Thoughts on KTM 525 exc

[Dezertpilot]

Looking at getting a new KTM 525 EXC, me and the gf wanna start riding. Ive been hearing that the KTMs are just awesome bikes. Looking to get one around Fall, thoughts?

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[Mike @ pit b]

Um.. did you say start riding? Have you ridden dirt bikes before? If you haven't a 525 is WAAAAAYYYYYY to big a bike to start on!

I have ridden with a guy that was 80lbs more and he rode one. He was scared to death off it after 3 rides. Way to much power.

Just let me know.

Mike

[Dezertpilot]

HaHa yeah u heard right, what I've been hearing is that once u get used to a smaller bike u will quickly out grow it, I am anti 2 stroke and pro 4 stroke, I will be using this bike for desert riding, I will def not be doing any balls out riding for a while. I just want to get a bike that will last me a long time considering KTMs are not cheap. What would u recommend in the KTM family then?I noticed that there is a 430 or so sized KTM as well. Would that be a better choice? I def want a 6 speed though. I have ridden quads before so I am familiar with those if that makes any diference.

[Jerry Zaiden]

HaHa yeah u heard right, what I've been hearing is that once u get used to a smaller bike u will quickly out grow it, I am anti 2 stroke and pro 4 stroke, I will be using this bike for desert riding, I will def not be doing any balls out riding for a while. I just want to get a bike that will last me a long time considering KTMs are not cheap. What would u recommend in the KTM family then?I noticed that there is a 430 or so sized KTM as well. Would that be a better choice? I def want a 6 speed though. I have ridden quads before so I am familiar with those if that makes any diference.

How much do you weigh? Where are you going to ride the bike?

I ride a 2006 KTM 450 SX and selling it for the 2008 450 XC. I don't need the light and want the bike lite. Check out the new XC's. As for the new 530 if you weigh more than 200 get the 530. The power is not that much more than the 450 but it has more torque not that big of a deal. I like the way the 450 handle though....

[bajaxp]

I have a 2007 450 EXC and love it. It has the 'magic button' (electric start) and is street legal. The power is good, but I wasn't overwhelmed by it. I do very long desert rides in So Cal and Baja. While I ride 99% of the time off road, there are times (and places) that require you to connect sections via the pavement. And there are a lot of places that require that you are street legal. I did an epic Death Valley ride just after Christmas and the Ranger said that most if not all roads and trails in Park require a plate. I am 6'2" and 198 lbs and these are pretty much mandatory changes to make the EXC better: Change rubber to Maxxis desert IT's, change the front sprocket from a 15 tooth to a 14. Could still add a couple of teeth to the rear without hurting things. FMF Q4 exhaust and rejet. Baja Designs turn signal and rear light kit (stock lights fell off first ride), 1 3/4" taller seat, 15 mm bar risers, IMS 3 gallon fuel tank, replace drain plug from allen to hex (Zip Tye racing). New, heavier rear shock spring and play with clickers. The next thing I will do is get the shock and forks re-valved, because they could be better. I know this seems like a lot of stuff, but for a real LEGAL dirt bike it was worth it. The only bummer on the bike is that it has two oil filters and that valve adjustment intervals are every 15 hours.

[Dezertpilot]

I am going to do prerunning and desert riding, possibly some trails also, I weight 190-200 lbs, I really like the 530 but don't wanna die an early death lol

[bajaxp]

Dezpil...read my thoughts on the 450 exc above. Might be a good choice. But if you are worried about the price, go on Craigslist and get a CRF250X that is three years old. Ride it for a year or so, sell it and get the KTM. My $.02

[BGRANT]

I am 6'1" 230# and I ride a 525EXC. The 450s now days are plenty. I think with your build and situation I would go with the 450. KTM is more main stream and not as "exotic" as they use to be so parts are not as hard to come by. Get a cooling fan. If you are riding slow with the GF it will probably overheat, they like to go fast! Oh yea, buy each of you a Leat or an EVS.
Have fun.

[Jerry Zaiden]

I am going to do prerunning and desert riding, possibly some trails also, I weight 190-200 lbs, I really like the 530 but don't wanna die an early death lol

Buy my 2006 450 sx $4000, it is in perfect condition only ridden a few times

I want the 450 XC

[bajaxp]

I am 6'1" 230# and I ride a 525EXC. The 450s now days are plenty. I think with your build and situation I would go with the 450. KTM is more main stream and not as "exotic" as they use to be so parts are not as hard to come by. Get a cooling fan. If you are riding slow with the GF it will probably overheat, they like to go fast! Oh yea, buy each of you a Leat or an EVS.
Have fun.

What is a 'GF'?