Can a ktm exc handle the road easily?

Stepien24 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 22 Jun 2013 Karma :

Im a fairly new biker and am interested in getting a ktm exc 450, i want it for mainly road use but would like to venture off road from time to time. I.e 70/30 split, i wont be using it for long journeys, just general twisties and commuting to work, does anyone have experience with this bike on the road and how good it is? Thanks guys! Stepien

..... · Quote Me Happy Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Karma :

It can do it but beware of the maintenance schedule which is measured in hours rather than miles. Remember, it's a competition enduro bike so not really suited, and make sure your work has some very secure parking.

Stepien24 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 22 Jun 2013 Karma :

I think thats what is potentially swaying me towards the drz400 instead, still got some umph but more reliable/longer service periods

Irn-Bru · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Karma :

I had a DRZ for 2 years and recently got a 525 EXC.

Oil change for the DRZ is every 3K according to the book, and the KTM is more like every 250 miles or 10 hours. Massive, massive difference. Also I don't know about the 450 but my bike has no ignition so that rules out commuting. They're very focused bikes, whereas the DRZ is a good all rounder. Slow, but does everything. The RFS engine in the KTM is still good for full days out but not on the motorway or for touring unless you modify it - rad fan, oil cooler and bigger fuel tank would be a must I would imagine. Much quicker and lighter than the DRZ mind.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

Stepien24 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 22 Jun 2013 Karma :

Is the drz generally quite reliable, im coming straight from an xr125 so i imagine i will be more than happy with the power of the drz! Thanks mate

TwoWheelsDail... · Scooby Slapper Joined: 23 Oct 2012 Karma :

why not look into getting a ktm 690 smc instead?
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Stepien24 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 22 Jun 2013 Karma :

Irn-Bru · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Karma :

I also had a 690 SMC and would not recommend one of them unless you have lots of dosh. They have too many electric issues for my liking.

The DRZ is bullet proof mate, it'll feel like a rocketship coming from a 125, you wwill love it.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

Stepien24 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 22 Jun 2013 Karma :

Thanks bud, ride safe

Jeff6 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 07 Sep 2008 Karma :

have you thought about a xr600 or newer xr650 , they are very reliable and cheep/easy to maintain ,

i have a ktm525 and xr600 , and the xr is alot more comfortable on the road

Fizzer Thou · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Aug 2011 Karma :

I would suggest that a KTM 450 would not be ideal for commuting.Neither would a standard XR600/650R as neither bike has a switch for the ignition.I had thought about installing a switch for both my KTM 450 enduro and my XR400SM but it would be something else to go wrong during an event so have not bothered.The bikes are not out of my view when out and about on them but would not dare to use them for anything other than their intended purpose ie. fun rides.

https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Honda%20750/My%20bikes/Picture255.jpg

But a friend has a DRZ400S,which comes as standard with an ignition switch,indicators,brake lights and a tuned down engine/carb compared to the DRZ400E.Together with the 17" road wheels he has now fitted,he finds this ideal for the 10 mile commute that he does.It may well be that the insurance for a DRZ-S would be cheaper than a DRZ-E or a KTM,due to the security fitted as standard.
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SQL · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Aug 2012 Karma :

I am not even sure the KTM would even conform to the new power to weight ratio either.

EDIT= nope it doesn't

Weight 111KG
BHP 53

=0.2165801406

Your limit is 0.2

delvey91 · Crazy Courier Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Karma :

You can get away with 1k oil changes on an rfs ktm no bother. seen plenty do over 10k miles without having the engine apart
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2016 Honda Africa Twin
2006 KTM 200 EXC

1cyl · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Feb 2004 Karma :

Irn-Bru · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Aug 2009 Karma :

This was mine:

https://i.imgur.com/NgdoY.jpg

I had it from 2000 miles - 4,200 I think, summit like that.

I used to get the old FI light issues. A few times it stalled on me, cut out then went into limp home mode. Also another sensor needed adjusting, forget what it was, throttle one I think.

The most annoying bit was I had it on a 200 mile blast one day and stopped for a rest and an indicator lens had snapped clean off and the stickers on the left hand side plastics were flapping about.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM