View Full Version : KTM 525 EXC on for sale - what do you think?
omamari
20th June 2014, 13:54
Gidday guys,
I went to check out a 525 for sale recently. Didn't get a chance to ride it as he had no chain. Started it, runs smooth.
2005
Dirt wheels
Road legal
Hasn't been regularly maintained, needs new rear disk, been kept outside. Bored to 540 - does this have significant knock on maintenance effects?
He wants 5g for it. It's been up on trade me twice now, but no sale. What do you guys think of the price?
This will be my first bike to motard/dual - I've had RMs off road, and a bandit 250 on road.
Will need to put in new decent oil, oil filter, air filter, check valves, new rear disk, road tyres (are these easy to come by on dirt tye size wheels?), key ignition, disk locker etc after I have bought it.
I'll use the bike most days to commute (16km total), and try and go to as many track and bucket days as possible. As well as taking it off road when I get the chance.
As an aside, he had a 05 WR450 for sale also, took it for it ride but it was so stiff, hard and loud compared to the KTM. Too loud for town.
Opinions?
Cheers,
Daniel
Big Dog
20th June 2014, 15:39
If you ain't a mechanic get one to take a look. Keep Throwing Money is a good brand etc but that doesn't mean shot if not looked after. Sometimes the best bargains just need a little money sunk into bringing maintenance up to date. Others are a nightmare waiting for a wallet to happen by.
It seems dodgy to me that the chain is off unless he broke it.
Your going to spend another 2k to catch up the maintenance. Maybe more. You want to be sure what you are buying first.
Wr450, firmer suspension is excellent for road use. Muffler may need re packing or a new slip on, might just need a DB killer. Can't say without seeing it. If that is your only issues this might be the better buy based purely on your description
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
Big Dog
20th June 2014, 15:44
Tyres easy and cheap. I found 20+ kms are realistic from a $200 pair on my dr350. As opposed to 10,000 rear and 18,000 front on $7-800 pairs on my last 3 litre bikes.
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
FlangMasterJ
20th June 2014, 15:49
My 2005 660SMC is at TSS Red Baron in Lower Hutt at the moment in mint condition. Should be able to get it for a good price.
cynna
20th June 2014, 16:18
Tyres easy and cheap. I found 20+ kms are realistic from a $200 pair on my dr350. As opposed to 10,000 rear and 18,000 front on $7-800 pairs on my last 3 litre bikes.
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
more like 2-3000km on a $200 knobbly.....
edit
ooops just seen he will be using the bike for the road
Ocean1
20th June 2014, 20:46
I paid $3500 for my 2004 525, but it was fairly well neglected. I spent a couple of months stripping it right down and rebuilding it, and it's since had a completely new top end because I missed a slight coolant leak. It's now in what I would call "good" condition, and probably worth well less than $5k.
Anyone who is selling a bike and can't get his shit together so far as to simply put a chain on it isn't the type to have done the necessary, keep looking.
SVboy
20th June 2014, 21:23
I paid $3500 for my 2004 525, but it was fairly well neglected. I spent a couple of months stripping it right down and rebuilding it, and it's since had a completely new top end because I missed a slight coolant leak. It's now in what I would call "good" condition, and probably worth well less than $5k.
Anyone who is selling a bike and can't get his shit together so far as to simply put a chain on it isn't the type to have done the necessary, keep looking.
This is good advice.
I was going to start with 'sounds expensive...'
It's all been said. Nice bikes on the whole, but you'll likely find a better example.
omamari
21st June 2014, 12:05
Reason he had no chain was because be had motard wheels on it, which he sold with his last bike. He put back on some dirtwheels for the mean time. This is all good advice, thanks guys
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omamari
21st June 2014, 12:44
And why around 2k to get it up to scratch?
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omamari
21st June 2014, 13:47
http://www.trademe.co.nz/744367633
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Ocean1
21st June 2014, 18:13
And why around 2k to get it up to scratch?
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The side stand is a given, they all come pre-broken from the factory. The overbore job needs references, what cylinder and which pro workshop did the job. Need to check rear suspension joints, rear shock, swingarm bushes, stearing head bearings, radiators for damage, sprockets for wear, water pump for leaks, (little hole on upper left of engine weeping), clutch slave cylinder, both brake discs... This is all stuff overdue at those hrs, if he can't show receipts walk away.
Seriously dude, 3 out of 4 2nd hand dirt bikes for sale are fucked, not worth anywhere near the asking price. Most owners think they're mechanics and they're all wrong, learn to spot the lemons or you'll regret ever laying eyes on your new pride and joy. The 525 is a great machine, but I'm not sure I'd own one as a road option unless it was for limited and probably illegal work, if you expect decent life, reasonable maintenance schedules and a bit of abuse resistence you'd be better tracking down a good tidy DRZ/KLX400, 90% of the performance at 10% of the hassle.
Big Dog
22nd June 2014, 01:41
And why around 2k to get it up to scratch?
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Unless your buying rubbish (and why would you for a KTM?) the first thousand will go on oil, filter, tyres, chain and sprockets. Without labour.
Rear rotor another 200+
Ignition switch 60-300 depending exactly how much is required.
