KTM noob... eager to learn!

KtManiac · 04-12-2010, 01:23 AM

Hi all! Glad to find some ktm experts... I recently purchased an '03 450 mxc in seemingly great condition with all original paperwork and records of shop repairs for $2000. Being a honda guy my whole life and not knowing much about these bikes concerned me, but the deal seemed too good to pass up. And after a few rides i'm in love! But i thought i'd ask and see if anyone could tell me what i should know/watch for with this particular model? Thanks!

bajadog · 04-12-2010, 01:06 PM

Hi Maniac,

That is a great bike, the RFS is a powerful and light engine.

Some things to look at:

Oil changes with PURE synthetic. (I used redline 20W-50 down here year round).

My routine with my ex-2003 was, every 750 miles or so, just drain the oil,
and put back a quart.
Every 1500 clean the two screens, the two filters (get Scotts stainless mesh for these), and the oil.

Valve adjustment each second filter change. Exhaust will tighten up.

If you are planning on riding wet muddy terrain (Oregon), I would lube
(Belray grease) the swing arm pivot, and the steering head bearings.
They did not really put a lot there from the factory, and if the previous
owner never did it, it's due.

Other than that, just DON'T over tighten the chain, must guys that come
off of linkage Jap bikes seem to do this. You will damage the counter shaft bearing real fast.

Enjoy.

KtManiac · 04-15-2010, 12:06 AM

Awesome tips thanks a ton... one thing i noticed today while i had the sub frame off was a lot of gunk on the backside of the engine near the shock. when i looked for a source i saw that the oil sight glass on the right side was pretty oily around the seal and the area surrounding it... is it a common problem for these to leak? is it hard to fix?

bajadog · 04-15-2010, 07:41 AM

That is a common problem. It's not always the o-ring behind the glass though.

The bolts holding the sight glass cover on must be sealed to prevent oil leakage. Silicone seal on the bolt threads worked for me (some use teflon tape).
Try that, clean the area off with brake cleaner, and see if it's still leaking.