2015.5 KTM Factory Edition Feedback

CarlinoJoeVideo
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3/26/2015 5:26am Edited Date/Time 5/5/2016 11:17am
Hey guys, just wondering if anyone who has gotten their 250 or 450 FE bike and have feedback, good or bad. What would you change on the bike if needed?

I have 3 days on my 250FE, the bike feels amazing right away but the more I ride the softer the suspension feels. I'm just under 160lbs without gear. Anyone get this feeling?

Cosmetics wise the paint near my boots has wore through already, not terrible, but very thin and not durable.

My last 2 bikes were 2012 250Sxf's and I felt like I did everything under the sun to make it ride better, this bike blows it out of the water after just a few laps!
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slipdog
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Nor Cal, CA US
3/26/2015 5:39am
I've ridden the 450, it now feels like a Honda to me. It feels smaller and more nimble than the 14.5 and the suspension(after adjustments) was on par with any stock Japanese bike. The settings in the 4cs are much better than last year.
KTMShane699
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Colchester, CT US
3/26/2015 9:36am
slipdog wrote:
I've ridden the 450, it now feels like a Honda to me. It feels smaller and more nimble than the 14.5 and the suspension(after adjustments) was...
I've ridden the 450, it now feels like a Honda to me. It feels smaller and more nimble than the 14.5 and the suspension(after adjustments) was on par with any stock Japanese bike. The settings in the 4cs are much better than last year.
The suspension seems to have a mixed verdict, at least for the forks. The shock people seem to like. The forks though seem to be hit or miss. All reports say they're better than previous 4CS, but not everyone raves about them. Once my bike shows up, I'm going to give it a shot to see if they're decent but if I feel they're not great I'll probably put cone valve forks on it and be done with it rather than fight the fight like many others have done.

Shane
3/26/2015 2:31pm
Let me give you some honest feedback. I rode my dad's bike last Sunday at my home track where I have tested countless bikes. He loves big horsepower and at 54 he won't be riding this thing super super hard, but he gets around pretty good.

I'm 29, raced since 2000. 5'8. 160lbs. I get around the track decently, but haven't ridden much in the last few years.

I've ridden the latest generation of every 450 except the Honda (noone I know here has one, I owned an 09 and 11 though.)

The 450 FE is RIDICULOUSLY GREAT.

Let's start with:

Cornering- Does it have front wheel drive or something? How is the front tire hooking up so hard and why won't it push out of the rut right when you don't want it to like Every 450 I've ever ridden? Inside lines are suddenly doable at the last second. Which is great when you are racing dirt bikes, just not something I've ever been able to do well on a 450.
It stays in the rut, it doesn't want to high side, it carves, yet feels neutral. A+ 100.
This thing turns like Dianna Dahlgren just walked by topless.

Starting- You push a button. It works. When you are 5'8 you despise starting something as tall as a 450 with a long kick starter and short legs. Magic button for sure, bros. A+

Brakes- Better than me. A+

Clutch- I overuse the clutch in general. Unnecessary on this motorcycle, because of the power characteristics. I have had many issues with Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki clutches in the past. (The Honda was the kind of relationship with a bike where you have to adjust a knob on the handlebars in the air multiple times in a moto. I don't miss that shizz.)
As a side plus, the lever pull is super light and stays consistent. A+

Suspension- Ride-able. Which is nice to say about a stock 450 for me. First one I've been able to say that about (although I'm sure a yz450 with stock SSS would be close and probably better) It didn't kick or deflect or do anything "bad", it's just that the suspension was lukewarm at best. Definitely felt some harshness in the forks. B

Engine- When thinking about the powerband, close your eyes and picture a big open field. You can lug it around in 3rd. You can hit the upper rpms and rev it. It wants to go really really fast. And it hooks up. A+

Negatives?

This thing made me want to go warp speed everywhere.
How do I say it's TOO Good? How is that possible?

Let me be clear- If you want/need a 450, get this one. Hands down game-changing shit.

Let me be more clear- Do some push ups, take a riding class, stretch, eat your Wheaties, and for 7lb 9oz baby Jesus''s sake DO NOT Attempt to ride this motorcycle as hard as it will go. I could not even get CLOSE to that limit and I never got close to 4th gear.

