Has KTM dethroned Honda as the best manufacturer in Motocross - Grant Langston and Jase discuss...

Former World and AMA Champion Grant Langston talks on how KTM's production has surpassed some of the largest dirt bike companies over the last 20 years.
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Grant Langston is a South African World and AMA Motocross Champion, was the voice of the AMA Outdoors, along side Jason Weigant, for almost 8 seasons and owns one of the premiere motorcycle dealerships in the United States. He also happens to be one of the most fun dudes in the industry and I am so stoked I was able to chat at length with the man we call GL!
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[@ponchis44]

I think KTM has really benefited from the japanese brands not caring about the enduro/trail/hard enduro markets. I would love to have a 300/250 2stroke yamaha or honda with electric start and a hydraulic clutch but there is no such thing. Where i live (Mexico City) almost everyone has KTMs because they make enduro models and parts are easier to get compared to the sherco and beta options.

[@johnwilson1794]

I agree. The Japanese manufacturers have done almost nothing in the enduro market for many many years. The last truly good enduro chassis they produced was the 2008 CRF250X imo. That had an amazing chassis and was sold for years with only sticker updates because it was so good. A truly good enduro bike is much more than just a quieter muffler fitted to a motocross bike and some lights attached. They know this they just don't want to spend the money on development. That's where KTM have shone. Look out on the trails at how many bikes are from the KTM family these days.

[@1969cmp]

Once upon mere mortals with low budgets could buy a KDX200 or an IT200. And they were popular.

[@xafbxmoto269]

I agree, even their motocross bikes. Imagine how many yz350f’s they would sell

[@RCTurbo79]

CRF450RX

[@joshuavanzuydam5044]

@@RCTurbo79 Well thats a Cross Country Bike. If you want a bike more suited to Technical riding Honda does not provide one, especially in very technical riding where 300cc wide ratio transmissions are needed

[@djmiller5563]

Honda fan boy here: I applaud KTM for their success. They've worked hard, listen to the consumer base, and put the right people in place for their race programs. There is NO reason why the worlds largest motorcycle manufacture (Honda) couldn't do the same thing. Honda's R&D budget is many times larger than any one else and it makes no sense why they don't have the best machinery. Opinion: Honda needs to retire the current management; these are the same people that got rid of Ricky Carmichael and we all know how well that went.

[@phild9813]

You could probably say all the Japanese manufacturers could do this. Perhaps Yamaha is the exception with a suite of off road bikes that includes 2 strokes.

[@keelangerken5154]

The secret to KTM's success is due to part interchangeability. The 125-450 are all the same bike besides the engine/trans/support systems. This keeps manufacturing and R&D costs insanely low since there isn't a separate 2 stroke chassis. Allowing their profit to be allotted more towards marketing, rider support, and most recently competition acquisition. The best way to sell more bikes, is for other brands to sell your bike.

[@iandaniel4633]

Underrated comment

[@lukefish7562]

👍🏼

[@dhdyrjfmenrydka]

@@iandaniel4633 Mynamesjeff

[@Erick-di9gm]

So you're OK with a 450 motor in a 125 frame ?

[@BBRRAAAAAAPP]

@@Erick-di9gm considering how good the ktm 350 and 450 handle, yeah I’d say pretty much everyone is okay with them sharing the same frame.

[@doobielawson702]

Grant is very knowledgeable about MX/SX, I love to hear his perspective.

[@CSRGM1915]

European brands have dethroned the Japanese brands through innovation, I couldn’t name a thing that changed on the Japanese bikes for a decade at one point.

[@adamfrancischiello]

KTM has been the leader for years, wide variety of moto and enduro bikes. Yamaha has been trying to catch up with more models but Honda and Kawi have always been behind with heavy bikes and new technologies.

[@eric6rock]

They only Focus on Race Bikes not many linesbof Motorcycles. I do give Yahama some props keeping the 2t alive with new chassis frame however it's still the same bike from 2006 Engine. KTM is good for many lines of bike Racing, Enduro, and Trials. KTM Cares about their consumers and STILL Innovate two strokes ans obviously improve their 4 strokes

[@graemebartmann7872]

Kawi have a great std 450 this year.And there SR is a master stroke with the KYB suspension and PC pipe.Rode one,night and day compared to the stocker 👍

[@jasonhowell9589]

Whether they're going to be competitive as another story but people always like something different I wouldn't be surprised if you start seeing a lot of the smaller Chinese companies like SSRS now I got a full size bike it won't take much to make it competitive now reliable yeah that's a different story but still

[@straighttimestirrups]

When you make the decision as a manufacturer to hire and retain Roger DeCoster on the payroll you know you’re on the right path towards success! He doesn’t allow anything to be done halfway and his passion carries forward to everyone in the company!

