This Is Why You DON'T Buy a KTM Dirt Bike ($1300 KTM 450 Find)

I take the KTM400exc for the first test drive since buying it. #KTM, #Horrible,
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[@cleighton1605]

Check valve clearances, and I would also pull the stator cover again and check the stator voltage output at the connector itself where it connects to the main harness. That bottom coil @ 17:00 mark in your last video looks very dark to me. It could be something simple as a bad electrical connection, someone was obviously messing with the electrical at one point based on the headlight wiring. Yes it does appear to slowly build up a charge, but that doesn't seem right. As soon as it starts up, if its charging properly, it should be reading high 13s - low 14s steadily, it shouldn't take a min or two to climb to 14. It should just read and maintain whatever it is outputting for voltage. From a quick google search, yours has symptoms of a dying stator, which can also cause engine running issues like yours is having. So I would find the stator resistance/output specs and start troubleshooting there. If none of that helps, then I would start looking at re-jetting the carburetor.

[@stephenblackstock1923]

@martin barr's CRF450 not necessarily. The ktms didn't really get hard to start if the valve lash was too large unless it got to the point that the valve wasn't opening. And it seems like its getting a little warmer than joe wants it to considering he was complaining about boiling coolant when he rode it.

[@dr.m6098]

See my comment, I had the same problem because my bike was running too lean. All the time I tought was rich condition because of the black smoked spark plug. The black smoked spark plug can be confusing.

[@Mr.M1STER]

I agree. Battery should be charging at well over 13 volts the instant the bike is started.

[@warrengarfield309]

@@Mr.M1STER True, whatever else is wrong with it that is not right for a start.

[@skullman9113]

Valves

[@tylerklapchar9967]

This era ktm was known for issues… all sorts of issues…. The new models are superior machines

[@PearlyS10]

Amen that

[@craigmorgan4676]

@@PearlyS10 pos this thing is god dammit!😮😱👁👀👁🤯🤪😮🤔🤔🤔

[@urbanitesgarage3299]

Lol last vid everyone was saying that era of ktm was “highly sought after” what is it with KTM riders lol

[@mw4518]

@@urbanitesgarage3299 they were saying the 2003-2007 generation were very sought after, because they are. I’ve seen several of those motors with thousands upon thousands of miles on completely stock intervals, only oil changes.

[@catow465]

@@mw4518 im cutting it close with a 2008 lol

[@artiexr222]

Another vote for stator electrical issues especially with it not registering above 14v charging.

[@dariusfitch968]

Had a very similar issue with my bike , turns out it was bad wire in the coil and a few other wires on the bike that had corroded over . Fixed all the wiring issues and it ran perfect

[@mikestowe6136]

number 1 ya shouldnt leave your dog out in the rain in the kennel better invest in a invisable fence or take him inside to me if plug is good its stator or coil / ignition

[@jozsef6453]

Dont be affraid of rejetting a carb! The stock jetting isnt always the answer. Even a couple degree change in the temperature can make it bog. If you feel like it needs a smaller one put one in it.

[@ivanpomy]

JD jetting makes a great jet kit

[@Mr.M1STER]

I agree. Definitely worth a shot. Worst that can happen is that it doesn't ride any better but hey it's already running pretty bad as is.

[@corporalclegg914]

I agree. the issue that I have is that you shouldn’t have to, unless you plan to operate at extreme altitude(s). I believe many OEM suppliers & aftermarket producers could do a much better job at machining & assembling parts with tighter tolerances. I’ve seen big-name Japanese automotive part suppliers’ quality decline in Honda/Acura and Nissan engine & transmission manufacturing over recent years, so I imagine that their power sports parts/component manufacturing has followed suit. I was in the mass pro auto industry during & years after the tsunami, but the out-of-spec-parts increase began well after their infrastructures were restored. I fear the worst is just beginning.

[@lifewithabe312]

Agree with this

[@dosstheboss100]

They are little lean on factory jets because lot of these was street legal and had to pass emissions

[@thereelfeal]

I think it runs like shit because you have that poor puppy locked in a cage in the rain.

[@matthewlindsay4701]

Got to be electrical, test the stator and cdi

[@tjanusz3]

KTMs are awesome bikes and require experience to keep them maintained. You cant slop shit around on these.

