Full Circle -- A Husky/KTM rider returns.

Skoalman · Post by **Skoalman** » 10:11 pm Jan 02 2007

I'd like to say hello and reintroduce myself. I'm Skoalman, a previous owner of a modded 2002 KDX who went to the Orange side, and the blue/yellow (Husky -- now red). Over the past few years I owned, ridden and sold a 98 KTM 300 MXC, 05 KTM 250 SX, 01 Husky WR 250, and a 93 Husky WR 360 (probably my 2nd fav motor of all time.) Ended up getting rid of all of them in the past 6 months and just recently purchased an 06 Husky WR 250. But honestly, mostly, in the back of my mind, I always wanted to another KDX as a backup racer.

I was really surprised when I found this site. From time to time, I'd check DRN to see what all the KDX crew Skippro3, CC, and some of the regulars were up to, but one day I noticed that the tenor of DRN KDX forum had changed. Then, I found out that KDX were no longer going to be made and I said to myself, "self, you need to get another KDX 200, before there's none to be found anywere." And about 6 weeks ago, that what I did. I picked up one in DE for $900.00...all it needed was a good spit shine cleaning and some new plastic. Then a buddy of mind who had also owned an 00 KDX 200 had a used PC pipe & silencer and some other odds and ends he wanted to get rid for 100 bucks!...Installed them along with a FRP torque ring, rejetted, and hey I felt like Dr Frankenstein -- It's alive, it's alive!!!! Took it for it's maiden voyage recently, and confirmed my reason for buying another one...Easy, fun, bulletproof, light, dependable, Plush, and nimble in the tight woods. No muss, no fuss. Don't get me wrong I absolutely rave about my Husky, but when it came down to having a bike that would complement it, the KDX was a no brainer. I've got a couple of highly touted vintage of bikes of their time as well -- a 1979 Maico & 1984 Husky. And though some may dump on the KDX about being outdated, I still believe this bike has alot of value too many riders of all levels and skills. It's definietly one of the best bikes I've ever owned and this time I'm NOT letting 'em go...Glad to be back home and am especially stoked to see some familiar names of the KDX vanguard are still on the trail -- damn shame it took all this time, money, and effort to figure out that you don't miss a good thing, until it's gone...

Here's some pics of my current and recent bikes:

http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... IM0018.JPG
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... IM0023.JPG -- new seat cover is on it's way.
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... M0012a.jpg
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... sale_9.jpg
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... sale_5.jpg
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... 0007em.jpg
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... _0025a.jpg
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... 4-0002.jpg
http://216.165.194.66/ktmtalk/photogall ... esride.jpg -- pic of my 02 KDX 200 from May 2003.

quailchaser · Post by **quailchaser** » 10:23 pm Jan 02 2007

Sweet!

and Welcome.

Seems like every A rider I've talked to at our local H/S races owned a KDX at one point. They all told me they were sorry they got rid of them and told me I should keep mine. When circumstances arose and I had to get rid of one of the bikes...I kept the KX and sold the KDX. I love the KX, but, miss the KDX for the exact reasons you describe.

Post by **Indawoods** » 10:49 pm Jan 02 2007

Some nice rides there Skoalman! I'd love to hop a ride on that Maico!

Glad you found home..... Welcome!

Skoalman · Post by **Skoalman** » 11:04 pm Jan 02 2007

Indawoods & quailchaser,

Thanks for the nice welcome.

It's funny the Maico is maybe as powerful as a normally aspirated KDX, but what makes it so special, is the handling...Low wheel base -- it's like flat tracking when you're squaring a corner. I broke the shifter shaft this summer during a vintage MX race, and since tranny parts for the GS model are really rare and hard to come buy, I'm only going to ride the Maico in vintage XC races only and the ocassional fun trail ride. The WR 400 is probably the 2nd most powerful bike I've ever owned -- the first being the 06 Husky -- the torque on both of these machines is just simply unbelievable...You can even do 3rd gear starts on these bikes...Frightening truly frightening...I'll be racing the 400 this seaon in vintage MX that's for sure...

Post by **Mr. Wibbens** » 11:26 pm Jan 02 2007

Skoalman wrote:You can even do 3rd gear starts on these bikes

What? Can't your KDX do the same?

