And this is why I refuse to move away from the good old YZ125/250 2t platform. They are not as fancy, and still carbed, but you don't get any of this BS.
@@rztrzt they should offer a WR version of the 250X that comes with lights, lower first gear, skid plate, heavier GYT-R flywheel and a larger tank stock. They don’t need to go crazy, just offer the bike with the accessories that many people already put on. For my use, a lower 1st gear would be really nice, but I already like the rest of the stock 250X gearbox ratios.
@@rztrzt Totally! Back in the 80’s and 90’s those would have been something I’d have expected them to offer in upcoming model years. But unfortunately I don’t see Yamaha making those kinds of changes on an old platform that’ll likely be dropped in the near future with tightening emissions regulations. I’m kind of surprised the 250X is still around with California basically banning all new 2-strokes from public land.
A couple things to help people out When you buy a bike new regardless of manufacturer you should tear the bike down and grease everything, headset bearings, swing arm pivot, suspension linkage and make sure there is a fine film of grease on the axles to prevent them from binding up in the wheel due to electrolysis or corrosion this includes the chain adjuster bolts getting anti-seize. this also includes all electrical connections with dielectric grease. If you do these steps you will greatly reduce problems later on.
@@nickwells1902 no dealership in the world tears new bikes down to grease them. period. not now, not in the past, and not in the future. bikes come from the factory 90-99% complete. most dirtbikes only have the handlebars removed and thats it. greasing new bikes has been a thing since dirtbikes have existed. From the almighty Honda to generally shit quality Suzuki's. they all need a tear down and lube and a few other items addressed. every...single...one.... and by the way... who the fuck doesn't want to tear down their new dirtbike? Most people enjoy the process. I mean, if you race or ride alot...the bike will be torn down 2-3 times a year anyway. anywhoo...you don't know what the fuck you're talking about. so stfu...
For how much those newer KTMs cost you'd think that you wouldn't have any problems at only 80 hours on the bike. Luckily it's nothing severe but still quite unfortunate for the price you pay.
Ian, I'm certain the 80 hours he put on it is beyond what most people could dream they could do to their bike. I wouldn't imagine doing half the stuff he does. Running joke on the channel of course, but he really is like a Jarvis.
@@JCrozier1 That is very true. He's ridden it pretty hard but still, those bikes are built to be ridden in the toughest of terrain so I think he just got unlucky with it.
Do they do different levels of bike? I’m from road bikes but I thought part of what your paying for with KTM is all the trick bits. Maybe at the price point they have to lose some bits.
I love mine too! '22 250xc. I went "xc" route because i prefer the gearbox, and the linkage. Lights are easy to add and any aftermarket option is better than the stock "W" light anyway. @80+hrs on mine without issue so far. Love your content! 🤘
Whats the difference between EXC gearbox and XC ? Is one of them wider? Longer? Is XC like a mix between a motocross bike and an enduro? Is the suspension like in between an mx bike and an enduro?
@@sund5 the XC has an MX style gearbox with even gear spacing slightly wider than the SX models. the XC-W models have shorter 1st and 2nd gear and bigger gap into 3rd, refered to as a "wide Ratio" gear box. XC has an air fork, and rear linkage while the XC-W and EXC uses a PDS setup in rear and a spring fork that is better suited for slower bumpier speeds to go along with the lower 1st, 2nd, gearing. Im not positive on the EXC gearbox but they do use the PDS/spring setup. I like the air fork because i do a good mix of riding but a lot of people complain about it and it does require more frequent rebuilds, every 50hrs from what im told but im pushing 80+ out of mine currently. Yes the XC is a mix between MX and woods bike and suspension is softer than a dedicated MX bike but can be dialed to do it while the XC-W can not be stiffened up enough in stock form to really be a Track bike.
I prefer simplicity in my dirt bikes. I ride a 2021 YZ250X in the deserts and mountains of New Mexico. Simple gravity fed carbed two stroke with great suspension. Not much to go wrong fast and fun. Meanwhile, my buddies fuel injected 450 four stroke blew a head gasket and damaged the head. Expensive, complicated, pain in the ass all this tech in dirt bikes is.
Thanks for being so truthful about your ktm. I'm old school and raced back in the 80s and 90s In 4 hour enduro s , I was 17yrs and bought a Kawasaki 175kdx, then 3 kdx 200, and a kx 250, Thay never broke down, no sencers, which are expensive, and if your on your own in wales And the ktm just stops, it's a long push home. , these new bikes are expensive And too much electric sensors. Try a old 2t and rebuild it,or 250 cc Yamaha yz
I agree still have my YAMAHA IT I got in 1994 ,lol still gets abuse every weekend now and again unfortunately the body cld do with the upgrades at 56 ,lol
I am 17 years old ( so yeah i cant afford a better bike ) and i ride an EXC 520 from 2001. It is a four stroke with carb. It was never rebuilt and never really had any problems and that with almost 400 Hours. Not even the piston is dead because in a drag race it is almost as fast as a new EXC 500. Just love it.
With a new piston it's probably faster than a new exc500. Few dirt bike engines will match that 520/525 for power and reliability, new ktm's are over priced. I had a new 2006 exc525 and a mate still has a 520, the WP suspension was/is f*^king terrible but that engine.
High pressure water will always F🦆 any electronic parts. As you demonstrated at the start of this vid when cleaning your Bike. Ease the pressure off or simply stand back a tad.
lol exactly what I thought. Even the manual says not to point high pressure washer at electronic parts. This video title should be called, ''how NOT to wash your bike''
I keep the pressure washer back a bit around all electrical parts and the the seat and stuff but I blow everything off with compressed air to keep water from sitting in places I shouldnt
I haven't had a problem with pressure washing my bikes every week. Dielectric grease up sensitive points were applicable and blow out water with the air compressor of the electronics that can get wet. Obviously don't sit there and focus on electronics with it.
You can get a carb bike to run pretty good really. Just have to tune it for conditions or preference. My Yz250x runs pretty good, smooth, lugs pretty low, good power and pretty good suspension. Got it jetted, changed the head, heavy fly wheel, pipe/silencer, and suspension for my weight/preference. I have spent $6k total on it.
