[llamaface]

Hopefully that wasn't directed at me personally, but as a general statement since you can get banned for personal attacks.

Yep, it was directed directly at you, but clearly not a personal attack, just an observation.

I personally am slightly faster on a 250, but that has more to do with my riding style and terrain and habits than the bike. By the end of the 2nd day of the isde qualifier last year, I was revving the 200 out a bit more and had picked up the speed, where earlier i was lugging it like my 250 and losing acceleration on steep climbs and accelerating out of turns. But that's just because I'm lazy.

Interestingly, last year a shop back east somewhere did a full day of testing with various people on various sizes, and the 200 was consistently the fastest bike. I don't know what to make of that, except that I still say it's not the bike, it's the rider. :cheers:

I'm sure cutting the 200xc has zero to do with whether it's a good race bike, and lots to do with whether they were selling as many as they hoped to.

[superslyko]

I once saw an A rider stand up, blip the throttle & loft the bike in the air, did a complete 180 while the bike was in the air. He simply lofted it around while he was standing in one place. :crazy:

Dropped it down right next to him. Mounted, and was off! Now I can do that with my bicycle, but anything other than a small, light, bike and I'm taking the long way around. :bonk:

[albertaguy]

my son is a die hard ktm kid, he's been saving for a 2010 85, I guess we need to look at a 105 but I think they are a bit bigger than the 85's. Or find a left over 09 somewhere. He loves ktm 2 strokes, he has his whole life of bikes picked out up to ending up on a 300 when he's tall enough but the 85 and 200 were on that list.

[blueheeler]

To say that you prefer a 250 over a 200 is one thing. To say that the bike is junk and should never have been built?????????? Whatever:foul:.

[dcg141]

KTM is not discontinuing these models..dealers are just waaaay overstocked on 08's and 09's. KTM is trying to help dealers clean up current inventory. That includes the 200..I won alot of races on a clapped out 200 maybe I should give those trophies back.

[TankFish]

what is the difference between the XC and the XCW?

[See-Are-Ef-Too-Thir-T-Ef]

Mainly the wide ratio transmissions and closed chamber fork.

[tm_enduro]

Even with the xc200 going away, I am quite excited to see an xc150 coming into existance. If is not fast enough, a little squish band/ head work and going to race gas should make it hold it's own most anywhere!

[thescreamingkiwi]

IMO the 150 is much too jumpy for the woods....well, the stock 150 motocross motor anyway. I'm curious to see what they will do to make it a better woods bike then the track bike, if any. I'm sure they will change the gearing and make it wider...will there be a FWW? lights? I don't ride woods but my 144 is very jumpy and has quite the powerband...that's one thing that makes the 200 so much more suitable for the woods IMO. my dad's 200 is meaty all through the powerband, almost no hit, and has loads of torque. cool bikes.

[mtman]

Even with the xc200 going away, I am quite excited to see an xc150 coming into existance. If is not fast enough, a little squish band/ head work and going to race gas should make it hold it's own most anywhere!

Agreed, it should be an awesome bike. If there is any way I can swing two bikes next year, the 150XC will definitely be one of them. After riding the 150SX last year, I would say that riding it at 5K feet elevation is like riding a good running 125 at sea level.

IMO the 150 is much too jumpy for the woods....well, the stock 150 motocross motor anyway. I'm curious to see what they will do to make it a better woods bike then the track bike, if any. I'm sure they will change the gearing and make it wider...will there be a FWW? lights? I don't ride woods but my 144 is very jumpy and has quite the powerband...that's one thing that makes the 200 so much more suitable for the woods IMO. my dad's 200 is meaty all through the powerband, almost no hit, and has loads of torque. cool bikes.

Different ignition
Different porting
Heavier fly wheel by a couple oz.
different head
Hopefully a two ring piston for durability
It will be wired to accept lights but won't come with them, just like the rest of the XC line.
Suspension sprung and valved for offroad riding.
Larger tank
Transmission ratios changed to semi-close ratio

That should be most of the major changes. If it had the same stroke as a 125 so you could get a 125 cylinder, and run either motor. Now that would be cool.