[@Moreymoto]

aka they break very often and have reliability problems

[@philred7139]

So the moral of the story is if you have a KTM, take it to someone who knows what they’re doing

[@robspear03]

Or...buy Honda.

[@scottnathanphoto]

Never own one. Austria is not Germany.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

@@scottnathanphoto Germany makes a competitive dirt bike? Figure out why not.

[@scottnathanphoto]

@@EarthSurferUSA I had a 990 Adventure. It was trash and always broken from new. Same goes for every KTM owner I've ever known, (dozens.) I had several BMW's including a GS Adventure. Never a single issue. Clear?

[@codskilclanchannel6420]

@@scottnathanphoto own 3 ktms best bikes ever

[@nickbartolomeo8318]

I can’t justify saying that the stator isn’t an issue, but I had issues with my 2002 520 falling on its face like that. Checking that the throttle position sensor is rotated to the optimum position helped, because that adjust the spark timing as the throttle turns. The thing that seemed to help the most was dropping the needle in the throttle by raising the clip position two spots, reducing the flow of fuel as you open the throttle further. Really hope you figure it out, love the work you do, keep it up!

[@MikeBlunt2]

throttle position sensor on a carb?

[@nickbartolomeo8318]

@@MikeBlunt2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp2lgXeon6aqp6M

[@schwartzenheimer1]

This is why you don't buy a KTM dirt bike: you don't know the difference between a high/mid-speed miss and a 'rev limiter'...take the advice given, check the TPS,, but since the plug (wrong AutoZone special) is black and sooty, maybe check the needle position and/or the main jet size. Just because 172 is 'stock' doesn't mean it's right for your setup. It's just a starting point.... My approach would be to start by leaning out the main, so it pulls hard at wide open throttle (WOT), and then adjusting the needle to smooth out the transition between part-throttle and WOT. The pilot already seems fine... Just a thought.

[@johnmarshall8095]

Bury it next to the Yamaha!

[@garymallard4699]

that's an oversized fuel tank...why they made a hole for choke access...it isn't weird... or stupid...a simple solution to make working choke easier while allowing more fuel capacity....

[@mikekubani]

If it truly is a 2002 400EXC then the exhaust is wrong. The 2002 400 had two pipes out of the cylinder all the way to mid pipe before it went to one and into the silencer. Also, the muffler does have a spark arrestor in it. I owned one since new and just recently sold it for a newer model. A JD Jetting kit would wake that bike up, but I agree with others that the bogging issue is electrical. That year carb was difficult to get the pump set correctly as you have to bend a tab. Took me many tries to get it right. Good luck!

[@rposton919]

Ever heard of aftermarket exhaust?

[@dannywade1783]

@@rposton919 aftermarket pipe doesn't change the head mate😂😂😂

[@tomz2344]

Two pipes come straight out of the head on 400 exc so perhaps that's 450?

[@betarider9392]

Definitely sounds like an ignition issue. Fuel delivery problems are seldom intermittent. Start with the simple stuff. Disconnect the stop/kill switch from the primary lead of the ignition coil and test ride the bike . If problem persists, unscrew the spark plug boot from the secondary ignition coil lead and check the resistance of the boot. It should be close to 5k ohms. 4.5 - 5.5k is fine. Then before re-installing the boot, trim the secondary coil lead back 1/2". Make sure the lead is long enough to do this. There have been thousands of perfectly good ignition coils replaced when the only problem was the spark plug boot or the connection between the boot and the secondary coil wire. Other than these checks, it's on to the stator, pick up coil and CDI unit. Good luck!

[@johnhicks735]

Checkout the vented fuel tank gas cap to it maybe plugged in the tip nipple to by chance from dirt.,or dust.packed inside of it to tom.

[@stetsondenning2703]

Correction, don’t buy ktm FOUR STROKES! The TWO STROKES are amazing!

[@anthonyw0697]

Typically manufactures give rich jetting. So the average Joe don't blow them up. Maybe this machine just runs rich. Id try dropping the jetting. The accelerater pump you usually don't get enough squirt. When they fail they are not squirting enough. Today's ktm are top notch. All the early (02-04)4 strokes the manufacturers were trying to work out the bugs of competitive 4 strokes. Not just ktm the big 4 Japanese too

[@joemusicman64]

Sounds electrical. Like the stator. Not giving constant spark.