Those 17-19 carb bikes are absolute hammers. Mine have been rock solid with zero failures. The original batteries are still in both bikes and I have 280 hrs on one bike and 120 on the other. Used for hard enduro so tons of starting and fans running all day. Ride year round in all weather conditions. They just don’t give up
Same here. I was replacing my '12 300xc but refused to go tpi. Found a '18 Husky te300 with 10easy hrs for $7k. Got it off a kid who rides 250 4t MX. I think the 300 2t scared the shit out of him. Lol. I feel like I stole it from him. It's an amazing bike.
Love your videos bro! I will say, you guys ride through sooooo much water/mud/bogs etc. There no way the electrical stuff is NOT going to be affected. Grease and more protective parts would be ideal and ur friend. 👍
but my 5 earlier model ktms with thousands of miles had very good ,if not great reliability ..seems the tpi electronic sensor /emissions, oil pump stuff is causing issues to many .
Consider yourself lucky. My first KTM wouldn't start when I brought it home.(carb model) Had to jet it myself when I got it home. Owned a 200 and a 250xcf. Wasn't impressed with either one. Then bought a Husky back when it was Husky. That bike was awesome but a year later KTM bought them and I sold it basically out of spite. I'll stick with my Hondas. My cr 250f does whatever I want. Enduros, mx, hare scrambles, it doesn't care and I never have problems with it.
@@pgkr67 I blame them both. KTM needs to be a little more involved with their dealers and their customers. But I guess when you make money hand over fist, who cares, right?
9:35 Both of these brands you mentioned have almost all the Ready To Race parts missing from the more expensive KTM. It is a bit of a curiosity to me why people stay with KTM despite paying more for less 🤷 Sherco's Factory models come with KYB closed chamber forks and 50mm shock, a skid plate, Michelin Enduro Medium tyres, a cooling fan, radiator overflow bottle, dual map switch, electronic power valve system, FMF expansion chamber and solid rear disc rotor... for less money.
i was on for almost 20 years on ktms , once they went with a poor/hyper handling 2T chassis in 17 & the xplor downgrade ,also the emissions designed locked computer TPI ..i switched to TM racing carb bike .
"Sherco".............Ive never seen a Sherco in real life, ever. People buy KTM's because there are dealers and bikes and parts commonly available............personally I buy carbed KTM 2 strokes only. For trailriding it only makes sense.
@@bradsanders6954 i dont know how old you are, but i remember a time when KTM was rarely seen & was considered an odd European bike & not much support was around , KTM almost went out of business in the late 90s into 2000 ..ktm got their stuff together & started making good bikes & large dealer networks came around after ..I seen Sherco /Beta & TM ..matter of fact after owning several ktms & switched to a TM Racing 300 ,as i felt my 17 ktm had a quirky chassis & TM was better & i was right
54 year old life long rider that has toured the KTM factory in Mattighofen Austria and has owned many KTM's including TPI's. I now ride TW200's and am much happier.
My 21 exc is on exactly the same hours with absolutely zero electrical faults or any faults at all for that matter, if u want a ktm with linkage buy an xc 😉
KTM will never bother fixing any of these problems until someone gets together with a heap of mates while sinking some cold ones and decides to launch a class Action law suit against them. I think it’s well overdue and this company is taking the piss out of all us who keep supporting them year after year. The price is another thing that’s out of control this year considering not much has been changed and all the previous problems still exist. Ready to Race, my arse, only if you spend another 3 grand on a 6 Days model and still you have to put extra money in.
you would need at least 60% of thier customers suing them at once to get them to do a damned thing, ktm make bikes that could be absurdly great if they fixed the problems they ignore.
Have you seen the price of a mountain bike lately? There's no engine for Christ's sake!! Everything is so out of control it takes all the fun out of it.
@@Highspeedoffset1 my thoughts also. I was looking at getting a 1290 SAR untill I found out 2 Problems. 1. Availability is a Giant Unknown, my local dealer has no idea when ones that were ordered 2 years ago will even arrive if at all, they are getting absolutely no communication from KTM (or Honda) on anything. 2. the 1290's also still suffer from the Infamous Flame out problems the dirtbikes have.
Haha, the fact that brand new KTMs require $3k+ in aftermarket upgrades and add-ons (especially if you consider ECU) to be ready to ride it offroad (let alone race) is not exactly a secret. How they get away selling it with that slogan and no bash plate though is beyond me.
U know every "race bike" requires several thousand in upgrades to race competitively right? But for the average guy, like 80% of us, the bike is fully race able the way it is.-
@C.Nash yes It Is. If you arent Cairoli you wouldn't feel the differenze between a 2008 or 2022 bike let alone a perfect tune for the rider... Before buying my 2022 TM 450 smr i tried a 2007 One and i couldnt feel a difference, but i still bought a new One because so i knew exactly the condition of the engine
Ktms are simply not worth the price. Serious riders replace or upgrade many parts anyway. Why not buy Japanese, save thousands, and upgrade what you dont like? I do give them some credit for trying to evolve the 2 stroke with efi, but yamaha hasnt done shit and those 2 strokes havnt been outright banned YET. In my opinion, cars and bikes from Europe are over engineered and unescesarily complicated. Yes they perform well, but you do pay extra initially, and continue to pay more in maintenance costs. I'm not good enough as a rider to feel that Japanese bikes aren't good enough.
My advice. Dont use a pressure washer. Buy a 2007 300exc-e model with a carburetor. Have fun riding.. Also pressure washers wash all the grease from swing arm bearings and steering bearings.. Be warned. Elbow grease is cost effective.
That's a great chassis for a CR or KX 500 conversion. Those don't have sensors that leave you stranded. You didn't need to get a new pipe, just because you bent some brackets.
I have over 400 hrs on a 17 and 18 ktm 2 strokes combined and zero issues other then wear items like tires, brake pads, wheel bearings, and body panels. I don’t care that they need some parts to make them race ready, I’d rather pick those parts myself instead of getting whatever the factory feels is best, which is also no different then any other brand of bike I’ve owned.
My biggest problem with KTM is their pricing on parts, complete rip off…my KTM 500 EXC is now held together with cable ties and duct tape, way cheaper 😂
So glad I got a 2019 XC. The last of the carbs. Put a lectron in it and got all the benefits for a TPI, but with more low end and less electrical issues.
