Brought the new toy home tonight, a KTM

[Denis]

The guy wasn't sure what model it is, but he got it from his brother years ago.
Starts up, runs, is loud and downright scary. I think it's an early '80s 400-490cc. Definitely a 2 stroke.

Whatever, I paid him $350us for it!

Here's a link to pics. Can anyone tell me anything about it?

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/DSC04527a.jpg

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/bigtreebluesea/DSC04526a.jpg

[pokey]

$350?    shoot man I think ya stole it from him.. excellent score

[VMX Andrew]

wow .. bargain of the year...

[Maico31]

That's cheap, look like about an '82. I take it that's in the US. Kangaroos got their own shops over there

[vandy010]

wow! thats cool Denis!
here's $400 mate, just pop it in the post would ya?
lucky bugger!

[Denis]

Thanks! Haha, I think I'll try it out first before I ship it out anywhere.

A buddy and I did some digging and we think it's either an '82 420cc or 490cc with an '83 front disk or an '83 420cc or 490cc retrofitted with an earlier seat.

Either way, pocket change for something which could either get me in trouble or be way too much fun!

[evo550]

Denis,
If you haven't ridden it yet and you are keen to get an idea of how she goes, I suggest you strap yourself to the nose of the SPACE SHUTTLE, that should give you an indication of the acceleration.
I think this is the one that set the world dirt bike speed record 127 mph or something like that.

[Denis]

Thanks for the suggestion: I think you have made a valid suggestion. Should I go ahead and order a walker and a neck brace before I ride this thing? 

To be perfectly honest, it DOES make me nervous, having as little experience on 2-smokes as I have. I mean, the Cota is fun and all, but it's only a 247 geared for climbing trees and cave walls.

127mph you say? Crap...

[evo550]

Yep, and I'm pretty sure it has the braking capabilities of a run away freight train with the handling of a fully loaded ocean liner.
Ahhh the joys of vintage dirt bikes !!!
Enjoy

[Denis]

Hopefully with the disc brake it's not bad. Oddly, in '84 KTM went back to a drum front brake. Crazy Axis powers...

[4RoBs]

Well done Dennis, lucky buggar! Make sure you get way over the front guard when you think about turning. Better still, just stay away from corners  - good drag bike.

Rob

[Hoony]

Whatever, I paid him $350us for it!

were you wearing a Balaclava when you bought it at that price  Love those KTM great whites if its a 495 what a bargain

[Denis]

Morning, all.
Last night I did some digging and think it's an '83 420 or 495, like the one in the link below.

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/ktm_500_k_4_enduro_1983.php

I think I got lucky because the guy posted it on Craigslist on the US Thanksgiving Day when few people were browsing for bikes. On my way to pick it up the next day he told me that his phone wouldn't stop ringing. Three of the best motorcycle scores I've made were over holiday weekends.

So... I shouldn't attempt to turn it at all? Heh.

[Maicojames]

Denis, are you in the US? Actually the KTM 495s here don't seem to draw quite as much $ as they might elsewhere. For AHRMA Ultima class it technically wouldn't be legal since it cam with a front disc, and yet the 84 bike -with USD forks is!!..the 84 came with a front drum. That said, I have teched through more than a few "1982" bikes with a dual plug ignition, reed, and blue seat. The reality is that some are converted to drum brake.

BTW the speed record was 123.75 mph on a 1981 495-piston port bike. The 82 had the "pro-lever" single shock, and the 83 had a reed, and dual plug ignition-the 83 is reputedly the better engine of the era. great find  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lewo81]

Hey Denis, that`s a cool buy at a bargain price. I`m no expert but my guess would be `83 because of the front end and side plates. Looks like a larger than normal tank and that may be why the safety seat is cut down and looks like the `82. A single spark plug for 420cc and dual plug for 495cc so long as everything is standard and unmodified. These things are plenty powerful but not as bad as people make out, they have a fairly strong surge in the mid range so short shift it for a smooth ride, let it rev when everything is straight and under control. It`s good to know almost nothing will pass you in a straight line, the hard bit is harnessing the way the power comes on, fun bike to ride but not always a fun bike to race depending on the track. Good luck and have fun.