[@dannylisle3637]

Could be a coil problem sounds like spark is cutting off

[@sandmanbub]

Could the previous owner have changed the float hight , attempting to stop the fuel from leaking? What notch was the clip for the main jet needle in?

[@rigguyjt]

I agree. It points to a possible float height problem but maybe set too low.

[@modelrc9500]

I had a failing stator and it produced the exact symptoms your dealing with. It would start up and run good in the low rpm’s but would break up at high rpm’s like seen in the video. The stator does seem to have an issue with it based off those charging voltages. Should immediately jump up in voltage, not a slow climb as seen on your bike

[@cvseniorful]

I agree with Model RC. 13.0 volts is not enough. That would cause your rich condition also. Not a KTM guy, but I would think the voltage should be 14.0 to 14.5 with it running.

[@danielspataru6372]

I had a sx-f 450 and the voltage was 13.5 - 13.8

[@cvseniorful]

@@danielspataru6372 That voltage makes sense IMOP.

[@reggiexp69]

same, my honda trx300ex had that problem ran fine but then sometimes it would limit at 80kmh 2min later 92kmh then 70 felt like it had a rev limiter, then drive fine, stator was all dirty and i just changed and never had that problem again (i did but the spark plug booth moved and didnt make connection but that was a easy fix)

[@madisimo2965]

Sounds exactly like what my bike was doing. And all I had to do was reset the ap timing and go down a size on my main jet, now she runs like a dream.

[@Coastlylocal]

I have an 08 sxf and the jetting of the flat cr carb always gave me issues. Either around camp or at the top of the mountain. I’d always be swapping jets . Once I switched to a lectron, “kinda felt like cheating “ I had instant power everywhere. Lots of love bro , love the vids

[@trashcan4698]

18:39 why does he just have a puppy siting in a cage outside in the rain listening to a loud bike?

[@ridethestorm6690]

Shouldn’t a battery be around 14volts while bike is running ? Maybe stator is shot

[@kylelangdown3322]

Recheck your valve clearance. Could be as simple as your intake is too tight and not clearing all the fuel into the cylinder when it opens causing it to pile up and get more and more rich as it runs. Other than that the timing could be slightly off, maybe the woodruff key bent slightly when you were having those one way bearing issues.

[@johnbest4320]

I'd check you're intake valves miby something is slightly off as there normally decent running bikes over engineering definitely with ktm but it seems like it will definitely be a small problem

[@derekwaycott3785]

Leak down test

[@vintagemotorcyclerepair4052]

There are many factors that can contribute to poor performance like that. It is likely a combination of problems. A few things that you can't at first see are: • Cracked spark plug • Corroded spark plug wire • Dying ignition coil • Bad CDI • Blocked carburetor passages • Intake manifold leak • Blown head gasket • Cracked cylinder head • Burnt valve • Cam lobe going flat • Any number of other issues If you look at the KTM, Haynes, or Clymer service manual, you will see there is a section that deals with trouble shooting. It guides you through the steps to solve this kind of problem. You can easily rule systems in or out as "the problem". You could easily have more than one problem, that when combined lead to terrible performance.

[@johnhicks735]

I've never owned A dirt bike that ran in my life. I always fixed.& Repaired.& Worked on them for other people instead to enjoy instead of myself on that part of it all tom.

[@billdeck9766]

Get a R&D flex fuel screw adjuster. Rocky Mountain has them. This will allow the fuel screw to be adjusted from the side. The starter is in the way to adjust fuel screw. When the fuel screw is adjusted correctly, throttle response will be better.

[@jrh1704]

I wouldn't say 'DON'T Buy a KTM'. . . But I would say don't buy a $1300, 20 year old KTM, with unknown mechanical and electrical issues and expect anything but the worst. I would definitely say that. I mean, I like the channel, but dude brought home a bike without even knowing what year or model he bought. And couldn't find the choke. I don't know what to say except some people take care of there stuff and others don't. Not every cheap buy is a diamond in the rough.

