KDX220 vs KTM 250MXC

Got questions? We got answers....
johnyblaze
Supporting Member III
Supporting Member III
Posts: 202
Joined: 12:23 am Nov 04 2009
Country:

KDX220 vs KTM 250MXC

Post by johnyblaze »

Sorry for the this vs that thread, but I have no knowledge of the 250MXC. There may be an opportunity for me to trade my built 220 (pipes, head, carb, KX forks, etc) for a piped 250MXC.

I ride very hilly, mostly dry, rooty and very rocky trails here. My average speed is probably 10-15 mph and that's flying where I can get it.

Does anyone hve experience with this bike and can make a comparison in power, weight, balance, suspension, etc?

BTW - my instinct is that the KTM is probably no better for my riding style and possibly not as good as the KDX.

Any comments?
User avatar
Indawoods
Creator and Founder
Creator and Founder
Posts: 9951
Joined: 09:59 am Jun 12 2003
Country:
Location: Midwest

Post by Indawoods »

I don't think the KTM will do anything for you.... That is an MX bike.

Now... if you were to sell it... it would probably draw more than the KDX but to keep it and ride it... I think you are better off with the KDX. IMO and all that....
*** Administrator //***
****'95 KDX 200/****

"People ate cows a thousand years ago for the same reason we eat them now. Cause they are easy to catch.We're not savages,we're just lazy. A cheetah could taste like chocolate heroin. But will never know. Those bastards are fast!!! "
johnyblaze
Supporting Member III
Supporting Member III
Posts: 202
Joined: 12:23 am Nov 04 2009
Country:

Post by johnyblaze »

That's exactly what I told my asistant. The KTM would be worth more on the market, but wouldn't buy me anything on the trails. If we do meet to check them out it would really have to wow me. It is 3 yrs newer and very lightly used. I'm guessing the suspension is a little more plush - my '02 LC4 is heavy but very nicely suspended. Don't think I want the big hit though. And I think the MXC gearing is tighter than the KLX. A 300EXC - that I'd really think about.
1998 KDX220 with goodies
2002 KTM LC4E
2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200S
User avatar
Indawoods
Creator and Founder
Creator and Founder
Posts: 9951
Joined: 09:59 am Jun 12 2003
Country:
Location: Midwest

Post by Indawoods »

A 300EXC would be something I would have to check out too....
*** Administrator //***
****'95 KDX 200/****

"People ate cows a thousand years ago for the same reason we eat them now. Cause they are easy to catch.We're not savages,we're just lazy. A cheetah could taste like chocolate heroin. But will never know. Those bastards are fast!!! "
KDX220rser
Member
Posts: 169
Joined: 07:56 am May 08 2008
Country: USA
Location: Louisiana

Post by KDX220rser »

I love my XCW, but the SX (new MXC) would be WAY too much for tight woods.. They are monsters..
09 KTM 250 XC-W
2005 KX-DX Hybrid
03 Ozark (under construction)
1978 Honda NC50 (under construction)
User avatar
David_L6
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 235
Joined: 01:07 am Jun 04 2010
Country:
Location: Northwest Louisiana

Post by David_L6 »

This sort of applies to this thread.......

I bought my KDX for several reasons. One reason being so I wouldn't have to ride an MX bike in the conditions you just mentioned.


I have no actual "hands on" experience with the KTM but I'd like to have a 300. Problem is they Kost Too Much.
2000 KDX200 / 2002 CR250 / 2003 CR250 / 2008 TT-R230 / 2011 Brute Force 750 / 2012 Brute Force 750 EPS
User avatar
Griffbones
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 166
Joined: 07:44 pm Jun 05 2010
Country:
Location: Red Oak, Iowa

Post by Griffbones »

Actually the MXC is the older version of today's XC not the SX. Basically it is a cross country bike with a close ratio transmission (same transmission as the MX bike of the day). The MXC had a smoother powerband and softer suspension than the MX bike of that time period.

I used to have a 300MXC, good bike I guess, but It really wanted to be short shifted and ridden a gear high, the top end fell kind of flat after the midrange. But the low end and mid was very strong with lots of torque and pull. Mine was a 2003, and that year the forks really sucked on the MXC! Also felt like I ran out of gear real soon especially with the bikes lack of over rev.

I have loved my 2007 250XCW. I bought it as a left over in 2008 just before the 2009's came out, so I got it at a really good price, $5400 out the door. My bike isn't the latest model frame, suspension, etc.. but it works well for me. :grin:
'83 CR60R Fully restored
'97 DR350 (407cc)
2005 KX85 (103.5cc)
2006 KDX 200 (Bone stock other than Jetting, Gnarley woods, Turbine Core II)
2007 250 XC-W (SX head)
User avatar
bcdonyo
Supporting Member
Posts: 271
Joined: 07:31 pm Nov 26 2008
Country:
Location: So. Nv.