The number one thing KTM is Lying to you about is the WP Explor suspension. It is Total CRAP. You have to spend $2000-4000 dollars to get something that is approaching the KYB that comes standard on other brands
I have a 2010 EXC200 with a carb, no TPI, no sensors, no electronics, no problems. Just good old mechanical, it works as long as it has gas in the tank. I've had no issues with it for the past 6 months. Sure, TPI saves you the occasional carb tuning you have to do (turn the air screw 1 turn) when you climb reaaaaally high or the temp changes greatly (I've had to do just one carb tuning out of the winter into the summer, that's it), but it brings a plethora of issues not worth it in my opinion.
Start putting dielectric grease in all your electrical connections (clean them 1st). It will make a world of difference in keeping them bright and shiny and maintenance free. Fancy "Submersion rated" wire nuts for irrigation systems are just a regular wire nut + dielectric grease + tabs or a boot to keep it from getting scooped out.
I think you diagnosed it pretty much in the first 30s…….pressure washer, don’t do it, you don’t need to, just use a garden hose. Even a low pressure washer will drive water right into electrical connectors and down the cables. Also spray fluid film or silicone grease on the electrical connectors after washing, keeps the water out.
Oh please, all I heard was complaining, most all his problems he caused himself, it's a complex piece of machinery that is being exposed to extreme conditions and abuse what do you expect, if your looking for perfection it doesn't exist.
I use Raytec Magic gel on my electrical plugs on my electric mx bikes.Dont worry about rusted pins or bad connections ever again.Also never fully set/goes hard and pulls out of plugs if ever needed.Thank me later.
I just bought a husky fe 250, 2020. It starts up but then dies on idle. Even if I turn up the idle it won’t idle properly. Anyone knows what it could be?
If you remember when Long Way Round was broadcast Ewan Mcgregor & Charlie Boorman asked KTM for a couple of bikes. They declined, almost certainly because they knew the bikes wouldn't be reliable & go the distance giving them bad P.R. Of course BMW on the other hand..... bet they couldn't believe their luck, at that time one of the worlds biggest film stars asking them a few bikes to film a series basically endorsing their product. Adventure bikes are everywhere now. KTM are great bikes but could be a lot better with some decent R&D & quality control.
They leave all that stuff off so they can say the weight is comparable to other brands. Add all extra protection is added the bike would be listed at a much higher weight. I have a 2022 ktm 300. Love it. Added protection parts.
This is why i completely dissassemble a newly acquired bike to reassemble with locktite and electrical connector grease before analyzing the weakpoints that need additional sheilding
@4:35 I would definitely de-pin the wires to that TPS connector add drip loops then re-pin and seal up the back side of the connector. Then when/before you add that protector plate for the TPS maybe add something to secure the harness (if it doesn't have provisions for it) so it never gets snagged by anything when laid down.
One of my biggest hold backs from buying a new dirt bike is the amount of $$$ on top of the buy cost I'd have to invest to get it setup.. Hell, I don't race, but even for weekend hard riding an off the showroom floor KTM needs much to make it fit and not get eaten up.
At the price point it really kills me that they don't come with more. I went with a Rieju MR Pro 300 comes with a lot more on it and.... KYB DLC front forks. Even tuned WP forks I've never felt like these. Not bad bikes but KTM just needs a little more value for money I think.
You can't get a more top end bike than a ktm...as far as ready to race they give you a base to modify to your needs...not every rider needs the same modifications...any machine brand make or model can have problems and they all do..especially what your put these machines through and ask them to do.common sense and a proactive maintenance and general care approach will keep your problems to a minimum.
I’m not a fan of computers or electric starts. Give me a kickstart carb bike everyday. Less electrical the better on a dirt bike. As far as KTM goes, I know a few people who bought 2022’s and the bikes would never start. Also no warranty on bikes so you buy it and take it home it’s your problem. At the youth races, it’s the KTM 50’s, 65’s, and 85’s always holding up gate drops because they can’t get them started or you see dads holding them up like a nose wheelie to get them to start. I reluctantly had to get a KTM 50 for now but as soon as my kid jumps to 65’s it won’t be on KTM’s.
Fun video, and enjoy your down to earth presentation. I've been riding Ktooms for over 30 years, love them but I've always had to spend extra to make them race ready. Thanks again, cheers!
Got to agree with you totally...... The KTM group need a new director of electronics. These faults are so basic. The loom is pants.... Read between the lines there... Chainsaw or gas gas.... Both have linkage sus... Honest Vid..... Love it..... Ready to race ---- totally. 🤔 Do they own polisport 🤣🤣🤣 🤘
Totally agree with you. Max Tyres are pish and all the other bits should come standard as well. What about the 30 day warranty. 30 days really 😳🙄 also what about a kick start as well. Set up your sag as made a huge difference to mine. Got 125 on my 2021 250 exc tpi now and love every minute also put a we guard over the hose behind the radiator. Use the housing that holds the stupid bar pad on 👌
Ready to repair ;-) Some things: they come with tubes because mousses are not road legal. The philosophy of no linkage is for not hitting rocks and stuff with the linkage. The thing I also complain is that the springs front and back are ideal for riders with 75kg. With all gear on who weighs only 75kg? If you change the spring rate the bike will be another world, much more "alive" and balanced. Compression 4 clicks softer and rebound 4 clicks stiffer works quite well in gnarly stuff. Still, KYB in most bikes are really better, that's a fact.
I just bought a new beta 300 race edition it came with all the protectors on it so far it's an awesome bike I rode ktm for many years. Beta has a really smooth usable power
KTM owner> Puts kickstand down but doesn't let go of the bike until they are sure its gonna hold... And then walks away wondering if the Kickstand will fail....
I still thrash 2 x 2011 carb models. Still going strong. Do all my own maintenance and repairs. My son just bought a 2021 TPI. Power curve is definately more manageable with hill climbs and some technical work but for the most part I stay with him just fine.
I bought a 21’ Beta 350 Race edition. It’s been fantastic, but I really want to try a 2 stroke. I’m waiting until this pressure sensor nonsense is sorted or I’m going with the Beta and the carb.