[@njmxjunkie3128]

If your coolants bubbling that’s leaning towards a lean condition

[@samueljoseph9540]

I had that problem on my 110cc pit bike and it was too much gas coming into the cab try closing on the carburator flotor .

[@tylerklapchar9967]

According to plug definitely running rich but I’d almost be willing to bet it’s maybe an intermittent spark issue on acceleration. My rmz kinda did something similar to this and it was in fact electrical

[@dr.m6098]

Black smoked spark plug not always is because running rich, I can be because is running too lean. It can be confusing, but I had the same problem, the plug was black and smoked. It took me 2-3 weeks to figure it out, always I was thinking is running too rich because plug, but NO was lean condition. After trying big jets I coudn't belive is running too good, starts with no choke and rev it out completly.

[@craigsnook3605]

Hiya. My untrained but been mucking around with motors my whole life gut instinct says ignition issues. Also in my old shop we used to say KTM stood for Keep Throwing Money lol. Dont know what KTM parts are like in the US. But here in NZ they are stupidly expensive. A set of genuine valves and springs for ya 450EXC would be over $1500!!!! So yeah, hardly ever used genuine parts in the things.

[@dr.m6098]

I had the same problem one week ago. It took me 2-3 weeks to figure it out. All the time I thought my bike is running too rich. I tried small jetting, but this was not the problem. The spark plug was always smoked. I tought it was burning oil and I changed the piston ring, agan this was not the problem. Maybe you don't belive, but all the time my dirt bike was running too lean. I rejeting the carburettor. And now starts immediately whithout the choke and rev to the max whithout any bog. I hope I was helpful and sorry for my bad english speaking, i don't know very well english language.

[@Mizman76]

If you had the problem a week ago and took you two to three weeks to figure out then you havent figured it out yet. For another one to two weeks anyways.

[@danielrita9663]

Pilot jet to lean at idle needle setting or main to big causing to much at full throttle right

[@dr.m6098]

1 week ago the problem was solved

[@garymallard4699]

@@Mizman76 his english is better than yours..i understood what he said....and your joke too...

[@j33pfyn4tik6]

Sounds like a leak around the sneezer pin. The penal anacular spring should be at least 3 cat turds out and torque setting should be at minimum 30 uga dugaz!

[@JKrause616]

Dude??? I agree with your penal anacular spring settings, but 30 uga dugaz? That's way too many.

[@cameronbergman1321]

My banshee used to do this same thing it was from a stator wire running along next to the exhaust and it would start up and run great until it warmed up then sputtered only on acceleration the wire would heat up and loose continuity and make it run poor

[@warrengarfield309]

Or pick up coil get's hot and fails.

[@IamBATMAN2024]

Older KTM’s had dodgy electrical systems and would set on fire in the back of the headlight!

[@johnnyjohnson2942]

I got a 03 KTM 450 exc in late 02 Worst bike I ever had, just did not like it. power delivery sucked suspension sucked everything about the bike. By then I had ridden a few 400 exc and ended up getting a 06 400 exc totally different bike, one of the best race bikes ive had!!

[@johnnyjohnson2942]

PS: KTMs are Race bikes (Not trail bikes) They are designed for racers and racing and strict maintenance intervals in heavy race load (HR"S). A lot of the thing you don't understand why there done are answered by this alone.

[@samdouglas1842]

Had an 04' 450 EXC that did much better after replacing the mid-body gasket. Just a thought.

[@sspmoto]

Same. ‘05 525 mid body gasket

[@MMKnight_1]

The hole in the fuel tank on KTM bikes for the choke is just for the extra fuel capacity of the tank, not "over-engineering" in my opinion.

[@1965l88]

Exactly correct. When you only have a 2-ish gallon capacity in the first place, that extra capacity could be the difference between riding home, or pushing the bike home.

[@farmerjoe57]

Had a bike that did something similar and it was the coil dying

[@jonnyonwheels]

Personally I would check to make sure it has a stock cdi on it and check the stator output as others have already said.

[@chadbontekoe3122]

My 2010 400xcw sounded like that right B4 it dropped a valve locking up bike. Head alone 800$. Oil was clean but there was shards in my airbox

[@navyseabee7245]

Put some play in that throttle cable you yo-yo

[@patbriggsmbr]

In my days of racing motocross it was always the ktm,s that broke down. Seems nothings changed.

