hey guys im stuck i got an offer to trade for a 2003 ktm 450sx looks really nice i have a 2005 yz 250 woods loaded everything under the sun except a stablizer and lights the ktm is all stock except bars and orange wheels  and handguards and skid plate the guy says it runs good but when gets warm he hears tapping and needs a head gasket leaks lil oil, should i do it or run fast? i was thinkin a gasket kit isnt bad and shim valves but could it be more than that?

heres the ktm  






heres my yz  

let me know guys i need advice!

Don't do it. The YZ is worth more.

The ktm WILL need new valves, unless they (or the guides) have been replaced. 03's have crappy suspension front and rear and (compared to 05+ and a flexy frame).

theres a reason why he wants to trade up for less maintenance bike. It seems like the YZs (alum frame) bikes are going up in price here in cali.....

DO NOT TRADE. Please.

You need to decide if you want to ride a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke. If you want to start riding a 450, then do it.

Isn't that bike a 4 speed?

I ride / own both two and four stroke. I actually have a taste for both.   Either one is great but is a personal preference.   How they feel and how you ride them are totally, totally different/

If you do decide to make the switch, please do yourself a favor and have a shop look it over. You will able to tell how much life the valves have left.  You should automatically be prepared to put in new rings and maybe a piston.   This will allow you to properly inspect the top end and do a simple check on crank play.

Btw.. this particular KTM engine has a reputation of being very durable.   Get it checked out.

Edited by mauricedorris, 15 April 2012 - 08:43 PM.

Run Fast

mauricedorris, on 15 April 2012 - 08:43 PM, said:

no.. This engine (03-05 450sx) has a reputation of having incompatible valves and valve guides that fail in 30-40 hrs. This is not a 4 vs 2 issue, it's a issue of not being as good of a bike.

If it was a 07+ sxf/xcf it would be a different conversation.

Remember riding one in a team race back when they were new.  Worst suspension ever .  Don't make the trade as your bike is worth way more...

NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!

Keep the YZ.

Edited by Pumpkin450sxf, 16 April 2012 - 05:29 AM.

The 450 ktms before around 08/09 handle like crap..... Keep the yam!

Just another vote here for the YZ.  That yz is a beautifully refined dirt bike.

I agree, Keep the YZ!

YZ.

YZ!

Yep, keep the yzed

Well?  Did you do what we told you ??

mikerides33, on 18 April 2012 - 03:19 PM, said:

Edited by shrubitup, 18 April 2012 - 06:02 PM.

Hahaaaaa.  I actually thought about that!