[@brettd.watson1821]

KTM makes some great bikes now. I am biased to Honda and will always ride a Honda. But say the two brands are at top of quality with Yamaha a close 3rd. My advice for todays bike is honestly pick a color you like except yellow.

[@ivanafeelcool9143]

I totally agree with that last part lol and that's coming from someone who rides a zook. Although it's a 2014, I'd never have gotten it if I was in the market to get a new bike just a year later because Suzuki went to air forks. I rode a buddies 2014 and fell in love with how well it handles so I got one. I really want to try a newer KTM 2 stroke out and see how they ride, because I'd love to get back to a 2 stroke. 4 strokes are boring to me now lol

[@eric6rock]

I would never consider getting a KTM until now. I always loved the Japanese Manufacturer but they became to Complacent on two stroke technology and 4 stroke innovation. It wasn't until 2019 when Kawasaki introduced electric start only to 450 while KTM had that years prior. KTM offers a lot of bike models for different types of riding still they improve the current tech and still innovate and two strokes. After that 300 SX TBI Two Stroke has been announced i want to get one.

[@KingArthurreturns]

Hrc is different, Hondas haven’t done great since the late 90’s early 00’s when Hrc left everywhere bar motogp Ktm stepped up and poured loads into it so deserved success. Honda is massive so many different things going on, then they came back in MXGP and won 250/450 titles multi times and now Hrc returned to USA and guess what💥

[@slayer6936]

Been buying Yamaha since 73 and still buy to this day at 61!! Euro bikes are ove priced forcmy pocket book!!

[@mxlarge6915]

KTM has owned Honda in off road bikes for some time now I thought?

[@TurmoilBrump]

Looks at the results from dakar enduro and motocross combined. Honda hasnt had an answer for ktm for 20 years

[@ktmjay9920]

1993 CR125 first one ,

[@christophersmithsonian3350]

Yippee it's Halloween year round orange and black

[@stevodakine1]

Top dollar bikes.

[@barrycuda3769]

Interesting interview ' the interviewer doesn't seem to be able to not use the f word' a lot like plenty of others who have abandoned being moral when broadcasting.

[@casualobserver4810]

Was MXA selling bullshit with “euro handling” back in the day?? I went orange back in 08 and never went back.

[@TrickRacing]

Helllll no lol

[@The-Host]

We gonna talk about how they buy out factories/names put thousands out of work, use the beloved name for a couple years then dump it like hot garbage? Ya ktms great 🙄

[@boburwell9921]

KTM has made a major move in buying almost ever European brand of dirtbikes but their bikes are and have always been problematic. I doubt I’d ride one even if it was free

[@jaimemccord1027]

My buddy had a ktm 250 sxf and they had a recall on the crank in it and put him a brand new one in it for free because they were having issues about them not lasting 100 hours. Doubt you’ll ever see any of the Japanese manufacturers do that

[@boburwell9921]

@@jaimemccord1027 probably not because even old as hell Japanese bikes are still good. My buddy bought a brand new KTM 450 and in the first five hours had electrical issues. Between your buddy and mine that’s not a good average

[@MatthewC137]

@@boburwell9921 Exactly. I've never been impressed with KTM or the WP suspension. For reliability and suspension, Yamaha is the easy choice.

[@boburwell9921]

@@MatthewC137 when it comes to Mx bikes or sport bikes the Japanese are very hard to beat. Those that remember KTM in the 1980s would never choose one over any of the big four

[@jasonhowell9589]

I wouldn't say they got dethroned as the best manufacturer KTM is just the more popular right now

[@travelingmike40]

Ktm dethroned Honda as the second best manufacturer in motocross. We are only talking motocross, Yamaha- awesome motors,durable, and the best suspension easily. Future will be whoever gets their act together and puts out an electric bike line. Stark Varg will be on my trailer with my 18’ yz450f. The 23 yz450f- will be THE bike, but my money is on the Varg.

[@jasonhowell9589]

I'll come right out and say it ktm's at the Pinnacle right now and it's always kind of been that way people gravitate something new and different and yeah they make really good bikes but they also like to blow up too and they got high maintenance intervals and they're a little more expensive than a Honda so I mean if you really want to jump on the bandwagon go right ahead but I guarantee you Honda is going to be around long after KTM KTM is just ate niche right now just the way triumph used to be a niche and Ducati used to be a mitch just wait till the hype wears off

[@XplicitVoltz]

No because Honda wasn't ever on top

[@andersnord8255]

I really miss Grant as a pro commentator at the races! Pls come back!

[@LaurenceHoneytoast]

When I was in the market for a new off-road enduro bike that could compete in GNCC style racing with six gears and had lights KTM was and still is the only brand doing it right. The Japanese make good stuff, but they are slow to change.

