KTM525 EXC / 450 EXC
Discussion
During the interlude. As stating 525 EXC, guessing you mean the RFS era models of a decade or so ago.
The 525 is a stroked 450 - otherwise the same bike.
They have more torque off the bottom and a beefier mid range - a little more at the top. They are harder to manage in slow stuff, but roost, wheelie and drift better.
I used my 525 for Green Laning and practice enduros. The relaxed nature of the engine meant it was still in fine fettle when I sold it even though it had done double the interval for an engine rebuild that KTM state. It's harder to thrash than the smaller ones as it's a bit of an animal, on and off road.
If you are a noob, not very good, or indeed at the other end of the spectrum - very experienced and very good, it seems the smaller engines are preferable - like the 350cc. If you have a bit of skill and confidence and like riding something that's spinning up, wheelieing in 4th/5th gear and is generally a hoot, but slower overall - the 525 is your bike. If you really want a 450 or 525, with their age now, I'd look at both and buy whichever is in the best condition, with recent rebuild etc. This will matter more ultimately. Both are more physical than the smaller engined bikes, more because of the power/torque than the extra few kg weight in my view.
The 525 is a stroked 450 - otherwise the same bike.
They have more torque off the bottom and a beefier mid range - a little more at the top. They are harder to manage in slow stuff, but roost, wheelie and drift better.
I used my 525 for Green Laning and practice enduros. The relaxed nature of the engine meant it was still in fine fettle when I sold it even though it had done double the interval for an engine rebuild that KTM state. It's harder to thrash than the smaller ones as it's a bit of an animal, on and off road.
If you are a noob, not very good, or indeed at the other end of the spectrum - very experienced and very good, it seems the smaller engines are preferable - like the 350cc. If you have a bit of skill and confidence and like riding something that's spinning up, wheelieing in 4th/5th gear and is generally a hoot, but slower overall - the 525 is your bike. If you really want a 450 or 525, with their age now, I'd look at both and buy whichever is in the best condition, with recent rebuild etc. This will matter more ultimately. Both are more physical than the smaller engined bikes, more because of the power/torque than the extra few kg weight in my view.
neutral 3 said:
Thanks guys / 3DP. My thoughts are with the 525, for the extra torque, etc.
Im looking at 02-05 models.
Is there a larger tank avaialble ? And pannier racks ? And other accessories ?
Get the 05 model year if you can. Headlight and chassis update. Came out in mid to late 2004.Im looking at 02-05 models.
Is there a larger tank avaialble ? And pannier racks ? And other accessories ?
You can get see through big tanks for them for a few hundred quid. To be honest though, if you are talking panniers and racks, maybe look at 690R. The EXCs are racing bike so spindly subframe with a bit of plastic covering it. A Rucksack is about all you want/can get. The plastics, tank etc go together like stickle bricks. Zero practicality, or load bearing strength to add accessories to. Essentially they are similar to motocross bikes just with basic lighting, different gear ratios and softer cams.
What are you using it for? If long range explorer/travelling and can't stretch to 690R, look at buying a DRZ400 and modifying it. They are far less stressed and work better in that role once you modify them.
These posts might help...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=11...
They second includes a "great post" by someone called Moulder and a bloke called 3doorPete who you never hear of anymore has a speculative punt at providing some information...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=11...
They second includes a "great post" by someone called Moulder and a bloke called 3doorPete who you never hear of anymore has a speculative punt at providing some information...
3DP said:
neutral 3 said:
Thanks guys / 3DP. My thoughts are with the 525, for the extra torque, etc.
Im looking at 02-05 models.
Is there a larger tank avaialble ? And pannier racks ? And other accessories ?
Get the 05 model year if you can. Headlight and chassis update. Came out in mid to late 2004.Im looking at 02-05 models.
Is there a larger tank avaialble ? And pannier racks ? And other accessories ?
You can get see through big tanks for them for a few hundred quid. To be honest though, if you are talking panniers and racks, maybe look at 690R. The EXCs are racing bike so spindly subframe with a bit of plastic covering it. A Rucksack is about all you want/can get. The plastics, tank etc go together like stickle bricks. Zero practicality, or load bearing strength to add accessories to. Essentially they are similar to motocross bikes just with basic lighting, different gear ratios and softer cams.
What are you using it for? If long range explorer/travelling and can't stretch to 690R, look at buying a DRZ400 and modifying it. They are far less stressed and work better in that role once you modify them.
Edited by 308mate on Thursday 22 March 15:35
Had a 450EXC, I'm pretty sure they all use the same chassis just engine size is different and weight varies slightly(couple of kg) per model.
Used it for a couple of years doing enduro's and green laning, only major issue I had was the rectifier decided to go pop and kill the battery but other than that it was rock solid, I don't think you need a 525 or even the 450 it's got more than enough grunt if I'm honest.
Pity it got stolen and abused
Used it for a couple of years doing enduro's and green laning, only major issue I had was the rectifier decided to go pop and kill the battery but other than that it was rock solid, I don't think you need a 525 or even the 450 it's got more than enough grunt if I'm honest.
Pity it got stolen and abused
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