Post by bcdonyo »

I have not kept up with KTM models recently, but a few year ago the MXC was the cross country bike that fell in between the full moto SX and the enduro EXC.

I had a 520SX that was a four speed MX bike, but after it got a 5th and 6th gear installed, and the suspension re-sprung a valved by **** Wilk, it was a great off road bike. Except for that pesky engine blowing up thing! :mrgreen:
User avatar
Griffbones
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 166
Joined: 07:44 pm Jun 05 2010
Country:
Location: Red Oak, Iowa

Post by Griffbones »

>|<>QBB<
bcdonyo wrote:I have not kept up with KTM models recently, but a few year ago the MXC was the cross country bike that fell in between the full moto SX and the enduro EXC.

I had a 520SX that was a four speed MX bike, but after it got a 5th and 6th gear installed, and the suspension re-sprung a valved by **** Wilk, it was a great off road bike. Except for that pesky engine blowing up thing! :mrgreen:
You are right about the in between thing;
SX = MX Highest compression, stiffest suspension valving, close ratio trans
XC or MXC = in between, close ratio trans, mid compression, medium soft valving
XCW or EXC = wide ratio trans, lowest compression, soft suspension valving
'83 CR60R Fully restored
'97 DR350 (407cc)
2005 KX85 (103.5cc)
2006 KDX 200 (Bone stock other than Jetting, Gnarley woods, Turbine Core II)
2007 250 XC-W (SX head)
johnyblaze
Supporting Member III
Supporting Member III
Posts: 202
Joined: 12:23 am Nov 04 2009
Country:

Post by johnyblaze »

Thanks for the input all. The more I think about it - I definitely don't need MORE bike than the KDX. I don't come anywhere close to using IT'S capabilities.

I'm just a trader by nature and as soon as I get one fixed up I start looking for another. Truth is - there's probably no better equation for my offroad riding than the KDX.

Wow - that dude's gonna be surprised that I'd turn down a straight trade for his KTM.

Thanks again
1998 KDX220 with goodies
2002 KTM LC4E
2001 Suzuki Bandit 1200S
KarlP
Supporting Member III
Supporting Member III
Posts: 1484
Joined: 02:26 pm Jun 29 2005
Country:
Location: Alabama

Post by KarlP »

Wow - that dude's gonna be surprised that I'd turn down a straight trade for his KTM.


Naah, he probably wants a KDX
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
User avatar
kdxmaniac
Supporting Member
Posts: 595
Joined: 09:01 pm May 24 2010
Country:

Post by kdxmaniac »

if someone wanted to trade me a ktm 250 for my kdx, i would trade! .........as far as the 250 being rideable....... thats up to you where you want your power "pipe,jetting,gearing...." ....... i just bought a wr250{2 stroke} last week....... and love the power. ....... that is after i jetted, and set it up for me......btw..i have never seen or ridden a bike with to much power! ............. i always use my throttle and clutch to ride :lol:
my bikes
-------------
96 ktm 300
96 XR400R
07 hayabusa
77 kz 1000
85 goldwing 1200
02 BIG DOG PITBULL

gone but not forgotten
96 kdx 200
98 ktm 380 "because it dang near killed me!"
97 ktm 360
96 ktm 250
93 wr 250
94 dr 350s
93 kx 250
07 gsxr 1000
99 bandit 1200
gregp
Member
Posts: 498
Joined: 03:44 pm Jul 30 2009
Country:

Post by gregp »

I owned a '97 KTM 300 EXC ....and hated it. V-Force reeds made it better, but the motor was still lazy. My brother has an '02 300 EXC, and I hate that bike even more. The PDS rear suspension should be renamed to POS.
He has a Rekluse clutch installed, but I really like my KDX better in the woods. Much better.
I have also ridden a borrowed 250 EXC ('04?), and again, my KDX treats me better. KTM seats are a force to be reconed with. Every KTM I have spent time on, needed rear brake pads after every ride (or close to it), while my KDX pads seem to last forever. I could never figure that one out.
IMO - The only thing that KTM has (had) going for them was the street registerable titles or CO's that they came with.
I am a small bike fan because the terrain I ride in is so tight and gnarly. Those 300's (and up) are really better suited to more open conditions.
2004 Dual Sported KDX200
1999 Ninja 250 (Daughter's)
1996 DR 650 (stock, mostly street use)
KarlP
Supporting Member III
Supporting Member III
Posts: 1484
Joined: 02:26 pm Jun 29 2005
Country:
Location: Alabama

Post by KarlP »

I'd been kicking around the idea of a new bike and considering a 300.
A buddy of mine rides a '99 300 and I borrowed it a couple of times. I don't know.... it always seems heavy and slow to turn.
I rode an '08 this weekend and it just seemed hard to turn. Hard to explain. I think I like the MX Jap frames better.
Another guy I ride with has a GG200. That thing will turn but the motor is a little high strung for me.