[@monstermj7]

Wr250f has a light and 6 gears.

[@holdenjackson2182]

I ride GNCC with my KLX 230R Saki. She holds up but KTM is definitely dominating that market

[@Richard-Burdett-Bow]

@@monstermj7 KTM brought in the 350, and had wicked two strokes. I don't know if the 250fx had estart

[@tylersvensson4468]

Honda has been dethroned since RC left the team since then not many bikes have won much other then gajser but his got the whole HRC team to himself, if anything yamaha is at the top with STAR

[@dhdyrjfmenrydka]

kTm < Blue cru 😈😈🤘

[@robh3267]

All the Japanese manufacturers literally handed the the off road/enduro segment to KTM when they stopped development in that part of the industry because they did not see it as profitable which is their main business focus, KTM's focus on product development and forward thinking has allowed them to dominate the dirt bike industry while the Japanese are still doing things like they always have and getting farther behind every day, a business plan with profit as your main focus is never good for the consumer, KTM figured that out a long time ago.

[@WestNebraskaAdventureChannel]

Honda pushed the envelope in 1997 when they came with the aluminum frame. McGrath hated it and to this day it is known as a ill handling, stiff bike. At the time it appeared to be a failure, but eventually they got it right and revolutionized the industry. The 2002 CRF450 was also a revolutionary bike that just blew everything out of the water when it was released, but honestly, that was about the last true dominant moment for HRC.

[@lukefish7562]

I’ve got Hondas and Huskies and planing on keeping it that way. Enjoy what you got! Another great conversation. 👏🏽

[@tomasantonio6683]

Husky is ktm

[@lukefish7562]

@@tomasantonio6683 that they are my friend but my bike says Husqvarna. I stand by my statement. 😁

[@tomasantonio6683]

@@lukefish7562 yes yes you didn't lie in your statement it's 100% correct

[@mateonicholls7875]

All Blue

[@kungfu2toe]

1986 Cr250R

[@leeham273]

Probably the bikes to be on are Yamaha and KTM. The new Hondas are alright but nothing crazy.

[@GYPSYTALES]

Yamaha is going pretty hard too

[@CarePackage-ut3tt]

The best manufacture is the one in stock at this point

[@GYPSYTALES]

This is a pretty good point

[@WestNebraskaAdventureChannel]

Unless it's Suzuki. There's still 2019s sitting on showroom floors here

[@lw3918]

I have a KTM. Every time I touch it something breaks. This one is my first. Owned Hondas my entire life and never had this problem.

[@joshuavanzuydam5044]

I own a KTM and 90% of the people in my country ride KTMs because Enduro riding is very big here. You only see KTMs consistently give issues if they are pre 2010. Other than that issues are not common but they do happen. Maybe you are just unlucky

[@logojones96]

Think KTM has been leading the pack for awhile. They offer more options and bikes at every level and all of them are at the highest performance and quality.

[@chanlist21]

Tm racing is the way

[@bryancross6801]

When has Honda been the best motocross bike

[@scottyboy7462]

I also am a Honda guy. in the same sense I'm a Chevy guy. Why you ask? Because Fords and Mopars are garbage!!!

[@4shylarry]

1-2/1-2 opening round of the nationals says enough.

[@travelingmike40]

KTM puts a lot into r and d. My question , after all these years why stay with the crap suspension?

[@SOFTAILX]

Grant Langston Matters

[@Jthornton64]

I don’t know about today’s bikes, but back in the day you could take an 8, 10, 12 and a 14 T-handle and stripped a Honda

[@FalseHope61]

I don’t think this is a debate. Ktm dethroned Honda 10 years ago

[@1969cmp]

.....pretty much.

[@KylerDalton.]

Congratulations on 100k bro

[@GYPSYTALES]

Thank you so much 😀

[@cliffduke4448]

Honda was good in the 80’s an 90’s after 2000 not so much

[@joedillon1806]

After 2000 was great. After 2010, not so much.

[@dhdyrjfmenrydka]

@@joedillon1806 yea they screwed up after the dual pipe lol

[@thedude7726]

I never understood untill i rode a few ktm bikes. They are just *THAT* much better in every way that matters

[@RCTurbo79]

The Answer to that is a big No!! No comparison to Honda ❤️

[@DislodgedTKO]

In terms of modern bikes I do believe ktm has taken over, now for long time value and cult following, honda will be the king forever, people still ride and collect 1986 trx250r's and stuff, whereas i dont expect to see ktm 450s 50 years in the future like the fourtrax today

[@hitiblue]

Honda may be the most decorated and reconized brand in motocross history but they are also the dumbest one for letting McGrath and Carmichael go. Honda let the King and the GOAT leave because they didn't listen to them or wanted younger riders. Success takes time, KTM have been listenning to their riders for decades, hired more experienced people and that's why they have been winning so much these past 10 years. Honda is a dinosaur nowdays unlike Yamaha and Kawa who have been consistant with staying in the top 3 brands for so long (Only the Lawrence brothers can save Honda in SX/MX nowdays).

