2004 KTM reviews

I have raced my 450 EXC for a year now, enduro racing. It is a great bike. Problems include replacing the fork seals twice(put seal savers on, they work). You must adjust the valves every 15-25 hours for peak performance. I finished 5th in the state in my class. Engine is run stock with stock pipe. I run Dunlop 756's, use an ICO Checkmate computer(the best), EE handguard, and slave clutch guard, stock pipe, and a Scotts Stabelizer(worth every penny). As reliable as any Japanese bike. Probably time for new chain, sprockets and top end. Great bike. Show less

I am only 13 years old and this bike flies because of its wailing 2 stroke engine. This bike will fly. Great suspension on this bike. You can really get some air on this bike. If you want a FAST bike, this one is for you. Show less

When I wrote a review on my KTM a couple months ago, the bike was a little tall. Now that the suspension has worked in, it's excellent height.[I did lower the front end but only less than half inch] I have added a gpr stabalizer which raises the bars an inch or so, and now the bike fits perfectly. It is totally reliable and has a great power band. I would strongly recommend this bike! Show less

This is a GREAT bike as long as you don't take it on tight trails. It is geared to high (100mph)on the road. If you like fireroads though,it can't be beaten. Paved roads are okay if you change the knobbies to something more streetable. The first thousand miles you will experience quite a bit of vibration, but gradually goes away for the most part, but it's still a large single cylinder thumper. Believe me, I have a 1800 gold wing, this will vibrate, expecially at low speeds. It comes with a headlight and a tail light but need to have a brake switch added to be street legal in Missouri. I understand that next year, because of the unfavorable money (dollar/EURO) situation, there will be no LC4's(liquid cooled 4 strokes) imported to the States. Too bad, because this is a GREAT bike. The reason I gave it 3 stars on comfort is because of the vibrations early, and the seat--which is too hard and narrow. My bike will go approx 95 miles on the stock tank, but this is mainly on fireroads. Hope this helps someone's decision. Did I mention this is a Great Bike?!? Show less

I'm not usually a new bike purchaser but I just couldn't wait for a used 950 and am glad for that. This bike is serious fun!! Top quality suspension and brakes, the motor is fantastic and laden with torque and I've only been able to use 6500 of the 9500 RPM rev range until break in is complete at 600 miles. I've had over 50 bikes ranging from dirt to vintage to race replicas and have to say this is the best all arounder I have ever been on. Fantastic on the street and good in the dirt as long as you remember you are on a 490 bike but the weight transfer makes it seem like it's 100 lbs lighter as everything is carried low on the bike. I won't get into tech details as all the magazines have articles for that. If you're on the fence on this bike take a test ride and see for yourself, you won't be dissapointed. My 1 complaint as others have stated is the seat,it is bad, rather horrible!! Replace or reconfigure ASAP as a 100 mile ride is sheer torture! Good day and Great riding to you. Show less

I bought my son the brand new KTM in January 04. The sub frame began rubbing on the shock and the hydraulic slave cylinder leaks. Those are my only complaints. My son however doesn't like the suspension, compared to the Yamaha of the same class. Overall it is a fun bike to ride and very fast. Show less

I am sorry I cannot translate my weight into American pounds. I just know I am around 83 kgs (can somebody tell me?) I just bought that bike 2 months ago (it was already 7 months and 4000 km), but my first reactions to it after 2 months are following: I find the engine excellent, powerful, impressive, but I think the petrol consumption is quite high (over 8 liters every 100 km). The driving position is excellent for tall people, but the comfort very basic. The general quality seems to be quite good, but it seems that rust begins to appear on the spokes ends and on the disks and I have a small oil leak (some drops in my garage). Hopefully it is guaranteed! Show less

This bike gets better with age. 1st ride broke a collar screw on the top of the head (major oil leak until repaired). A replacement screw fixed the problem. Factory jetting was very lean until modified. Engine ran hot on pump premium in the beginning-mixed 1/2 race gas 1/2 premium & it was a non-issue. Oil sight gauge weeps. Fuel tank too small. Fork & shock springs too soft. After modifications, I love this bike & strongly recommend it. Power is smooth & predictable. Show less

This bike is so fast it had me wondering if I had done the right thing by buying it for a 5 year old. It's a super great bike, I would recommend it to any parent wanting there child to win at the local track. Show less

I just sold a 2000 YZF 426 and the bike is awesome. The reason I bought the KTM was to dual sport the bike. I did not know what to except. The dealer tried to sell me a 450 EXC but I'm a power hungry rider. After putting 500 miles on the bike, I'm blown away by how the bike performs. The brakes, clutch, transmission, handling and the way the bike performs are flawless. The clutch cover, oil sight glass, head and base gaskets get wet with a little oil. The dealer says this is normal and they sealed it up with new gaskets and sealer. don't sweat the small stuff - nothing is perfect. Show less