[@peteraitken6494]

Great video joe you will get to the bottom of it I'm sure could be the jetting though my friend ha s 2 ktms and they are flying machines a bit newer right enough but I think once you iron this problem out it will fly good luck with it and hope you find the answer take care and your dog is a beuty mate 🔧🔧👍👌🔧

[@andrewmack2161]

Can't a KTM dealer tell you what it is from the VIN number? I've never had a KTM (briefly ridden a couple which were good) but my buddy has had 2 (yes the ones I've ridden) and he always says "Great bikes to ride but bad bikes to own".

[@rick262]

20-year old bike. For a sanity check, try a quick leak down test just to verify there's no issue with valves or rings before getting too involved with carb adjustments or electrical system.

[@michaelevans9568]

You need to route the throttle cables correctly they should go between the handlebars and the tank I can hear the throttle sticking when you turn the bars.and it actually sounds lean at higher rpm definitely do the mid base gaskets on the carb it's sucking air .

[@beaublackford3697]

I had a 2002 EXC 300 2 stroke when I was a kid, I loved it! I was so comfortable riding it. I was racing my CR 85 before, when I switched to the KTM I noticed and felt a major improvement in my riding. I miss it, it looked exactly like yours.

[@jakobsmith3772]

I have a 99 380 and it’s amazing. So much power, it keeps up with the newer 250’s and 300’s. It Doesn’t give me much trouble it’s pretty reliable. I hate how he said “this is why you don’t buy a ktm” he bought a cheap bike that obviously hasn’t been taken care of, of course it’s gonna be a basket case. If you take care of them they’re great. If you buy a cheap one that’s been abused obviously your not gonna have a good time.

[@maxwelledison03]

​@@jakobsmith3772KTM is trash

[@jeffkenyon7084]

I think it's breaking up because of a spark issue that's what it sounds like to me

[@stunna7807]

Yes. Did you notice he pulled that thingy off the top of the plug? Previous owner probably did that. Removing that is for old school engines with that exposed wire connection to the plug. It could be causing big misfires and the rev limiter is just tracking firings which it’s doing but it’s arcing in the boot. Kicking it over it will spark. Under load and it can’t fire the plug every revolution making it black. I’ve NEVER removed that from a plug on anything but a lawnmower

[@billyjames9861]

New Regular rectifier - Cheap as chips - (Voltage should higher than that), also voltage drops slightly if anything when you rev it up - Also compression doesn’t last very long on the EXC’s - New rings and yer good - Get yer money back on that sprag clutch bearing - Still a good buy though.

[@johnandersson]

You’ve got intermittent spark! Seems to be engine speed related. It has to be the pickup coil or the cdi. KTM engines always sound like shit and makes a lot of strange noises but they are reliable as long as they are maintained

[@rmfun-qo3ge]

2 stroke KTM yes.4 stroke ....nooo thanks... I grew up riding 2 strokes. Been happy ever since...good job though!

[@brianbaird3]

Aww poor pup being lock in the kennel

[@stevefrost-zf3oz]

its electrical cdi or ignition pick up

[@johnhicks735]

Check the pick up coil.,or the points to if that we engine has them on it to. They set between 0.15 to 0.20 thousands of A inch on top dead center to just about to open up. Accept still closed off until the crankshaft is rolled over again to fire under pressure.

[@the_ltz_guymaster7912]

I use to like watching his videos but now I may unsubscribe from him constantly bashing sellers in the titles he thinks every bike he gets maybe stolen now this title why u don’t buy a ktm bro u buy peoples problem bikes there tired of messing with them to get them running that’s why there forsale maybe you should change your channel into restoring bikes because all u do now is complain oh I got a bad bike this is why u don’t buy a ktm bro like for real if you don’t want problem bikes then buy ones that atleast run right and you ignore half your subscribers comments u pick and choose who you like or respond to but you want people to subscribe but you can’t handle the bad comments because once someone leaves a bad one you totally ignore them please change the channel or just stop making videos entirely

[@mattbrown5511]

Whoever sold you that bike knew they were selling you a lemon.

