KTM Set-Up and Maintenance Tips

KTM owners take note! David O'Connor from KTM North America offers great set-up and maintenance tips in this video.

[@PharaohBmx]

Just got my first ktm! Riding a 2021 ktm 250sxf. Already took a gnarly spill on my fourth hour on the bike, gonna get my sag and suspension dialed in now.

[@georgewcamp]

great interview, really well done!

[@mxgryan]

Great info. Thanks.

[@MrRonronnj]

I just bought an 18 250xcf and it is awesome. thanks now I know where those little gas filters go :-)

[@motodocmx1]

MrRonronnj Haha lot of people call the dealer to ask.

[@mattmeyer1630]

Straight off the showroom floor all bearing need greased, check Spokes after every ride, oil change every 4hrs and of course air filter as needed.. One thing that wasn’t Mentioned are motor mounts bolts I noticed mine came loose at 3hrs.

[@hackgolfer7352]

Great video. I'm in Australia and was wondering- my shop recommend 10w-30 for gear oil, will this create clutch drag or damage on the 2018 KTM 250 EXC TPI? I'm going to change to 15W-50 next change to see the difference. Thanks

[@watchmykicksllc]

Finally got my first ktm, 2013 and I’m proud of it, so much easier for maintenance, but I still bleed yz blue!

[@motodocmx1]

Motocross Moe hope you will have orange in the blood after riding it!

[@justindwyer3832]

I still bleed blue too bro. But love my '18 450xcf!

[@RIDEreviewRELOAD]

Hell yea just picked up an 18’450 sxf!!

[@je4266]

Great video I gotta check my sprocket bolts

[@maxlieberman4943]

This video was great. We need a ktm how to. I just got a ktm and it has 100hrs and it’s still super good but Idk how to work on half the stuff.

[@SLP-eb1wp]

Repair manual. Gotta buy it separately.

[@TheRiderman329]

Any tips for a KTM 65. Why does the exhaust end cap come lose?

[@Labearski44]

☆☆☆Brembo brake pins! For the front and rear calipers! Replace the stock "R clips" with tie wire, and keep extra pins in your truck/camel back.

[@blackops21voyles]

How long till you replace the rotors ?

[@jimmystevens9028]

Just got my first "new" 2017 KTM 450 sxf factory edition. Last bike I had was an 04 so this is all new to me, MAP switch, fuel injection, launch control etc. Literally just brought it home last night. Lol

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

Awesome man!👊

[@Labearski44]

Infact, it's best to delete all radiator fluid in order to be 100% sure radiator fluid will not overflow.

[@Labearski44]

^^^DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES DELETE ANY RADIATOR FLUID FROM YOUR BIKE.

[@sskillafornia]

I have a question regarding my ‘17 FX 450 husky. Do I need to change the oil filter at each oil change? I have been doing so, every 4 hours or so. But my buddy made a comment that stood out to me, said that since the bike has 2 small oil screens already, if it was necessary to replace filter at every oil change?

[@SLP-eb1wp]

Every other oil change. You can even cut your old filter apart and inspect it if you really are curious.

[@LucasSmith-ck1lb]

I realize this is an older video at this point, but i just got a new 23' KTM XCF 250. My question is, I'm a 210 lb rider so i know i need a heavier spring in the rear, but do i need to have the spring rate in my forks changed as well? Or can i just run with a little higher air pressure to compensate being a bit heavier than the "standard rider"?

[@stevenmcallister2230]

Hi I have a ktm sxf 250cc 2014 when I hit the start button it try’s to start but won’t fire up the f1 warning light x6 short flashes and looked at manual and it says the throttle position is to high or to low is that why it won’t fire up do I need that adjusted

[@MrRonronnj]

with the aer 48's. If you want 135 lbs. pressure in your fork do you pump it to 136 lbs. and expect to lose 1 lb. when disconnecting the fitting?

[@frankokrisztian1400]

Disconnecting does not lose pressure, when you remove the pump, firs it closes the valve, than the pressure goes from hose. Reconnecting does, air goes into the pump hose.

[@richardhartley7094]

300 tpi exc 2020 thermostat bypass hose kit yes or no👍🇬🇧

[@marklokken1378]

If I was to have custom suspension work done. Any recommendations? I used to use George at Scott’s. That was a while back. Thx

[@motodocmx1]

Mark Lokken WP have authorized centers. That's a great option to talk about changes your looking for.

[@Hoser1mVm]

What bolts, loose parts should you check frequently? Frame, suspension etc. 2018 300 Six days XC-W.

[@willcrain6786]

Every 3-4 rides I retorque my sprocket bolts, front and rear axles, front axle pinch bolts, triple clamp bolts all to recommended spec.

[@willcrain6786]

Every 10 hours check spokes. But if you do a lot of jumping or motocross check them every few rides

[@mixalis6168]

Grease, well you are wrong there, took front end apart, and hardly any grease, ended up doing the whole bike !!

[@UltraSS-nj8kd]

I have the vent hose from the top end on a 16 150sx that is just sitting on the frame (it falls on the pipe sometimes) was there originally suppose to be a piece to hold it somewhere? Have it zip tied currently. Also would it be feasible to convert the stater from a 150xcw (to my 150sx) to add a headlight/taillight for offroad. Thanks

[@motodocmx1]

SOLAR SS yes the should be a zip tie on the frame to hold it. Don't go too tight or you will block the hose.

[@UltraSS-nj8kd]

David O'Connor ok will do thank you

[@jacobwesley1506]

How often do you find yourself adjusting idle? I find my 250f will randomly need adjustment before a ride

[@motodocmx1]

Jacob Wesley it will change with temperature and different locations.