Does that mean you need to get inficators? Cheap setup about 200.
Edit: just looked at the ad, saw there are indicators. Although they look a little unhealthy. One is missing. He states they are on off. Probably faulty or waterlogged. Either way account for a full replacement system if you don't want to be disappointed.
Also going to need to reattach the plate closer to vertical if you don't wish to draw attention from her majesty's finest.
Why is there so much thick oil around front sprocket? Does he have discharge onto his chain? Has he been over oiling and never cleaning? My DR was cleaner than that when it got its first bath at 44,000 kms. That is a damn sight more than 170 hours.
Unless your a mechanic, I get the feeling there is much better buying out there. End edit.
If you have a few smarts you'll get a full service done on something that has been mistreated as you describe. $$$$$$
Out of curiosity, have you costed up the parts you say it needs?
Add a factor of 200% for the unknown.
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
omamari
22nd June 2014, 10:26
Before I start, I agree. You've convinced me of my doubts. I had done a cost up. I'm handy and could of welded up kickstand, he has a new indicator, just going for a simple key ignition, he has a new plate, and yes there was too much oil crud around front sprocket which I queried him on.
Anyway, not important. It's out.
I don't want a slow drz or klx. preferably a WR, which look like great bikes. Maybe a TE450 or FSE 450, like those on trade me at the moment, but I don't know much about them and they are too far away to test ride.
If anyway sees any road legal nimble bikes, that aren't slouches, please let me know! I've been looking for far too long, and an getting ancy.
Thanks heaps for your advice ocean and big dog
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omamari
22nd June 2014, 10:29
My 2005 660SMC is at TSS Red Baron in Lower Hutt at the moment in mint condition. Should be able to get it for a good price.
Hey mate, couldn't see find your bike online. It's a long way away from me in Auckland, but how much where you looking at? Cheers, Daniel
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Big Dog
22nd June 2014, 11:06
Before I start, I agree. You've convinced me of my doubts. I had done a cost up. I'm handy and could of welded up kickstand, he has a new indicator, just going for a simple key ignition, he has a new plate, and yes there was too much oil crud around front sprocket which I queried him on.
Anyway, not important. It's out.
I don't want a slow drz or klx. preferably a WR, which look like great bikes. Maybe a TE450 or FSE 450, like those on trade me at the moment, but I don't know much about them and they are too far away to test ride.
If anyway sees any road legal nimble bikes, that aren't slouches, please let me know! I've been looking for far too long, and an getting ancy.
Thanks heaps for your advice ocean and big dog
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Golden rule of buying a bike: if you have doubts, it's probably not a good buy.
Sometimes after seeking expert advice ( mech inspection, VIR, talking with owners I similar models etc) we change our feelings about a bike. But first instinct is usually right. I will allow expert advice to dissuade me but not persuade me.
In 8 bikes, with combined 27 years of ownership (over the last 20) I have never regretted buying a bike.
I have regretted selling a few.
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
Big Dog
22nd June 2014, 11:08
Hey mate, couldn't see find your bike online. It's a long way away from me in Auckland, but how much where you looking at? Cheers, Daniel
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The right bike at the right price Dunedin is not too far away. Short flight, short taxi ride and a couple of days getting to know your new purchase. Heaven.
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
Big Dog
22nd June 2014, 11:13
Also if it is for sale at TSS and not on behalf Red Baron Auckland can have it brought up with their next stock exchange if you are a serious buyer. I have known Auckland buyers to organise a mech inspection, pay a deposit and wait for the next time a truckload of bikes is taken down and swapped.
Exact conditions on that will depend.
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
Ocean1
22nd June 2014, 13:27
Unless your a mechanic, I get the feeling there is much better buying out there.
I hate being such a negative old bastard.
The only consolation is the fact that the "old" bit means you're invariably right about such shit. Not the very best qualification for motorcycle sales. :facepalm:
FlangMasterJ
23rd June 2014, 12:57
Hey mate, couldn't see find your bike online. It's a long way away from me in Auckland, but how much where you looking at? Cheers, Daniel
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They are selling on my behalf. It's on the floor for $8500 but offers around the 7k to 8k mark would be considered.
Some pics of said weapon:
<a href="http://imgur.com/aCVcsrB"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/aCVcsrB.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/MD13TbR"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/MD13TbR.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/4EgBLEC"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/4EgBLEC.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/G3B3y9w"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/G3B3y9w.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>
<a href="http://imgur.com/mVYtTj6"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/mVYtTj6.jpg" title="Hosted by imgur.com"/></a>
omamari
23rd June 2014, 12:59
Jaysus that is gorgeous, sadly out of my range. But thanks for sharing and getting back to me.
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FlangMasterJ
23rd June 2014, 13:29
Yep it's immaculate I just can't afford the ridiculous rego costs etc. these days.
It's funny, isn't it less expensive to get pulled over three times for no rego than it is to pay for one for a year?
Big Dog
23rd June 2014, 14:25
They are selling on my behalf. It's on the floor for $8500 but offers around the 7k to 8k mark would be considered.
Some pics of said weapon:
:drool: always wanted one of them.
If pics are anything to go by never seem one that tidy before.
Stupid phone / Tapatalk, apologies in advance.
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