I have have the same bike and I love it, sure I've already had to replace the ccps but it's cheap and easy to do. Sure it doesn't come with a skid plate but that's fine I like to choose my own from the aftermarket anyways, tubes I don't care as I run tubliss anyway, stock seat's fine with me as I try not to sit on it as much as I can, as for tires I don't think there's a bike out there that would come with the tire combo I like. The stock pipe I bent to shit the first season and replaced it with the great priced SRT pipe that's alot stronger than stock, and the TPS sensor was one of the first things I bought protection for but big thank for the heads up on the connection corroding and I'll now check that on mine and clean it if it's getting corrosion on it. You can get KTM's with linkage but I don't need it as I'd rather the clearance for logs than the linkage for high speed woops ect. The WP suspension is decent if you play with it a bit and get it tuned to your liking. But the #1 best thing I did right off the bat was send my ECU out to two stroke performance and have them remap and send it back with their high compression head and idle screw. The bike runs so good I can't imagine how it can get better, a few little quirks but they pale in comparison to how good the bike is overall. Cheers from British Columbia Canada 🙂
If you want a shop queen these are your babies. If you want to Ride buy Japanese.🤣 In fact this has been my experience with German, Italian and Brit bikes and I’ve been riding for 54 years.
I use ACF grease on every electrical connection , got some mates who both have the Aprilia Tuono V 4 Italian bikes being known for not having the best electrics , one took my advice and went over his bike and protected as much of the electrical system as possible and has had no problems my other mate didn’t bother and it’s been in and out of the garage with electrical faults .
Wow, I'm surprised you've had so many electrical problems, I have husky 2021 300 with about 226 hours on the clock and only had fuel pump problem, either than that it's been super reliable
I’ll vouch. I’ve got a 2017 350 EXC with nearly 300 hours and the only real problem I’ve had is a poor neutral connection to the subframe which made the bike bog, but once I figured that out it’s not been an issue.
Washing sensitive electrical parts with a high pressure washer causes electrical issue? Who knew? To be fair, you'd expect some of the protective 'upgrade' to come as standard....
Wish I could find an old Husky. One from back when their 2 stroke was still called the CR’s. I had a CR125 and I loved it. Shouldn’t have got rid of it.
A friend of mine who owns a KTM said that it’s stands for Keep Throwing Money!!, that said he had an earlier model 300 and he was very impressed with it.
Seriously a good $1k into a motorized bicycle build could have a 38mph trail bike that costs like 100 bucks to rebuild and ya could run it forever just swapping gaskets bearings pads and cylinder once a year
And this is why I refuse to move away from the good old YZ125/250 2t platform. They are not as fancy, and still carbed, but you don't get any of this BS.
Exactly! Way less expensive, everything works, Japanese reliability and you can turn one into whatever you want.
If Yamaha made a dedicated enduro bike they'd sell like hotcakes! I really wish they would...
@@rztrzt they should offer a WR version of the 250X that comes with lights, lower first gear, skid plate, heavier GYT-R flywheel and a larger tank stock. They don’t need to go crazy, just offer the bike with the accessories that many people already put on. For my use, a lower 1st gear would be really nice, but I already like the rest of the stock 250X gearbox ratios.
@@thatalaskaguy A 6th gear and electric start would be on my list.
@@rztrzt Totally! Back in the 80’s and 90’s those would have been something I’d have expected them to offer in upcoming model years. But unfortunately I don’t see Yamaha making those kinds of changes on an old platform that’ll likely be dropped in the near future with tightening emissions regulations. I’m kind of surprised the 250X is still around with California basically banning all new 2-strokes from public land.
A couple things to help people out When you buy a bike new regardless of manufacturer you should tear the bike down and grease everything, headset bearings, swing arm pivot, suspension linkage and make sure there is a fine film of grease on the axles to prevent them from binding up in the wheel due to electrolysis or corrosion this includes the chain adjuster bolts getting anti-seize. this also includes all electrical connections with dielectric grease. If you do these steps you will greatly reduce problems later on.
Great advice
If you need to do that to a brand new bike you have a crap dealer
@@nickwells1902 no dealership in the world tears new bikes down to grease them. period. not now, not in the past, and not in the future.
bikes come from the factory 90-99% complete. most dirtbikes only have the handlebars removed and thats it.
greasing new bikes has been a thing since dirtbikes have existed. From the almighty Honda to generally shit quality Suzuki's. they all need a tear down and lube and a few other items addressed. every...single...one....
and by the way... who the fuck doesn't want to tear down their new dirtbike? Most people enjoy the process.
I mean, if you race or ride alot...the bike will be torn down 2-3 times a year anyway.
anywhoo...you don't know what the fuck you're talking about. so stfu...
@@nickwells1902 That's a good point
Yeagh gonna buy a bike to do what the factory should do ,or do they just drive slow and in the dry on these new bikes ,lol
For how much those newer KTMs cost you'd think that you wouldn't have any problems at only 80 hours on the bike. Luckily it's nothing severe but still quite unfortunate for the price you pay.
Agreed
Ian, I'm certain the 80 hours he put on it is beyond what most people could dream they could do to their bike. I wouldn't imagine doing half the stuff he does. Running joke on the channel of course, but he really is like a Jarvis.
@@JCrozier1 That is very true. He's ridden it pretty hard but still, those bikes are built to be ridden in the toughest of terrain so I think he just got unlucky with it.
Do they do different levels of bike? I’m from road bikes but I thought part of what your paying for with KTM is all the trick bits. Maybe at the price point they have to lose some bits.
I love mine too! '22 250xc. I went "xc" route because i prefer the gearbox, and the linkage. Lights are easy to add and any aftermarket option is better than the stock "W" light anyway. @80+hrs on mine without issue so far. Love your content! 🤘
Are you in the UK or over in US?
@@charliebone552 im in US
Whats the difference between EXC gearbox and XC ?
Is one of them wider?
Longer?
Is XC like a mix between a motocross bike and an enduro?
Is the suspension like in between an mx bike and an enduro?
