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So, I finally convinced the wife and i will be buying a new dual sport. I have almost Zero experience on 2 wheels. My experience is on sleds, tikes and quads. I am 36 y.o., 210 lbs, 5'11". The technical side of enduro really has me wanting to get into it. In reality, id use this bike off road but use the roads to get to the good spots. I really think the WR250R is the logical choice, and I am sure I'd get lots of support from you guys to start here. My question: The KTM 350 EXC has me salivating. Is there anyone on here that would recommend this over the WRR for someone with my profile? I am aware of the obvious financial discrepancy and I don't want used, so no need to go there. Thanks

So, I was on Craigslist the other day, and I found this bike in the midst of a different search for a newer KTM. Normally, I'd jump on it, but I've never seen or heard of this model. Here is the link: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/4273882611.html Sorry if this is against some rules. Very new here!

Just brought my first dirt bike - new 2016 350EXC-F. What a great machine. I'm 52 and live in NJ. Bought this to mainly participate in enduros, hare scrambles, dual sport events etc. It's mainly trees, sand and rocks here. I'm in this for the exercise (or so I told the wife 😏 ) so not expecting to do anything extreme. Rode bike today and realized: (1) the gearing is way too tall. Having to slip clutch over all the slow stuff (2) bike needs protection (3) handle bars seem low when I'm standing up As I'm a total newbie, would really appreciate any advice on: (1) What brand/supplier of sprockets and chain should I get to change gearing? How many teeth front and back? (2) What protection is advisable? Should I focus on handle bars & engine, or do I need to look at brakes etc as well? What brands are tops? (3) Should I raise bars and how high? I'm 5' 10" Any suggestions on a brand/supplier? Thanks guys. Appreciated.

I'm looking for a softer more comfortable seat for my 15 Exc. It's ok on shorter rides. But on the 100 mile plus rides its horrible.

Or vice versa. I'm trying to decide on the 350 or the 500 EXC. I'm not a super aggressive rider, but I want to get better. I love riding in the dirt, but also love doing BDR's out here in the west (so some pavement is in order). I plan on going super light on the camping gear and using Giant Loop products. I weigh 160 pounds. I ride one BDR a year, but spend a lot more time in the woods and riding with the kids. I sold the 990 ADV because it was too heavy and sold the KLX250 because it didn't have any pop in the woods. Has anyone bought a 350 and wished they had gone with a 500 or just the opposite? I think a 350 would work for my needs, but . . .

Guys, like a lot of you I really use some KTM 500 advice. I'm calling out current owner perspectives, advice and experience to help with my decision of what to purchase. I've been reading a lot of reviews on the new 2017 EXC 500 and how it is more tractable than previous years due to some of the re-designs both on the frame, power-plant and TC traction control. In past years many reviews focused on things like the weight, how the torque can be tiresome and if you became fatigued your throttle management was key. Not like throttle management isn't key always but (more so) that you don't have as much room for error as you do on say the 350 EXC. My story: I'm 6'1 182 lbs and fairly aggressive rider but those days are behind me as I grow older but I do love exploring and have long term aspirations of doing some 1-4 day trips with camping gear in BC and maybe into the US. I live in Western Canada, BC and the riding here is (not) like a lot of places in the USA where you may see a lot of wide open terrain, sand flats, fields and the 500 has a ton of opportunity to breathe. I know she is a bit of a fire breathing dragon. 🙂 BC riding is a lot of hills and single track with a ton of rock cannons, rivers, logging and fire roads etc. The KTM dealers have talked about how agile, nimble the 350 and that most of the KTM guys riding in BC ride the 350. I guess where am going with this is the following. Not sure I trust the dealers knowledge of new 500 and how it differs. I don't doubt there historical information but what I'm asking the forum for is there knowledge of the new 500 and 350 and there experiences. I realize it hasn't been out very long, mostly only out in Europe but I'm asking just the same. The 500 seems to have some new designs that may reduce some of the past negatives on the 500. The new design has improved Traction Control, the weight (only 5 lbs) separate the 350 from the 500 and apparently the new frame and placement of the engine has resulted in significant reduction in vibration/rider fatigue. Of course a lot of this will be determined once you throw a leg over and ride 7 hours of mountain terrain. Also, I think I'm okay with the extra maintenance as I hear the schedule are higher, more often. I'm more focused on the right bike, albeit I think you can't really go wrong with either bike as they both are amazing. Thanks for reading guys and hope to hear back. Cheers, Christian Vancouver, BC

Not to carbon copy the 500 crowd, but I think this is a great idea. Plus it keeps the bikes seperate... 2014 350 103 hours, 2200 miles 4.1/snap Xcw map Handguards/pipe guard Seat concepts seat Ktm radiator fan BPD radiator guards Tubliss set up 13/50 gearing -Had to adjust the intake valves at 40 hours. The only issue I've ever had with the bike is the rear suspension is rubbing on the heim joint housing. Replaced both upper and lower bearings with no luck. Still working on a solution.