Best older/budget KTM's to look for?

[zimm17]

Well I'm rocking my '08 250XC-W. Now my little brother is dying to get one, but unfortunately is on a very tight budget. Like $2-3k. Are there any years to avoid for KTM 2 strokes? Looking for 200/250 XC/EXE/XCW, or whatever. Just don't want a bad design. Saw a '97 200exe but it had standard forks and looked like it was in bad shape for $1k. Is there a specific year cut off to look for?

Thanks.

[Chickenhauler]

98 and newer you get into a much more 'modern' style machine.

[minimotos95]

is on a very tight budget. Like $2-3k.

that's what KTM guys think is a tight budget? wow....

i have been seeing some older 300s on CL for 12-18 lately

[zimm17]

Well he's learning his lesson from buying a $800 '93 CR125. Only needs a new cylinder/head/tires/suspension bushings/ and who-knows-what-else. I always think it's better to spend a little more up front to avoid the big hit in repair costs.

[minimotos95]

very true

[rpt50]

You need to post this in the "what KTM to buy" forum on ktmtalk.com

[rdefonce]

98 and newer you get into a much more 'modern' style machine.

Yeah . . . he should be able to find an '02 - '05 200 (or 250) for that doe

[KC-10ENG]

I think I paid 2800 for my 2006 KTM 200 XC-W and it only had 18 hours on it with some extra stuff. New rear tire, radiator gaurds, bark busters, and a new rear tire!

Dennis

[rdefonce]

I think I paid 2800 for my 2006 KTM 200 XC-W and it only had 18 hours on it with some extra stuff. New rear tire, radiator gaurds, bark busters, and a new rear tire!

Dennis

That's why I'm keeping my '06 200 XC-W . . . I'm not willing to loose that much cash, since I bought mine new and also has low hours (not that low though!)

[Mike in Fresno]

05 or newer is what to look for, better frame and susp after 04. No real problems with these year bikes.

[akuleboat]

I just picked up an 05 250exc for $2K. Has everything - race tech suspension, guards, FMF pipe and silencer and set up for stabilizer. I felt like i got a pretty good deal. Finding the right ktm can take some patience but its worth the wait.

[Jeezo]

I just bought (yesterday) a really low time 96 300 exc with a seized motor for $270. I think I'll have everything repaired for about $350. Then I'll have a near mint bike for under $700.

I too think that 2k is NOT a low budget. I got my 99 ZX6R for 2.2K, lol

[trailmeisterjoe]

05 or newer is what to look for, better frame and susp after 04. No real problems with these year bikes.

correct. even 04 had the newer, lighter engine too ( 250/300).

Joe

[zimm17]

I just picked up an 05 250exc for $2K. Has everything - race tech suspension, guards, FMF pipe and silencer and set up for stabilizer. I felt like i got a pretty good deal. Finding the right ktm can take some patience but its worth the wait.

You pulled a pretty old thread. Little brother got a great deal on a left over '09 200XC-W so no worries about a used bike for him!

🙂

[superslyko]

I have an '01. The frame was the same until '03 and I've heard nothing but bad things about the turning geometry of those years.

A few after market parts and I'm all good, but you don't even have to go there.

Pick up an '04 or newer and you're golden! 🙂

I've been replacing internal motor parts and it always runs better. There must be sumptin to this idea about buying the newest bike you can afford!?

[657pinkKTM]

my best friends dad got a SUPER clean 2001 300EXC for $1400 i think. it was raced but maintained really well, tastefully modded, awesome all around. theyre out there! Although maybe the markets different in HI?