How many miles is a KTM 520/525 good 4 ?

**twowheels** · 3rd June 2005, 22:08

looking to buy a new 525,just wondering what the maintance like as i will be commuting 100 odd ks a day?

herd need to do piston+rings every 10 000? .dont sound right it?

Any KTM no it alls out there?

**XTC** · 3rd June 2005, 22:22

Cary bought a KTM520EXC brand new owned it for a year and had the motor apart twice for gearbox probs. First was under warranty (I think) the second cost him big. That was only trail use not full on commuting etc. Better bet may be the LC4 for road use.

**Oscar** · 3rd June 2005, 22:40

The 400/450/525 series are really competition motors, no balancers, small oil capacity and no cush drive. Don't do it.

LC4's carry more oil, but even an LC4 will drive you nuts if you commute with it - they vibrate like crazy.

**Cary** · 4th June 2005, 07:45

Originally Posted by XTC

Cary bought a KTM520EXC brand new owned it for a year and had the motor apart twice for gearbox probs. First was under warranty (I think) the second cost him big.

He's right but the first time cost me to

I also agree with Oscar, you don't want a EXC for that many road miles.

Other than the gearbox prob they are a very nice bike (for dirt) just got unlucky.

Service periods are as per any competition dirt bike and in the KTM blurb they say 'This is a competition motorcycle, do not use on the road'

Go for LC4 or similar.

**twowheels** · 4th June 2005, 19:23

Sweet cheers guys

tryin to get the best of both worlds,commuting mostly gravel roads plus a ford i have to cross,like to ride firebreaks on the weekend as well.So i thought less weight+ more ground clearance would be nicer.

So yer I will take yas advice,Seems that the LC4 are a bit cheaper too,I guess i have to buy a 250 4t or something for the weekends.

**twowheels** · 4th June 2005, 19:29

LC4's carry more oil, but even an LC4 will drive you nuts if you commute with it - they vibrate like crazy.[/QUOTE]

Should get the Girls approval then

**Mr Skid** · 4th June 2005, 19:34

Originally Posted by twowheels

..
commuting mostly gravel roads plus a ford i have to cross
..

Sounds like you've got the best job on earth with a commute like that.

**Danger** · 4th June 2005, 20:58

Check out KTMtalk.com for all your KTM questions.
http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?act=idx

**Cary** · 7th June 2005, 19:44

Originally Posted by Oscar

LC4's carry more oil, but even an LC4 will drive you nuts if you commute with it - they vibrate like crazy.

Won't worry him if most of his commute is on gravel tho

If you have the dosh F650GS or 950 Adventurer would be my pick

**XTC** · 7th June 2005, 20:52

XT's a good bike! They Fly!!!

**Mr Skid** · 7th June 2005, 21:06

Originally Posted by XTC

XT's a good bike! They Fly!!!

You haven't gone and taken it round the MX track have you?

**FlangMasterJ** · 7th June 2005, 22:25

I had a KTM350EXC motard on the road for about 5 months before it was fucken stolen.

The amount of maintenance I was doing was pretty high especially the oil changes. As mentioned earlier without a cush drive hub I was having to adjust my chain because of the amount of stretch.

But all in all I didn't experience any major problems. A hell of a lot of fun (surprised I wasn't pulled over half the time

)

Your best bet is and LC4 or an XR650R or something similar.