08 250 XC - any issues?

[Pothole]

I may snag an '08 250 XC this Friday from the original owner...I've done a fair amount of due diligence about that year and model, but just wanted to throw a last question out there before I lay down the cash. Any issues that I should be aware of?

[wooodsryder]

I had one, the forks were absolutly horrible. Maybe a good slider polish and the right re-valve could save it, but I gave up on it. The 09's were much better.

[gmoss357]

Susp can be made to work VERY well. Rode an 08 200 recently with incredible forks.

Solid bike, but it is used so who knows what particular issues it may have.

[Pothole]

I had one, the forks were absolutly horrible. Maybe a good slider polish and the right re-valve could save it, but I gave up on it. The 09's were much better.

What was the issue with forks?

[gmoss357]

That year was a little harsh stock. Unlikely you will find a stock susp on that old of a bike.

[SkiDaddy]

My previous bike was an '08 250XC, had 306 hours on it. Key to making the forks bearable was correct oil level, about 350cc of oil. Otherwise a solid bike if maintained properly.

[Pothole]

Yeah, my current bike is an '05 YZ250 and people always talk about those forks being harsh as well. Guess I'm going to feel right at home on the KTM if I end up getting it! Heh.

[RuFfRiDeR005]

no the ktm is worse i own one and want dearly to send it away to cure my suspension blues

[SkiDaddy]

GDR seems to work quite well.....

[Pothole]

Ok, I can deal with front suspension tuning. So, if that is the only nick on this machine I'm going to check the bike out here in a couple hours and buy it if it's in decent shape. I'll report back, hopefully with pictures of it in the back of my truck!

[gmoss357]

Ok, I can deal with front suspension tuning. So, if that is the only nick on this machine I'm going to check the bike out here in a couple hours and buy it if it's in decent shape. I'll report back, hopefully with pictures of it in the back of my truck!

if the susp hasn't been serviced in the last year, it will need to anyway. good excuse for a revalve. ?

[Pothole]

Got it this afternoon and promptly did a 45 mile ride since it just rained....I'm liking it. Quite a difference from the YZ for sure..oh and gmoss, the suspension has been revalved by House of Horsepower. It was weird flying into a rock section and not getting deflected 30 feet off the trail like my YZ would do. I cannot believe how good this thing is in steep, slick climbs..it's like magic.

[gmoss357]

Very cool. I hear they do good work. If i ever change bikes, it will be a 250 xc.

Nice ride.

[TexasTrash]

Congratulations on the new bike. I recently made the switch from a Jap 4t to a 2008 KTM XC-W and I am so glad that I did. The bike handles great and the power delivery is perfect. I have so much more fun on the 2t. The sound is great and it feels so much faster....Braaaaaaaap!