New ride?

[gwcrim]

Well, it's been four long years since I bought this 2002 KX250 with a 500 wedged in.  Took one spin around the yard and took it apart to inspect it.  The cases needed replaced.  Spent a year (?) chasing our pal Stewart around and finally got cases but they weren't machined to fit.  Took them to a machine shop this spring and haven't seen them since.  I've lost interest.

In the mean time, I bought a KLX450 and made it street legal.  Nice power but it's one top heavy PIG.  When it starts to go over, you don't fight for control, you bail.  I've had it with that bike.  It's making me feel old.

Since I"m a 50 yr old desk jockey, I want something light and nimble.  But as a KX500 owner (still have an '89 that needs work), I want lots of power.  I'm seriously thinking KTM 300 EXC.  They sure get rave reviews....

[Motorrad]

I made the mistake of riding my buddys new 570  Husaberg.      yea... mistake..    tons of power.   smooth... fuel injection, elec start...    and it comes with a license plate...

[sandblaster]

How does the Husaberg feel for weight?

[cbrfrenzie]

Well, it's been four long years since I bought this 2002 KX250 with a 500 wedged in.  Took one spin around the yard and took it apart to inspect it.  The cases needed replaced.  Spent a year (?) chasing our pal Stewart around and finally got cases but they weren't machined to fit.  Took them to a machine shop this spring and haven't seen them since.  I've lost interest.

In the mean time, I bought a KLX450 and made it street legal.  Nice power but it's one top heavy PIG.  When it starts to go over, you don't fight for control, you bail.  I've had it with that bike.  It's making me feel old.

Since I"m a 50 yr old desk jockey, I want something light and nimble.  But as a KX500 owner (still have an '89 that needs work), I want lots of power.  I'm seriously thinking KTM 300 EXC.  They sure get rave reviews....

I feel your pain.  I have been in a similar situation with an 81' YZ 465 0.080" over when I sent the head and piston off for machine work to never be heard from again...  I now own an 03 KX500 with low hours and a few upgrades for the woods.  I LOVE the power of my machine no hands down.  The other week at my work we had an 2013 YZ450F and I took it for a quick spin on our little test area.  That thing felt like a toy compared to my bike, and the power was actually acceptable!  I keep looking at that KTM 300 EXC as well and want to try it out!  The KX5 is super fun, but I think I need another toy to please me that is lightwight AND powerfull. Doesn't that equal a KX500AF !?!?  
Has anyone here ridden one of these KTM 300's?  Impressions / Reviews??

[Danger4u2]

If and when I get the coin this will be my bike of choice.  It's a 4 stroke but it's a 500 cc.  The way technology is going my choice may change every year.

http://www.ktm.com/us/enduro/500-xc-w-usa/highlights.html#.UFLzeqBw6UI

They make a street version but people in the know are tweaking the dirt version like these guys.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=773406

[Twosmokerfan]

Well, here is my 2 cents worth.

I have a Gas Gas 300 and did have the KLX450 at the same time.  I left the 300 in the shed and was swayed over tot he dark side (4 strokes) for about 18 months, until I took the 300 out for an organised trail ride at Kenilworth (the chook chase as it is locally known) and I can let you know this.....

The 300 is the weapon of choice for more spirited trail rides and races.  The 450 just beat me up when I got tired.  The 300 has more than enough power than you may ever need (but nothing like the 500, so don't kid yourself if you think it is a 500 replacement).

I took the engine out of the KLX450, and shoved the 500 in it, and haven't looked back.  For lazy trail rides, you can't beat the KLX500.  It took about 12-15kgs off the weight of the KLX, and just hoses the 450's.  I couldn't be happier, but be warned, the power of the 500 is the thing that will make you tired, not the weight.

Just my opinion.

TSF

[gwcrim]

now thats a great idea.....  if I owned a machine. shop.  street legal KLX500.

[Danger4u2]

Service Honda gave me the choice of the KLX or the KX as my chassis.  I chose the KX.  The KLX has lights but there not DOT.  So they have to come off to be legal in OK.  Baja Design dual sport kits come with all the wiring so the wiring has to come off also.  I have a streeted K5 (2004) and they are not fun to drive on the street without getting in trouble.  If your in town most speed limits are 40, 50 tops unless you get on a highway.  You never get out of third gear.  But if your not scared of a ticket they are a blast.  For sure if you like to do wheelies/stoppies.  Get on a 25 mph street, have you ever tried to drive any K5 25 mph? You'll just about die on the big 2 stroke that always wants to be gassed.  I only put the tag on mine because they made a law that you can't have ORV (Off Road Vehicles) in the forest area we ride in S.E. OK.

[Twosmokerfan]

Hi gwcrim,

Pics of what I did here.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,6778.0.html

TSF

[Brute]

Twosmokerfan, that is very nice! I have been collecting parts to street my 2000 KX500, but may keep my eyes open for one of those to convert. Really nice.

[gwcrim]

          

[riproost]

That is nice.

[gwcrim]

It's a 2008 300 XC.  Came with a Rekluse Z Start and brand new suspension.  For about $500 more I can add an electric leg!