I just looked at the 450EXC, Anyone riding one?

Floored

Floored

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I was at Action Motorsports today, and I must say that I found the 450EXC mighty appealing. Just wondering if anyone has ridden one? It's been inferred by some that it's grunt and pop could be hard to use. If so, does that mean the 525 is a bear? Keep in mind that I'm thinking for trail use.
 
Hooligan

Hooligan

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Hi,

I picked up a new 05 last year, same problem...450 or 525. I have a 640 for longer stuff, I needed a smaller lighter "dirt" bike for trails. For under $1000 you can upgrade the 450 to a 525, if you want the extra, I can do damage with the 450 as it is, same bike...:dr:

I must say, one of the best buys so far. Very happy with it, does well on tight trails, logging roads and the oregon dunes....:tup:

I'm loving it.....:dr:

:hb:
 

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Floored

Floored

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It sure seemed well put together, but I must ask...what are the quirks? Every bike has some, so what are the KTM's. Is there anything "you have to do" once you get it? Some obscure part that needs an aftermarket upgrade?
I couldn't tell if yours was DS'd.
 
Hooligan

Hooligan

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No, not Dual Sported, that's the 640's domain.:tup:I might still do it though...

Quirks...???

.......buddy, this is not a Japanese bike......"Ready to Race"....is what the slogan says.:tup:(sorry dudes, just had to):dr:

My friend and I both have 05 450's and we both ride them like they're stolen, no problems yet.

However, I must confess, not due toany lack on the bikes sidebut rather a matter of striving to match my sleek 240lbs with a dirt bike I did the following:

1. Upgraded springs, front and rear. http://www.racetech.com/SubMenu.asp?cMenu=16&c=Yes&showPage=dirt

2. JD Jet kit

3. Carbon front fender, skid plate and some other minor carbon protection pieces.

4. Just in case, 13L KTM XC tank

5. Spyker grips

That's all......

....you see, ready to race....:dr::tup:

Hope youdo the "RIGHT THING"......:clap:

:hb:
 
Floored

Floored

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So...being a svelt 220lbs, you'd recommend the same mods for myself if I venture forth?
 
Hooligan

Hooligan

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I dont think it is a must, but if you have some cash and WANT to spend it on the bike go for it.....I think I could have done without it no problem.

She still bottoms out quite well.....:tup:

I must add the suspension is what makes this a KTM....very forgiving and very adjustable.

I must also add I have no experience with newer CR's or YZ's....

:hb:
 
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ElChupacabra

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Floored wrote:
I was at Action Motorsports today, and I must say that I found the 450EXC mighty appealing. Just wondering if anyone has ridden one? It's been inferred by some that it's grunt and pop could be hard to use. If so, does that mean the 525 is a bear? Keep in mind that I'm thinking for trail use.
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My brother rides the '05 450EXC and it's only his second year on a motorcycle. He manages just fine, and has a blast. I'd say it's easily manageable. The power starts low and ends high. It's not "twitchy" like may be inferred. It has a linear 4 stroke delivery. Good ergonomics, suspension, brakes helps make it easy to ride.

My buddy who had the '05 400EXC put the 453cc kit into his after a few rides, and he like tight trail/woods riding. The shorter stroke 400 motor spools up quickly and is reportedly a faster turning bike (ask Enduro Champ Mike Lafferty about this).

The 525EXC is the same weight as the 450EXC and has just more power all around. It consumes about 10% more fuel than the 450 (or 453) which is the only drawback of the 525EXC.

I'm 160lb and I don't find the525 too powerful or hard to control. I'm an Intermediate skill level rider. Most people that have tried my bike commented on the bike as being "smooth" for power delivery.

All three of us have our bikes dualsported, but I would pick this same bike as my dirtbike if I was interested in offroad only.

Keep in mind that as KTM fans we are just that -"fanatics" aka addicts/junkies. As such weare hopelessly hooked, and will say anything to justify the dollars spent on our habit! So takeall opinions here with a dose of salt.

Since you asked about the 450EXC and 525EXC KTMs I have given my opinon on them. They aren't the only bikes out there and I know that I would have a good time onmy old'86CR125 as long as it has a fresh knobby, a tank of gas, and a riding buddy to play hare and hound with!

Check http://www.ktmtalk.com for more info on the KTM 4 strokes.

Good Luck floored!
 
Hooligan

Hooligan

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ElChupacabra wrote:
My brother rides the '05 450EXC and it's only his second year on a motorcycle. He manages just fine, and has a blast. I'd say it's easily manageable. The power starts low and ends high. It's not "twitchy" like may be inferred. It has a linear 4 stroke delivery. Good ergonomics, suspension, brakes helps make it easy to ride.

My buddy who had the '05 400EXC put the 453cc kit into his after a few rides, and he like tight trail/woods riding. The shorter stroke 400 motor spools up quickly and is reportedly a faster turning bike (ask Enduro Champ Mike Lafferty about this).