@@sund5 the XC has an MX style gearbox with even gear spacing slightly wider than the SX models. the XC-W models have shorter 1st and 2nd gear and bigger gap into 3rd, refered to as a "wide Ratio" gear box. XC has an air fork, and rear linkage while the XC-W and EXC uses a PDS setup in rear and a spring fork that is better suited for slower bumpier speeds to go along with the lower 1st, 2nd, gearing. Im not positive on the EXC gearbox but they do use the PDS/spring setup. I like the air fork because i do a good mix of riding but a lot of people complain about it and it does require more frequent rebuilds, every 50hrs from what im told but im pushing 80+ out of mine currently. Yes the XC is a mix between MX and woods bike and suspension is softer than a dedicated MX bike but can be dialed to do it while the XC-W can not be stiffened up enough in stock form to really be a Track bike.
KTM #1
I prefer simplicity in my dirt bikes. I ride a 2021 YZ250X in the deserts and mountains of New Mexico. Simple gravity fed carbed two stroke with great suspension. Not much to go wrong fast and fun. Meanwhile, my buddies fuel injected 450 four stroke blew a head gasket and damaged the head. Expensive, complicated, pain in the ass all this tech in dirt bikes is.
Thanks for being so truthful about your ktm. I'm old school and raced back in the 80s and 90s
In 4 hour enduro s , I was 17yrs and bought a Kawasaki 175kdx, then 3 kdx 200, and a kx 250,
Thay never broke down, no sencers, which are expensive, and if your on your own in wales
And the ktm just stops, it's a long push home. , these new bikes are expensive
And too much electric sensors. Try a old 2t and rebuild it,or 250 cc Yamaha yz
I agree still have my YAMAHA IT I got in 1994 ,lol still gets abuse every weekend now and again unfortunately the body cld do with the upgrades at 56 ,lol
U should stripe your bike down and put dielectric grease in the plugs makes them water proof would recommend but sick vid🔥🔥🔥
Yeah I will when I get a new bike. Do it the right way from the start
@@MidWestMX yeah sounds good
This should be done at the factory, they know what it’s going to be used for and the challenging environments etc.
Good advice. I put dialectic grease in all of my connections.
@@markr3140 yea I agree
I am 17 years old ( so yeah i cant afford a better bike ) and i ride an EXC 520 from 2001. It is a four stroke with carb. It was never rebuilt and never really had any problems and that with almost 400 Hours. Not even the piston is dead because in a drag race it is almost as fast as a new EXC 500. Just love it.
With a new piston it's probably faster than a new exc500. Few dirt bike engines will match that 520/525 for power and reliability, new ktm's are over priced. I had a new 2006 exc525 and a mate still has a 520, the WP suspension was/is f*^king terrible but that engine.
i ride a dt125r from 2002, but have had to do many rebuilds. has done ~27000 miles though haha
The old ktms are as you say rly good, its just the looks that arent as nice. But as long as you dont ride it supermoto its okay
Keep that thing at all cost✌
@@bve7397 *me riding it on sumo 🥴
High pressure water will always F🦆 any electronic parts. As you demonstrated at the start of this vid when cleaning your Bike. Ease the pressure off or simply stand back a tad.
lol exactly what I thought. Even the manual says not to point high pressure washer at electronic parts. This video title should be called, ''how NOT to wash your bike''
I keep the pressure washer back a bit around all electrical parts and the the seat and stuff but I blow everything off with compressed air to keep water from sitting in places I shouldnt
@@JNOSNOW the water gets in the electronic parts during spraying. It’s really just safer to not use a high pressure washer
I haven't had a problem with pressure washing my bikes every week. Dielectric grease up sensitive points were applicable and blow out water with the air compressor of the electronics that can get wet. Obviously don't sit there and focus on electronics with it.
You can get a carb bike to run pretty good really. Just have to tune it for conditions or preference. My Yz250x runs pretty good, smooth, lugs pretty low, good power and pretty good suspension. Got it jetted, changed the head, heavy fly wheel, pipe/silencer, and suspension for my weight/preference. I have spent $6k total on it.
you can get a carb bike to run better than an EFI bike.
You are confirming all the reasons I got a 2018 model with a carburetor.
Those 17-19 carb bikes are absolute hammers. Mine have been rock solid with zero failures. The original batteries are still in both bikes and I have 280 hrs on one bike and 120 on the other. Used for hard enduro so tons of starting and fans running all day. Ride year round in all weather conditions. They just don’t give up
Same here. I was replacing my '12 300xc but refused to go tpi. Found a '18 Husky te300 with 10easy hrs for $7k. Got it off a kid who rides 250 4t MX. I think the 300 2t scared the shit out of him. Lol. I feel like I stole it from him. It's an amazing bike.
Love your videos bro!
I will say, you guys ride through sooooo much water/mud/bogs etc. There no way the electrical stuff is NOT going to be affected. Grease and more protective parts would be ideal and ur friend. 👍
The bike has definitely been ridden hard and put away wet.
KTM in german has a saying, standing for "Klemmt Täglich Mehrmals" which roughly translates to "breaks down, multipel times, dayli" ;)
but my 5 earlier model ktms with thousands of miles had very good ,if not great reliability ..seems the tpi electronic sensor /emissions, oil pump stuff is causing issues to many .
In English "Keep Throwing Money"
Consider yourself lucky. My first KTM wouldn't start when I brought it home.(carb model) Had to jet it myself when I got it home. Owned a 200 and a 250xcf. Wasn't impressed with either one. Then bought a Husky back when it was Husky. That bike was awesome but a year later KTM bought them and I sold it basically out of spite. I'll stick with my Hondas. My cr 250f does whatever I want. Enduros, mx, hare scrambles, it doesn't care and I never have problems with it.
Jetting is your responsibility there is no way for KTM to Jet a bike for every location.... a good dealer will send the bike out jetted for your area
Blame the dealer for selling you a non starter. Ktm, and all the others have to jet within the regulations..
@@pgkr67 I blame them both. KTM needs to be a little more involved with their dealers and their customers. But I guess when you make money hand over fist, who cares, right?
@@pgkr67 BTW I'm at sea level. Jetting shouldn't be an issue
304 hours on my 19 300tpi only issue so far was breaking the wires for the headlight switch where the loom comes around the headstock easy fix tho
9:35 Both of these brands you mentioned have almost all the Ready To Race parts missing from the more expensive KTM.
