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ktm200 vs. kdx220
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Posted by: bergy---------------------
bergy needs help!! my dilema is that i have heard that ktm builds a better quality bike, but the kawasaki is a better bike for someone green(pun intended). i am 165lbs and 5'8". i currently ride sport quads and i am looking for some new excitment. i have no intentions on racing, but do ride aggressivly. price is not an issue - i just want to buy the right bike. input much appreciated. thanks in advance - bergy
Posted by: thermal---------------------
I have never rode either bike, but the ktm 200 exc is the same as my 125 ktm exc except for the motor and such. Therefore the ktm 200 is very light.
The ktm's are great bikes and the kdx will take modifications to make it equal to a ktm.
If money is no object there is only one choice between the two ........ ktm.
I think the ktm is safer than the kdx for a beginner because of better brakes and suspension.
If you are going ro ride aggressivly please add a Scotts steering damper to your new ktm 200 exc and change the seat foam for a softer seat.
Would someone please comment on Bergy's height? I am 6' and will 5'-8" be OK on the height of the ktm.
Posted by: IBWFO---------------------
you never posted what kind of riding you intend to do.
I guess either way the KTM is the ticket. All woods or trails the 200 EXC is awesome, some woods and some track the KTM MXC is the ticket.
I owned a 200 MXC and I'm sorry I sold it! Bike was killer.
D
Posted by: bergy---------------------
my riding style will be trail riding here in arizona. if your recommendation is ktm i have another question for you. my understanding of the mxc and ex ktm are that the only difference besides the light is the gear ratio. if i don't need to go incredibly fast but want low end power the mxc seems like the better choice for me in the KTM line, as some people have mentioned on other threads that the ex low gear is too low and somewhat of a pain. do i understand this correctly? bergy
Posted by: IBWFO---------------------
I'm not sure of the exact ratio of the MXC vs the EXC, but I know that 1st and second are close. I would opt for the EXC for the higher ratio but would actually prefer the MXC's suspension compared with the EXC.
You might even consider a YZWR 250 four banger? Very reliable and easy to ride, not to mention super unleaded gas and your good to go.
D
Posted by: JKM---------------------
Bergy,you are right on both counts.KTM builds a better bike and the KDX is better for the beginner.However,if you really like to ride agressively you will enjoy the KTM more.I have a 2000 KDX 220 and a 2001 KTM 200EXC. I'm 5'7 170 and 42 years young.The KDX is a great bike .I have trail rode mine ,raced enduros and raced in the desert.It has never let me down mechanically. It will go anywhere any other bike will go.It has a very good powerband for woods and tight trails and it turns very well.But in my opinion,it is nowhere close to the KTM in terms of quality ,power ,or suspension.The KTM feels alot lighter, it likes to to go fast but will chug when you need to.I think if you buy the KTM you won't looking to upgrade in a year.GoodLuck !
Posted by: KDX200Biker---------------------
If you were experienced i would say a KTM, but for someone new I would say the KDX, It would just be more fun, becuase its easy to control but still fast. Close to the KTM in power but would need a few mods to make it equal. if you plan to really be fast, the ktm would be better, but i dont think they are as fun.
Posted by: BRush---------------------
For AZ, you'd be better off comparing the KDX200 than the 220 (see the link at the bottom for differences between the two). If money really is no object, and you want to ride aggressively, then get the KTM. That bike was made for it, and the stock components are top rate. For AZ conditions I'd get the EXC for the wide ratio gearbox (in fact, for AZ I'd get the 250 exc). If you want to save a few bucks and / or are not sure about riding bikes or want to try it out without overspending then go for the KDX 200. The KDX may not be as heart-attack serious as the KTM, but the fun factor is way up there, and for about $200 (the price of an FMF pipe & silencer) the motor can be woken up to the point where it won't be giving up anything to KTM. The big difference between the KDX and the KTM is chassis and suspension. The KTM is a lot better. Money spent on the KDX suspension can close the gap a lot - at least to the point where the issue of whether you or your buddy is faster will rest more on your riding skills than anything else.
http://justkdx.dirtrider.net/200vs220.html
Posted by: woods_rider1---------------------
I have a few comments to make here since I have owned a KDX and currently own a KTM. The KDX is not just for beginners and the KTM is not just for more experienced riders. Both can be ridden hard and fast, but the KDX will show its limitations, both can be ridden slow for less advanced riders. I have my KTM tuned for incredible smooth, tractor like power, off the bottom, and a novice could ride my bike, while on the other hand a very aggressive rider could ride it just as effectively. I put a lot of money into my KDX's suspension and motor, and I can tell you now, that it didnt hold a candle to my stock KTM. The only thing I have changed is the needle jet ($5) and the C/S sprocket ($13) I would need a whole page to list the mods to my KDX. Dont get me wrong, the KDX is a GREAT bike, but it aint a KTM!!!
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