It can be hard selecting a new bike.....I'm reminded how long it took to get the one I got right for me.
'08 KTM200xc
'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it
KX100 for the boy
User avatar
kdxmaniac
Supporting Member
Posts: 595
Joined: 09:01 pm May 24 2010
Country:

Post by kdxmaniac »

all this talk about ktm's.......... how they have to much power for the woods :wah: ......... how many of you own big bad diesiels, and pull a motorcycle to the track? :bravo: dont you think thats "to much power or torque" for that reason, but you stiillllll have to have that truck.........get my point? ......... and of corse the kdx feeeels faster, but in reality its not. this is my opinion.....and to adress whats been said on this forum. remember, i am quoting YALL!!


ktm suspension.."pos"..... kdx suspension..BIG pos!!
ktm..to much power.........kdx..not enough power!!!
ktm, to much bottom........kdx.not enough bottom!!
ktm wont turn..................kdx turns good{because its slower?}
ktm is a dog....................kdx will loop you?

just to clear my opinions, i like the kdx, it does make a good trail bike, and is a pleasure to ride....... if........ your planing on riding on the pipe more...... but either of my ktm's, you dont have to be on the pipe to ride most anything you want. all bike companies make some good bikes. i like them all, everyone is different.
my bikes
-------------
96 ktm 300
96 XR400R
07 hayabusa
77 kz 1000
85 goldwing 1200
02 BIG DOG PITBULL

gone but not forgotten
96 kdx 200
98 ktm 380 "because it dang near killed me!"
97 ktm 360
96 ktm 250
93 wr 250
94 dr 350s
93 kx 250
07 gsxr 1000
99 bandit 1200
User avatar
Indawoods
Creator and Founder
Creator and Founder
Posts: 9951
Joined: 09:59 am Jun 12 2003
Country:
Location: Midwest

Post by Indawoods »

Still don't want a KTM. Just my thoughts.

Seat sucks and price tag sucks. End of story.
*** Administrator //***
****'95 KDX 200/****

"People ate cows a thousand years ago for the same reason we eat them now. Cause they are easy to catch.We're not savages,we're just lazy. A cheetah could taste like chocolate heroin. But will never know. Those bastards are fast!!! "
User avatar
David_L6
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 235
Joined: 01:07 am Jun 04 2010
Country:
Location: Northwest Louisiana

Post by David_L6 »

>|<>QBB<
Indawoods wrote:Still don't want a KTM. Just my thoughts.

Seat sucks and price tag sucks. End of story.
I'd kinda like to have a KTM 300. Seat sucks..... I could do something about that. Price tag sucks...... That's why I don't have a Kost Too Much.
2000 KDX200 / 2002 CR250 / 2003 CR250 / 2008 TT-R230 / 2011 Brute Force 750 / 2012 Brute Force 750 EPS
User avatar
David_L6
Gold Member
Gold Member
Posts: 235
Joined: 01:07 am Jun 04 2010
Country:
Location: Northwest Louisiana

'99 CR/KDX Hybrid with that RB stuff done to it

Post by David_L6 »

KarlP,

Can you post some info / pictures of your CR-KDX hybrid?
2000 KDX200 / 2002 CR250 / 2003 CR250 / 2008 TT-R230 / 2011 Brute Force 750 / 2012 Brute Force 750 EPS
User avatar
kdxmaniac
Supporting Member
Posts: 595
Joined: 09:01 pm May 24 2010
Country:

Post by kdxmaniac »

>|<>QBB<
Indawoods wrote:Still don't want a KTM. Just my thoughts.

Seat sucks and price tag sucks. End of story.


im just saying! never had a problem. :lol:
my bikes
-------------
96 ktm 300
96 XR400R
07 hayabusa
77 kz 1000
85 goldwing 1200
02 BIG DOG PITBULL

gone but not forgotten
96 kdx 200
98 ktm 380 "because it dang near killed me!"
97 ktm 360
96 ktm 250
93 wr 250
94 dr 350s
93 kx 250
07 gsxr 1000
99 bandit 1200
User avatar
Griffbones
Supporting Member II
Supporting Member II
Posts: 166
Joined: 07:44 pm Jun 05 2010
Country:
Location: Red Oak, Iowa

Post by Griffbones »

Don't see the seat problem? I have owned three KTM's and never had a problem with the seats, but admittedly I do stand 90% of the time.
'83 CR60R Fully restored
'97 DR350 (407cc)
2005 KX85 (103.5cc)
2006 KDX 200 (Bone stock other than Jetting, Gnarley woods, Turbine Core II)
2007 250 XC-W (SX head)
Post Reply