9-7-20 Update: 5 months later, this MX is back up for sale with an unmet starting bid of $5,750 here on eBay.
Available as the MX or MXC (motocross or cross-country off-roader), the KTM 495 was an absurdly fast Open class dirt bike – Rod Bush apparently took a re-geared example up to 123.75 miles per hour on El Mirage Dry Lake with an ’81.
Unfortunately, some changes were made for 1984 that weren’t universally loved. Good news – the bike lost 15 pounds from the year before. Bad news – KTM made some engine changes (including a lower compression single spark head) which cut down peak power but increased torque. Some riders try to swap a ’83 head onto their ’84 bikes, but that’s a matter of personal preference.
This example (VIN: 831210101) was restored five years ago and has since been sitting in the seller’s living room. The work included several new parts: piston, rings, bore, top crank bearing, gaskets, PVL electronic ignition, Mikuni carb, handlebars, grips, throttle cable, kill switch, plastics, number plate, chain, tires, tubes, seat cover, decals, and more. In addition, the engine and frame were painted and detailed.
Find this KTM for sale in Salt Lake City, Utah with bidding up to $6,500 here on eBay.