It is a bit of a curiosity to me why people stay with KTM despite paying more for less 🤷
Sherco's Factory models come with KYB closed chamber forks and 50mm shock, a skid plate, Michelin Enduro Medium tyres, a cooling fan, radiator overflow bottle, dual map switch, electronic power valve system, FMF expansion chamber and solid rear disc rotor... for less money.
i was on for almost 20 years on ktms , once they went with a poor/hyper handling 2T chassis in 17 & the xplor downgrade ,also the emissions designed locked computer TPI ..i switched to TM racing carb bike .
@@alandewey6934 locked computer is Euro5 regulation. Only the small brands go under the radar..
@@pgkr67 Aftermarket ECUs are so cheap these days for many vehicles I don't see this as an issue.
"Sherco".............Ive never seen a Sherco in real life, ever. People buy KTM's because there are dealers and bikes and parts commonly available............personally I buy carbed KTM 2 strokes only. For trailriding it only makes sense.
@@bradsanders6954 i dont know how old you are, but i remember a time when KTM was rarely seen & was considered an odd European bike & not much support was around , KTM almost went out of business in the late 90s into 2000 ..ktm got their stuff together & started making good bikes & large dealer networks came around after ..I seen Sherco /Beta & TM ..matter of fact after owning several ktms & switched to a TM Racing 300 ,as i felt my 17 ktm had a quirky chassis & TM was better & i was right
54 year old life long rider that has toured the KTM factory in Mattighofen Austria and has owned many KTM's including TPI's. I now ride TW200's and am much happier.
My 21 exc is on exactly the same hours with absolutely zero electrical faults or any faults at all for that matter, if u want a ktm with linkage buy an xc 😉
KTM will never bother fixing any of these problems until someone gets together with a heap of mates while sinking some cold ones and decides to launch a class Action law suit against them. I think it’s well overdue and this company is taking the piss out of all us who keep supporting them year after year. The price is another thing that’s out of control this year considering not much has been changed and all the previous problems still exist. Ready to Race, my arse, only if you spend another 3 grand on a 6 Days model and still you have to put extra money in.
you would need at least 60% of thier customers suing them at once to get them to do a damned thing, ktm make bikes that could be absurdly great if they fixed the problems they ignore.
Have you seen the price of a mountain bike lately? There's no engine for Christ's sake!! Everything is so out of control it takes all the fun out of it.
Then , Why keep supporting them " Year after Year"?
@@Highspeedoffset1 my thoughts also.
I was looking at getting a 1290 SAR untill I found out 2 Problems.
1. Availability is a Giant Unknown, my local dealer has no idea when ones that were ordered 2 years ago will even arrive if at all, they are getting absolutely no communication from KTM (or Honda) on anything.
2. the 1290's also still suffer from the Infamous Flame out problems the dirtbikes have.
.
Haha, the fact that brand new KTMs require $3k+ in aftermarket upgrades and add-ons (especially if you consider ECU) to be ready to ride it offroad (let alone race) is not exactly a secret. How they get away selling it with that slogan and no bash plate though is beyond me.
U know every "race bike" requires several thousand in upgrades to race competitively right? But for the average guy, like 80% of us, the bike is fully race able the way it is.-
@C.Nash yes It Is. If you arent Cairoli you wouldn't feel the differenze between a 2008 or 2022 bike let alone a perfect tune for the rider... Before buying my 2022 TM 450 smr i tried a 2007 One and i couldnt feel a difference, but i still bought a new One because so i knew exactly the condition of the engine
Ha! That's why I bought a Beta!
Why would you need an "ECU" upgrade. The ECU can be tuned
Italians do It Better 🇮🇹❤️
I like how the kill switch on a nearly £10k bike looks like it’s barely worth 99p, the basics say a lot!!
Thay didn't lie to me😂, my Yamaha just got out the shop, and OMG loving it 😂😂😁, goodluck bro, mad love from New Zealand
Trust ktm to make an otherwise simple reliable platform (2 stroke) and make it not so.
It's almost at the level of germanys overengineering
Ktms are simply not worth the price. Serious riders replace or upgrade many parts anyway. Why not buy Japanese, save thousands, and upgrade what you dont like?
I do give them some credit for trying to evolve the 2 stroke with efi, but yamaha hasnt done shit and those 2 strokes havnt been outright banned YET.
In my opinion, cars and bikes from Europe are over engineered and unescesarily complicated. Yes they perform well, but you do pay extra initially, and continue to pay more in maintenance costs. I'm not good enough as a rider to feel that Japanese bikes aren't good enough.
I just spray a bit of (silicone spray) on the electrical contact after every ride
Just helps prevent water, but yer grease is better
My advice. Dont use a pressure washer. Buy a 2007 300exc-e model with a carburetor. Have fun riding.. Also pressure washers wash all the grease from swing arm bearings and steering bearings.. Be warned. Elbow grease is cost effective.
That's a great chassis for a CR or KX 500 conversion. Those don't have sensors that leave you stranded. You didn't need to get a new pipe, just because you bent some brackets.
👍
get a yz 250 2 stroke conversion it will always run
I am from Germany, my TPI has 380h and 9800km .... Second Piston and the Bike runing perfekt 🤷🤷🤷 i do anything Selfmade!
I have over 400 hrs on a 17 and 18 ktm 2 strokes combined and zero issues other then wear items like tires, brake pads, wheel bearings, and body panels. I don’t care that they need some parts to make them race ready, I’d rather pick those parts myself instead of getting whatever the factory feels is best, which is also no different then any other brand of bike I’ve owned.
My biggest problem with KTM is their pricing on parts, complete rip off…my KTM 500 EXC is now held together with cable ties and duct tape, way cheaper 😂
haha love it and so true
what? you DONT want to pay 16 euro for ONE side of the blinkers wire connectors?
Duct tape n cable ties... Holding off roaders together since the 1960's lol. Don't forget the tiny can of WD40
Hahah great vid, great channel! Convinced me to stick with my wr450😄😄😄😄
So glad I got a 2019 XC. The last of the carbs. Put a lectron in it and got all the benefits for a TPI, but with more low end and less electrical issues.
