KTM question

[reddof]

I got a question for somebody that is more familiar with the KTM line. Which models in their 2009/2010 dirt bike line are sold as street legal from the factory? There is no information on their website that I can find. I'm looking for something in the 250 - 450 size.

[Stu]

There are two answers:

1) Legal with the DOT sticker on the frame ready to tag: KTM 450/530 EXC only. This started in '07 so '06 & before do not have the sticker. Europe has street legal 250 EXC 4 strokes but we do not. KTM only imports the 250 FXC/FXC-W to the US, a business decision on their part.

2) Without the DOT sticker but ready to tag with persistence: any new KTM (Kansas) and any KTM in MO that has minimal lights to pass the inspection (as I understand the rules at the moment).

The latter new bikes can be made "street legal" with a kit from Sicass Racing using both KTM parts, their wiring loom and LED turnsignals so you can run around the streets in KS with your lights on, an electric horn and turn signals, so you could run around to warm it up to change the oil or "legally" run on county/gravel roads at an enduro, as examples.

Used bikes from out-of-state need an inspection (VIN verification, basically) at which time the inspectors in KS have been instructed to refuse inspections to any bikes that do not have the required sticker on the headrace (and they look for it so if it says "For Closed Course Competiton Use" you are SOL). DO NOT anticipate that you will get a used bike from out-of-state that has a tag in that state tagged in KS. You will not. (You could PhotoShop the required sticker and glue it on....)

Stu

[reddof]

Thanks Stu.

Ideally I am looking for something that falls into the first category. I have heard a few too many horror stories from people trying to get around it that I'm not positive that I want to mess with it.

I live on the MO side right now, but may be moving to KS sometime soon. If I understand everything correctly, that pretty much means I would have to go through the trouble twice with little chance of success the second time. At least I assume that me moving into KS and bringing a bike with me is equivalent to a KS resident buying a used bike from out of state.

Thanks again. I'll have a look at the 450 EXC. Sounds like it is the only KTM bike that will really satisfy what I'm looking for.

[troy]

Relevant threads with rubber-hits-the-road experiences.

http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php? ... cles#p6985

http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php? ... r+vehicles

http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=49

http://www.rideforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=25

[reddof]

Relevant threads with rubber-hits-the-road experiences.

I've read at least some of these posts before. Right now, I'm not interested in fighting with the DMV on this purchase and am only looking at what comes from the factory ready for tags.

If I can't find anything that meets my criteria then I might start looking at other options, but I'm still somewhat hopeful that a manufacture produces something that fits me.

[Stu]

Have you considered a Husky TE250 or TE310? Unlike the 250 KTM these bikes have tail and head lights on them. You could add a limited Sicass kit to them and have a smaller bike with great power and get a tag in KS as a new bike registered in KS. You would have to add a brake switch to the rear master cylinder as well for a brake light. I do not know if they come with speedos or not.

Too bad the little street legal 125 dual sport 2-stroke probably will not be imported here. That looks like it would be a lot of fun. (The new 630 is interesting but it is also 350 lbs dry.)

Stu

[troy]

Have you considered a Husky TE250 or TE310? Unlike the 250 KTM these bikes have tail and head lights on them. You could add a limited Sicass kit to them and have a smaller bike with great power and get a tag in KS as a new bike registered in KS. You would have to add a brake switch to the rear master cylinder as well for a brake light. I do not know if they come with speedos or not.

Stu, the entire TE line from Husqvarna is "50 state street legal". They have all lights, horn, instruments, etc required. Their website does not make that clear and their photos do not show turn signals, but the bikes are officially street legal and do come with turn-signals.

Reddof and I spoke to Hall's Cycle in Springfield, IL yesterday to re-confirm all this. Some of you may recall that even though my 2008 TE450 is officially "street legal" from the factory, I had trouble when I moved to KS--eventually getting my tag. Hall's explained that BMW hired the appropriate legal team to get these issues worked out---supposedly folks should not expect any registration problems in the US with the Husqvarna TE line.

The TE line is also unique in the market because of their fuel injection. My 2008 (first year for the fuel injection) has served me very well---knock on dirt. Whether in creek crossing with water covering the engine or at 13,000 ft in the Rockies, she has performed very well.

Husqvarna offers the TE in 250, 310, 450, 510, and 610. The 610 is a completely different bike and designed for true dualsport riding. The others are more aggressive and light with the only difference being the displacement----until 2010. In 2010, the 250 has a redesigned bottom end that reduces the weight by 30 pounds! It was explained to me that this was basically to keep it competitive. Using the same beefy bottom end as the 510 was over-kill making the 250 heavier than necessary.