The future of 450 motocross is going to be people going insanely way too fast, insanely way too comfortably.

And apparently, the future is now. I felt it all over my taint when I hit third gear.
We asked for this, and now it's here.



The Shop

swtwtwtw
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Apple Valley, CA US
3/26/2015 3:44pm
impressive ride report....and then, last sat a friend raced a moto on the 450 (he is not a ktm owner) and his comment was "the worst bike he ever rode".
3/26/2015 7:51pm
nice report...I'm looking forward to getting on one for a test ride.
I believe everything you are saying is going to prove to be spot on.
Chadillac661
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Phoenix, AZ US
3/26/2015 11:41pm
swtwtwtw wrote:
impressive ride report....and then, last sat a friend raced a moto on the 450 (he is not a ktm owner) and his comment was "the worst...
impressive ride report....and then, last sat a friend raced a moto on the 450 (he is not a ktm owner) and his comment was "the worst bike he ever rode".
I think I may have talked to the same guy? He said the suspension was horrible and the seat was like a block of wood. He hated it, he said it made him appreciate his Suzuki.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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3/27/2015 1:54am
I agree the seat is firm... The first 2 days I felt the suspension was great for out of the box stock and based on an average rider. Each day it feels to be getting softer and softer, I'm about 11-12 clicks out on the fork compression. The small bumps don't feel harsh like the old fork settings and I'm not bottoming which is good, just feels more like the forks is going through lots of travel when it should be holding up high...
3/27/2015 10:58am
I left out about the seat being firm because I only use that shit for about 3 seconds in the corner and I don't sit down until it's time to apply power as per Tony D MX School. Laughing

My dad just ordered WP Cone Forks Refurbished and sent the shock to WP for a revalve and it was only $2,300 for both. SCORE.

I GUESS I'll have to ride that rocket ship one more time and report back, bros.

Stay tuned...
KTMShane699
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3/27/2015 11:35am
I left out about the seat being firm because I only use that shit for about 3 seconds in the corner and I don't sit down...
I left out about the seat being firm because I only use that shit for about 3 seconds in the corner and I don't sit down until it's time to apply power as per Tony D MX School. Laughing

My dad just ordered WP Cone Forks Refurbished and sent the shock to WP for a revalve and it was only $2,300 for both. SCORE.

I GUESS I'll have to ride that rocket ship one more time and report back, bros.

Stay tuned...
If it's a previous generation shock, it won't work on the 2015.5 FE bikes. The shock design is totally different. The forks will work, but depending upon the year, you might have to run the older axle. In 2015 they went to a smaller front axle design.

Shane
3/27/2015 12:17pm Edited Date/Time 3/27/2015 12:17pm
I left out about the seat being firm because I only use that shit for about 3 seconds in the corner and I don't sit down...
I left out about the seat being firm because I only use that shit for about 3 seconds in the corner and I don't sit down until it's time to apply power as per Tony D MX School. Laughing

My dad just ordered WP Cone Forks Refurbished and sent the shock to WP for a revalve and it was only $2,300 for both. SCORE.

I GUESS I'll have to ride that rocket ship one more time and report back, bros.

Stay tuned...
If it's a previous generation shock, it won't work on the 2015.5 FE bikes. The shock design is totally different. The forks will work, but depending...
If it's a previous generation shock, it won't work on the 2015.5 FE bikes. The shock design is totally different. The forks will work, but depending upon the year, you might have to run the older axle. In 2015 they went to a smaller front axle design.

Shane
Think he's just sending the standard shock to wp bud
3/27/2015 12:52pm
My dad just ordered WP Cone Forks Refurbished and sent the shock to WP for a revalve and it was only $2,300 for both. SCORE.