The 525EXC is the same weight as the 450EXC and has just more power all around. It consumes about 10% more fuel than the 450 (or 453) which is the only drawback of the 525EXC.

I'm 160lb and I don't find the525 too powerful or hard to control. I'm an Intermediate skill level rider. Most people that have tried my bike commented on the bike as being "smooth" for power delivery.

All three of us have our bikes dualsported, but I would pick this same bike as my dirtbike if I was interested in offroad only.

Keep in mind that as KTM fans we are just that -"fanatics" aka addicts/junkies. As such weare hopelessly hooked, and will say anything to justify the dollars spent on our habit! So takeall opinions here with a dose of salt.

Since you asked about the 450EXC and 525EXC KTMs I have given my opinon on them. They aren't the only bikes out there and I know that I would have a good time onmy old'86CR125 as long as it has a fresh knobby, a tank of gas, and a riding buddy to play hare and hound with!

Check http://www.ktmtalk.com for more info on the KTM 4 strokes.

Good Luck floored!
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That's about right.....:tup:

Paul, when we riding, da new bikes....?

:hb:
 
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ElChupacabra

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Hooligan wrote:
That's about right.....:tup:

Paul, when we riding, da new bikes....?

:hb:
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The family is heading to Davis Lk near Merritt this weekend camping, and we're bringing the bikes!! Come one up, I know tons of trails up there!!
 
Floored

Floored

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Elchupacabra, (Paul?)
Did you guys go with the factory DS kits, and who did the work?
So how does the 400 turn more quickly? Looking at the KTM specs, they are all the same bike except for the 525 being .6lbs heavier?!
Anyway, it's all a pipe dream until I sell my boat.

Hooligan, looking at the picture you posted also has me wondering about the "little one". Is that a Pro Senior? My son has been learning on a PW50, but it's time to move up. Even though he's only 6 the standard 50's are too small. Between the short wheel base & low clearance of the PW (and Patrick's size), the trail has spun him around a few times. I'm trying to decide between the larger wheels of the CRF70, or the greater suspension travel (and lighter weight) of something like the Pro. Your thoughts?
 
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ElChupacabra

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Floored wrote:
Elchupacabra, (Paul - yup)
Did you guys go with the factory DS kits yup, and who did the work me?
So how does the 400 turn more quickly?Its a gyroscope thing related to long stroke versus short stroke motors. Long stroke motors are harder to tip from side to side.Looking at the KTM specs, they are all the same bike except for the 525 being .6lbs heavier 0.7 lb lighter last time I looked?!
Anyway, it's all a pipe dream until I sell my boat. Dare to dream.

Checkout my thread: http://ktmtalk.com/index.php?showtopic=155405
Click to expand...
 
Hooligan

Hooligan

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Floored wrote:
Hooligan, looking at the picture you posted also has me wondering about the "little one". Is that a Pro Senior? My son has been learning on a PW50, but it's time to move up. Even though he's only 6 the standard 50's are too small. Between the short wheel base & low clearance of the PW (and Patrick's size), the trail has spun him around a few times. I'm trying to decide between the larger wheels of the CRF70, or the greater suspension travel (and lighter weight) of something like the Pro. Your thoughts?


Hi,

That's a KTM 50SX LC Junior, note LC and not the Adventure,:dr:

I took a gamble and got both my Girls going on a great little bike i.s.o. starting with a 4 stroke. I figured, get respect for power and learn to control it right off the bat. It goes like stink, I clocked them on the beach at 50km/h. very cool. They do come off the bike but thankfully get right back on again. Good gear is a must for kids.

One drawback, that I guess having a kid that "knows" how to ride will not have, is if they learn, they are slow the first few times. This bike has no fan, the rad needs air, lots, the kind that comes through at around 30km/h. If you donot think your kid will be able to get the bike up to at least 30km/h on a very regular basis, don't go there....

The bike was stricktly built for racing, hence the KTM slogan "Ready to Race" tight trails, it WILL overheat.

However, having said all that. One quick visit to Princess Auto and $3-00, yes only CDN$3-00 later I had a fan. This took all of 15 minutes to install. Needless to say at that price I got two.....see attached picture. With a Black and Decker 12v drill battery "temorarily" attached to the front fender, she runs cool at any speed for about 2 hours. No need for it anymore, but it helped the first few times when they were still trying the water.....

I might have this one up for sale soon as they are a bit tall for it now, I am looking at maybe going to a 65SX or a 50Senior, two problems: cost and speed. That thing could be fast, way to fast. 2 stroke 65 for a 8 year old girl could be a problem.....:tup:

Good luck, my sugestion, and if the kid shows real interest and promise, go for it. That is if you could justify paying a stupid amount of money for a kids dirt bike. Serious riders only...!:tup:

:hb:
 

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Floored

Floored

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Well 30km/hr will be easy on the logging roads, but not on the tight trails we prefer (when we find them). We also have a knack for being out for 4+ hours at a time.
Do you think I'd be able to hook up a small alternator?
Apart from that weekness(for us), it seems perfect.
 
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