KTM 520 EXC 2002 anybody ride one ?

[TgaAdv]

Just wondering if anybody does dual purpose riding on a KTM 520 EXC and what they are like on the road. Got an XT400 93 at the moment which is really reliable but want a bit more power. It sounds like they are pretty sweet on the trails. Any input would be appreciated.

[CBobR]

I've found they're acceptable on the road. The seat will be more 'focused' than your XT.

The main problem with using them on the road is the relatively close service intervals. Look into the number of hours between oil changes.

Nice bike.

[Crisis management]

If you want KTM and dual purpose I would suggest the 640, the LC4 motor is less highly strung and there are some good buys out there at the mo.

[426crasher]

I do adventure riding on a WR426. Great bike off the seal, so so on the seal. I tested a few KTMs including an 02 520 before i bought the Yam. The 520 is very similar to the Wr on the road, seats like a plank of wood and the "ride" a bit thrashy and harsh. They are enduro bikes that can be ridden on the road and as long as you can accept it........ If you want dual purpose the 640 lc4 is a great bike. Give them both a test. My 426 has done 7500kms, heaps of trail rides and the only thing i have put into the motor is the best oil i can buy,filters and on a regular basis. They only take around 1.5 litres of oil so an expensive 4 litre can of oil gets you near on 3 changes. I change mine every 750kms. If you want a good dual purpose at a budget price the DR650 is very hard to beat. I would buy WR over EXC just because the reliability record for the blue babys seems so good.

[TgaAdv]

Thanks heaps for all the info. Now im more confused but also more informed. It sounds like the KTMs require too much maintenance for me. So higher performance = higher maintenance which makes sense. Kinda want something light so I can can get it up steeper trails and through some muddy puddles - the XT400 tends to be a bit heavy and just get stuck in the mud - probably need some chunkier tyres too though!. Does the WR426 have pillion pegs? as would do the odd 2 up adventure ride but not very often.

[CBobR]

It sounds like the KTMs require too much maintenance for me. So higher performance = higher maintenance which makes sense.

You might be suprised how much maintenance goes into a modern japanese competition style dirt bike.

I was going to say look at a 650 like a DR650 or KTM640, but based on this:

the XT400 tends to be a bit heavy and just get stuck in the mud

how about a non-"race" 400 like a DRZ400 or XR400 (or even TTR250 etc?)

[FlangMasterJ]

Yeah a DRZ400SM would be a good choice. Easy to mod, great reliability and you can swap out the 17" motard wheels for offroad wheels when you want to tackle the dirt.

[TgaAdv]

OK. So youre saying something like a WR426 requires quite a lot of maintenance also or anything racy for that matter. What is the performance like on the DR400? The XT400 seems pretty tame for a 400 - some 250s would be faster but no good for 2up. I had my eye on an XR400 but it had electrical problems - something like flasher units not working on the indicators.

[TgaAdv]

so thats new oil every 2250kms - that sounds not too bad

[clint640]

Sorry mate, We'd all like a bike lighter than an XT400 for the muddy stuff & also grunty & comfortable on the road & 2 up capable, but there's no such thing.

The DRZ400 has a bit more poke than your XT & has a less maintenance intensive motor than the MX/Enduro 450's, but it probably weighs about the same as your XT & isn't any good 2 up.

A good 97-on XR400 would also give you a bit of an update on the XT400, otherwise get down to your KTM dealer & slap a deposit on a 690 Enduro 'cos that'll be the closest thing to what you want when they arrive in a month or so, but they won't be cheap.

Cheers
Clint

[CBobR]

We'd all like a bike lighter than an XT400 for the muddy stuff & also grunty & comfortable on the road & 2 up capable, but there's no such thing.

Turbo charged DRZ400 motor, custom aluminium tube frame, custom seat (narrow at the front for 'froadin', wide at the back for the pillion).

But what tyres to run on it?.... I'll show myself out

[Squiggles]

PM Macstar, he's got one, and i believe hes looking to sell it, he's supermotarded it but still has the offroad gear

[The Pastor]

I think macstar has a 520 or was it a 525?

[deanohit]

Turbo charged DRZ400 motor, custom aluminium tube frame, custom seat (narrow at the front for 'froadin', wide at the back for the pillion).

But what tyres to run on it?.... I'll show myself out

Dude, do you have any more details of that bike? Pm them to me if you do!

Edit: Dont worry, found it on SupermotoJunkie.com

[Macstar]

T'is true. Mine is for sale at Wild West Honda in Akl and is mechnically sound thanks to a brand new engine rebuild ($3k worth). 8 litre tank is a bitch for long journeys (160ish kms) but you can get larger ones and seat aint too comfy (most I did was 9 hours in one day). But the 520 is a light bike at 112kgs and maintenance ain't too bad i.e. oil 10-15 hours (only 1.3 litres), and valve clearances etc.