[@stringtwister7654]

I have A 2000 400exc it's the carb, I never could get it to run right I bought a rebuilt carb for 300 and sold mine for 200. Best 100 bucks I ever spent. My original carb someone had added a long fuel screw and that model carb wasn't even designed for it. Made bike run super rich.

[@sandmanbub]

I'm a bit surprised that the oil hadn't been diluted with fuel. When fuel remains in the cylinder, it seeps down past the rings and into the crankcase. The guy must have changed the oil shortly before selling it to you.

[@2vintage]

Yes he did change the oil right before selling it to me.

[@shawncordeiroTerraceBC]

@@2vintage you no why they do that rite ? to hide sh*t

[@WreckedRevival]

If you can I'd test the stator and coil cold vs hot seems like it's either blowing out the spark or has compression loss through the head gasket or something and maybe it's causing it to give false rich plug readings.

[@benschlack5814]

I second the head gasket he says it's getting hot

[@justindoucette1841]

Get rid of it it’s a head ache. Ktm is garbage. I would not ride that bike. A few miles in the bush. It might die. On trials have to stop On my 94 Kawasaki to help them. Cause there new bike shut off electronics just stopped working. Not fixable on side of trail. At all it’s a track bike that breaks down over and over

[@staceysmith6518]

Don’t blame it on being a KTM because you can’t fix it lol it sounds like there’s a problem with the stater or possibly some loose wires in the mission system that will make it appear to be running rich because you’re not getting proper fire under load.

[@danielspataru6372]

That is the rong spark plug for a KTM All KTM s use iridium plug and they have that CR flat carbs that they have 10000000 problems and the main body is made in 3 pices upper -middle and the lower side where the jets are you need to check the middle body part o-rings

[@gusgiesel]

I think the click after shutoff is part of the electric starter mechanism. Also the 18 inch rear wheel may help you determine 400 or 450.

[@pooppoop3084]

Why do have that dog in that little cage when he has acres to run ?

[@joeeasterling5652]

It sounds like an intermittent spark issue to me, possibly the plug wire. I had a 4 wheeler that was what it was.

[@rhiantaylor3446]

I was going to say the same, try it at night and look for tracking otherwise try changing plug cover, wire cdi whatever.

[@zyxiyzzz9638]

Hey joe do u have telegram i think theres a big scam going around pretending to be u i can send proof

[@tanmansbikebuilds931]

I was never a fan of ktm to begin with! I had a buddy who a couple years ago bought a brand new ktm 450 2017 and we went to the track and he hit a couple jumps before the forks snapped beneath him on a landing and he ate dirt hard, the bike was maybe 2 weeks old. I’ll always be a Yamaha guy!

[@5gadget5]

Some of the KTM EXC's (Enduro Bikes) here in the UK had an option of a "long range tank" which yours look's to be one.

[@bradpearson740]

I had a four stroke that ran just like that once. Tried everything. Turned out it just needed a new spark plug, the one that was in it was causing bad misfires.

[@jakobsmith3772]

Not trying to be rude I’m Just curious, what all did you change?😂 normally the spark plug is the first thing to change when your having issues

[@G58]

Why do you buy new plugs just because it’s carbed up?? Does no one ever clean spark plugs anymore? All you need is a fine brass wire brush. They last years if you just clean them and keep the gap set correctly. It’s most likely running rich, so an air filter or carb setting issue.

[@benradcliffe2717]

That *POOR POOR* dog locked in the cage scared cant escape, so loud for them, not surprised its scared 😭

[@goodoleme747]

Vinnie is spoiled. You must not come around here often.

[@elih1124]

poor dog..lives in that damn cage..in the garage..out in the rain...

[@geezler4083]

poor doggy

[@acerig4675]

Sounds like ignition issues. that was nominal voltage on your meter, charge should be more .

[@motorco.9454]

Definitely too lean, thats why it surges at idle and cuts in and out. Make the air fuel screw more rich

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

did you not see the colour of the plug no?

[@timothydeshotel301]

I've had something similar happen before. Turns out when I replaced the diaphragm on the carb, i put the fuel needle through the retaining clip instead of under it. It caused the bike to bog under load. You can also see if you can adjust where the fuel needle sits on the clip and check for tears in the diaphragm.

