Well, a few months ago rebl617 - a.k.a Shawn - posted up that he was coming to Sydney Australia on a work assignment for a couple of months. So I sent him my mobile number and let him know he could contact me if he wanted to. Well, he was good enough to phone me and we had a couple of chats. I let him know there was a KTM Dirt Days test ride coming up that I was going to, and that I was happy to give him a lift if he wanted to go as well. Apparently he did want to go, so he booked himself in and I picked him up this morning.

As you can imaging, being a KLX owner, he was a loud, obnoxious, know-it-all *****... just kidding What a first class, easy going, easy to get on with guy. I'm really glad he took the time to make contact and am only too happy to have been able to take him out for a ride... even if it wasn't on my KLX like I had intended (my Husky is sick and so I am using the KLX again which leaves Shawn marooned unfortunately).

Anyway, I tested the 450EXC and 500EXC 4-strokes, and the 300EXC 2-stroke. I found the 450 a little too highly strung, like a race rourse that had been fed too much oats. Great power, but a little too quick to hit off the bottom, and the steering just didn't feel right. Somewhat counter-intuitively the 500 was a lot easier to ride. Much smoother power delivery and better engine braking. Although there were moments when the 300 felt good, for the most part I did not like it. The 500EXC-F was head and shoulders above the other 2 bikes imo.

If I remember correctly Shawn tried the 200EXC 2-stroke, then the 250EXC and 350EXC 4-strokes. He came off the 200 complaining that it was set up for a much heavier rider and so the suspension was way too hard for him. He then came off the 250 full of praise for it, only to come off the 350 saying it was yet another step up and... wait for it... likely to be his next bike!

To be fair it is a nice bike and I'm not surprised he liked it so much. However, it does sound like he is interested in moving to the pumpkin-patch now and abandoning his trust KLX Either that or he's hoping to get his wife on the KLX so he has an excuse to keep it in the family

All in all it was a nice day, and great to meet a great fellow KLXer from the other side of the world.

 

The klx is a great bike!!! It fits everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY'S needs at one point, however those needs change and the bike doesn't fit for everybody forever if that makes sense. I think everyone should own one at least once

 

I still love mine 5 and a half years later. I've already had the piston replaced. Ill ride this thing till it dies... Again.... Then I'll revive it and ride it some more. I guess my needs haven't changed beyond what mods couldn't adjust for in power / capability. For me the KLX was my first bike but I improved it as I improved. Yeah, it doesn't make 40hp like my dad's DRZ, or have FI like the new Honda and Yamaha. But it still fits my riding style. I'll never replace it. I may buy a street bike one day (in the distant future when my Genesis is paid off lol) but I could never part with the klx. It's a jack of all trades, and for me, it masters them all.

 

+1. I might add a bike but would keep the KLX.

 

The only KTM that might get my KLX replacement nod would be the possible release of that KTM390 enduro model. If it plays out in what I've seen on specs, it would be about the same weight as the KLX, the same or better suspension, and about 36-40 low stress horsepower...an perhaps at a lower price point than your EXC models. I like the EXC KTMs, but I don't really see them as true dual sports...at least for my definition.

 

I like the xr650l, lots of ground clearance, capable of 45 horsepower with simple mods, and the weight can be made to be within 20lbs of the klx.

 

Thats the sad part = within 20# of an xr650

 

The little KLX that could will be staying in my stable, however if I ever get back into racing the EXC350 will be my first choice. Had a great ride day with Arctra, he set me up with 2 ride days, KTM and Beta and the Sydney Motorcycle Show. He responded to a post I made and continued to be an ambassador for our sport, hopefully someday I can return the gesture to him or another rider. If he ever made it to the States I would be more than happy to throw a little roost his way to thank him for the friendship.

 

As a former KTM owner, I'd have to paraphrase the earlier statement. Everyone should own just one KTM, then move on....I did. If I'd lived closer to some great trails, I'd still have it, but my KLX (heavily mod'd) does me just fine.

 

Well, there's an update to this story. Today Shawn and I went to a Beta test ride and I believe he now thinks his next bike will be a Beta! I gotta say, I think he has good taste as I also think my next bike will be a Beta. I'm in favour of the 498RR Factory Edition though where I think Shawn liked the 350RR.

Not only that, but Shawn proved himself to be a true blue Aussie dirt biker! After the KTM Dirt Days ride he was reluctant to indulge in an Aussie dirt biking tradition of eating snakes at the end of the ride... well, today I couldn't stop him eating the damned things! I think he's addicted now :-)