The number one thing KTM is Lying to you about is the WP Explor suspension. It is Total CRAP. You have to spend $2000-4000 dollars to get something that is approaching the KYB that comes standard on other brands
linkage is on the xc and sx models. be happy with your pds, less maintenance and possible damage to linkage.
I have a 2010 EXC200 with a carb, no TPI, no sensors, no electronics, no problems. Just good old mechanical, it works as long as it has gas in the tank. I've had no issues with it for the past 6 months. Sure, TPI saves you the occasional carb tuning you have to do (turn the air screw 1 turn) when you climb reaaaaally high or the temp changes greatly (I've had to do just one carb tuning out of the winter into the summer, that's it), but it brings a plethora of issues not worth it in my opinion.
im sure its great bike, but customer support and prices are no go for me. I'll stick to my carbed YZ for some time...
Start putting dielectric grease in all your electrical connections (clean them 1st). It will make a world of difference in keeping them bright and shiny and maintenance free.
Fancy "Submersion rated" wire nuts for irrigation systems are just a regular wire nut + dielectric grease + tabs or a boot to keep it from getting scooped out.
Or the chain kept slinging water into the plug and because you didnt apply Di-electric grease first, your plug corroded.
I think you diagnosed it pretty much in the first 30s…….pressure washer, don’t do it, you don’t need to, just use a garden hose. Even a low pressure washer will drive water right into electrical connectors and down the cables. Also spray fluid film or silicone grease on the electrical connectors after washing, keeps the water out.
Honestly this was one of your most entertaining videos cheers 👍
Glad you enjoyed
Oh please, all I heard was complaining, most all his problems he caused himself, it's a complex piece of machinery that is being exposed to extreme conditions and abuse what do you expect, if your looking for perfection it doesn't exist.
@@robh3267 bro it’s entertainment 🤣 chill out. It’s not that deep
Get a KDX200 and you won't ever have this problem, its what happens when you make something overly complex
Still have my 1985 KDX200. It's still more bike than rider.
"I don't like a snappy bottom end" proceeds to install gnarly pipe
I use Raytec Magic gel on my electrical plugs on my electric mx bikes.Dont worry about rusted pins or bad connections ever again.Also never fully set/goes hard and pulls out of plugs if ever needed.Thank me later.
I just bought a husky fe 250, 2020. It starts up but then dies on idle. Even if I turn up the idle it won’t idle properly. Anyone knows what it could be?
If you remember when Long Way Round was broadcast Ewan Mcgregor & Charlie Boorman asked KTM for a couple of bikes. They declined, almost certainly because they knew the bikes wouldn't be reliable & go the distance giving them bad P.R. Of course BMW on the other hand..... bet they couldn't believe their luck, at that time one of the worlds biggest film stars asking them a few bikes to film a series basically endorsing their product. Adventure bikes are everywhere now. KTM are great bikes but could be a lot better with some decent R&D & quality control.
They leave all that stuff off so they can say the weight is comparable to other brands. Add all extra protection is added the bike would be listed at a much higher weight.
I have a 2022 ktm 300. Love it. Added protection parts.
I have a list of part numbers for the pressure sensor from other vehicles that's exactly the same but a fraction of the price if you want it
4 sure Gaz 👍.
Please sir
Have you pulled the barrel off and checked for engine wear..interested to know how the tpi mtr are lasting.??
This is why i completely dissassemble a newly acquired bike to reassemble with locktite and electrical connector grease before analyzing the weakpoints that need additional sheilding
My GasGas 300 doesn't lie to me. Sure, it tries to kill me...but it's honest about it. ;)
I have a 2020 250 sx good old carb no problem 😊 👌 120 hours new piston good to go .
@4:35 I would definitely de-pin the wires to that TPS connector add drip loops then re-pin and seal up the back side of the connector. Then when/before you add that protector plate for the TPS maybe add something to secure the harness (if it doesn't have provisions for it) so it never gets snagged by anything when laid down.
One of my biggest hold backs from buying a new dirt bike is the amount of $$$ on top of the buy cost I'd have to invest to get it setup.. Hell, I don't race, but even for weekend hard riding an off the showroom floor KTM needs much to make it fit and not get eaten up.
GREAT VIDEO! Should have got a yz250x
At the price point it really kills me that they don't come with more. I went with a Rieju MR Pro 300 comes with a lot more on it and.... KYB DLC front forks. Even tuned WP forks I've never felt like these. Not bad bikes but KTM just needs a little more value for money I think.
The Rieju is an excellent bike. It will definitely be my next bike.
You need a mini Moto engine in a BMX bike
You can't get a more top end bike than a ktm...as far as ready to race they give you a base to modify to your needs...not every rider needs the same modifications...any machine brand make or model can have problems and they all do..especially what your put these machines through and ask them to do.common sense and a proactive maintenance and general care approach will keep your problems to a minimum.
I’m not a fan of computers or electric starts. Give me a kickstart carb bike everyday. Less electrical the better on a dirt bike.
As far as KTM goes, I know a few people who bought 2022’s and the bikes would never start. Also no warranty on bikes so you buy it and take it home it’s your problem. At the youth races, it’s the KTM 50’s, 65’s, and 85’s always holding up gate drops because they can’t get them started or you see dads holding them up like a nose wheelie to get them to start. I reluctantly had to get a KTM 50 for now but as soon as my kid jumps to 65’s it won’t be on KTM’s.
Fun video, and enjoy your down to earth presentation. I've been riding Ktooms for over 30 years, love them but I've always had to spend extra to make them race ready. Thanks again, cheers!
Got to agree with you totally...... The KTM group need a new director of electronics. These faults are so basic. The loom is pants....
Read between the lines there... Chainsaw or gas gas.... Both have linkage sus...
Honest Vid..... Love it.....