Just ask Carvr

(might have something to do with my 12/48 gearing, but mine will easily start off in 3rd, even going uphill)

AZRickD · Post by **AZRickD** » 11:34 pm Jan 02 2007

I love the KX, but, miss the KDX for the exact reasons you describe.

I used to think about the time when I upgrade to a new bike... do I sell the KDX or keep it?

Now I'm wondering, maybe I shouldn't be in too much of a hurry. While other bikes have more compliant suspension (especially that 450R Honda I rode last weekend), the only truly glaring shortcoming I'm noticing now as my skills improve is that brick wall on the upper revs that the PC Plat II torque pipe causes.

I can see keeping the KDX for a lot longer than the "one year" I had originally planned when the famed "Daisy Cutter" talked me into buying "QuailChaser's" bike to ride for a year so I could figure out which bike I really want in the summer of 2007.

I think it will be deep into 2008 before I get really motivated to try something new... and then, only if KTM has a fuel-injected 2-stroke.

Rick

thebleakness · Post by **thebleakness** » 02:12 am Jan 03 2007

Welcome Skoalman! Those are some really nice bikes you have there. I'm with Inda on this one, I would love to ride that Maico. What a beautiful bike.

Rick, did you ever get your ride on a KTM? I've ridden Buck's (Buckholz) and its amazing. He offered to sell me his 250exc in the summer when upgrades to a 2008 model. I wont be selling the KDX so that I have a bike for my dad or anyone else who has the urge to go riding with me (doesnt happen often).

KDXer · Post by **KDXer** » 02:29 am Jan 03 2007

Welcome and Happy New year...

You just come here to show off, dint ya ?!? HuH, HuH ?!?

Seriously, man you have some stunning looking bikes. Love the 84.

You either gotta be single or you sure do have an understanding other half.

Skoalman · Post by **Skoalman** » 05:46 am Jan 03 2007

KDXer,

My fiance is from Germany, and completey understands and supports my passion for bikes -- hence the Maico!!

Yep, no kids either...Didn't get engaged until I was 38. No kids=no college funds...so in a way the bikes became my kids...The Maico is kind of the ooh-ah bike for me...It was dream bike at a age 13...There used to be a Maico Dealer in Baltimore, and I can remember when I first laid eyes on it, and I just thought it was the most beautiful bike I'd ever seen...To this day, I still think it's just a beautiful bike. I found this as a basket case locally and bought it for 300 bucks, and restored it from the ground up...Lotta hours, effort, and a few coins spent on this bike, but it's been worth it.

Skoalman · Post by **Skoalman** » 05:57 am Jan 03 2007

AZRickD wrote:
I love the KX, but, miss the KDX for the exact reasons you describe.
I used to think about the time when I upgrade to a new bike... do I sell the KDX or keep it?

Now I'm wondering, maybe I shouldn't be in too much of a hurry. While other bikes have more compliant suspension (especially that 450R Honda I rode last weekend), the only truly glaring shortcoming I'm noticing now as my skills improve is that brick wall on the upper revs that the PC Plat II torque pipe causes.

I can see keeping the KDX for a lot longer than the "one year" I had originally planned when the famed "Daisy Cutter" talked me into buying "QuailChaser's" bike to ride for a year so I could figure out which bike I really want in the summer of 2007.

I think it will be deep into 2008 before I get really motivated to try something new... and then, only if KTM has a fuel-injected 2-stroke.

Rick

Rick,

I was trying to help you out last week on KTMtalk.com in support of the KDX...Maybe in the future you can upgrade to the PC rev pipe to remove that brick wall. I really like the PC rev exhaust/silencer...If I need more grunt down low, I'm just going to run my 13/51 combo, right now I'm running 13/49 combo, PC pipe, Rad Valve, FRP Torque ring, and FRP Front springs....and yep, I'm satisfied...

canyncarvr · Post by **canyncarvr** » 04:58 pm Jan 03 2007

Keep a close eye on that RadValve. The reeds are generally good for only about a year. They chip, flake, peel, curl, delam, and fray.

Get rid of the thing now so you won't have to say, 'Gee...wish I would've gotten rid of this thing then!' later.

You really don't need bits and pieces of carbon fiber getting sucked into the cylinder.

So...your Husky has the kicker on the right (correct) side..but it's sure way up there! What's the angle of the lever when it's 'opened'?

Welcome aboard!!

