KTM 2017 Sneak Peek. GG to play catch-up
 

More weight reduction. Suspension updates. Some air, some not. Mikuni carb. Much more.

http://dirtbiketest.com/fresh-dirt/2...-need-to-know/

The counterbalancer on the 2stroke models has potential,shame theyv discontinued the 200 tho

2smoke ktms are finally getting the ignition side counter balancer that gassers had 20 years ago.

Great that KTM is keeping the 2 strokes alive.

I don't like the huge side plates.
They will look like crap when worn in.

KTM Prices announced. $8,000 for a 150. GULP!!

450XC-F: $10.099
350XC-F: $9999
250XC-F: $8999
300XC Two-stroke: $9099
300XC-W Two-stroke: $9099
250XC Two-stroke: $8999
250XC-W Two-stroke: $8899
150XC-W Two-stroke: $7999

Now translate them to AUD, and add a premium for the six days model.. and some more to add the protection required, factor in replacement of the light weight paper thin pipe, the best part of a grand to get the suspension dialled in.. and you're near 20K for a piece of machinery that is intended to be throw around in the bush. Outrageous!

N the huskies will cost more jakey boy!:eek: I detect some resentment in your post:D

Still a lightweight estart 150:)

Insane $$$$$ for a bike. KTM =Greedy

It's not like they aren't selling.....

Someone has to pay for the Husky purchase...

They were always on the expensive side regarding parts, we have a saying here: "You broke a screw on your shiny KTM ? It's going to cost you 100 euros."

Anyway, this is the standard by others are compared with.

New GasGas to be presented in Eicma in november...

What are going to come on new EC?
Fuel injection is my bid.

No resentment here Craig.

They have the best marketing strategy around. They show constant refinement from year to year, and by starting with a bike that handled like a stick they have been sure to leave room for improvement ;)

The cost, while insane, is somewhat relative. Their demand means that although you pay more up front, there is always a second hand market where you can move your used bike on with ease and at typical losses. On the other hand our bikes aren't worth shit to many, but we also bought them new for less than you can buy a used ktm. All boils down to what you're after at the end of the day.

KTM has a slight stranglehold on the market at this point. Now, they have done a great job of continuing to refine their bikes and aren't afraid to rest on their past success. But, my fear is that is they don't get some strong competition for other players, i.e. Yamaha, Beta and Gasgas, then eventually they'll begin to produce less quality, mass produced bikes.

In terms of their 2-strokes, I've owned the 200, 250, and 300 and they are good bikes, but are designed for a more broad range of riding styles. In other words, a Gasgas and Beta are specifically designed for what I would call woods or trail riding. They are comfortable in that element right out of the box and seem tailor made for that purpose. The KTM not so much. They're good in that element, but seem to be more ready made for the faster, 3rd gear on up Harescramble or GP type of riding.

My hope is that Gasgas and Beta will keep producing great woods bikes and keep KTM honest in the coming years.

Nothing stated for the electric Freeride, is it getting much acceptance by riders?

My bet is that Sherco has the first injected 2T on the market.

I don't expect anything earth shattering from GG for a couple years. Granted they are rising up out of the ashes...they have a lot of catching up to do. Weight reduction mainly.

Yes. Weight reduction first.

GG would know better, but I suspect making the current chunky swing-arm more svelte (like KTM) and replacing sand casting with die casting would yield some significant pounds/kilograms. I have no handle on any benefits to be found in the frame, but if KTM can find weight reduction in theirs, so can GG.

With the Euro to Dollar ratio near parity, it presents opportunities to sell across the Atlantic.

Along that line, if you look at the MSRP of the 2017 KTMs ($8K to 9K for two-strokes), that makes me wonder if GG can re-establish that price differential advantage they had over KTM from several years ago.

New bike for me is coming next spring. Gas Gas in its' current form is not on the list. (and I know it is a lot to ask for a newly acquired company...so maybe in a few years).

The list of what I am looking at.

1. KTM/Husky
2. Beta both the RR and the X-Trainer....think the X, might be the ideal bike for here in Idaho.
3. Sherco (the no kickstarter is deal breaker though...DI might make up for it though)


Really a toss up between the Beta and the KTM/Husky.

lets hope GG doesn't do the same a lot of people love 200's including myself.

KTM Big Bucks
 

KTM = Keeps Taking Money