KTM Dirt Bikes Forum

Okay, so for the past 3 years I have been riding a Honda 4-Stroke because I once I moved in w/ my grandparents my grandad said that there was no way that he would be willing to buy anything other than a 4-Stroke. I've finally convinced him to consider letting me get a 2-Stroke because I currently own a CRF250F but I've had it for almost 2 years and I just don't think its the right bike for me. I have looked at several different options for buying a new 2-Stroke and there are a few different bikes that I like but so far the one that I have got my eye on is either the 2008 KTM SX125 or the KTM SX144 (A.K.A KTM SX150). I have done alot of research and I rarely ever hear anything bad about KTM's but the second I mentioned the bike to my grandad he said that KTM's are good bikes but that they were insanely high maintenance and that they were kind of like the 'Golden Retrievers of 2-Strokes' in that they constantly needed attention. I know that for the most part ANY 2-Stroke is going to require more maintenance that its 4-Stroke competitors but is it true that KTM is the most high maintenance of them all or is my grandad just being difficult?  If anyone owns a KTM SX 125/144, I would love to hear your opinions on the bike and I would also like to know that if KTM isn't the best choice for a 125cc 2-Stroke race bike, then what is? Thanks.  

i've owned my 05 125 SX for a year and haven't had to do anything to it except the usual oil/air filter stuff. also get the 144 SX its a sweet bike. yamaha also makes a good 2 stroke.  Pretty much your only choice if your going new is KTM and Yamaha the ktm makes more power but the yamaha is prolly the more well rounded bike. i can't say for sure cuz i have the KTM and haven't had any issues with it. its a solid bike and i like the colors    
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05 KTM 125 SX

the 144 is having problems with the cranks. they are nice but not worth it. ktm will probably get rid of them anyways now that ama rules have changed. before the rules were 125-144 two strokes vs 250 four strokes. now it is 125-250cc two stroke or four stroke. that is why they had the 144 because it is highest discplacement that was alloud before the rule changes.

also all bikes are the same. they all need the same maintence. bearings. top end once a year. oil changes. clean the air filter. ktm's are no difference except their parts cost more. a honda piston will cost less then $100 a ktm 144 piston costs $180. My neighbor just blew up his 144. ktm's make good power but their suspension sucks. i like them but you will have to dial the settings in as soon as you get the bike. their are many sites that tell you what to set the suspension in to make it better, like motorcrossactionmag.com

a four stroke actually needs more maintencance but you had the f model so that is why you didnt have to do as much maintenance but the race model four strokes are very high maintenance.  
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Ride 2 strokes, buy 2 strokes, save the 2 stroke.

1998 cr125
2002 cr80

I would rather go with a yz125.  
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2006 cr85 big wheel
Long live the 2-stroke

i have a 144 and it if grat fun and easiest to work an of all 10 of my bikes i have.  
2008 SX 144, 2005 KDX 220, 1986 TT 350, 2004 YZF 250, 2001 YZ 250

get ktm 250. you have experience, so if your going to get a new it minus well be a big bike.  
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Ride 2 strokes, buy 2 strokes, save the 2 stroke.

1998 cr125
2002 cr80

i agree on the big bike thing elko. not to call B/S but do you own a t stroke and if so you must be passing old guys like me a bunch my top ends do just fine for years. I will grant you i do not race mine so there is an entire side of the conversation I haven't any idea about, but seriously a new can every year?
as for the f strokes you can keep them down in California. They are heavy, noisy and maintenance hogs, not to mention all the turning mass in the engine you get to move when you want to turn one.
08 300xcw
cheers