KTM/Husky Dirtbike Frames

So, long story short my home state of Pennsylvania got some sand in its vag and has decided that even though KTM two stroke dirt bikes generally have an "MC" title from the factory, they don't want to allow people to plate them anymore (and have started sending out letters telling people that their bikes aren't grandfathered in and they need to send their plates back).

That's pretty shitty for someone like me who wants a two stroke supermoto for the street.

So, my question is how compatible are the different model's frames with each other? I'm asking because I've got a 2017 FE350 which is fully street legal (from the factory). So, in theory assuming my hairbrained scheme is possible, I could buy a 2017 TC250, simply swap frames, and then all of a sudden I've got a plated FE350 with a TC250 engine.

If I wanted to, I could then take the "TC250" to an enhanced inspection station and get a street title (cuz it's already got all the dumb street shit) for the "FE350 that identifies as a TC250".

So, my question is if any of you knowledgeable gentlemen know what differences (if any) there are in dirt bike frames from KTM/husky, particularly if a TC250 would fit into a street legal 4 stroke frame. If it's less work, I might just buy a clean titled frame rather than go through the trouble of swapping both bikes.

 

Just tag it in South Dakota.

 

I know that once the linkage rear suspension frames hit there is a lot more commonization between frames across the models. For the 2023 refresh even the SMR frames are common with the SX and SX-F ones. I'm not as sure about the earlier bikes or the road legal models.

-T

 

Even from 2T to a 4T? If so, that's kinda interesting and I think my idea is somewhat reasonable.

I feel like this should be knowable........maybe I'll stop by the dealer on Friday if I go riding dirt bikes and eyeball them.

 

I have my concerns about an officer being okay with that should I get pulled over.

 

I am going to theorize here a bit.
I am thinking the state of PA's computer cannot identify your bike as a two-stroke, but guessing the VIN WILL identify a bike as one not built and sold as a US DOT legal motorcycle. As in not submitted by KTM for emissions, sound and other DOT compliance testing to be approved for sale on US roads.

Perhaps others more knowledgeable will chime in?

 

Oh, that's 100% what will happen.

For instance, this is what happens (using the link in the attached pdf) when I try to run a 2017 TC250 (which is plated in NJ).

 

Oh, and merry Christmas

 

I would give therm the middle finger and keep riding. When was the last time you were pulled over? Better yet when was the last time you were pulled over and they checked the vin on your bike? I would throw the plate from the FE350 on the 250 when you want to ride it. Probably bad advice but its what I would do lol then just tell them I have so many bikes I must've mixed up the plates.

 

I have a friend who thinks the same way as you do, @nowayout .

 

If the plate and registration matches your VIN and all is current, I doubt there is a whole lot the popo can do. This is assuming you're just riding vacant back roads and not doing wheelies down main street.

Fwiw, my buddy has hooned a variety of sport bikes in western PA for a decade or more. Never got his MC endorsement. Has been pulled over and cops never cared about it. I think he had an expired MC permit or something lol.

 

YMMV but every time I've been pulled over on a motorcycle, they've checked the VIN on the frame.

 

LOL it is a 2 stroke dirtbike, how can he not do that?

When I was a bit younger, I got 4 tickets from one officer when my buddie took off fast at a red light, and I decided it was a perfect time to crank up a wheelie and ride it though 3/4 gears. We didn’t know officer friendly was a motorbike cop a few vehicles behind us.

I was on a 1000 ninja, he commented he hoped I would run from him as he hadn’t been in a high speed sportbike chase in awhile. Lolol

Nailed me for speeding, registration, insurance and something else. I had just bought the bike within that month and slacked on taking care of the paperwork. Then he said I won’t pop you for wreckless driving as anyone who can ride a wheelie that long knows what they are doing! I actually thought that was really nice of him, because in reality I’m the idiot and he was just doing his job.

So we were headed to the street races in Dallas. Another mile down the road, I crank up another wheelie through an intersection, and Johnny Law happens to be off in a parking lot to witness said stupidity.

Different cop, asks for license and registration. I pull out the tickets and said, “just got these about 5-10 minutes ago, any chance for a warning?” He said, “you are heading over to the street raced aren’t you?” I said, “yep.” He said, “well if you promise to go straight home instead, I will let you off.” So I thanked him and went straight home with only a verbal warning.

 

I once mixed up renewal stickers on my motorcycle plates because I had 6 streetbikes... this one molly metermaid really took exception and had summoned some patrol units to investigate. The patrol officers rolled their eyes and told me to get it corrected. Im down to 1 legal plate and 4 street legal bikes with insurance. I dont do dumbshit to attract police attention and if I do I give them the old Cleetus routine.

 

What year KTM?
Some older years aren’t grandfather in yet newer models are okay because of emission's ( yes I know there is no emissions on motorcycles in PA but it’s the from factory rating ) I bought a 23 300 xcw back in 22 and have a PA plate no issues.

 

I believe it’s just a matter of time until they come for you as well (or maybe they already sent you a letter and you didn’t see it).

Do you mind putting your VIN into the link from the pdf above and let me know what it comes back with?

 

Get a junker 4t frame, cut out the tag from both using a template, weld in the new tag. Grind, sand, paint. Way less work.

 

Yeah, this was my plan B (or top three, at least).

I could also just title it in my FIL's name (he lives 20 minutes away in NJ) if that's the path of least resistance.

 

Yeah I’m going to pass and wait for my letter if one is coming to me… all that does is bring attention to your VIN number in Penndots system

I’m going to assume since mine is the XC-W that comes with the headlight and brake lights from factory I might be okay since in PA technically that’s all you need (minus DOT tires and Horn) for inspection as hand signals are still recognized and accepted per the vehicle statute

 

I just grabbed a random VIN from a 2024 TE300 listed on Cycletrader and ran it through.