1980s KTM frame color?

731chopper
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10/7/2017 7:56am Edited Date/Time 6/7/2019 1:04pm
Were the KTM frames in the late 80s orange similar to the color today, red, or a different color? I'm having a hard time telling by just photos.

The Chesterfield KTMs like Trampas rode were red though, right?
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wpark89
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10/7/2017 11:20am
It's a real tricky color and depends on the year. I think it was more Orange in the early/mid 80s and then more reddish in the later 80s.

For powder coating my hubs and frame I used a color called something like traffic safety red. It's #3020. I know some guys who have used this on building Chesterfield bikes. But here's what I'd like to point out....I used an original Tecnosel seat cover that was more Orange. Then the graphics I got from EVO were more red. I didn't think it looked too bad...but then my perfectionist wife pointed out that I had all these different colors going on. So I would suggest getting your graphics and seat together first and then matching the powder coating, or getting a new replica seat cover to match the graphic color...or have the graphic color adjusted to match your seat.

The funny thing is though I looked through tons of old pictures from '89/90 and it was the same deal...Broc Glover, Trampas Parker and all the guys had Tecnosel seats that didn't perfectly match the graphic colors. Anyway..good luck. I think when I wear out my decals I may swap it up and do a 91 white and mint look for fun.









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731chopper
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10/7/2017 4:58pm
Thank you for the info! I recently got a 2016 150 SX and am thinking about doing it up as a throwback to one of these bikes. I really like the stock look with the orange/red frame, white plastics and blue seat.
wpark89
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10/7/2017 5:26pm
Cool. I built this retro '87 style KTM 85 in 2006 but I can't remember what color I used!



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10/9/2017 7:06pm
RAL 2002 Blutorange is a popular choice for guys restoring 80's KTMs. I have a 1986 MX250 and searched in a group I'm a member of on Facebook (KTM Vintage Owners Club) and RAL 2002 seemed to have the most endorsement



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