'75 GS400

[YUMASTEPSIDE]

Just picked up a 1975 GS400 KTM ( and a '73 SDR Ossa ) and I need a piston for it , and also, can anyone tell me what colour the frame should be? I think silver.....the tanks still white but the frame's been painted some sort of reddish /orange.
 Also, what shape sidecovers ( numberplates ) should it have ? Any pics would be appreciated.

              Roger

[JC]

Well done Roger. Not too many of those around.

Frame should be silver. I'll see if I can find a pic somewhere.

[YUMASTEPSIDE]

Thanks John...........this is as bought.......also need a sidestand........

             

                         Roger

[Tossa]

Nice pick up

[ozktm151]

Looks ok,
As I have said before you should be able to get a piston from Al Beuhner at Penton parts. Pipe is a later model one 78 on. I have one on mine that I think calms the engine down a fraction. Mine has a 48 tooth rear which also probably adds to smoothing it out. all that depends on how you ride. DC plastics make the side covers. They are not the greatest but about the only ones you can get. Airbox cover usually had an extension for the number plate. Need to get an alloy chain guide. Check out Penton on USA ebay. Frame should be silver, forks polished and brake drums flat black. Check POG website for reference to paint colours.Can also get rods from Al. He gets them from Eurorods @ about an extra $5. His site says they are temporarily out of stock. Read his info on crank pin lengths to get the correct one.
cheers Bill

[YUMASTEPSIDE]

Thanks Bill, Ill check it out.It will be set up as an enduro bike, not a concours resto, but a useable race bike, so the DC plastics should do.

                    Roger

[bigk]

DC's are getting way better, the last lot I got are almost as good as the best you can get. Gone is the real rough "orange peel" look and to be honest the slightly dull finish will be more to the original on a KTM of that era anyway. You can't complain about DC's service, I ordered a full set of translucent plastics for CR125M (custom made), I had them 14 days later. Good work Tom! I haven't ridden one of those 400's but I imagine they would be a nice torquey, easy to use engine?
Cheers,
K

[firko]

BigKs experience with DC Plastic matches mine. I too use transluscent white (opaque, depending on which school you went to ) and Tom has produced some custom stuff for me for both my TM400 and a couple of upcoming bikes. I'll order a new set of Maico opaque for the squaries return at the DT Nats. The quality is perfect for my hot rod bikes and I have indeed noticed a vast improvement in the finish in my recent orders. If you're not turning the Kato into a show queen, DC is just what you need Roger. It's durable, looks good and doesn't put too much of a dcent in the bank account.
 
I briefly had a '76 Kato similar to your bike Roger and it's one of the few bikes I regret selling. If you don't mind me asking How much did you get it for , and is the OSSA going to be sold on?

[YUMASTEPSIDE]

The KTM was a bit of a horse trade/ permanent loan sort of thing.and I swapped the ossa for a few 250 and 350 xr motors and a complete '89 xr 250 that I had.I intend to return both bikes to a competitive condition for vinduro's.I'm trying to get a bit of a collection of enduro bikes together, hopefully one of each, so far...GS KTM, GS Maico,H7 Monty, WR Husky, SDR Ossa, Matador SD, all four jap 175 enduro's-KDX, PE, IT, and MR and still plenty to come   

                Roger

[Slakewell]

Nice to see another one 75's are rare in Aus

[ozktm151]

Would be surprised if it is a 75 400. Check engine and frame numbers. Mine was made in Sept 76 so I reckon it came in one of the first Bert Flood batches. As there were 5 '74 400s brought into Oz a 75 might be a rare one. Glad to here DC are getting better but I would still be wary. Never complained about the plastic just the fit. I bought two rear MX mudguards that need to heated to fit properly and the Preston petty replica front didn't have clearance for the the fork sliders. Have fun with it as I think the frame and the engine together with sorted suspension is a great package. The weight is its biggest drawback but you don't notice it till you get into trouble.

Bill

[YUMASTEPSIDE]

.........haven't checked the engine number yet, but the frame says its a '75.

                       Roger

..........OK, the engine is 8th month '76

[YUMASTEPSIDE]

If anyones getting some DC plastics in the near future, I'd be grateful if you would let me know, so we could get a bulk lot.

                      Roger

[YUMASTEPSIDE]

UPDATE...... Looks like you were right Bill, according to Brad Lewis, its a '74 1/2 with an '80-'81 pipe. Its one of three that he knows of , so it probably is one of the Bert Flood imports.

                   Roger

[bigk]

I get a DC order at least once a month, one is coming now and there will be some backorders in a week or two. Happy to add yours if you like.
Cheers,
k