1980 GS250 info needed

[mx503]

I am in the process of buying a couple of bikes. One is a 1978 400 from a POG member and the other is a 1980 GS250. I want to ride the ISDT Qualifier and the reunion ride (if invited?)with a friend of mine. What can you all tell me about the 1980 GS? Any and all help is very much appreciated and I apologize for not being more active on the site! Too much traveling for work and not enough play until now. Thanks everyone!

Bob Peed

[mx503]

Does anyone know anything about this bike?

Bob Peed

[Big Mac]

Seems like most of the collective knowledge here drops off with the change in KTM engine design with change to linkage single shock shortly thereafter, which is about 1980. From what I know, the '80 GS250 was a great woods bike for the era, might be a bit harder to source engine internals? Ask around on the //www.ktm495.com site...those Aussies are very big on the early '80s KTMs.

[mx503]

Thank you for the information. I will try to do more research on this bike. The 70's model GS bikes are really hard to find. I will keep an eye out for one.

Bob Peed

[tofriedel]

KTM went to single shock & reed valve in 1982.  Dual shock was on everything 1981 & earlier.

Not sure, but I do not believe there was much difference between the 79 & 80 models, except for cosmetics.

Tony

[jj]

Mine is not completed yet, so I can't talk about the ride, but so far it has been very easy to work on. In '80 they started to use the new 250II motor, still air cooled, no reeds, but lighter in weight. 5 speed for the MC, 6 for the GS and this time the gearing was different on the top end. 2 things to watch out for are wallowed? out swingarm bolt holes in the motor (the swingarm bolts go through the back motor mounts helped out by some bushings) and cracks in the cases. I have a set with a crack originating fron the kickstart stop bolt just like you see in many of the original black motors.

I believe the 495 site is now http://www.ktm495.mxbikes.com/ and another good one with '80 & '81 service bulletins is at http://home.iprimus.com.au/hyrockpk/

John J Slivka

[mx503]

Thanks John for the information. I hope this bike will be good for the Cross Country series.

Bob Peed

[pketchum]

Hi Bob,

Sorry for the late reply.  I have both a 1979 KTM 250MC and a 1980 KTM 250GS.  Both are 6 speeds.  I rebuilt the '79 on the assurances I would love it, and they were RIGHT.  On this bike I moved from mid-pack to the front of the pack, if not outright winning in the 250 GP class.  I'd like to think that last weeks outing in the MOVMX series was an anomoly because our class was grouped with the experts and they changed the track layout, running it backwards this year.  I did catch and pass one expert though even with very bad starts.  I've outfitted this bike with a rear frame loop, GS rear fender, and one of "Speedys" headlight masks and ride it in the ISDTVQ's and ISDTRR's.  It's my wolf in sheep's clothing so mum's the word.  I wouldn't want Ligntning Landers to hear about this.

I also have a 1980 KTM 250GS which runs very well but is cosmetically challenged.  It is waiting its turn on the workbench for a chance to return to its former glory.  I can't tell you much about the gearing differences since I've hardly ridden the GS at all because it needed a chain rub block, but I can tell you the 74-80 engines are pretty much the same.  Therefore, most parts aren't too difficult to obtain.

Phil Ketchum

[mx503]

Phil,
I live in Blue Springs and I believe I spoke to you about your GS at Harpers. I was wearing a blue coat and black rain pants. I mentioned how nice the bike was when you were on the line if ideed it was you. I won the auction for the 80 GS250 and I am in the process of arranging shipping. I would like to call you and pick your brain and swap stories. Could you email me your number? Thanks again for all of the info!


Bob Peed

[pketchum]

Bob,

Check your mail.


Phil

[Speedy]

Originally posted by mx503

Phil,
I live in Blue Springs and I believe I spoke to you about your GS at Harpers. I was wearing a blue coat and black rain pants. I mentioned how nice the bike was when you were on the line if ideed it was you. I won the auction for the 80 GS250 and I am in the process of arranging shipping. I would like to call you and pick your brain and swap stories. Could you email me your number? Thanks again for all of the info!


Bob Peed

I can supply aditional informations on KTMs from 1976 on.
Speedy------->>>>>>>>>.I may even have the od part available.







Helmut Clasen KTM
162 Hillcrest Ave
L9H 4Y3
Dundas Ontario Canada
Ph.905-627-5349
[email protected]
http://speedy_c.tripod.com
Sachs MC-GS 250-7A reeds
Hercules 350-7A 77
Hercules 250-7A 76
Hercules 250 GS 7A 77
Zuendapp 125 GS
KTM 200 EXC 2003
KTM DUKE 96 Spec.

[pketchum]

Bob Peed,

Helmut "Speedy" Clasen is someone you can trust implicitly.  He's helped me several times with reasonable prices on parts and FREE advice on my KTM.  He does know what he's talking about also.


Phil