Because of this new 250, Halls has a kick-butt deal on a brand new 2009 250--only $4,800. That is about $2,800 off normal retail! However, as I understand, the 250 is relatively wimpy--especially the 2009 because of some tuning changes that some have improved with a power commander module?

Do you like how I've taken over the "KTM" thread with Husqvarna info?!

[safiri]

I am one of those that bought a bike out of state and dealt with the DMV and KHP. Don't go there. As to buying a new, but not street legal, bike in KS ... Stu got it done, but I don't have a lot of faith it will get done without a lot of persistance. My next step was to file a motion to compel aginst the DMV and KHP in state district court. Not my idea of fun. I won't say how I got it done ... but I wouldn't want to keep doing it.

[Hank Moody]

The latter new bikes can be made "street legal" with a kit from Sicass Racing.
Stu

I ordered a replacement switch for my Husky, it hasn't worked right since I got it stuck in that mud hole in Arkansas a couple of years ago... Well Steve from Sicass called me and the short story is what I ordered wouldn't fit. So after talking with him, he is sending me what I need with a wiring diagram.

Great customer service and they went the extra mile! Just my 2 cents, and I will order again from them.....

Thanks for the tip Stu!

[reddof]

Have you considered a Husky TE250 or TE310?

Yeah, I looked pretty long and hard at the TE310. It might have been a pretty good fit but there were a few things that turned me off. The lack of local dealership is a bit of a disappointment, plus there seems to be a smaller aftermarket. Neither is a real big deal though really.

I am one of those that bought a bike out of state and dealt with the DMV and KHP. Don't go there.

Yeah, I read your old post and your quest to get this done and I wasn't willing to take that on right now.

The 450 EXC seems to have everything I'm looking for as far as the bike goes (well, maybe 50 pounds lighter and twice the power would be nice). Hopefully I won't regret it too much.

[clfarren5944]

I've got a '07 450 EXC that I use for dualsporting and love it. Larger fuel tank, tall seat, changed gearing (1 tooth smaller counter), hand guards, radiator guards, skid plate, etc.
I'm in Platte City, if you want to look, e-mail me at clfarren5944@gmail.com
Also have a KLR but it's a street bike, too heavy for an old man to pick up!
Chris

[reddof]

I've got a '07 450 EXC that I use for dualsporting and love it. Larger fuel tank, tall seat, changed gearing (1 tooth smaller counter), hand guards, radiator guards, skid plate, etc.
I'm in Platte City, if you want to look, e-mail me at clfarren5944@gmail.com
Also have a KLR but it's a street bike, too heavy for an old man to pick up!
Chris

Hey, I'm up in Platte City too. Down 92 about halfway to Smithville.

I'm supposed to pick up the 450 on Wednesday. I got some hand guards and a skidplate. I plan to change the gearing soon and was thinking the exact same as you. I am trying to lower the seat a bit without losing suspension.

Anything else you consider necessary?

[safiri]

I've got... Larger fuel tank, tall seat, changed gearing (1 tooth smaller counter), hand guards, radiator guards, skid plate, etc.
Chris

I got some hand guards and a skidplate. I plan to change the gearing soon and was thinking the exact same as you. I am trying to lower the seat a bit without losing suspension.

Anything else you consider necessary?

For me "necessary" means hand guards, skid plate (thick Aluminum one with wings out to the sides to protect the side engine cases), and a GPS 12V DC hookup coming up to the handlebars from the battery.

"good to have" adds heated grips (hooked up to the AC side so as to not pull down the battery). Possibly add a muffler pipe guard to keep your right pants leg from getting a bit of melt.

Radiators are expensive but they seem to take a lot of abuse before they leak, and used ones can be picked up off of KTMTalk classifieds. Oh, add joining KTMTalk to mandatory modifications! Lots of information. Lurk for a few weeks just reading Q&A. Remember that the more stuff you add, the more weight you add.

I think I saw a shortened shock listed on the KTMTalk classifieds. As this bike uses a linkless suspension, that is the only way to lower the bike and still keep the right amount of sag. Before you go that route, remember that it is a dirt bike and it will drop quite a bit in height when you sit on it.

[reddof]

For me "necessary" means hand guards, skid plate (thick Aluminum one with wings out to the sides to protect the side engine cases), and a GPS 12V DC hookup coming up to the handlebars from the battery.

