Traded '22 Beta 200 RR for a '25 KTM 500 EXC-f? Am I NUTSO?!?!?!?!

[@ChrisQuinn-l6i]

Hey John, I am also in Ontario and ride a lot of the SCORRA trail system and the Ganny. I also have a similar tale to tell. Had a 2006 200XC-W for many moons. Really enjoyed the bike but after many years I was ready for a more modern machine but wanted a bit more flexibility with regards to what I could ride and the distances I could travel. I picked up a 2017 KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days because I wanted to link up trails and have the ability to go further with a blue plate. Mission accomplished. The 450/500 EXC-Fs are a different animal and on single track and tighter stuff - yes two strokes are king of the hill in this terrain however I can still rip with all of my two stroke buddies with zero issues. The planted feel of these bigger bore bikes is incredible and on any of the hill climbs or sandy sections they pull with such amazing linear power. Do I still miss my 200 - yep! But if I can only have one do it all bike that is pretty good at everything and want a touch of street riding in between, these bikes are hard to beat. I did take all of the emissions stuff off and added a Vortex ECU. The ECU really makes a dramatic difference as I was getting the occasional flame out without it. I did leave my reeds in though and have no issues with air intake. The guy at Slavens Racing says that he preferred having the reeds in vs out but either way I had no issues. I also never felt the need for a P3 header pipe guard on my 200 but for the 450/500 four strokes it is essential. That pipe is way too exposed and gets really eff'n hot! Also, the P3 carbon fibre guard looks pretty bad ass and if you do low-side the bike which you will that investment will be the best one you make! Keep the shiny side up - the spring is getting close!

[@hardyeleonore]

I had a 23 890 ADVr and realised I was doing more single and doubletrack than travel, so I traded for a 2024 Husqvarna 501s for a a very good price. Im doing smog delete,PMB end cap and just adding a piggyback tuner all from Taco Moto.

[@ripnriding1]

Nice! In my research, I too thought best bang for the buck was a piggyback tuner as well. Went with the jd tuner and for those in Canada…..gnarly parts gave me a smoking deal to door. No threat of extra duty if ordered stateside.

[@Whatsthedealsquirter]

I ride a 450 currently but gonna keep it for the woods and wanna get a 701 for road

[@dont3761]

Nice bike. Kind of have your approach now. I don't race anymore, still like to help out with marking and running the race. Tocomoto has great stuff for your bike.

[@ridemfast7625]

Congrats! Some, many, may think youre crazy buying ktm because of the financial problems. Clearly not me as I recently bought a 2024 500excf. Im interested in what you learn about your reeds being removed and any ecu flash... is it even necessary?

[@ripnriding1]

Congrats! Well…..I went down the rabbit hole. Asked around a few local guys that have had 500’s for a while now. Decided to keep the reed block out and just ordered a jd piggyback fuel tuner……if in Canada….call up Gnarly parts!Honestly…….im sure the bike is fine stock. January is just that time of year I buy parts to keep me from going insane while we wait in the season. Outside of picking up some rad guards…..should be good to go now ;)

[@jimwagner4403]

You are not NUT's. You are of sound mind! I'm 56 and recently got the Beta500rr-s. 13 front and 48 rear, (I will get a 50 rear though) much better single track killer. Oh yeah Taco Moto has some of my cash as well. We should make a 50's and 500 club.

[@RROSS399]

better orange than red ;)... 5hundy can go into cochranes ;)

[@ripnriding1]

lol I figured that would be coming. Honestly…….anywhere the TX300 showed up……this one can represent!

[@fattie2550]

5 Hundy power

[@Shepherdservices317]

Why would you be nuts? It's a 4x better bike