2003 KTM reviews

The bike is real flickable and starts every time. I've had it for almost 3 years and the only thing I have had to do out of the ordinary is change one plug. The bike is really low on power. I went up two teeth on the rear sprocket and it was not enough. It's hard to get the front end up unless you're in the right RPM range. The seat feels like you're sitting on a 2X4. I bought it to ride with the kids. My son has a Honda CR 85. That thing will absolutely blow this KTM 250 out of the water at lower speeds, but with all the 2-cycle maintenance, I still vote for the four strokes. It's reliability; ease of maintenance & flickable performance makes it a great beginner & kid chaser bike. Show less

I race 40 plus class and have won every race I have entered. The 250 SX is the ultimate dirt bike. Show less

If your even looking for a 250 two stroke or 400+ four stroke bike the only one to consider is the KTM MXC525 racing! I have tried them all from YZF's to CR 2-strokes and 4-Stroke DRZ's, XR's and CRF's. don't waste your time or money, you may spend a little more up front but add a skid plate and hand guards and your done, just ride, race, jump, wheelie, or flat outrun everyone you know nobody will keep up with you even if you are only an intermediate rider. However if you're into real long tight trail rides (50 miles plus or minus) you may opt to buy a little softer seat foam. Show less

The bike is excellent. I have been riding 33 years, and this is the best bike I've ever ridden. I'm 6'4" at 235-lbs, and it fits me perfectly. I use it for everything from riding MX to tight trails to commuting to work. I bought the bike to replace an XR-650L that I had for 10 years, and it's like KTM took that bike and fixed every single complaint that I had. It feels at least 60-lbs lighter, has about twice as much power, and has a stiff frame with good all-around suspension. It even comes with what are in my opinion, the best true dual-sport tires available, the Pirelli MT-21 Rallycross. You can buy all the parts to convert it to dual-sport from the KTM dealer and they are reasonably priced. It doesn't take much, though as the bike is sold street-legal in Europe, and they've just left off a few parts. The bike even comes with a parts manual that gives all the part numbers. I've added a factory luggage rack and passenger pegs from an LC4 Adventure, and went up one tooth on the countershaft sprocket. The gearing change really helps on the street, and still works well for all but the tightest trail situations (and I have a KTM-250 for that). My only complaint with the bike is that it has a carb-venting problem that causes it to stumble when you push it hard in rough going. I've added a Tee to the carb vent, and that has helped a lot, but it didn't cure the problem completely. The vent is really small, so I plan to add larger tubing soon. Others might disagree, but I think the bike is killer on the street - it's basically a super-moto bike, and even with the gearing change it will effortlessly loft the front wheel at 30MPH with just a twist of the throttle. The only problem I see is that if you ride it on the street long enough, you will eventually get a ticket. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions. Show less

I just got mine the weather is just turning cold but it`s so hard to resist riding the bike is so much fun a little intimidating at first but you get used to it. I raced my freind down the road and did a wheelie in 3rd behind him I`ve also wheelied in 4th i haven't hit 5th yet but I'm sure it's just as fun. The bike never stops pulling and I don`t go over half throttle in gears most of the time only once in a while. the brakes and suspension are top notch too. The bike never drives for you, it goes so so fast :) Show less

This bike is mad. It will go any place you wish to go and more. If you want a 2 stroke that has the crack of a 250 race bike but also has bottom end power to climb the long hills this is your weapon. Show less

KTM nailed the market with this sport adventure touring off-road machine. Capable of long highway cruising, motard riding through canyons with sport bikes, and grunting up dirt hills this bike does it all. The bike delivers sport bike-like power and acceleration and while on forest service dirt roads 1st gear serves you well up until 35mph at 5000rpm. As with all bikes, the suspension settings require adjustment to the invidual rider's preferences. With 12.5 inches of ground clearance and 10.5 inches of suspension travel, this bike is very capable. Watch out for its mass, it requires some planning and strength to muscle this big bike through technical or rough chopped trails. Show less

This is the best bike I've ever ridden. Light as a 125 and power like a 250. Brakes are strong and the balance is perfect. The only thing I would do to this bike is buy a soft seat. Show less

Great for runing flat out. Handles big hits like there not there. The only two bumers are hard to start when hot and it eats rear tires. Show less

What an awesome bike. I just got back from a 100+ mile ride starting in Hesperia all the way down to El Verde a small town in Mexico. I was very impressed with how much power this bike had and talk about comfortable. I give the bike a *****. Mike Show less