMZ with a few trail-friendly mods. But the YZ250X sounds even better. Comes with e-start, 18" rear, heavier flywheel, yet still has the quick MX power. I'm just too tight to buy a new bike.

But I've recently got my KTM 250 XCFW set up like a 250X. E-start, 18" rear, heavier flywheel, but the power just wasn't there. So I installed an SX cdi which helped quite abit, then checked out the carb only to find the jetting was WAY off. I got it jetted nicely now with a JD kit. Now she's a ripper!