2003 KTM reviews

First of all, my previous bikes were all sportbikes (ie a Ducati 749S and an MV Agusta F4. I was a bit hesistant in getting a KTM 640 Adventure because of two things, Height and Speed. Fine.... this doesn't go 200kmh, but then again, after a mild trail ride with a 950 Adventure Buddy, my skeptisism with regards to the 640 Adventure has totally changed. After a mixture of tarmac twisties (which the bike isnt bad on tarmac.... you just can't lean it as far as road bikes) and semi rough trail.... this is actually FUN. In the city, use your imagination. Traffic? You'll love it- specially when you could get away with the "occassional" pedestrian walkway travel. Not that we are condoning it.... but hey. Show less

This is the best bike I have ever owned, it was amazingly fast stock, and is a torque monster. The suspension is amazing, with all the bad stuff the reviews say about the linkage less rear swing arm setup being sloppy and hesitant, it is all bologna, I have never had ANY problems like that with mine. My only complaint is the fork seals need replacement about every 2 seasons. It has an incredible almost scary increase to the already phenomenal power with the platinum 2 expansion and the type 296 keeps it forestry legal. I ride everything, hill climbs, hair scrambles, endures, woods, and motocross and this bike does it all with flying colors. It feels a little top heavy compared to motocross bikes but when you get the feel for the bike it is right at home on the track and in the air. Show less

This is a great bike. Even at altitude it has great low end. I just bought this bike used and have been pleasantly surprised. My other bike is a '98 KTM 300 EXC. Although the power difference is noticable, overall the 200 is a much lighter more comfortable ride with plenty of power. Just today I was riding at elevation near 10,000 feet and it still had great power. The only thing that stopped me was the snow. Show less

Picked up mine last week and have ridden about 8 hours so far over 3 sessions. It's a beast and I love the bike. Suspension is widely adjustable balance at low speed is like a trails bike (especially concerning the high lift). Controllable power and tons of it. My last 2 stroke was a YZ490 -- this bike has about 3/4 the brute torque of that one - but it was never used anyhow and the better gas efficiency is a huge plus. The EXC seems to get about 20-25 mpg off-road.
I'm SOOOOO glad I didn't go 4stroke. Explosive 2 stroke power with light weight and KTM heavy duty build make it the ideal bike for an old (30's) guy who loves to ride hard.
This bike has no problem bringing the front up in the first 3 gears -- on sand. Probably does in 4 too but haven't had that much straight yet.
Engine does seem to load up a tiny bit putting around with the boys -- but it does just fine. I was concerned about this since they have a TTR125L. Every few minutes I blow it out. It hasn't had even a hint of overheating and the boys and I have a hoot.
Put one next to a Honda and see the differences. From the rim/spokes to the gas tank it is twice the quality of a machine and a much better value. Show less

Initially I saw a Canadian Pro, Ryan Lockhart race one at the Albany round of the National Arencrosss series. He looked hesitant to crack the throttle in the tight turns. When I got my bike I understood why: the 2003 SX 250 takes no prisoners. It is a full on Grand Prix engine for the masses. I got the holeshot every race I entered in 2003 but having just switched brands, I needed more time to hardwire the bike into my brain. Fast forward a few months and I was running at the front of the pack Vet B regularly. The most exciting moments have come off the track when I started working on the bike and realzied that after a solid year of racing nothing came loose, broke or wore out as much as on past Japanese bikes. I drive a Volvo so quality is very important to me and the KTM has not disappointed in any way. The trick I am figuring out is that the bike is really a razor-sharp scalpel, so make adjustments at every track you ride. This isn't a set it and forget it bike, it is an exact clone of a FULL ON Grand Prix motorcycle and that is what factory racers do, change the bike a bit to suit the changing circumstances. KTMs are the most adaptable and adjustable bikes on the planet. Forget "Volvo for Life," I am now KTM for life!!! Michael James freelance journalist: Cycle News, motocross.com, mxlarge.com, motonews.com Show less

Great bike, good price (considering what you get, and it's ready to rock). Feels a little heavy, needs a little suspension work to carve in corners. Nice power, but it can get quite a bit more with some minor carb and air box adjustments. Show less

It is awesome it's fast with tons of bottom end. It looks, feels and rides great. I just got it, and it flies. I got it to race in VCHSS and VXCS series in Virginia and I think it is the perfect bike for me. I just upgraded from a cr 80 and it's great. Show less

This is a great bike as a stepping stone to an 80. It is very torquey and pipey which could scare a novice rider, but nothing that they could not get used to in short order. The quality of this machine is outstanding and has never given us a problem. It starts quickly on 1 kick everytime. This is a perfect bike for a 9-12 year old in the 60-85 lbs. range. Highly recommended. Show less

Where do I start. If you want a bike that can handle all types of situations, your looking at it. On-road, not the street cruiser feeling, but kind of a Jeep attitude. You get used to the vibration (as slight as it is) and little irks of off road tires (less holding in the twisties). This isn't a roadrocket, BUT when you hit the dirt, you're in control and the smiles begin. Who would of thought such a bike could be made that has good manners on either surface. The power is there and a twist on the throttle lets you know that this is a race bred engine. The suspension (WP) is so smooth,the rocks you encounter might alarm you, but the SMOOTH suspension just eats them up. Realiability, KTM, come-on, world class components and parts are no harder to get than anything else out there. As KTM say's Goooooo! Show less

I purchased my KTM about a year and a half ago and I think I only have one bad thing to say. This bike lacks a little bit in the power department. I love the suspension as well as the reliability. Show less