plug
New Member
Posts: 2
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Post by plug on Oct 27, 2012 6:32:38 GMT -5
Hello,
I am new to this site and I'm planning to replace a street bike with a dual sport. I would like some advice about the KTM 350 EXC-f and Husqvarna TE310. Do these bikes really have to have a new piston after 100 hours? I take good care of my equipment and i would like to get an idea of the true cost of ownership before I make the move.
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Post by queenofslow on Oct 27, 2012 7:03:05 GMT -5
Neither does have to have a new piston after 100 hours- unless you are ahard core racer who trashes his equipment.
I have a Husky 450TE going on 100 hours and the bike feels like just out of the box. She has been amazingly trouble-free.
I also have a KTM 250 xcf-w which was raced hard by the previous owner who won his class in enduro FTR his first year racing. He did a top end job + big bore kit before selling her to me. The "pumpkin" feels stronger that newer bikes.
I LOVE both bikes but they do well very different things.
But... it depends on how you ride and how you maintain your equipment.
Overall, pistons will be your least worry. If you ride a lot, think more in terms of tires, chains, sprockets and dings and dents from dropping the bike etc. They are the same for any bike.
Generally, 4 stroke more expensive to maintain than two stroke. Fuel injected more expensive when things start going badly.
As to your choices.... these are vastly different bikes from each other. But both are more like 90% trail and 10% road.
If that is your definition of "dual sport", then you are looking in the right direction.
More like 70-30... my Husky 450 TE or the older KTM 450. The tires will make a difference.
More like 50-50.... the old reliable Suzuki DRZ 400s.
Either bike you are looking at is awesome. But I would look at the KTM 250 xcfw before the Husky 310.
My final $ .03 (with inflation): look around and buy used from somebody reliable.
It will take you a while to find what you really like and suits your riding style and favorite riding place. (Speaking from experience: it did take me 7 bikes in 2 1/2 years!)
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Post by patrickfloyd on Oct 27, 2012 12:11:35 GMT -5
plug- there is a 2010 KTM 400XCW for sale, low hour, on the Dixie Dual Sport site, I think. It's what I ride and is a great bike. I had the same bike in a 2002 model that never had any top end work done, other than a valve adjustment, in 4 years of racing and riding. And ran perfectly when I sold it. With proper maintainance, a 4 stroke KTM will last a LONG time.
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