20 Things To Check On Your New KTM

You know how it goes: Visit dealer, drool over bike. Negotiate with spouse, visit bank. Detour to furniture warehouse (per terms of spousal contract). Visit dealer again, negotiate with salesperson. Load new bike, dash to nearest riding area. Commence roostage.

The process of buying and owning a brand-new bike is always an exhilarating one, but many riders get so caught up in the initial rush they fail to take a number of critical steps to ensure maximum performance and longevity of their shiny (well, not for long) new motorcycle. In truth, a number of things must be modified, tweaked, checked and adjusted on a new bike in order to achieve maximum longevity (particularly among all-new models), and just jumping right on your bike without first giving it some mechanical attention can come back to haunt you down the road. The 2011 model year KTM four-strokes are a picture of trickery and performance, but even they have some issues and features that should not be ignored. In light of the popularity of the orange machines, we sat down with suspension guru and KTM expert Alan Stillwell of Stillwell Performance. As the largest Race Tech performance center in the United States, Stillwell Performance is more than experienced with KTM off-road and MX models, and Alan was eager to shed some light on the top 20 things a new KTM owner must check on his or her new motorcycle. Take it away, Alan!

Based out of Colorado, Stillwell Performance can be found all over the Internet (or "Internets," if you ask Jimmy Lewis) at www.stillwellperformance.com.