Yeah, it comes with a pretty cheap looking plastic skid plate that I can't imagine is going to hold up to much. The 12 V power shouldn't be a problem.

"good to have" adds heated grips (hooked up to the AC side so as to not pull down the battery). Possibly add a muffler pipe guard to keep your right pants leg from getting a bit of melt.

I will probably pick up a muffler guard pretty soon. I'm thinking about getting some lower profile turn signals sooner rather than later (read: before the first drop and they break). Heated grips are probably a long term wishlist idea but sure would be nice.

Radiators are expensive but they seem to take a lot of abuse before they leak, and used ones can be picked up off of KTMTalk classifieds. Oh, add joining KTMTalk to mandatory modifications! Lots of information. Lurk for a few weeks just reading Q&A. Remember that the more stuff you add, the more weight you add.

I think I saw a shortened shock listed on the KTMTalk classifieds. As this bike uses a linkless suspension, that is the only way to lower the bike and still keep the right amount of sag. Before you go that route, remember that it is a dirt bike and it will drop quite a bit in height when you sit on it.

I read KTMTalk already since I used to have an LC4. Lots of good information over there also.

Radiator guards have been recommended more than once now. Hmm, better add to the wishlist.

Honestly I'm unlikely to shorten the suspension because I don't want to give up clearance. I'm going to keep my options open and look around for ideas, but I'm hoping I adjust to the height quickly and its not an issue.

Thanks for the suggestions. All good ideas.

[Hank Moody]

[quote="reddof]I'm supposed to pick up the 450 on Wednesday. I am trying to lower the seat a bit without losing suspension.

Anything else you consider necessary?[/quote]

Well did you get it???? First ride thoughts/impressions? As I mentioned above I ordered a switch from Sicass racing and in the catalog they sent are several seat options for KTM. You might want to check them out.

I agree with Safiri suggestions on must haves. I put off the heated grips and now wished that I had moved them up the list. They are a cheap <$50 add on and easy to install.

[reddof]

Well did you get it???? First ride thoughts/impressions? As I mentioned above I ordered a switch from Sicass racing and in the catalog they sent are several seat options for KTM. You might want to check them out.

Yep, I got it home on Wednesday evening. I have 9 acres so I'm able to have some fun without getting angry neighbors. I rode it around until it got dark enough that the rather weak excuse of a headlight couldn't light my path. Lacking night vision face shield on my helmet, I had to park it for the night.

A tiny bit of background - I have had street bikes for years but only limited off road experience. I owned an LC4 400 for about 2 years. The LC4 is a very easy to ride bike that instills a lot of confidence into the rider. You never feel like the bike is going to do something you don't intend.

In comparison, this bike is more like a raging maniac bent on exacting a cruel revenge on anybody ignorant enough to swing a leg over the seat. I like it. I like it a lot. Power delivery is quick. Steering is tight. The suspension feels good. The bike seems very capable...and this while trying to take it somewhat easy on the new engine. The bike is definitely going to take some getting used to thought. I think the LC4 hid my inexperience very well.

I agree with Safiri suggestions on must haves. I put off the heated grips and now wished that I had moved them up the list. They are a cheap <$50 add on and easy to install.

Sems this is a common enough recommendation that I might have to look into it soon. I'll take a look at the Sicass seats and see if I can find something. Thanks.

[safiri]

Add to my list of "must haves" for the RFS is a steering damper: Scotts, GPR, or other. Opinions as to which is better. They all do the same thing just a bit different in application.

I am 5'10 but felt the handlebars on the RFS were too darn low, especially when standing (which is how you need to be off-road). Same complaint with my 2001 LC4, BTW! To cure that I got a UBM damper. UBM = under bar mount. That adds about 1" to the bar height.

My bike came with a Scott's over bar. The Scott's did great. (The one fault was the pin clamp around the steering head, which kept working loose. I realized how much the damper was helping when in the middle of a nasty uphill in AR the pin came loose and I dang near followed. I stopper right there to reattach, not at the top of the long hill). At the time the expense of a UBM conversion for the Scott's was close to what I could get a complete GPR UBM KTM-Orange damper. I went with the GPR and am very happy.

Right now Munn Racing has this:
for $299.99. A Scotts system will probably be closer to $400, if not over.

Brian (BGG) has the same GPR I have and that is pictured. He had a seal fail while in Moab. With one phone call, GPR overnighted a new unit to our campground, and told him to enjoy the ride and worry about sending back the leaky unit on our return to KC. So, yes a seal failed, but the company came through.