[tm_enduro]

IMO the 150 is much too jumpy for the woods....well, the stock 150 motocross motor anyway. I'm curious to see what they will do to make it a better woods bike then the track bike, if any. I'm sure they will change the gearing and make it wider...will there be a FWW? lights? I don't ride woods but my 144 is very jumpy and has quite the powerband...that's one thing that makes the 200 so much more suitable for the woods IMO. my dad's 200 is meaty all through the powerband, almost no hit, and has loads of torque. cool bikes.
Having been a TM125 rider, I like fast / strong 125 motors. Please note that I am a very physically fit former AA racer (40+ YO). For reference, a TM125 enduro is basically a 125 MX (wicked fast) with a heavier flywheel. KTM knows how to build woods bikes, so it is fair to assume that the XC150 will be an SX with a FWW and lighting coil (very nice for heated grips!). The guys that gravitate towards a xc150 will likely be looking for an agressive screamer of a bike, I know I am.

[thescreamingkiwi]

ok tough guy...i'm a 5'3 115 lb girl and i race motocross on a 2007 KTM 144...I think I know the power the bike puts out.

[mtman]

Having been a TM125 rider, I like fast / strong 125 motors. Please note that I am a very physically fit former AA racer (40+ YO). For reference, a TM125 enduro is basically a 125 MX (wicked fast) with a heavier flywheel. KTM knows how to build woods bikes, so it is fair to assume that the XC150 will be an SX with a FWW and lighting coil (very nice for heated grips!). The guys that gravitate towards a xc150 will likely be looking for an agressive screamer of a bike, I know I am.

Agreed, after riding their 125 EXC, I was impressed, and the 150 should be even a little better, especially at altitude. It they added lighting output, without adding FWW and softened the suspension just a little it would be such a cool bike. I think they will take it a little too far though and we will be looking to make the power more along the lines of the 150SX.

[albertaguy]

anyone happen to have any experience with an 85sx and 105sx? KTM's web site shows some inaccuracies, don't know if I can trust their weights. My son has way outgrown his 65sx and the plan was probably 85, 105, 144? 250. Just wondering how much more pull the 105 has, do they feel a fair bit heavier than the 85? Thanks.

[albertaguy]

ps he will be 11 this year and is about 105lbs and 5'2 and has been riding since he was 4. Pretty sure he could manage the 105 but don't want to push it and destroy confidence when a bigger bike falls on you and you can't pick it up and start it o the trail or hill side very well.

[MOTOPHILE]

Just when I had my heart set on a 505XC-F... :( I guess its motocross or wide ratio only now. I think they might bring back some models in 2011 with new rear suspension and FI.

[PumkinFest]

I went from a TTR 125 to a KTM 250sx, it was tough at first but you get used to it. My friend went from a 230 to a 450, no big deal for him either.

I went from a RM80 to a 450, yeah it was hard but like you said you get used to it after a few dozen crashes :ride:

[Ktmsrock573]

IMO the 150 is much too jumpy for the woods....well, the stock 150 motocross motor anyway. I'm curious to see what they will do to make it a better woods bike then the track bike, if any. I'm sure they will change the gearing and make it wider...will there be a FWW? lights? I don't ride woods but my 144 is very jumpy and has quite the powerband...that's one thing that makes the 200 so much more suitable for the woods IMO. my dad's 200 is meaty all through the powerband, almost no hit, and has loads of torque. cool bikes.

Just put a heavier flywheel weight on your bike and change the sprocket sizes around, it should help a lot.

[Ktmsrock573]

I am very disappointed that KTM didn't change the seats. Those have to be the most uncomfortable seats ever haha. I am going to miss the 505 xc-f, it is the best bike for fast riding, it has no need for fuel injection, the power is there. I am going to hang onto mine for a while.

[Ktmsrock573]

anyone happen to have any experience with an 85sx and 105sx? KTM's web site shows some inaccuracies, don't know if I can trust their weights. My son has way outgrown his 65sx and the plan was probably 85, 105, 144? 250. Just wondering how much more pull the 105 has, do they feel a fair bit heavier than the 85? Thanks.

