KTM 400 for New-To-D/S Rider

[canban]

I am looking at KTM 400SX (2002) with a baja designs light kit to  get into some mild dual sporting. I took it for a brief spin and it seemed manageable. What do the experts say about this choice? Price wise it is competitive with same vintage purpose built dualsports from the big 4.

Thanks.....

[Sport-Touring]

[Burners]

Street legal and plated? If not, you are missing half of the Dual-Sport equation...  

[garry]

Bad choice. It's a MX/SX bike with a four-speed close-ratio gearbox. You need a wide-ratio six speed.

[Blue is Best]

Bad choice. It's a MX/SX bike with a four-speed close-ratio gearbox. You need a wide-ratio six speed.

Having not really been on top of dirt bikes for a few years, I wasn't aware of the four speed thing. Hey OP, why don't you look for a good shape CRX450 or YZ450(?). They are off-road bikes with motoX power and electric starter and lighting coils!? Cheaper parts too!

[canban]

Street legal and plated? If not, you are missing half of the Dual-Sport equation...  

Street legal and plated

[canban]

Bad choice. It's a MX/SX bike with a four-speed close-ratio gearbox. You need a wide-ratio six speed.

It is a 6 speed


Manufacturer - Make - Model - Year: KTM SX 400 Racing 2002
Motorcycle Style: Motocross


ENGINE SPECS

Engine Type: 398 cc, 4 Stroke - Liquid Cooled - Single
Engine Bore and Stroke: 89 mm x 64 mm
Valves OHC, 4 valves/cylinder
Carburetion: Keihin MX FCR 39 mm
Ignition System: Kokusan digital 4K-3A

Transmission type: 6 speed
Final Drive: Chain


MISCELLANEOUS SPECS

Tire - Front: 80/100-21
Tire - Rear: 100/90-19
Brakes - Front: single 260 mm disc with 2-piston calipers
Brakes - Rear: single 220 mm disc with 1-piston calipers


DIMENSIONS

Seat Height: 925 mm (36.4 inches)
Wheelbase 1481 mm (58.3 inches)
Fuel Capacity: 7.5 l
Dry Weight (without fluids): 107 kg (235.9 pounds)

[R Doug]

Interesting that it's a 6 speed.  That's good, but you'd most likely need to change the sprockets to make the gearing less aggressive.  Also, MX bikes generally spool up too quickly for slower dual sport riding.  Another mod you would need to consider is a heavier cam and/or flywheel.  MX bikes don't typically go slow very well.

I'm not saying you're a slow rider, I'm just saying MX bikes are very race orientated and if you're not wanting something which goes balls out all the time, this bike would not be the best choice.  

[garry]

Bad choice. It's a MX/SX bike with a four-speed close-ratio gearbox. You need a wide-ratio six speed.

My bad. I did a Google search because I figured the SX was a motocross model and the link I found was for the 2000 model year when it was a 4-speed.

[R Doug]

Sorry, I kept referring to it as an MX bike, but it's still a race bike (SX supercross), right?

If so, adding flywheel weights and changing out the final drive are both easy and inexpensive.

[Blue is Best]

What about my idea of a CRX or WR? Cheaper parts. Have lighting coils. Wide ratio trans. Probably more power very easily. Electric start!!!

But if you already have the KTM then good.

[Tyrroneous]

Intended purpose?  Define 'mild dual sporting'.  If you're talking fireroads and such the bike will be overkill and still be more maintenance intensive than some of the more well known DS bikes.  If you're talking about single track, and off road trails, it'd probably be great but that is a lot of bike for someone just getting into dirt.  I say this because I am just getting into riding off road this year and prefer single track and woods type riding. I snagged a 2003  XR400 at a great price but almost regret the purchase because it is a lot of bike for a beginning off road rider such as myself.  And that KTM will have gobs more power than the XR will.

[canban]

Advice taken. I have plenty of time to think about this as fall is upon us. I was leaning towards a less aggresive 250 like a KLX or  XT but this KTM lept off the page at me. Shopping is half the fun. Thanks all......

[robrm250]

I love my KTM350xcf set up for dual sports,plenty power plus light easy to handle,you could always buy a 2002 KTM 400exc trans and put in it if you can buy the bike right.