First ride on the new KTM

[silky666]

KTM First Ride - 16th May 2010
Apologies for not joining the other rides today / inviting anyone else. But it was: 1) the first time on the KTM and 2) my mates first ever ride on the mud (aboard my old WR).
So I thought it best to just have a nice 'ghey' ride along the Bocketts route.

Not a lot to say other than 2 points:
1) My KTM and 2) The newly opened chalk hill.

KTM 250 EXCF First Impressions.
Stunning .. what a great bike.
The handling is like something I have never experienced ... soaks up bumps and rocks and roots.
Light and yet still feels very stable.
Really smooth to ride.
Feels a lot lighter than the WR and is so easy to chuck about and point to where you want to do.
600% nicer to ride than the WR - very very pleased.
It may be the 280 kit ... but it has loads of low down torque and plenty of engine braking.
But, what keeps catching me out is the sudden hit of power in the mid range.
Being used to the WR, where it is all very low down power ... this thing just goes mental at anything over 15 mph (obviously depending on the gear).
I know the WR is an older bike and all that ... but I didnt think the KTM would be this much better.

Only 2 issues:
1) I cant get used to the hydraulic clucth and keep bodging my gear changes.
2) It didnt seem to like going through deep water (the ford at Shere) ... it came out the other side a bit spluttery and then stalled when I coasted to a stop at the end of the lane.
Got it started again... but took 6 kicks and a stab at the magic button a few times.

If I can sort out the 'dislike of water' then I am sorted
oh! and the fact that its going to need almost constant oil changes and valve checking / general looking after



Chalk Hill:
Those that ride the Surrey lanes should be well aware of the awesomeness that is Chalk Hill.
Steep .. long ...uber slippery ... and ruts that bottom out the bike and spit you off with ease.
A real challenge to ride.. especially going up.
Anyway, its been TRO'd for the past year or more ... and has been sorely missed.

NEWS FLASH: They have opened it now to bikes only (no 4x4).

This is what it used to be like: (Joe having a little trouble).
https://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/silky666/?action=view¤t=MVI_5991.flv


This is Chalk Hill now:

Top of the hill (where we always rested after battling up the hill):
https://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/silky666/Bike%20Stuff/chalkhilltop-aftertro.jpg

Mid hill:
https://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/silky666/Bike%20Stuff/chalkhillmiddle-aftertro.jpg

Bottom of Hill (where we had a smoke to pluck up the courage to go up the hill):
https://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/silky666/Bike%20Stuff/chalkhillbottom-aftertro.jpg

Gate that stops 4x4's and allows us 2 wheeled chaps through (note jeeps turning round):
https://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t69/silky666/Bike%20Stuff/chalkhillgate-aftertro.jpg

Gutted. Its like riding a shale road.
ok! so it is a shale road .
Ruined sob
____________________
There's nothing that shouts "Poor Workmanship" more than wrinkles in the Gaffa tape.

Gaffa tape is like "the force" - it has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.

[.....]

Nice, glad it's all worked out

[Blue_SV650S]

https://eydis.fantasy-hr.com/style_emoticons/light/gay.gif


Oh and your vid link doesn't seem to work ...
____________________
The purpose of life is to fight maturity.