The 105 isn't really much different from the 85. I doubt that your son could even tell a difference in weight. The power is better than the 85, but mostly bottom-end. The 85 and 105 are pretty much the same size. I would personally get a 125 or 150, that is if your son is comfortable with riding an oversized bike for a while? If not, just get the 85 and once he gets to about 5'4" to 5'5", he will at least need a 125. I weighed about 105 to 110 and was like 5'3" when I got my first 125. It was tough at first, but once you get the technique of riding a bigger bike he should be fine.

[trailmeisterjoe]

I am very disappointed that KTM didn't change the seats. Those have to be the most uncomfortable seats ever haha. I am going to miss the 505 xc-f, it is the best bike for fast riding, it has no need for fuel injection, the power is there. I am going to hang onto mine for a while.

why the heck does this always come up?? you NEED a firmer seat so all nuances from your body motion transfer directly to the handling of the bike. a seat that is way soft will absorb some of your "body english" and not transfer to bike direction change. besides...stand up and ride ( as most advanced riders do) and you wont worry about the firm seat.:busted:

Joe

[KAS]

why the heck does this always come up??

Joe

Because its true.

I wouldn't call my YZ450's seat a couch by any means, but when I hopped on my friend's '09 530 XCW, the seat was shockingly uncomfy. I don't have a problem with firm foam, I think its because of the shape of the sea (square edges).

[Ktmsrock573]

why the heck does this always come up?? you NEED a firmer seat so all nuances from your body motion transfer directly to the handling of the bike. a seat that is way soft will absorb some of your "body english" and not transfer to bike direction change. besides...stand up and ride ( as most advanced riders do) and you wont worry about the firm seat.:busted:

Joe

I race AA, I know how to ride the bike. The firmness isn't a problem it's the shape, the squared sides suck especially when I Ironman 24 hour races.

[Justin 314]

Does anyone have any information on release dates? I can't find anything on it. I'm looking at switching to orange and picking up a 2010 250SX :).

[superslyko]

Joe,

Come on. You of all people know that's not a valid argument. :bonk:

573's got a point. How about on mile 90+ at that Enduro and the edge catches you just in that perfect spot? :smirk:

When you're tired and just cruzin, that's when you sit down. That's when it's most important to have a comfortable seat.

When you're attacking the trail, that's when you're standing up.

Until then, I guess the aftermarket seat companies will thrive.

[trailmeisterjoe]

I guess i dont know any better:smirk: . i have only ridden KTM since '85 and yes they are hard, so my a** has obviously gotten used to it:banana: . what is weird is, i have 3 ktm's currently and the 01 definitely has a hard seat, the 05 is waaay softer but still firm, and my 09 though is even firmer than the 05. oh well, there could be much worse things:p

Joe

[Balok629]

I guess i dont know any better:smirk: . i have only ridden KTM since '85 and yes they are hard, so my a** has obviously gotten used to it:banana: . what is weird is, i have 3 ktm's currently and the 01 definitely has a hard seat, the 05 is waaay softer but still firm, and my 09 though is even firmer than the 05. oh well, there could be much worse things:p

Joe

+1, and softening up the seat is very easy. There are several write-ups as to how to do it here on TT. Although I'm used to a hard seat now, and I actually prefer it. Makes me stand more than usual.

[erktastic]

Does anyone have any information on release dates? I can't find anything on it. I'm looking at switching to orange and picking up a 2010 250SX :).

A person I ride with already has a 2010 so I'm guessing they're available.

[visbits]

The 2010 models are up for sale on ktmparts website.

[silversurf]

The 2010 models are up for sale on ktmparts website.

The only "2010" models out right now are the 450 and 530 "Champion Edition" and they are VIN'd as 2010, but are the same frame, motor, etc as 2009. So it's a "bling" package on a 2009 bike. The 2010 frames and triple clamps change (along with some other things) so these models do not include this.

This is info from KTM PNW rep Jason Dahners who was at Webb Powersports' customer event/ride this weekend and stated as much while they had these two "2010" models on display for showing (they look nice with all the goodies btw).

So personally, I'd call these 2009.5's as they are intermediate to the full line release.