Off-road rear suspension: Linked vs Unlinked

I'll offer what I believe to be true, though I'm no expert.

The KTM's are a linkless rear suspension design. Historically, the linkage used by the Jap bikes has offered better progressive rate compression. As of 2005 and especially 2006, the KTM's are described as being "as good as" the Jap bikes. Just like the rear shock, the same applies to the forks... the Japs have the better reputation.

FWIW, a better rider will out ride a worse rider on any comparable bike. My two toughest competitor buddies both ride 2001 KTM 300 MXCs... and those shouldn't be able to hold a candle to my 2005 KX250. The fact is that the whole linkage/no-linkage controversy is way overrated.

Arguing which bike has better stock suspension is like arguing which stock Nascar is the fastest. Everyone who can ride worth a damn WILL HAVE THEIR SUSPENSION REVALVED AND RESPRUNG SPECIFICALLY FOR THEIR NEEDS. Even most novice "C" class riders have a custom suspension setup.

For instance, my suspension is ACME brand. It's been revalved for a very plush initial stroke and susbequently becomes very progressive and stiff toward the end of the stroke. It's also been respring with a higher spring rate, to hold a 190lb rider (I weigh 185 + gear). Unlike a stock KX250 my bike won't deflect on the high speed chop and square edge rocks that I see on the trails... Motocross bikes don't deal with this... they have stiffer initial travel to help with the "big air" landings.

All my buddies have custom tailored suspension.

After the necessary upgrades, arguing stock suspension is a moot point... 'cause it ain't near stock anymore.

Other points about linkless suspension:

1. KTM riders run bucu more chain slack than Jap riders. Since the lack of linkage changes the distance from countershaft to rear sprocket more as the rear shock compresses. If they don't run enough slack, the rear hub or engine case may break.

2. Lack of linkage on KTMs means less bearings and linkage to wear out. Removal and installation of the rear shock is easier without the linkage.

Suspension work is by far the number one modification most people should make to a stock bike... and it's not cheap.




As far as the 450's are concerned, I dunno. The Honda's and Yams use an aluminum frame... which is pretty cool. The KTM doesn't.

The KTM's have vastly different ergonomics than the Jap bikes. You feel as if you're sitting higher and are less stable on a KTM. Once you acquire a taste for a particular style (KTM or Jap) the other will feel way different.

The KTM4-stroke trail bikes have valve adjuster screws, so the frequent valve adjustments are easy. The Jap bikes all have shim under bucket valves, with are more of a PITA to adjust. IIRC the KTM motocross bikes have shim under bucket valves too.

The KTM engines are powerful. My buddies 300's would run stride for stride with my old 2001 CR500 (yes a CR500) at the dunes and in the straights.

the odds and ends: The KTM's come with nice nickel plated pipes, hydraulic clutches, and several other nice things you don't get on a Jap bike.

The Jap bikes are generally cheaper.

If I were looking for a trail bike, I'd likely choose a KTM. They are highly dominant off road. I was on the path a few months ago, but got an opportunity to buy a factory race bike and chose a latter.

If I were looking for a motocross bike, I'd steer very clear of the KTMs. The Jap bikes dominate motocross.


If I just wanted a badass all 'round bike... and nothing else...

I'd pick the KTM 300 XC: http://www.ama-cycle.org/news/2005/KTMxc/XC.asp

The 2-stroke that grunts like a 450 down low and pulls like an open class 2-stroke on top... KTM 300!

 

BTW, Tom at Bernies Cycle in Mesa sells KTM's for MSRP out the door. So unlike every other dealer in town, you don't pay $7000+ for a $6499 bike.

If you haggle a little, you can get one for a couple hundred below MSRP.

Tom is usually the only guy working sales there, and he races AMRA B class with myself and many of my buddies. Bernies sponsors part of the AMRA series, and gives freebies to all his KTM racers. Tom always shows up with the orange KTM van at the races.

Several of my a-hole buddies made $200-300 plus a few tires and other stuff last year, just for riding stupid orange pumpkin bikes.

IF you want a Jap bike, try Northland motorsports. It's owned by Steve Hengeveld's family (Steve is the long time standing Baja 1000 champion). They are our main series sponsor and are sympathetic to off road enthusiasts. Word on the street is that people are getting really good deals there too. It is in Flagstaff, but there's very few honest dealers in the valley (aside from Bernies).

 

RickD,

Just to throw a monkey wrench into your already ball of confusion, what da ya thunk about V-twin offroaders?


http://www.aprilia-offroad.com/moto.asp

 

Well Rick, if you're going to be doing recreational singletrack, the KTM 4-strokes are good bikes, and KTM's will have better stock off-road suspension than the Jap motocross bikes on the trail.

Several people have told me that the 400 EXC is a beautiful combination of power and rideability. People also tell me that they like the 450 and low end grunt of the 525 too.

I think the only way you'll truly know what you want, is if you get some seat time and try out the bikes you are interested in.

I'd recommend buying a well used $2000-$3000 bike that is "set-up" for singletrack, Like THIS, or THIS.

Then hook up with the "guys" for some weekend rides. during the course of a weekend trail ride, you can play the bike swap game and FEEL first hand what you like.

When the proper choice becomes apparent to you. Sell the used bike (you can't lose much), and get the dream bike.

You'll also benefit of scratching up a used bike first, instead of a nice new beauty.

Cool local forums: http://www.southwestdirtrider.com/cgi/yabb/YaBB.cgi

http://www.arizonatrailtalk.com/cgi/yabb/YaBB.pl

 

My last dirtbike was an 02' KTM 400SX. The motor in that thing was great! There was plenty of torque there when needed but not so much that it would hurt you. The EXC 400s are generally considered to be the best off road (read not moto-x) thumper on the market.
I haven't really looked closely at the CRF450Xs or the WR450Fs If you have a chance to ride somebody else's bike try them all. You'll know which one is right for you (KTM) .

 

Hmmm...no weight listed for the Aprilia RVX dirt bike. But it's a dirt bike so how heavy can it be?

But supposedly the rumor is that the 550 model is putting out 70-hp.

And these things are retailed for around mid to high $8,000. Is that pretty expensive?

 

At the moto-X track, the 4-stroke 450's are very popular. However, in the enduro/harescrambles arena the 2-stroke is still holding strong. As Rick mentioned, riding 50+ miles in a couple hours, over rough terrain... and 30 lbs makes a big difference.

Amatuers especially like 2-strokes since the engine rebuilds are so cheap. Modern two-strokes are also very reliable and very easy to start.

For those of us who have our AMA membership, and receive the free "American Motorcyclist" magazine... The March 2006 issue had a good article titles "Last Stand of the two-stroke". I'll post a scanned copy tommorrow when I get to work.


BTW, Rick, that KDX220 that I linked to is pretty well set-up for off-road. The steering stabilizer is $400 alone (most people keep the stabilizer when they sell, since it's a big investment). It also has all the handguards, pipe, frame, and other guards. Plus it's street legal.

I don't know the guy personally. But if I were looking for a good bike to get my skills back on, and establish a good performance baseline... I'd be tempted to check that one out.

 

Here's the story I promised.



BTW, Rick, I'm not trying to steer you into something that you don't want. My only reasoning for a used bike is that once you start riding a bit, your idea of what you want may change.

When I got into riding, I only wanted a CR500... so I got a 2001 (the last year they came from the factory). After a couple years, I really started noticing how much of a PITA that dream bike was to ride.

Your tastes may evolve rapidly in the first few months back in the saddle.