KTM400EXC v Suzuki DR350SE

[boboneleg]

I am thinking of getting a KTM400 for trail riding.

I love my DR350 but my DR650 has sort of made it redundant for dual sport rides, ie riding from Bristol to N.Wales via the trails and roads and so I mainly use it just for trail riding now.

As a pure trail riding bike I could do with something a fair bit lighter as I get older but it must have electric start and I've always fancied the KTM.

However, I do have a few concerns, how tall are they (I'm 5'8'' with a 31'' inside leg), how reliable is the electric start on them, I don't want to have to be kicking it all the time and are they acceptable for the odd bit of roadwork between trails.

I'd love to hear from anyone who owns one or has owned one.

cheers, Bob.

[Crossrutted]

Bob, RFS or later engine?

[Redmurty]

Can't help on the KTM but first dibs on any bits for the DR350 left over when you sell it (thumbs) or any bits available :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

cheers Spud

[herman]

Lecky start is fine on the four stroke twas only when they kind of retro fitted them to the two stroke did they give trouble and then they can be modded slightly and made reliable. Servicing is the key to happy KTM ownership but even if you do end up mending it they are a joy to work on compared to most stuff. Find a loved one and it will be spot on for your needs Bob. B)

[Thedktor]

Fabulous bikes, had two. Taller but lighter. Thing is the DR is arguably easier to ride being that bit lower in the saddle, its mainly when you have to pick it up the difference would be mofe noticeable.

[Stewie]

The older KTM400exc with the RFS engines, are really well sort after and for good reason, but this does tend to keep the cost high, although I'm slightly bias, I would get a 525 ( well there all 510 engines ) as it's the same weight and height, with shall we say a tad more power :whistle: and people tend to stay away from them.
As Herman says, you really have to dig into the service history, but they're really easy to work on, lots of parts about, once it's set up right they're the nuts.
The real joy is getting on it after the 990, it feels like your on a mountain bike (thumbs)

[The Sarge]

But you won't be 'Dr Bob' on an EXC :pinch:

[boboneleg]

Bob, RFS or later engine?

Tell me about the differences, only thing I know is that some seem to head a double header pipe and some single?

[bowber]

Ha Ha, that's just what I've done
I've got an 04 400 that needed some tender loving care so I'm in the process of giving it a rebuilt, wheel bearings, pads, C&S etc.
Just riding it around my yard I can tell it's lighter and handles nicer but I'm 6'3" and I had a 450 years ago that I've missed ever since.

Steve

[Uncle Buck]

It may be ok bob if you get a leg extension. My 350 is tall and I have trouble getting in that!