What does the collective know about these bikes? Any good? Parts availability? Anything you could tell me would be great. Thanks.
I see ya' ain't gettin' much input here brucifer...and I ain't gonna' be of any help for ya' either...but I will say that I think it's badass!!!
You might look up KTMTalk for more answers, (Oldie but Goldie section). Having a KTM 500 from 1989, these bikes are cool but spare parts are rare and expensive. Problems: - corroded sidecase where the water pump is mounted. - piston / conrods, ... are very difficult to get - original plastics rare birds and the replica stuff is crap Enginewise the 540 is smoother and doesn't hit as brutal as the 500, starting can be an issue. The 540 have a bigger useable power band and can be ridden more "lazy" which does not mean they are very easy to ride on thight trails. The 540 and 550 cc models where made for open terrain like deserts ...
Thanks Dave. I think it is too but.... Appreciate the response. Yeah, even the owner says it's hard to start and parts are hard to get. Think I'll pass.
In Australia the 540 enduro models were road legal......apparently pulled monos at 110km/h there's not many about even over here
I've considered buying a 440-550 many times. They pop up locally every so often and usually pretty cheap. What I like about them are the quality components, attention to detail, wide gearbox and large fuel tanks, optional lighting etc.. The MXC/DXC was bred for cross country whereas a lot of big bores were designed for motocross. I've talked to many people who own/have owned them and supposedly there is no comparison in power between them and the CR/KX500's :eek1 I'd love to ride one! That said I've 'heard' they are a bear to find parts for especially pistons. I've looked here and there and couldn't find much. I think you have to know someone who knows somebody. Having owned ATK's I'm not a fan of the SEM ignitions either... Here's a few in Utah that have popped up recently: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=27372915&cat=&lpid=&search=KTM 550&ad_cid=2 http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=27352034&cat=&lpid=&search=KTM 550&ad_cid=3 http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=26768647&cat=&lpid=&search=KTM 550&ad_cid=7 http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=27373077&cat=236&lpid=2&search=KTM&ad_cid=7