Yeah I watched him box it up lol.
Tim507
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Oregon City, OR US
3/27/2015 1:15pm
I have a set of 2014 WP cones forks, However they are on my sons bike right now. Yes your dad will need the wheel spacers and the front axle from an earlier model.
Digger29
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3/27/2015 3:51pm
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
Mini Elsinore
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Huntington Beach, CA US
3/27/2015 4:50pm
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
Tits. Just tits. Enjoy.
Joko
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3/27/2015 6:13pm
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
No more 300sx?
hollifield
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Woodstock, GA US
3/27/2015 6:30pm
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
Who did your number plates?
JBernard_401
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3/27/2015 6:37pm
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
Joko wrote:
No more 300sx?
this makes me sad inside
Digger29
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3/28/2015 6:20am
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
hollifield wrote:
Who did your number plates?
139 Designs in VT does all of my stuff and we both agreed that there was just too much white on the back half of the bike. Blue is my favorite color and is already in the graphics so I told him to add some blue but please don't over do it. I like how he made the stripes kind of in an outline of what a side number plate would look like. This is the side of the bike (in my opinion) that needed the most work and now it looks great. I gave him all of my plastic and he spent 8hrs making the templates for the new the plastic. He'll be able to do full kits starting on Monday so email Chris at 139Designs.com or look him up on Facebook or Instagram and shoot him a msg. Please tell him that I sent you. Thanks, Mike
Rocket88
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3/28/2015 7:41am
He did a great job! Thumbs Up!
hollifield
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3/28/2015 8:19am
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
hollifield wrote:
Who did your number plates?
Digger29 wrote:
139 Designs in VT does all of my stuff and we both agreed that there was just too much white on the back half of the...
139 Designs in VT does all of my stuff and we both agreed that there was just too much white on the back half of the bike. Blue is my favorite color and is already in the graphics so I told him to add some blue but please don't over do it. I like how he made the stripes kind of in an outline of what a side number plate would look like. This is the side of the bike (in my opinion) that needed the most work and now it looks great. I gave him all of my plastic and he spent 8hrs making the templates for the new the plastic. He'll be able to do full kits starting on Monday so email Chris at 139Designs.com or look him up on Facebook or Instagram and shoot him a msg. Please tell him that I sent you. Thanks, Mike
10-4, thanks
Flip109
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3/28/2015 9:30am
At the track parked next to a guy with a 250. Man that is a nice ass bike. Best damn looking Ktm I have ever seen. He seemed to have lots of trouble starting it when he first got here tho.
motobound
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Austin, TX US
3/30/2015 2:10pm
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
Hey Mike, did you get to ride the FE yet? Im very curious about your impressions of the new gen 4 stroke, compared to the 300. . So far, your advise and set up preferences on the 300SX have been SPOT ON for my riding style. Give us a run down when you have a chance Smile
gt80rider
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Boulder, CO US
3/30/2015 2:30pm
Let me give you some honest feedback. I rode my dad's bike last Sunday at my home track where I have tested countless bikes. He loves...
Let me give you some honest feedback. I rode my dad's bike last Sunday at my home track where I have tested countless bikes. He loves big horsepower and at 54 he won't be riding this thing super super hard, but he gets around pretty good.

I'm 29, raced since 2000. 5'8. 160lbs. I get around the track decently, but haven't ridden much in the last few years.

I've ridden the latest generation of every 450 except the Honda (noone I know here has one, I owned an 09 and 11 though.)

The 450 FE is RIDICULOUSLY GREAT.

Let's start with:

Cornering- Does it have front wheel drive or something? How is the front tire hooking up so hard and why won't it push out of the rut right when you don't want it to like Every 450 I've ever ridden? Inside lines are suddenly doable at the last second. Which is great when you are racing dirt bikes, just not something I've ever been able to do well on a 450.
It stays in the rut, it doesn't want to high side, it carves, yet feels neutral. A+ 100.
This thing turns like Dianna Dahlgren just walked by topless.

Starting- You push a button. It works. When you are 5'8 you despise starting something as tall as a 450 with a long kick starter and short legs. Magic button for sure, bros. A+

Brakes- Better than me. A+

Clutch- I overuse the clutch in general. Unnecessary on this motorcycle, because of the power characteristics. I have had many issues with Honda, Suzuki, and Kawasaki clutches in the past. (The Honda was the kind of relationship with a bike where you have to adjust a knob on the handlebars in the air multiple times in a moto. I don't miss that shizz.)
As a side plus, the lever pull is super light and stays consistent. A+

Suspension- Ride-able. Which is nice to say about a stock 450 for me. First one I've been able to say that about (although I'm sure a yz450 with stock SSS would be close and probably better) It didn't kick or deflect or do anything "bad", it's just that the suspension was lukewarm at best. Definitely felt some harshness in the forks. B

Engine- When thinking about the powerband, close your eyes and picture a big open field. You can lug it around in 3rd. You can hit the upper rpms and rev it. It wants to go really really fast. And it hooks up. A+

Negatives?

This thing made me want to go warp speed everywhere.
How do I say it's TOO Good? How is that possible?

Let me be clear- If you want/need a 450, get this one. Hands down game-changing shit.

Let me be more clear- Do some push ups, take a riding class, stretch, eat your Wheaties, and for 7lb 9oz baby Jesus''s sake DO NOT Attempt to ride this motorcycle as hard as it will go. I could not even get CLOSE to that limit and I never got close to 4th gear.

The future of 450 motocross is going to be people going insanely way too fast, insanely way too comfortably.

And apparently, the future is now. I felt it all over my taint when I hit third gear.
We asked for this, and now it's here.



Awesome freakn post, well spoken.
SLO1667
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3/30/2015 3:17pm
what' specifically is "game changing"?
Myke
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3/30/2015 3:50pm
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
Wow I didn't know a A.Short replica FE was available? Pretty cool.
Digger29
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Location
Oxford, MA US
3/31/2015 9:36am
Digger29 wrote:
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20150327_160536_zpsvi0fzypa.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Finished my 450 FE up today and hopefully going to get to ride it on Sunday.
motobound wrote:
Hey Mike, did you get to ride the FE yet? Im very curious about your impressions of the new gen 4 stroke, compared to the 300...
Hey Mike, did you get to ride the FE yet? Im very curious about your impressions of the new gen 4 stroke, compared to the 300. . So far, your advise and set up preferences on the 300SX have been SPOT ON for my riding style. Give us a run down when you have a chance Smile
The weather up here in New England totally blows. We've just had the worst winter on record. We were riding 3 wks ago this time last yr. Sooo I'll have my bike 3 wks come this Thursday and I still haven't ridden it. I tried to go to NJ on back to back weekends and the first weekend everyone bailed on me and the 2nd one the weather was just to iffy for a 4.5hr drive. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll be able to ride it this weekend.
pete24
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2733
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Marlborough, MA US
3/31/2015 9:48am
heres diggers impression

its the best bike i ever rode!
two months in it will have Ohlins on it, best bike just got better!
third month a litlte head work and a cam, unfucking believable!


sometime around August, waiting for a 16 250 sx, that i can make a 300
Uncle Tony
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3/31/2015 9:56am
pete24 wrote:
heres diggers impression its the best bike i ever rode! two months in it will have Ohlins on it, best bike just got better! third month...
heres diggers impression

its the best bike i ever rode!
two months in it will have Ohlins on it, best bike just got better!
third month a litlte head work and a cam, unfucking believable!


sometime around August, waiting for a 16 250 sx, that i can make a 300
Wow Pete!
Mouse153
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Virginia Beach, VA US
3/31/2015 10:06am
Flip109 wrote:
At the track parked next to a guy with a 250. Man that is a nice ass bike. Best damn looking Ktm I have ever seen...
At the track parked next to a guy with a 250. Man that is a nice ass bike. Best damn looking Ktm I have ever seen. He seemed to have lots of trouble starting it when he first got here tho.
There's a 450 FE sitting in my garage right now (its not mine but a buddies) and I had trouble starting his until I charged the battery overnight. Since then no issues.

I haven't ridden it yet (not sure my buddy will let me) but the attention to detail on this bike is incredible! Even things like the footpeg and read brake pedal spring look high quality. The ones on my YZ look cheap in comparison. I know that doesn't mean much but that bike is impressive sitting on the stand. The triple clamps, the billet hubs, the amount of room around the engine, the ability to get to the spark plug without having to remove the tank, the tool-less airbox...everything about this bike seems to be well thought out.

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