2002 KTM reviews

Seriously - I've been trying out a few bikes to find the right combo, and this is it. Yes, the seat is hard. It's so nice and light, that it offsets its height. It has plenty of power and great suspension. I really liked my KX100, but felt a bit folded up on it, so this is perfect. It was a little nervous for my first ride out, but no crashes - just sore. Now I just need to get in better shape (yes, that 160 lbs. should be closer to 125 - lb. for lb. Go get one ladies!!! Show less

It's the best of both worlds. I grew up on 4-strokes and this can be ridden like one or gas it and scoot like a 125MX. Maintenance is pretty simple and easy. The bike is so light, I can pick up the rear end and move it over rocks/small logs while I'm on it. Show less

I expected this bike to be really powerful but I didn't expect this much! The 380 EXC is as light and nimble as some 125s, yet leaves many 450 4s standing. The bike needs no upgrades to prepare for racing and comes with fantastic quality parts as new. It feels as easy to throw around as some mountain bikes I've had! I'd recommend this bike to anyone who has had plenty of experience on smaller bikes. Even the experienced rider should approach with caution; this bike does take some getting used to before you can put all that power to good use. Ignore the wife - go and buy one now! Show less

I am the second owner of this 520 EXC. The first owner felt the bike was too much. Personally this bike is the best I have ever owned. I love to ride tight and technical; with the 520 I can ride the nastiest terrain - slimy, rocky or tight single track. The bike performs flawlessly. The gearing is not stock at 13/48 with a short chain to shorten the wheel base which makes the bike handle great in tight sections. The power on tap makes up for the extra weight. Components and reliability are outstanding; the bike just takes a beating and never looks back. Show less

I'm 16 and I've had my KTM for 3 years and absolutely love it. Its power band is nice and low in the rpm range, perfect for the tight stuff in the woods and the engine RIPS. I have rode no other stock 125 that has the out right power or torque of this bike, and throttle response is instant. The hydraulic clutch is great every time you pull it. It starts on the first or second kick every time. It also looks better than any other brand, in my opinion. The ONLY complaint I have is that the seat is as hard as a rock, after riding for 30 mins you will just want to stand. Show less

I picked up a new '02 KTM 300MXC in mid-2002 as a replacement for a '99 300EXC. With the '02 engine pretty much unchanged from the '99 version, the feel of the power delivery was the same - loads of low-end 'grunt' and more power than I could ever use. The 43mm WP forks were quite a change from the massive 50mm's on the '99 EXC, which sacrificed weight for plushness. The '02 forks were the opposite - much lighter, which made the front end easy to loft over logs, but they were harsh. Some of the rough stuff the '99 EXC would float over was sometimes bone-jarring on the '02 MXC. I ended up buying a do-it-yourself revalve kit that helped the fork action but never got it close to the 50mm WP's. In 2003, KTM finally abandonded the 43mm forks. Reliability was an issue in the first year, as the shift drum bolt backed itself out, thanks to the factory failing to apply thread locking material. That was an expensive, time-consuming fix. I never could get the carb jetting right and had to use race gas to keep the engine from knocking. Eventually I discovered C&M Machine and Clay Wolfe, who figured out that KTM's engine manufacturing tolerences weren't as exact as they should have been. C&M cleaned up the cylinder head and - presto! - no more engine knocking (and no more race gas). The front brake has been spongy from Day 1, despite my many attempts to improve the action. The Brembo front brakes on KTM's are very inconsistent - some are one-finger strong; others (like mine) will just never give you that kind of satisfaction. Other than that, I've generally been happy with the MXC. It's mostly my enduro bike and my first choice whenever I know I'm going to be on the bike for many hours. The low-end power delivery of the 300 engine lets me conserve energy. In 2006 I spent a week in the high mountains of Colorado, and with just a few minor jetting changes the MXC ran perfectly and was a joy to ride. The hydraulic clutch is like butter and the linkage-less PDS shock only has to be serviced about once a year - when the lower heim bearing goes out (no every-other-ride linkage greasing). Best of all, there is a huge aftermarket for all sorts of KTM-unique parts and gadgets, the best of which come from Enduro Engineering and eRider. Show less

This bike has been a very reliable bike. Starts within 4 kicks (cold). It is a very quick bike and will easily stand up with almost no warning to the less experienced rider. The Magura clutch will reward those who have the guts to match their throttle control skills. Honestly, the bike is a little too much for tight woods (but can be used there it really shines on motocross tracks and open trails. Probably needs a flywheel weight. Other than this, it is the open class killer. The KTM quality, fit, finish are unsurpassed by any of the big-4. Show less

This bike is great for the track and it is very reliable in stock condition. It starts very easy on first or second kick. It corners good and jumps great. It's fast for a 125. I would recommend this bike to anyone looking to ride some real tracks. Show less

I've had bikes continuously since I was 15 years old (29 years!) and have owned all kinds over the years. The Duke II is as much fun as you can have on a street bike. It does everything well - except tour which is way beyond the scope of what this bike was intended to be used for. It is an excellent commuter - thin and nimble. Very fast despite its modest engine output relative to most sport bikes out there. I also own a very powerful sport bike (Aprilia RSV) and the Duke is more fun because it is easier to use and you feel like you are using more of the bike than with the Aprilia (if that makes any sense at all!). The engine has some vibes but they add to the character of the bike and do not detract at all. It is extremely light and agile and you can thrash it and throw it around and it just comes back for more. It feels a lot faster than it is (not that it is slow by any means) - it is more quick than outright fast. Definitely well made. Excellent suspension - compliant but stiff enough to keep it all under control. Show less

I just got one of these bikes, and they are sweet. They have a lot of power and are easy to ride. I love this thing. Show less