KTM'ers Tell me about the 400R/XC

[Beach Boy]

Tell me if an older street legal 400 R/XC would be a worthwhile dual sport bike.
What's good and more importantly, what's bad about the 400 R/XC?

[R Doug]

I think it depends on which side of the dual coin you prefer.  I believe the 400R/XC is mostly an off roader with the ability to travel on paved roads (legally) to get you to more dirt.  

[Atitalongtime]

XR400R
YE OL' Ben Franklin

CON                                                    PRO
1. a bit on the Porky side                        1. reliable as a stone axe
2. Dated, not vary adjustable suspension   2. Parts are everywhere, new or used
3. you'll want more Hp before long            3. Tons of aftermarket opportunities
4. Std. Honda "Appliance" personality        4. You know what to expect & so will the next owner
5. slower, deliberate handling                  5. Slower deliberate handling... so who are you gonna cut under
                                                            during that burm-shot?

So start shooting... Pro and Con

[PackMule]

XR400R
YE OL' Ben Franklin

He's talking about a KTM RXC, not a Honda XR.  Though the XR is also a good 400 choice.  


I've got a 620 RX/C, which is essentially the same bike just bigger motor.  If you can find a good deal on the 400, there's nothing wrong with it.  Solid, reliable bike.  Definitely more on the dirt side of DS (though most of the 400's are).  I guess the only things to be of concern is that there's a pretty limited aftermarket for it to begin with, and the options slip away each year as the bike gets older.  i.e. tanks, seats, racks, etc

I certainly wouldn't pay any more for it than a comparable DRz or XR.  If you can get it at a discount, though, it'll serve you well.


Hope this helps,

[JohnWayne]

Here is another good place, albiet biased, to ask this question:
http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showforum=8

[Beach Boy]

PackMule and John Wayne,

Thanks for the replies and information.  I ended up passing on the bike I was researching and I am still looking for a DS.  

[PackMule]

PackMule and John Wayne,

Thanks for the replies and information.  I ended up passing on the bike I was researching and I am still looking for a DS.  

Sure thing.  What do you envision yourself doing with the DS bike?  That will pretty much dictate in which direction you should look.  

Trail riding?

Fire roading?

Adventure Camping/Touring?


If trail riding, how far do you have to go to get to the trails and how much road linking will you have to do once there?

[Beach Boy]

Sure thing.  What do you envision yourself doing with the DS bike?  That will pretty much dictate in which direction you should look.  

Trail riding?

Fire roading?

Adventure Camping/Touring?


If trail riding, how far do you have to go to get to the trails and how much road linking will you have to do once there?

Yes.
Yes.
Yes.  

Some trail riding, when I can find local places to ride and some just fire road, unimproved road, national and state parks/lands, which will be either within a reasonable highway ride distance (max 200 miles) or the bike can be hauled in my truck to a jumping off point.
But probably the last will be the most important - Aventure touring/riding with some camp and some cush (hotel/motel at the end of each day) riding.  
My driving desire is to do some of the United States / Mexican border rides.  I am currently living in Texas and see hauling the bike to a jumping off point and then some multi-day border area rides.  As I do these and gain in my knowledge of what is required, I plan to increase the range and the lenght of the trips.
So, I am looking for a bike that will do it all (within reason), is as dependable and trouble free as the old Nighthawk I ride on the street, but that can haul me (180 lbs) and gear (50 - 200 lbs, depending on trip and locale) over dirt, sand, mud, single track, etc.