KX5 vs KTM525EXC

[John]

Guys,

I am thinking (might become reality if I am allowed to spend the money) to sell the 125 & the 500 and by me a pumpkin.

Any input appreciated as I have never (!) ridden a KX500 on dirt, only tarmac. I have tried out the 525 and I really like it. On the road and off road.

//John

[HULKSTER]

The big thumper is ONE BAD MOTHER....I'd take into consideration the dealership's reputation and such.

ALso....ride a KX5 if you have access to one first...that KTM is pretty radical.

[Rick]

The pumpkin adds 40 pounds over the 500, is a 4-stroke so maintenance is A LOT more expensive, and has a hydrolic clutch (which I hate).  With that said, if I were opting for a bike to use on the road as a driver more than the dirt, I would stay with a 4-stroke because of the fuel (no mixing).  However, for the dirt, not a chance.  A lot of folks I know who were caught up in the 4-stroke craze have returned to 2-strokes, most because of maintenance issues.

Rick

[doordie]

Oh noooooo John!!!!
Have the Force left you!!!
Buy a nice pair of orginal wheels from the money from the Moped (125cc) and change the wheels if you want to use the kx500 in trail/enduro or MX.I have just raced in Gotland grandnational(MX/Enduro) here in Sweden with many competers ((750) and placed 250) and beat many of them with fourstrokers.A lot of people with thumpers said to me on the racingline, are you gone start with that?
They eat much dirt i promise!!
With this mods done to be raceready:
Gastank from 250cc -89
Extra high seat(looks like a "modern" bike)
Fork from 250cc -01(Awesome).
Shock from Ohlins
2h training and a BAD temper!!!
I only tell that nothing is better on the KTM.
Keep the KX500!

[mikesmith]

I can tell you that 525 is heavy from helping the guy who went over the cliff on his 525.The two of us almost couldn't get it out!Then the hydrolic clutch must have got air in it because it wasn't working.The starter seemed to have a hard time trying to turn it over for anything more than a short burst,it was probally flooded but I felt it the starter was only good for an instant start-not to help clean the bike out.I'm not saying the KTM's a bad bike,but the grass isn't greener on the other side,the grass is GREEN on your KX!Stay GREEN,you'll have your two bikes instead of one.

[John]

OK, I think I've got it.
KTM = expensive maintenance and heavy machinery
KX5  = Green mean fun.

The only reason for me to ever consider the KTM is the fact that it is more street legal as is from the dealer than a KX5 ever will be. If I am buying a brand new bike, I might as well buy me a bike with proper lights and silencer so I can ride it when it's dark and the police are roaming the neighborhood.

Kawasaki does have the KDX, but that?s a 220... The KTM has a lot of power and I can fill it up at any gas station without having to mix. Two of my mates have already bought pumpkins. I am going to race one of them in two weeks time when he gets his motard wheels. He thinks he has more power than me. I think he is up for a surprise... I do think his bike will handle better than mine though.

I am probably not going to buy anything until after Christmas anyway.

//John

[supermotokx]

If you've got the money to swap for a KTM 525 DO IT!! Just don't buy the EXC. You would like the full racing version better and the lights can be bought later.
 I've ridden both the kx5 (my own - both the normal and the hybrid) and the 525 Racing on tarmac (supermoto). The 525 is just that much better. Yes yes I know the kx has (alot) more power compared to the 525 in stock trim, but on most supermoto racetracks it doesn't really mean anything. The kx would probably go faster in the hands of a profesional due to light weight and lots of power but if you can't get that power to the ground - which is the case with me anyway - it's the 525 that wins. But then again take a look at all the pro's - not one is riding a 2 stroke any more. Pretty much says it all I think.

Martin