It's a 2023 KTM 150 XC-W.
I really started to miss moto. When I moved last year I didn't realize that living on one of the main routes into the local State Forest meant that dudes going riding would pass my house on most days. And I could be one of those dudes. There's a mile of asphalt above me, and then State forest. I'll be on the trails after a few more miles of gravel.
I'm also 100% sick of working on trucks. I suck at big projects, I'm not enjoying it at all, and I'm short on spare time. I'll be selling or parting out my wheeler project soon (hit me up if you want a Taco on built 9.5" axles w/new 39s and new duals and so much more. I'll cut you a deal. 😁).
I'm not in this for outright speed. I'll transit on gravel/dirt roads but the goal is to play around on technical trails. I'll eventually throw together some fun stuff on my property with the rocks and logs I have to work with. I'm 170-175lb fully geared up so this will be enough bike for what I want it to do. In retrospect I probably should have kept my 2011 200 XC-W. Live and learn.
Cool shit:
FMF Turbinecore 2.1 - some guys complain that it's too quiet, it's definitely quieter than the Turbinecore 2 and I like that.
KTM Map switch for snotty trails.
52t Super Sprocket - much needed.
KTM 52mm bar mounts that are taller than stock.
KTM 125/150 SX pegs that are lower than XC-W pegs.
Cycra hand guards because trees are mean.
KTM rear brake disc guard because rocks are mean.
Tug Job Straps for Tuggin'.
Mud flap roller to protect the swingarm.
To do still:
An OEM KTM clutch slave guard didn't fit for some reason, so I ordered an Enduro Engineering unit.
Cyclops 10.0 Ultra LED bulb ordered.
SAR Hi/Low headlight switch ordered.
It's still breaking in on my property and I'm not giving it the full beans yet. So far it lugs well enough, starting in 2nd on flat ground is no big deal. It doesn't have that tractor lug feeling of lots of rotating mass, but it's smooth enough off idle and under load to not stall. Power comes on with a nice slightly gradual hit that isn't too hard for a trail bike, compared an on/off race bike power valve feel. The 52t rear sprocket feels just right and first gear isn't even super low. It's still a noticably light 125-based chassis that's easy to ride, just like the 200. I could see someone overwhelm the bike trying to hit higher speeds through some gnarly chop but that's not the terrain we have around here and not how I plan to ride.
My main delay was that I had no gear left and had to run around town and/or order everything. But I decided not to cheap out and got Klim Gore-tex, waterproof Alpinestars, and a nice Bell helmet. I'm also trying knee braces for the first time since my knees have not been treated well and are showing it. So far they aren't really noticable while riding so I'll consider that a good thing. I did keep my Leatt neck brace which is in good shape. I know some guys debate neck braces but my previously broken C2 needs all the help it can get.
I'll get more hours on it here, change the gearbox oil and torque things down, then go sneak up into the woods. The trails are "closed" due to wildfire cleanup but there are no signs, no personnel, and a handful of 18" road cones across the road. That doesn't look closed to me.
I really started to miss moto. When I moved last year I didn't realize that living on one of the main routes into the local State Forest meant that dudes going riding would pass my house on most days. And I could be one of those dudes. There's a mile of asphalt above me, and then State forest. I'll be on the trails after a few more miles of gravel.
I'm also 100% sick of working on trucks. I suck at big projects, I'm not enjoying it at all, and I'm short on spare time. I'll be selling or parting out my wheeler project soon (hit me up if you want a Taco on built 9.5" axles w/new 39s and new duals and so much more. I'll cut you a deal. 😁).
I'm not in this for outright speed. I'll transit on gravel/dirt roads but the goal is to play around on technical trails. I'll eventually throw together some fun stuff on my property with the rocks and logs I have to work with. I'm 170-175lb fully geared up so this will be enough bike for what I want it to do. In retrospect I probably should have kept my 2011 200 XC-W. Live and learn.
Cool shit:
FMF Turbinecore 2.1 - some guys complain that it's too quiet, it's definitely quieter than the Turbinecore 2 and I like that.
KTM Map switch for snotty trails.
52t Super Sprocket - much needed.
KTM 52mm bar mounts that are taller than stock.
KTM 125/150 SX pegs that are lower than XC-W pegs.
Cycra hand guards because trees are mean.
KTM rear brake disc guard because rocks are mean.
Tug Job Straps for Tuggin'.
Mud flap roller to protect the swingarm.
To do still:
An OEM KTM clutch slave guard didn't fit for some reason, so I ordered an Enduro Engineering unit.
Cyclops 10.0 Ultra LED bulb ordered.
SAR Hi/Low headlight switch ordered.
It's still breaking in on my property and I'm not giving it the full beans yet. So far it lugs well enough, starting in 2nd on flat ground is no big deal. It doesn't have that tractor lug feeling of lots of rotating mass, but it's smooth enough off idle and under load to not stall. Power comes on with a nice slightly gradual hit that isn't too hard for a trail bike, compared an on/off race bike power valve feel. The 52t rear sprocket feels just right and first gear isn't even super low. It's still a noticably light 125-based chassis that's easy to ride, just like the 200. I could see someone overwhelm the bike trying to hit higher speeds through some gnarly chop but that's not the terrain we have around here and not how I plan to ride.
My main delay was that I had no gear left and had to run around town and/or order everything. But I decided not to cheap out and got Klim Gore-tex, waterproof Alpinestars, and a nice Bell helmet. I'm also trying knee braces for the first time since my knees have not been treated well and are showing it. So far they aren't really noticable while riding so I'll consider that a good thing. I did keep my Leatt neck brace which is in good shape. I know some guys debate neck braces but my previously broken C2 needs all the help it can get.
I'll get more hours on it here, change the gearbox oil and torque things down, then go sneak up into the woods. The trails are "closed" due to wildfire cleanup but there are no signs, no personnel, and a handful of 18" road cones across the road. That doesn't look closed to me.
Last edited:
