Thoughts on KTM 525 exc

[Dezertpilot]

What is a 'GF'?

Haha it means girlfriend

[SPONSOR]

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[bajaxp]

Haha it means girlfriend

...oh, I don't have that model, I have a WF but she can cause things to overheat too!

[Dezertpilot]

...oh, I don't have that model, I have a WF but she can cause things to overheat too!

LOL that's pretty funny

[alfenator]

I have a 04 525 mxc its a good all around bike I think it lacks on low end any ycf or crf 450 will pull it off the line untill 3erd gear then its by- by do have the forks and shock revalved a big differents. valves adjusted every 15 hours? once in four years checked em never needed it new 300 2 stroke w/e button better for starting off and its almost as fast just dont leave it tapped out as long my 2 cent

[bajaxp]

I have a 04 525 mxc its a good all around bike I think it lacks on low end any ycf or crf 450 will pull it off the line untill 3erd gear then its by- by do have the forks and shock revalved a big differents. valves adjusted every 15 hours? once in four years checked em never needed it new 300 2 stroke w/e button better for starting off and its almost as fast just dont leave it tapped out as long my 2 cent

15 hours is what KTM recommends.

[In2Deep]

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.

The GF has had a bike for 2 years...a cooling fan will not be needed

[Dezertpilot]

What about 530 EXC-R? Then you have 530 EXC-R and the 505 XC-F, does anybody know the slight differences?

[Total Loss]

IMO- learn first on a good beater. Something that handles well and has some power- (KX or CR 250- a good used xr400 would also be good for Baja- bulletproof bikes)
Beat it up for awhile (you will) and then step up. Your GF will F_up her bike learning also. Get her a small XR or DR with an electric start or you will be constantly kicking hers.
Good luck- be carefull.
I have been riding about 35 yrs and now mostly ride my CRF450x- plenty of power for me now.

[Young&Fast]

Just so you know:
KTM stands for:
Kan't Take Mexico
Kan't Take Motocross
Kan't Take Much else

[200MPHTape]

What about 530 EXC-R? Then you have 530 EXC-R and the 505 XC-F, does anybody know the slight differences?

The 530 is 6 speed E-start/ kick start, the 505 is semi close 5 speed E-start, no kick starter on it, comes stock with a 4h battery that IHO is way to small! Those are BIG bikes for a first timer on bike, better get bar guards because those break and clutch levers aren't cheap. I have an 03 525EXC and it rips!