Do XC models work for MX?

Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp
Edited Date/Time 3/3/2018 11:26am
How many of you ride them regularly for a do it all machine and don't feel like it is holding you back at the track?
It seems I have read testers that have actually preferred them over the dedicated MX models. I think many of us prefer them given a choice.

In most cases, we are talking about an 18" rear wheel, a bigger tank, and a wider gearbox, and softer suspension.

I know this is an MX forum, and we all want to hang out with the cool kids, and we already know kickstands aren't cool, but most of us are rather seasoned and have to pay for our own things, and can't afford multiple bikes. What say you?
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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 2/27/2018 5:40pm
2/27/2018 5:40pm
They work just fine. Besides, that 18” rear is your friend on those square edged braking bumps!
race250r
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race250r 2/27/2018 5:40pm
2/27/2018 5:40pm
I felt I gave up too much on the track with my ‘12 XC. Maybe I could have set it up a bit better, but the suspension couldn’t handle anything more than the smaller obstacles, with my intermediate speed. The bike had some weird quirks that may have been hashed out with the new chassis.
ATKpilot99
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ATKpilot99 2/27/2018 5:44pm
2/27/2018 5:44pm
KTM homologated the 450 XC a little while back for motocross. There were a couple guys racing them in the Nationals but I can't remember who or exactly when but I think it was near the end of the no linkage run.
buggz
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buggz 2/27/2018 5:46pm
2/27/2018 5:46pm
When the bike is set-up correctly ( like any other bike for the rider/course) they are just fine

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colintrax
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colintrax 2/27/2018 6:07pm
2/27/2018 6:07pm
I race a xc bike, works great for me
vetmxr
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vetmxr 2/27/2018 6:13pm
2/27/2018 6:13pm Edited Date/Time 2/27/2018 6:14pm
I wouldn't be afraid to line up with mine......but there are way better tools for the job....very soft and no hit........but if you want a do it all bike......get an xc and put some lights on it.........It'll be damn good at everything...
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AlexB289 2/27/2018 6:18pm
2/27/2018 6:18pm
Saw a guy flying on one last summer. One of the fastest guys at the track that day.
BobPA
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BobPA 2/27/2018 6:28pm
2/27/2018 6:28pm
Johnny Depp wrote:
How many of you ride them regularly for a do it all machine and don't feel like it is holding you back at the track? It...
How many of you ride them regularly for a do it all machine and don't feel like it is holding you back at the track?
It seems I have read testers that have actually preferred them over the dedicated MX models. I think many of us prefer them given a choice.

In most cases, we are talking about an 18" rear wheel, a bigger tank, and a wider gearbox, and softer suspension.

I know this is an MX forum, and we all want to hang out with the cool kids, and we already know kickstands aren't cool, but most of us are rather seasoned and have to pay for our own things, and can't afford multiple bikes. What say you?
XC’s have the same tranny as the SX, smaller bores add a sixth gear. XC-W have the different transmission, forks, triple clamps, lack a linkage, etc.
swedishfishmx
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swedishfishmx 2/27/2018 6:56pm
2/27/2018 6:56pm
BobPA wrote:
XC’s have the same tranny as the SX, smaller bores add a sixth gear. XC-W have the different transmission, forks, triple clamps, lack a linkage, etc.
Incorrect. The XC has a different transmission than the SX.
colintrax
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colintrax 2/27/2018 7:01pm
2/27/2018 7:01pm
swedishfishmx wrote:
Incorrect. The XC has a different transmission than the SX.
Depends on the model
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hoodsmoto 2/27/2018 7:05pm
2/27/2018 7:05pm
If you're a vet, weekend warrior or occasional mx practice day guy, the XC platform will do you just fine on the track.

There's no reason you won't be able to clear any jumps or smash berms just as hard. You'll just have to make sure you find the sweet spots on those landings, the woods suspension is a lot less forgiving on casing and going long.

