KTM 525 EXC compared to the DR-Z 400S

[Windblown]

Wow, the 525 provides just a wee more bit more visceral experiance.  

Gotta pull out the health and life insurance polices and read through them again...

[DNA]

Having experienced the KTM's in 250, 300, 400, 450 and 625 - I can guess what the 525 is like on dirt.  I be it is a real handful in mud  

Actually seem like it would be a bit much for what you got out there - seems more of a west orientated bike?

[Windblown]

Having experienced the KTM's in 250, 300, 400, 450 and 625 - I can guess what the 525 is like on dirt.  I be it is a real handful in mud  

Actually seem like it would be a bit much for what you got out there - seems more of a west orientated bike?

Well yes, in a way. It's not the very best rock garden tool but still way lighter than the DR-Z and better suspended.  It actually tractors along well due to it's displacement so powerwise it's not as much of an issue as one might first beleive. It doesn't have the "hit" of the typical 450. Though it happliy lifts the front with a handful of throttle in the first 3 gears...  My first small loop with it off-road I was thinking "OMG what unruly spawn of the devil have I perched myself onto!" Then 2nd time around through I noticed there were spots that the DR-Z was a handlful that the 525 just shrugged off like it was nothing.  

I bought the big EXC because I wanted a lighter but more powerful "Dual-sport". Since I've gotten smart enough to not do 500+ mile rides on torture racks the more frequent maintenance requirements is not a huge factor.  +if I mess up too badly it will make a nice trackday sumo.  In the meantime it will provide lasting lessons in throttle control. hahaha.

[garry]

Actually, the stock KTM 530 I just bought from R Doug performed about the same as my DRZ400S with mods. Actually the DRZ ran much better because it starts easily, no bogging, etc.

But de-restrict the exhaust, let all the smog crap fall off, re-jet and changing the gearing to something sane, and it's supposed to be a new bike. I still have the jetting and gearing to do, but at least it starts easily now and runs noticeably better than stock.

From what I've read, the 530 lets you lug more and the 450 is more of a revver, but they're not that different in peak HP.

I am so looking forward to riding the 530 once it's dialed in, but I'm ass deep in "get the house ready to sell" alligators, I haven't had any time to work on it (lots of new parts on hand, just no time).

[Windblown]

Actually, the stock KTM 530 I just bought from R Doug performed about the same as my DRZ400S with mods. Actually the DRZ ran much better because it starts easily, no bogging, etc.

But de-restrict the exhaust, let all the smog crap fall off, re-jet and changing the gearing to something sane, and it's supposed to be a new bike. I still have the jetting and gearing to do, but at least it starts easily now and runs noticeably better than stock.

From what I've read, the 530 lets you lug more and the 450 is more of a revver, but they're not that different in peak HP.

I am so looking forward to riding the 530 once it's dialed in, but I'm ass deep in "get the house ready to sell" alligators, I haven't had any time to work on it (lots of new parts on hand, just no time).

The street legal KTMs barely run at all with stock jetting they are set so lean from what everyone says.  Hard to start, overheat at slow speeds, boggy. It's a shame a dealer would even let one leave the lot without addressing the issue.  

This one was already jetted and the first or 2nd kick and it fires up, cold or hot.   No lean bog, no overheating. Starter works fine as well, but I was advised it's better to use it for  "warm starts" on the trail cause the battery in these things is really small. I also hear the bikes are very sensitive to sag setting and that it's critical with the PDS to get it right.  I haven't done that yet and the previous owner probably had 30 or more lbs on me.  It's a very different experiance from the DR-Z.  Much sharper handling which requires attention. I might have to spring for a steering damper, but I also noticed the PO had the forks pulled up in the clamps to the 2nd line. I might drop them flush and see how it feels first. Also want to balance the wheels for street use. The sag, wheel balancing and a good once over are on the list for tomorrow. Today I just wanted to play.

[DNA]

It took about 3 tries to properly re-jet the 250.

Once done it was awesome but it took a few tries to get.

[Windblown]

Spent some time yesteday up at Taskers Gap OHV area chasing a couple of two-strokes with the 525. The bikes advantages over the DR-Z really come alive when the terrain is tough and the rate of travel is high.  The oops I had were largely due to lack of confidence to take difficult sections with more speed which is how this bike is really designed to handle them. It's a bike that rewards the concept that the best defense is a good offense.  Attack!!!!  

..and yes, it's easier to pick the bike up after trying to daintily pick your way through a tough section.    

[DNA]

That sounds like good fun. Yea haw!  

My guess it the trails are still pretty dry - let my know how the beast works when things get a bit wet.  I will probably never ride in mud again voluntarily.

[birdrunner]

Actually, the stock KTM 530 I just bought from R Doug performed about the same as my DRZ400S with mods. Actually the DRZ ran much better because it starts easily, no bogging, etc.

The 525 is much different than the 530,  a friend just exchanged his 530 for a 525, saying he preferred the  525's power delivery.

[Windblown]

That sounds like good fun. Yea haw!  

My guess it the trails are still pretty dry - let my know how the beast works when things get a bit wet.  I will probably never ride in mud again voluntarily.

Yeah, not much mud up there. I imagine the bikes weight will be more apparent with the front pushing sideways in the slop.  I'm not a huge fan of mud anyway, well... unless it involves women in bathing suits. LOL

[ktmrider]

As long as you have just a bit of right hand control a 525 KTM is about as tame as they come. The earlier 2001-2002  520's were alot more high strung and would try to kill you. I ride tight singletrack with mine and it's nearly impossible to stall and VERY easy to ride. Now if you are dumb enough to crack the throttle wide open in the woods.... Well then it's gonna shoot you off into the trees

My 2003 625SXC was the same way... it would chug along till ya cracked her open.... Then HOLD ON! It would wheelie in pretty much any gear

[blakebird]

I've had about every KTM engine (single cylinder) engine configuration they've made....and the RFS motors are by far my favorite.
Started with a 520, which was stunningly good after years of big XR desert sleds.
The latest 525 was probably the best dirtbike/dualsport I've ever had. The 250 and 300 2T's were the best dirtbikes, by a large margin.

I prefer the screw & locknut top end of the RFS... though the TE630 Husqvarna I have now is so ridiculously easy to chech / re-shim the valves it makes screw & locknut look time consuming.

[Albie]

I prefer the screw & locknut top end of the RFS... though the TE630 Husqvarna I have now is so ridiculously easy to chech / re-shim the valves it makes screw & locknut look time consuming.

Sounds like it's similar to the shim over bucket set up on the 690. The 690 is easier then the EXC for the simple fact that the exhaust valves are a PITA to get to on the EXC.