Reliving the Glory Years - Shane Watts Compares '97 and '98 Championship KTMs to '14 KTM 125

1997 125cc World Enduro Champion, and 1998 ISDE Overall winner, Shane Watts, takes a 15 year trip back in time from 2013 to relive the "Glory Days" of when he was one of the most dominant riders in the world of Offroad motorcycle racing. Watch as Wattsy takes out of storage the exact "full factory" KTM 125 machines he won these Championships on and then goes roosting some of the exact trails used on Day 2 of the 1998 ISDE, held in Australia. He then compares these bikes to the performance of a current model 2014 KTM 125 and finds some very revealing outcomes.

[@ponydown418]

4 more years to go. 👍

[@kevinpowell4904]

I just pulled my Ktm 380mxc out of my shed after not riding it in 7 years. Before I put it away I changed the oil, drained gas, cleaned carb. Today I picked up some 100 octane VIP and red line 2 stroke oil, I mixed it up, and the damn thing fired up in 3 kicks. I rode this bike in various district 36 races, and just woods riding. I'm taking it up to my new house in the woods, and gonna start running it again.this thing rips and always has. The ktms are beasts

[@tkinney80]

I've probably been in some of those same races with you many years ago when it was new.

[@chilcootsam]

I'm enjoying, keeping up with you and the team . It gives us ex- students the chance to stay up to date with your race prep efforts this season. I'm not expecting W's from you, but I'm sure everyone will be watching you with anticipation. I'm also prepping for a hard charging racing season this year in the 40+ catagory, so you are inspiring me. Braaaap

[@mrlarrybobjr]

I got my first GNCC number in 98’ it’s so good to watch your stuff. Now it’s 2019. I had my cousins 98’ 200EXC out for a spin last week. Man it felt soooooooo good. I’m just saying.

[@athomerecordschannel]

Great video. I am glad I watched this. Great to hear his take on the differences between his bikes and the 2014's. It is a more fair comparison between his 1998 bike and the 2014. His 1997 bike was a full on one off Factory bike comparable to something you would see Factory Supercross Teams build.

[@Yamaha38XCRacer]

I enjoyed this vid...as I do every vid...good luck this year....KEEP IT ROOSTIN..

[@MineDust]

Nice Video!
Australian team ISDE 1999
ISDE PORTUGAL 1999
31:00

[@willreed6231]

3 more years to go wattsy

[@BrunoXCunha]

Great vídeo! Special vídeo indeed, but he should have compared them with the nowadays 125 EXC version, not the SX. Anyway good vídeo with two very special bikes.
I`m wondering if he`s going to ask Austria for some replacement parts as these are factory bikes.

[@arntzysadventuresgarage]

Its been 10 mr watts

[@gosolobox]

You need to keep your elbows up when pointing the camera, Shane...

[@LukeBrinkerhoff]

Goes to show it’s not the bike. Newer bike won’t make you faster, newer powerful motor won’t make you faster. If anything you need to spend all your money on suspension only. That’s what I’ve learned with my newest bike.