1990 KTM 300exc opinions

[Amater45]

Just bought one today, was wondering what everyones opionions on these bikes are, if anyone has had one

Traded my ts100 for it.. sorry atc007

[adcotton]

KTM's are known to be great trail bikes.

I had a 98 380 EX/C and regret selling it all the time.

I do suggest you become a member over at Ktmtalk.com

Very good Informative site, no junk. And you get a discount on parts from some place in waco Texas i think it was. Munn racing maybe. That's where I got all my oem parts when I had mine.

Have fun two wheeling! The only other way to go besides three wheelin.

[Amater45]

I only plan on trail riding as well. anything you recomend to check? and are there any infamous problems with these bikes haha

[El Camexican]

Check the chain, wheel bearings, steering head, shock links, etc. Unless you were good buddies with the last owner I'd pull the head off and take a peek in there. If it looks scratch free I'd change the oil and ride it. PS. Make sure the water pump seal isn't leaking into the crank case.

[Amater45]

I knew the guy, i know whats up with the motor. He was changing the oil in it when i was checking it out the other day, and water pump seal, gotcha. thannks!

[Amater45]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8vGLPdYuO4

Here she is running!

[El Camexican]

Cool! Suggest you wear boots when you are starting that thing in the future.

[Amater45]

Well i found out there coolant leaking into the bottom end.. El Camexican, thanks for letting me know about the water seal! I would of been clueless without you letting me know haha. Im going to put a new bearing, seal, impeller, and gasket, flush the bottom end etc. is there anything else that could be causing a leak into the bottom end possibly? ive read that the seal is main problem. thanks!

[El Camexican]

Well i found out there coolant leaking into the bottom end.. El Camexican, thanks for letting me know about the water seal! I would of been clueless without you letting me know haha. Im going to put a new bearing, seal, impeller, and gasket, flush the bottom end etc. is there anything else that could be causing a leak into the bottom end possibly? ive read that the seal is main problem. thanks!

Not that I can think of (unless something is cracked which I doubt). Make sure you clean the crankcase well. That means taking the clutch plates out and wiping off the coolant goo. Make sure the seal is installed "flat" to the cover and that you lube the seal and the shaft before you install it. I don't know your year, but I suspect it has a air bleed on one of the rads. If so, don't forget to bleed it when you fill the system and start it for the first time. Wait till the fluid heats up and starts flowing and then makes sure you are somewhere that spilling some coolant dosen't matter (it can kill a pet) when you open the bolt (Protect the eyes and hands!). Once its bleed close the bolt, open the rad cap and top the system off if needed. The next time it is cold check the level. The cooling tubes should be covered, but not by much, or you'll always be purging coolant when you ride and if you're like me the odor will freak you out "OMG! I've sprung a leak!" After you ride for a couple hours I'd change the crank case oil again. It will tell you if the leak is fixed and get rid of the last of the coolant that was still in the cases. If is all good, you should be fine for at least a few years of leak free riding.

PS. Watched your video again. You need to lube your shock linkage.

[Amater45]

Not that I can think of (unless something is cracked which I doubt). Make sure you clean the crankcase well. That means taking the clutch plates out and wiping off the coolant goo. Make sure the seal is installed "flat" to the cover and that you lube the seal and the shaft before you install it. I don't know your year, but I suspect it has a air bleed on one of the rads. If so, don't forget to bleed it when you fill the system and start it for the first time. Wait till the fluid heats up and starts flowing and then makes sure you are somewhere that spilling some coolant dosen't matter (it can kill a pet) when you open the bolt (Protect the eyes and hands!). Once its bleed close the bolt, open the rad cap and top the system off if needed. The next time it is cold check the level. The cooling tubes should be covered, but not by much, or you'll always be purging coolant when you ride and if you're like me the odor will freak you out "OMG! I've sprung a leak!" After you ride for a couple hours I'd change the crank case oil again. It will tell you if the leak is fixed and get rid of the last of the coolant that was still in the cases. If is all good, you should be fine for at least a few years of leak free riding.

PS. Watched your video again. You need to lube your shock linkage.

Thanks, its a 1990. What should i lube the seal and shaft with, the coolant? oh, and i lubed the linkage right after the video, i heard it too! haha

[El Camexican]

Thanks, its a 1990. What should i lube the seal and shaft with, the coolant?

The same oil you plan to use in the trans.

[Amater45]

Ahh right, thanks again! Hopefully shes running again soon!