I would NOT recommend the XC-Ws for much track riding though.
yz133rider
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yz133rider 2/27/2018 7:38pm
2/27/2018 7:38pm
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and consistency.
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 2/27/2018 7:47pm
2/27/2018 7:47pm Edited Date/Time 2/27/2018 7:51pm
yz133rider wrote:
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and...
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and consistency.
And there we have it, lay out the bait and catch a fish. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
yz133rider
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yz133rider 2/27/2018 7:54pm
2/27/2018 7:54pm
yz133rider wrote:
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and...
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and consistency.
Johnny Depp wrote:
And there we have it, lay out the bait and catch a fish. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
Lol but my opinion on things goes over like a fart in church around here so not like its worth anything.
dcg141
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dcg141 2/27/2018 8:08pm
2/27/2018 8:08pm
yz133rider wrote:
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and...
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and consistency.
Johnny Depp wrote:
And there we have it, lay out the bait and catch a fish. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
Actually the XCF is a carbon copy engine wise of the SXF other than a 6th gear in the 250 and 350. IMO that's part of its issue in tight woods riding. Its a very aggressive engine for single track. My feedback to KTM and Husqvarna has been to add the ignition and DDS clutch from the EXC and keep the SX map and cams. I added a flywheel weight and the DDS clutch to my FX and made it a better woods bike. Out of the crate honestly its more MX than woods.
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 2/27/2018 8:17pm
2/27/2018 8:17pm Edited Date/Time 2/27/2018 8:19pm
yz133rider wrote:
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and...
The smoother power is actually better for the majority of c class and vet types. Hooked up and going forward is better for lap times and consistency.
Johnny Depp wrote:
And there we have it, lay out the bait and catch a fish. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
dcg141 wrote:
Actually the XCF is a carbon copy engine wise of the SXF other than a 6th gear in the 250 and 350. IMO that's part of...
Actually the XCF is a carbon copy engine wise of the SXF other than a 6th gear in the 250 and 350. IMO that's part of its issue in tight woods riding. Its a very aggressive engine for single track. My feedback to KTM and Husqvarna has been to add the ignition and DDS clutch from the EXC and keep the SX map and cams. I added a flywheel weight and the DDS clutch to my FX and made it a better woods bike. Out of the crate honestly its more MX than woods.
The perception that MX bikes should have a hit is one I have always questioned. I used to ride a '77 360 VB 2t Montesa with a 4 spd gearbox and a big flywheel, and it was like cheating. Lots of Pro's prefer a softer power delivery and like to keep it a secret (kinda like their Rekluse auto clutches Woohoo ) But the showroom wheelie popping wisdom is give it a hit, and it will sell. Add a tooth or two to the sprocket out back and let it do some rooster tails. Kinda like riding a wild bull, but give them what they want.
yz133rider
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yz133rider 2/27/2018 8:20pm
2/27/2018 8:20pm
Johnny Depp wrote:
And there we have it, lay out the bait and catch a fish. Exactly what I was hoping to hear.
dcg141 wrote:
Actually the XCF is a carbon copy engine wise of the SXF other than a 6th gear in the 250 and 350. IMO that's part of...
Actually the XCF is a carbon copy engine wise of the SXF other than a 6th gear in the 250 and 350. IMO that's part of its issue in tight woods riding. Its a very aggressive engine for single track. My feedback to KTM and Husqvarna has been to add the ignition and DDS clutch from the EXC and keep the SX map and cams. I added a flywheel weight and the DDS clutch to my FX and made it a better woods bike. Out of the crate honestly its more MX than woods.
Johnny Depp wrote:
The perception that MX bikes should have a hit is one I have always questioned. I used to ride a '77 360 VB 2t Montesa with...
The perception that MX bikes should have a hit is one I have always questioned. I used to ride a '77 360 VB 2t Montesa with a 4 spd gearbox and a big flywheel, and it was like cheating. Lots of Pro's prefer a softer power delivery and like to keep it a secret (kinda like their Rekluse auto clutches Woohoo ) But the showroom wheelie popping wisdom is give it a hit, and it will sell. Add a tooth or two to the sprocket out back and let it do some rooster tails. Kinda like riding a wild bull, but give them what they want.
Yep agreed. Moto mags and most of the public thinks they love a hard hitting motor. All its doing is spinning the tire and tiring you out. Smooth is fast.
dcg141
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dcg141 2/27/2018 8:21pm
2/27/2018 8:21pm
If they make those changes at my shop it will known as the DGR...Cool