[@CW-up7xv]

Dude I did not know there was a bleeder on the left side! Holy cow a ton of air bled out. Does the manual talk about those things anywhere? Second, my question is: is it necessary to lube O ring and X ring chains? Also, why isn't there a good wrap around bark buster option for riders that rotate their bars forward for standing and woods riding? I feel like every wrap around (including KTM power parts) only work with the bars rolled back (motocross style).

[@AustinLowe]

Eric Wahl yes it does say in the manual, yes you still need to clean and lube but it’s not as important as a non ring

[@SLP-eb1wp]

@@AustinLowe Ring chains are internally lubed. WD40 works great just to loosen up any grime on the outside and prevent rust or drying out of the o-rings.

[@Labearski44]

Bars should not be rolled forward, get a taller bar if a taller riding position is desired. Improper position will have a negative effect on handling.

[@mickclarke5741]

Just got my first bike 450 sxf! I know too big for my first bike 🏍I will take my time.

[@nicknicky873]

How would sag work for me? I'm 5'5 and weigh 107, I feel like I'm too light

[@nicknick2872]

Look in your manual it will walk you through how to adjust

[@neildickson4897]

when my ktm 250 sxf 2012 gets warm it sometimes cuts out when i hit the throttle.only if i pull it quickly but if i ease it on its fine.any ideas what could cause this

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

Idk, mine used to do the same (250 xcf w) but in my country the fuel is really bad, so we just add a bit of upper cylinder lube to the fuel tank once it's full, literally just half a cap full to a capful and it seems to be good now

[@Labearski44]

Most likely a carburetor issue, IE clogged jet.

[@tomhughes2041]

my 2019 125 whys the right seat bolt really long and other side short ??

[@destryk3347]

The silencer is right there

[@motodocmx1]

Tom Hughes the long bolt is for the seat. The short one holds the side panel. You only take the long one off to remove the seat. Have fun on the new bike!

[@MP-zk4bn]

I have a 17 450sxf. Front brake fade is a huge issue. Sometimes to the point of complete failure. New fluid, new pads, rebuilt caliper. Nothing fixes it. Also I checked for free play at the lever. I really would like to figure this out. Thanks!!! Love the bike I’ll never buy a different brand again!

[@lachypetersen1015]

marc p master cylinder piston seals? Usually a big culprit of crappy brakes.

[@MP-zk4bn]

Lachy Petersen I haven’t touched the master cylinder yet. I guess that would be my next move. Thanks

[@bloodinreign9992]

marc p had the same issue on my 17 husky, rebuilt master cylinder did the trick

[@MP-zk4bn]

Jonathan Vazquez thanks!

[@MP-zk4bn]

I was in a super mudder at red bud shortly after I bought the bike and that’s when it first started

[@hogster5935]

I keep hearing KTM maint and parts are more than say Honda's. Is it more expensive to own a KTM 250?

[@aidanjohnston]

no that's a myth

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

It depends where you live

[@SLP-eb1wp]

You can go compare prices between manufacturers on any microfiche.

[@slushboii]

Bought my first bike a 2007 exc 450 soon I’ll save up and buy a newer version

[@TreyBrodersen]

ktms should come with extra brake pedal springs

[@jgrady7779]

Get the FASST Rear Brake return spring setup. It's like 20 bucks, and you'll never break a brake pedal spring again.

[@simon2625]

You have to turn it in

[@kittenmccall9043]

Honda spring.

[@ahklyfe5611]

My Ktm only starts when in choke on soon as I take it out of choke bike cuts off! CAN SOMEBODY PLZ HELP

[@808adrenalineaddicthawaii7]

AHK LyFe hey man when your bike is cold your supposed to use the choke. Just let it idle and warm up don’t rev the piss out of it for a few minutes and then once the bike is all warm you should be able to turn off the choke. If it still dies when it’s hot you should notice either the choke knob turns into different notches or this is a screw with a spring on your carb. Slowly adjust it 1/4 turn at a time and give the throttle a pop each time to let the fuel adjust. Hope that helps

[@motoxmatt]

That's usually a clogged jet in the carb.

[@Shoorit]

How do I change the diesel filter on my KTM 3stroke?

[@Nitroracer2332]

Lel.

[@alicanakkas3845]

how should we brake in a new 4 stroke Ktm

[@motodocmx1]

Alican Akkaş heat cycles are the best before you ride. Warm up cool down. Don't ride high rpm first hour.

[@JosipTessari]

Heat cycles are a waste of time. Get on the bike and ride it like you do just dont hit the rev limiter and you will be fine all that crap that they say you should do is crap. Enjoy your ride.

[@mxvisuals4256]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHqxgIt5qquMldE

[@user-jw9dh6ut9x]

Best to start it on a cold day and just hold that puppy wide open until the front part of the exhaust is glowing hot that way you know the chain is warm and the gas is ready to race! 👍🏻☝️

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

@@user-jw9dh6ut9x eish😂😂, I guess I've been doing it the wrong way then😂

[@scoremxcom]

Do not check the radiator coolant while it's hot, very dangerous.

[@k.fitzgerald96]

The Duke 😂

[@robbiemcgowan3477]

Yep I learnt the hard way😂

[@seanpotter4943]

Ahh he's irish

[@Darkwingduck94]

The ktm rep shys away on most questions and refers back to the manual,no one cares for the manual settings we all want to set our bikes up to run good not just factory

[@kaleb6206]

I bleed orange

[@profightersports]

Don't fill the radiator to the top!! it will over flow.