Jeb · Post by **Jeb** » 05:58 pm Jan 03 2007

Welcome! It'll be great to have yet another vet participate on the site, especially one who has encountered the variety you have.

Speaking of variety - quite a bevy of stout steeds you have there, Skoalman! I had the pleasure of test riding several bikes this past summer - most were 250 2t - before I went with the 220 I own. One bike I really wanted to try was a new Husky, specifically the WR250. Having read your description I wish I would've had that chance! I did have the opportunity to try out another "exotic" - an '05 Gas Gas EC250 - very smooth power delivery, GOBS of power. It's the one bike that I most seriously considered before going with the KDX.

The 220 I settled on was the fantastic choice for my riding "lifestyle" - a youngster riding and one getting ready to. "Mellow" works out for me. But I must say that - with a gigantic dose of good help from the guys that frequent this site - I'm working towards a fine blend of mellow and monster!

Again, welcome!

Steve Sims · Post by **Steve Sims** » 06:13 pm Jan 03 2007

I hope my 220 appreciates pretty hard and heavy in value...it is my kids' college fund!

I've heard a lot about Maicos but haven't seen one in person. That's a great pic. I would be smiling too! Thanks for sharing.

saddletramp · Post by **saddletramp** » 07:01 pm Jan 03 2007

Brick wall?? Really, Do you really think the p.c.II robbed from the top? I put mine on last month and did not notice any signifigant loss on top. I would like to try the "rev" or plat. for comparison sake, just to see what I might be missing.

canyncarvr · Post by **canyncarvr** » 07:09 pm Jan 03 2007

Re: Brick wall.

You have a 200. He doesn't.

Skoalman · Post by **Skoalman** » 07:17 pm Jan 03 2007

canyncarvr wrote:Keep a close eye on that RadValve. The reeds are generally good for only about a year. They chip, flake, peel, curl, delam, and fray.

Get rid of the thing now so you won't have to say, 'Gee...wish I would've gotten rid of this thing then!' later.

You really don't need bits and pieces of carbon fiber getting sucked into the cylinder.

So...your Husky has the kicker on the right (correct) side..but it's sure way up there! What's the angle of the lever when it's 'opened'?

Welcome aboard!!

The bike came with the RADVALVE, but I personally prefer the boyesen 607 power reed, as I have never heard anything good about the RV on the KDX 200.

With regard to the kickstarer on the "correct" side -- if and when this bikes kicks back, it's been known bruise feet, break ankles and the kickstarter shaft as well if you're not careful!...Having owned previous Euro Iron as teen kicking with the left foot is as natural as kicking with my right. Huskies, both new and old, seem to have odd and highly placed kickstarters that require a healthy and strong boot -- my 06 WR is no exception, and I've definitely had to practice my dead start technique with this one. No nancy boy kicking allowed!

maicocpa · Post by **maicocpa** » 12:28 am Jan 05 2007

Skoalman,

I didn't see a picture of the Maico. I have 6 Maicos from 1966 - 1981 and I am the moderator of this group:

http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/MAICOMOTORCYCLES/

Check it out if you have not already.

Travis

Post by **fuzzy** » 02:03 pm Jan 05 2007

Welcome!!!! Nice to see yet another die-hard Wide-Ratio 2-Stroker (KDX/Otherwise) aboard! I'm an ex-Fredneck, MD citizen myself...

kdxquebec · Post by **kdxquebec** » 03:23 pm Jan 05 2007

Welcome!

BTW Nice First Message

Skoalman · Post by **Skoalman** » 11:39 pm Jan 05 2007

Hey Travis, didn't know you had a KDX!!?? Well I definitely know who you are as I am a member of the yahoo maico group as well...Maicmida (aka John Hubbard)...Well here's another pic of Maico just to prompt you a little...

http://216.165.194.66/archive/members/D ... _email.jpg

Fuzzy,

I remember you from DRN. I think we chatted on there once or twice when you were still living in Maryland. Did you ever ride at the R&T club in Fredrick? -- It's a brutal but great training riding area! How about the Hangover Harescramble? I'm doing it this year at Rocket Raceway...It's been raining steady up there today however, so we'll see...Anyway, it was good to hear from.

KDXquebec,

Thanks for the nice welcome.

KDXRIDER.NET

KDXRIDER.NET

Full Circle -- A Husky/KTM rider returns.

Full Circle -- A Husky/KTM rider returns.