I recently came across a deal way too good to pass up on whats basically an 04 KTM 450exc (some assembly required). Looking at the bikes side by side, I really like some of KTM's design attributes. My plan is to finish assembly on the ktm and probably sell it because I really like the way my green DRZ works and I'm proud of the work I did to it.

However, being side by side I cant help but wonder about some of the DRZ's attributes I dont like. Like why does the DRZ need a oil breather, if all bikes do it, where does the oil go on the ktm?

How can the battery on the exc ,which is an e-start bike also, be so small? And why does the ktm not have dogbones on the rear suspension? Why is this enormous battery on the drz hanging off the rear subframe instead of under the seat right in the center of the bike like the ktm?

So like the title says, is the DRZ engine way more reliable? Is it because of things like the oil breather and giant battery that make it more reliable? What other features does the drz have that make it not just a great playbike, but a BETTER playbike that the ktm and husky.

Oh yeah, heres a pic of the ktm in its current state: :)

I have never ridden one...but I have ridden with plenty of guys who do. They seem to be quite worthy and in some aspects admirable. They are lighter, they have kick + electric and they make plenty of power with the stock pipe...while being quieter then my un-corked KLX. They are a bit more race oriented then the DRZ...but reliability has not seemed to be an issue with any of the guys I have ridden with...but admittedly only one of the guys I rode with was on a bike that was more the 2 years old...and not much over that. So over the long haul...who knows.

Keep it and ride both. Keep one dedicated to SM and the other too dual sport.

Remember KTM's slogan "race ready". It's not a coincidence you see no old KTM's riding around. They are purpose built "serious" playbikes you ride for a year or two and then replace. DRZ is built to last as long as you want it too same goes for XR's , XT's etc. I still see 20 year old XR's thumping around. I'm no racer or pro rider plus my pockets are not deep enough, that's why I ride a DRZ.

Well that's my 2c :ride:

I went from a DRZ to a KTM smoker and it was fun, but now that both of those bikes are gone, I would bike the DRZ as my next bike (like I did twice before!).

Each brand has its own strengths and idea of how to build a bike.

One of the big (BIG) issues with the KTM is that even if you get a reliable one, you will find that many parts have to be purchased through KTM and you pay a premium for that. With the Japanese brands, the aftermarket vendors have tons of parts and that gives you options.

What was really shocking is to see KTM bikes that were five or six years old that were being parted out because of a minor mechanical failure. It was too expensive to repair or the parts just were not available. That is one of the reasons I sold my KTM before it broke.

I was faster on the KTM 250EXC when needed, but it wore me down quickly.

Another thing that I cannot get over the physical size of a KTM's gearbox, maybe it's a stacked type (Eddie ?) but it's minute next to a DRZ's. Now you can't tell me it will last very long after you have put some mileage on it :excuseme:

Another advantage to selling the KTM is you could finally clean up that garage. Keep the punching bag for tire changes though. :p

r

Let's see what we can tell about 350lee.

I see he has a tv in his garage. I see removeable doors to a jeep cj, a crotch rocket of some sort parked behind the Kawi. I see an air compressor with some sort of spray setup with a huge hopper....perhaps a texture gun?

What else can we tell about F350LEE?

Haha...My garage is in a state of flux right now, in other words its a mess.

Digitaldan is right about the gearbox, but everything else is that way too. Tiny little bolts everywhere. I have read on ktmtalk though people who've gotten a ton of miles out of these engines. So either they are either an anomoly or its built pretty well.

Unfortunately the deal I made with my wife is that I pretty much have to sell the ktm as soon as I get it back together again, I will ride it a time or two, but then thats it. It came with all the stock parts so I'll probably bring it back to stock dirt model status and then sell the parts seperately. It does look very cool all powdercoated black though.

F350Lee said:

Does it have an odo ? If not how do they know how many miles they have done ?

MutualBill said:

First, the angle of the TV is confusing. It looks like it's watched from the driveway. 2nd, Woodworking also may occur in the garage(lots of dust). I'm also thinking part time upholstery? The house seems new as well.

The fire extinguisher suggests that Lee is safety conscious. Or at least recognizes that his garage is a fire hazard! :p :)

You guys are bad! Have you no respect for the privacy of a man's garage?
I've always thought it would be a good thread topic:"Show Me Your Garage".
I do the same thing on people's pics. I look around in the background trying to see if their garages are as messy as mine.
All I ask is, please don't violate the sanctity of a fellow TT'er's garage.
:naughty: :cry:

And heaven forbid he actually had to do some work on that work bench :applause:

Ron W.

I have a KTM battery in my DRZ.Been there for 8 months,so far so good.

Based on what I see ... I would keep both ... but ... I would make the KLX a super moto ... and the KTM the Dualsport ... as we know the wheels are interchangeable ... or if the KTM has to go ... keep the SM wheels for the KLX ... that's my 2 cents

freewheelers said:

+1 :thumbsup: I rode a powerful ktm mxc 525 (sm trim) and it was light and nice, but i felt more comfortable ripping my dr-z.. sweet bike though

If your an aggressive rider, then put knobbies on the KTM and ride it you will find out why it's not a play bike and there are over 10 KTMs to every 1 DRZ.

I like my (modded out) DRZ and prefer it for playing around and easy Dual Sport rides, but when the tough gets going I'll be riding my 450 KTM.

I can service three DRZ in the time it takes me to service my KTM.