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Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 2/27/2018 8:25pm
2/27/2018 8:25pm
dcg141 wrote:
If they make those changes at my shop it will known as the DGR...Cool
That is going over my head? What does it mean?
dcg141
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dcg141 2/27/2018 8:30pm
2/27/2018 8:30pm
dcg141 wrote:
If they make those changes at my shop it will known as the DGR...Cool
Johnny Depp wrote:
That is going over my head? What does it mean?
Lol, its a long story. If it actually happens I will explain it in full.
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 2/27/2018 8:35pm
2/27/2018 8:35pm
dcg141 wrote:
If they make those changes at my shop it will known as the DGR...Cool
Johnny Depp wrote:
That is going over my head? What does it mean?
dcg141 wrote:
Lol, its a long story. If it actually happens I will explain it in full.
Well I see the initials match up, but which changes were you referring to?
dcg141
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dcg141 2/27/2018 8:39pm
2/27/2018 8:39pm Edited Date/Time 2/27/2018 8:40pm
Adding the ignition with more flywheel weight and the DDS from the FE/EXC. Keep the aggressive cams and map from the SX. It's a pretty sweet combo.
Johnny Depp
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Johnny Depp 2/27/2018 9:10pm
2/27/2018 9:10pm
dcg141 wrote:
Adding the ignition with more flywheel weight and the DDS from the FE/EXC. Keep the aggressive cams and map from the SX. It's a pretty sweet...
Adding the ignition with more flywheel weight and the DDS from the FE/EXC. Keep the aggressive cams and map from the SX. It's a pretty sweet combo.
What does the DDS clutch do for it? Aren't the '19's getting them?
sandman768
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sandman768 2/28/2018 3:45am
2/28/2018 3:45am
I"ve had 3 xc300"s, great bikes, No problem at all riding on an MX track. You will need to stiffen up suspension & play with gearing a bit to suit needs. If you can only afford 1 bike, an xc300 will do it all. Then they resale for top $ in short order.
motomike894
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motomike894 2/28/2018 4:33am
2/28/2018 4:33am
Yes, it makes no difference, two years ago a friend of mine raced a XC model all summer and qualified for like 4 nationals on it
Bramlett321
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Bramlett321 2/28/2018 4:52am
2/28/2018 4:52am
buggz wrote:
When the bike is set-up correctly ( like any other bike for the rider/course) they are just fine
^^^^ What he said....I've raced a '16 300XC on most of the moto tracks in the DFW area and the bike did just fine. On bigger hits I had to adjust the clickers but that's no big deal. I'm novice speed at best so for intermediate and pro guys it might make a bigger difference.
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MudPup545 2/28/2018 5:01am
2/28/2018 5:01am
I own a 2012 XCF-W 250. I ride probably 98% trail with the rest as practice days at a couple of local tracks. I'm a C rider, and will honestly admit that I'm just slow. For me the bike works great. I like the lack of hard hit, it doesn't tear me up. I'm not a big air rider so the suspension is fine for my ability.
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walleyeguy 2/28/2018 5:03am
2/28/2018 5:03am
I have an FX 350. Coming off a '14 YZ250F I don't feel AT ALL like its a disadvantage on the track. It's a BIG improvement in the woods though.
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navalseabee 2/28/2018 5:16am
2/28/2018 5:16am
I feel like my '17 250XC is a bit on the soft side on the bigger jumps and bigger g-outs etc.. but overall it not that bad.
dcg141
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dcg141 2/28/2018 5:26am
2/28/2018 5:26am Edited Date/Time 2/28/2018 5:27am
Johnny Depp wrote:
What does the DDS clutch do for it? Aren't the '19's getting them?
Adds a tad n more weight to the drivetrain. Also an easier pull than the coil spring.

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