[@dubaitacker6347]

mate do a search on mid body gasket on those FCR slant carbs your will just be black goo, ask me how i know ......make then run as rich as hell mid throttle. They also made a 520 EXC in 2002 and a 525 EXC in 2003. your would seem to be a 400 as the 520 has twin exhaust header from the head

[@gameboysen684]

love your videos

[@cryusus7791]

the clicking when u turn off the engine is normal, i have it too

[@frankwilliams2198]

That looks like a nice bike I think it's worth figuring out what's wrong with it.

[@katekirk4752]

No, it's really not.

[@frankwilliams2198]

Yes it really is

[@jt3963]

@@katekirk4752It’s okay but exc 450 or 525 is better. I really like my 03 exc 525. Just riding and basic maintenance.

[@xl600mine]

looks like this bike has had a hard life, using large gauge amp wire for battery wires, the headlight isn't properly fastened to the forks ( doesn't even look like a KTM headlight, but a cheap aftermarket) no brake light etc

[@shrugger1]

I'd never planned on buying a KTM. But thank you for reinforcing my decision.

[@brapptv44]

i just bought a husky after 30 years of hating on ktm. love the bike so far

[@jrh1704]

@@brapptv44 So you bought a KTM after 30 years of hating on KTM? Brilliant.

[@txsam2802]

@@brapptv44 sick dude which one did you get?

[@brapptv44]

@@txsam2802 i got a fe501s. i was going to go with the crf450RL but couldn't find one anywhere. glad i got the husky tho. great bike

[@justinpyne968]

i have got a 525 exc racing 2004 with the rfs engine and its bulletproof ! its only done 110 hours and its tuned to 80hp!

[@bigospig]

Sounds like an ignition problem (which is probably why it seems like the rev limiter).

[@nathantkalec230]

Definitely ignition problem

[@tylerthomas3744]

Sounds like an ignition problem man. Might be the stator or flywheel? I don't think it's fuel.

[@berlnberln5289]

This bike has a fcr39 carb. Those carbs separate in two pieces in the middle, a really complicated gasket handle all the idle chock circuit Those gasket go bad, you need to change them, that's probably your problem as you are trying to tune the carb and nothing you do improve de situation

[@craigwicke4835]

This was the gasket in the little metering block? Kind of a mushroom shape. I have heard of this. I think it was on a Suzuki DR. I avoid fuel with alcohol in it. I think it deteriorates the rubber. My 2 cents.

[@sandmanbub]

Sure sounded like it was running out of fuel on the trails & the road.

[@camphillips5655]

The carb has an accelerator diaphragm. It turns to crap. Had an identical bike that just got sold and it would bog on full throttle from idle. Ran wayyy better than that tho overall lol

[@danielrita9663]

Air fuel mix ain't right he has to hit throttle to bringing idal down more than likely pilot jet to lean at idal and needle set to high making it run to rich in full throttle also always good to check valve spec to

[@manoffreespeech2957]

It sounds like a bag of bolts you can't tell me u can't hear the issue 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈

[@kenjohnson5498]

Everyone i knew that has had a KTM worked on them as much as they rode them. Every now and then you get a good one that performs well but very rare.

[@alejandroluevano5229]

Maybe try messing with the needle position, and go a little smaller on the main jet.

[@mathewflick2959]

Timing could be off...or bad wiring...to spark plug...💯

[@danpariseau4141]

Take off air box cover. I put an exhaust and valves in my 450 and couldn’t figure out why it was doing exactly what your bikes doing. I took off the air box lid and it became an animal. It was restricted and wouldn’t rev out.

[@Tipsandtricks9762]

Thats not the rev limiter. I've had several bikes that did that to me and it was starving for fuel.

[@traeband]

Video idea, build your dog a covered kennel so it doesn’t have to sit in that tiny ass cage all day while you film. And you left him out in the rain? Come on.

[@keithcrampton1438]

Most of my friends take their bikes to the mechanic because they cannot figure the s*** out but you are a superstar God!

[@tylerspiegel1010]

It sounds like it’s not getting enough gas. Try messing with the choke.