Finally did it, put the 351 in and what a nice difference. Had to add Barnett springs due to clutch slippage.

However, while the Kawa was getting worked on I bought a '12 KTM 350 EXC-F. Wow! 40 lbs lighter and more power than I can use.

Hated to spend that much money but the KTM seemed like the most dirt oriented dual sport available.

 

I'd love to buy that KTM, but i'm holding out for a two stroke. Defeats the dual sport purpose, but i'd like my woods bike to not be a compromise.

 

Nice! How about pics of that orange bike. When i first saw that one, I thought it would be the perfect bike for me. I read that the engine made its power more like a two stroke, rev high to get power, not much low grunt and not much engine braking. What do you think compared to the 351? I could make some compromises to get rid of 40 pounds and have more overall power.
Thanks, Dan

 

wow, I am missing my big bore 2 smokes now.

 

I still enjoy the KLX BB351S.

Bought the '09 KLX three years ago as a 57 year old, first time dirt bike rider, not knowing what type of riding I would do, trails, fire roads or other. Started hanging out with the trail riding crowd and loved it. Ride in the Stonyford, Sierra and Nevada areas.

The stock KLX was not able to handle the terrain I was riding, and only moderately able after mods. Though still having a blast learning and crashing. Two broken shift stars before getting the modified star installed.

The KTM is a completely different bike. Lighter, more power (linear power band) and much better suspension. However more maintenance than the Kawa and $13k vs $6k (after Kawa mods). KTM is different than the Japanese manufactures. Their dual sport bikes are virturally identical to the trail bikes except for lights, horn and a place for the key.

So I am a happy rider, use the 351 for fire roads, longer rides and the KTM 350 for trails/hill climbs.

Started late with dirt bike riding, trying to catch up on what I missed.

Later

 

i want to see a pic of the ktm with a plate, i thought those werent legal in california. that would be a rad dual sport and might scare my bike in the garage.

 

Let's stay out of trouble and don't turn this into a KTM blog. Look up KTM 2012 350 EXC-F. It cost me when I did.

 

This is Kawasakiforums, however, we all ride and appreciate other forms of rides. Do I own a KTM? no, but it does not mean that I do not appreciate your comments on it.

 

Hell, nobrakes had a klx was one of the first to do a big bore, then got a KTM, then Husaberg, now back to KTM. He is still around here somewhere.

 

Yo!

The KLX 250 -> 300 -> 331 were all great. (sold)
The first KTM (450) was great. (sold)
The second KTM (200 2-stroke) was great. (sold)
The Husaberg (450) was great. (sold)
The third KTM (350) is great. (still have it!)

All are great, fun, bikes, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one.

Sorry for my bike pr0n, but someone asked for a picture?

Here's the latest (new):




And how it looks now:



This just reminded me, hell, I'm 4 bikes removed from owning a KLX but I keep coming back here to see what you hooligans are up to. Lol Who knows, maybe the next one will be back to green.