[@jpesicka492]

Kawasaki did same thing with RC and Bubba.

[@joelballard4952]

The Austrian bike are definitely the tits. Nobody is even close. I also have a new Beta 300 that is super awesome and chic, But my Husky fc450 is the best bike I have. The Austrians have it, and the Japanese are 4-8 years behind, except Suzuki, they are 10 years behind. I love Honda’s, but Austrian bikes are now the top.

[@yuriabmxr]

KTM does an infinitely better job of offering more models that are specific to more riders' needs. The Japanese offer two versions, at most. Also, KTM have become very reliable compared to a decade ago and they are definitely lighter than the Japanese, along with the benefits that brings. I liked my Yamahas but I would never go back to bikes that heavy. Honda's moto bikes are pretty sick but the x are less so and I need a bike I can also race enduros on. For that, KTM has a lot more options.

[@eric6rock]

Definitely getting a 2023 KTM 300 TBI Two Stroke 🤟

[@jasonhowell9589]

Now a gas gasket's getting big in America and husqvarna's kind of blowing up you're going to see a lot more of those on the track too just because it's something different

[@xafbxmoto269]

We were a Honda family my whole life. After 2006 I switched to Yamahas now husky’s. The Hondas feel stiff and front heavy.

[@johng6586]

Gypsy, you nailed it. Cant say it any better. KTM is new honda but more aggressive in my opinion.

[@northcountrywoodcraftny5953]

If they let me tune my ecu from my phone for free only then could ktm even compete with yamaha ( in 250f and 450f, ktm is better for every other cc there is )

[@robertfleischer4589]

What's great about Honda is that alot of parts are still available for old bikes,cannot say that about the other manufacturers.

[@lakecityboys9681]

I think Honda gonna focus on that GREEN BS like Tesla lol

[@jaycallie]

Whens your Oldman coming on the pod?

[@joeschmo7145]

I want Suzuki to make a dirtbusa.

[@cylemarsh2102]

When does this come out?

[@NWCRYPTOADVISOR]

Long time ago they did!

[@travelingmike40]

Ktm dethroned Honda as the second best manufacturer in motocross. We are only talking motocross, Yamaha- awesome motors,durable, and the best suspension easily. Future will be whoever gets their act together and puts out an electric bike line. Stark Varg will be on my trailer with my 18’ yz450f. The 23 yz450f- will be THE bike, but my money is on the Varg.

[@TurmoilBrump]

It took yamaha 13 years to win a supercross title since james, first motocross title since 07 when langston won. I think you are a bit delusional mate

[@moneyontrees6]

Hondas from 2009 to recently not a finished product. 2020 bike are. KTM caught everyone off guard. Accountants for the Japanese are on suicide watch !

[@VietnamAndKoreanFlashbacks]

American vets are on suicide watch when I pop up

[@josephcoates879]

whats the best 250 and 450 bikes right now? I heard the YZ is sweet. Currently riding a CRF250R

[@joshuavanzuydam5044]

All of them are good. No manufacturer makes a bad bike anymore. Looking for the best bike is Looking for a bike thats maybe 1% better overall

[@jrvalle7418]

No Ktm Has a lot of problems

[@leadhead7338]

Team Green… ALWAYS!

[@pilsnerfamilymotorsports3275]

KTM is definitely winning right now, but i think honda's new factory edition will keep them relevant

[@leeham273]

Eh what? Hondas Works Edition is pretty minor. Light head work and a pipe with some suspension coatings. Not super fancy.

[@rickbartocetti847]

Everyone has an opinion, but if you buy a brand new Honda and KTM, same model crf-sx, and put the same hours on both, the KTM would be clapped out way before the HONDA.. that is a fact. Not opinion. KTM makes a great product and had taken EVERY OEM to school on how to build a brand, but something's are still true, quality of build

[@mattwindell1638]

My blown up crf250r with 15 hours on it and no explanation or help from Honda would beg to differ.

[@GYPSYTALES]

I got a 350 with 50 hours on it and i have only ever changed the oil.

[@brettd.watson1821]

@@GYPSYTALES I got a '14 CRF250 with over 80 hours which is the same. If it were a Kawi probably be on our 3rd motor :P

[@wrenchone5003]

I just sold a 500 hour ktm that's only had two top ends and oil changes ,the thing still runs mint .

[@Stinky_sack]

Since when has Honda been the best in the place?