Ready to race ---- totally. 🤔
Do they own polisport 🤣🤣🤣
🤘
Totally agree with you. Max Tyres are pish and all the other bits should come standard as well. What about the 30 day warranty. 30 days really 😳🙄 also what about a kick start as well. Set up your sag as made a huge difference to mine. Got 125 on my 2021 250 exc tpi now and love every minute also put a we guard over the hose behind the radiator. Use the housing that holds the stupid bar pad on 👌
Yeah I had to add the kick starter kit to it. Never had to use it but was good knowing it's there just incase
Ready to repair ;-)
Some things: they come with tubes because mousses are not road legal. The philosophy of no linkage is for not hitting rocks and stuff with the linkage. The thing I also complain is that the springs front and back are ideal for riders with 75kg. With all gear on who weighs only 75kg? If you change the spring rate the bike will be another world, much more "alive" and balanced. Compression 4 clicks softer and rebound 4 clicks stiffer works quite well in gnarly stuff. Still, KYB in most bikes are really better, that's a fact.
Finally an objective comment 👍
I just bought a new beta 300 race edition it came with all the protectors on it so far it's an awesome bike I rode ktm for many years. Beta has a really smooth usable power
It was ready to race off the showroom, Surviving the race is not in the advertisement. Came for the clickbait, was not disappointed.
I will never take a fuel injected bike in the woods
KTM owner> Puts kickstand down but doesn't let go of the bike until they are sure its gonna hold... And then walks away wondering if the Kickstand will fail....
Sensors on two strokes is stupid. YZ250 for the win.
I love drag racing my 2002 YZ250 against my friend's 2020 Krautberg Rodeo 300. After 100 yards he not even in the same zip code. So funny!
Glad I have the 2017 exc, my next will be a Sherco or Beta.
I still thrash 2 x 2011 carb models. Still going strong. Do all my own maintenance and repairs. My son just bought a 2021 TPI. Power curve is definately more manageable with hill climbs and some technical work but for the most part I stay with him just fine.
I bought a 21’ Beta 350 Race edition. It’s been fantastic, but I really want to try a 2 stroke. I’m waiting until this pressure sensor nonsense is sorted or I’m going with the Beta and the carb.
I have a 96 KTM 360 exc and it's bulletproof, no electronics and a beast of a powerplant.
Do the subframes still self destruct?
Have a look at the B&B Offroad skid plate and pipe guard....I got sick of replacing pipes so the guard is a much cheaper option.
My plan is when I come back I get a 300 like your bike because of you and my uncle. They are awesome
I have have the same bike and I love it, sure I've already had to replace the ccps but it's cheap and easy to do. Sure it doesn't come with a skid plate but that's fine I like to choose my own from the aftermarket anyways, tubes I don't care as I run tubliss anyway, stock seat's fine with me as I try not to sit on it as much as I can, as for tires I don't think there's a bike out there that would come with the tire combo I like. The stock pipe I bent to shit the first season and replaced it with the great priced SRT pipe that's alot stronger than stock, and the TPS sensor was one of the first things I bought protection for but big thank for the heads up on the connection corroding and I'll now check that on mine and clean it if it's getting corrosion on it. You can get KTM's with linkage but I don't need it as I'd rather the clearance for logs than the linkage for high speed woops ect. The WP suspension is decent if you play with it a bit and get it tuned to your liking. But the #1 best thing I did right off the bat was send my ECU out to two stroke performance and have them remap and send it back with their high compression head and idle screw. The bike runs so good I can't imagine how it can get better, a few little quirks but they pale in comparison to how good the bike is overall. Cheers from British Columbia Canada 🙂
They aren't lying. These bikes are ready to race. Nobody said anything about being ready to win ;)
🤣
SHAME on YOU KTM... great vid MidWest 👌
"If you race at night, good luck and we'll see you in a week"😂😂
If you want a shop queen these are your babies. If you want to Ride buy Japanese.🤣 In fact this has been my experience with German, Italian and Brit bikes and I’ve been riding for 54 years.
just got mine ..so now going out to buy sump guard and pull straps
These Bike are NOT CHEAP/But having those Problems I;D BE PISSED RIGH OFF. Subbed because i Love bikes.
I use ACF grease on every electrical connection , got some mates who both have the Aprilia Tuono V 4
Italian bikes being known for not having the best electrics , one took my advice and went over his bike and protected as much of the electrical system as possible and has had no problems my other mate didn’t bother and it’s been in and out of the garage with electrical faults .
Pressure washing your bike is a good way to create electrical issues.
This
Beta 300 + carb = happiness.
It's a lemon you only have 70 hours
My 2018 1290 Superduke R is constantly throwing errors for different things as well.
Well, ktm is known for its shitty cable management but at the end of the day it really is a nice bike
What kind of sprayer are you using to clean your bike?
Wow, I'm surprised you've had so many electrical problems, I have husky 2021 300 with about 226 hours on the clock and only had fuel pump problem, either than that it's been super reliable
Yeah I think it's luck of the draw really.
I’ll vouch. I’ve got a 2017 350 EXC with nearly 300 hours and the only real problem I’ve had is a poor neutral connection to the subframe which made the bike bog, but once I figured that out it’s not been an issue.
Absolutely true, not ready to race, missed to many parts!
Washing sensitive electrical parts with a high pressure washer causes electrical issue? Who knew?
To be fair, you'd expect some of the protective 'upgrade' to come as standard....
No new bike should have all those problems, especially not for KTM prices.
Wish I could find an old Husky. One from back when their 2 stroke was still called the CR’s. I had a CR125 and I loved it. Shouldn’t have got rid of it.
A friend of mine who owns a KTM said that it’s stands for Keep Throwing Money!!, that said he had an earlier model 300 and he was very impressed with it.
TPI threw a wrench in what was finaly quite solid.
I had a ktm. And I got over all the problems.
I just got a tm 300 2022 2stroke.
And love it. It's alot better then the ktm
Look at putting on the aluminium fuel tank coupling before the plastic one breaks. Ditto metal QC in the fuel line.
Seriously a good $1k into a motorized bicycle build could have a 38mph trail bike that costs like 100 bucks to rebuild and ya could run it forever just swapping gaskets bearings pads and cylinder once a year
Best thing I did was have my 2022 Beta 390 RR-S sprung to me. I am 6'5" and weigh in at 265 lbs. Perfect for me. Son rides it and says its to hard
$15 Amazon led bulb and swap out the factory one. Amazing difference.