2005 KTM reviews

Got my 2005 ktm 200exc on a swap from a 2006ktm sxf 250 even trade I’m soooo happy I did!…… I love it, it came with a Clark oversized tank and 2012 front fender and headlight it looks pretty good and rides awesome, tackles everything I give it I feel very confident on it , I’ve had a kdx 220r and this thing walks all over it as far as suspension and power, but comfort the kdx won that battle. Both great woods bikes but I think the ktm is more of a race/enduro than kdx enduro. Show less

We have had this bike for almost six years now and the only thing that has ever gone wrong with it was a dead battery. I am more of a two-stroke kind of guy, but this bike will run just like one, and almost as fast as a CR 500. It is the best four-stroke I have ever ridden and handles amazingly. We geared it down to run like a two-stroke and I think it helped it a lot in corners and on hills. I have never been not able to make it up a single hill with it. In the right hands it will go anywhere. KTM makes very high quality products and I am very happy and I would never buy any other new bike other than a KTM. Show less

I think it is a wonderful bike and is almost perfect. Now, that being said, it is not too comfortable because of its sleek racing frame. But, it is one of the fastest stock bikes out there and a must have for intermediate to seriuosly skilled riders. Definitely consider this bike! Show less

I have been on many race bikes over the years. Elsinores, YZs, KX - most were very adequate. Some better than others. 1990 Kawasaki KX-500 was awesome in its day. I have never to date been so happy with a bike like I am the 05 KTM 525 EXC. I bought it new and went through the proper break in. This bike has gone on long after I wanted to quit and did well. Never a loss for power, the bike has tons of torque for a large man like me. It may be big on some but it fits me well. It has never let me down mechanically. The battery did go down a couple of times, because I stalled it so often in a race I used it up starting 30 times or so. However, it kicked over (more like pushed over) first kick. Chains, sprockets, bars, fuel efficiency - everything seems good. I'm currently turning down a great deal on a 08 530 XCR-W to run this bike one more year. Total shop bills for two years racing for me are less than $250.00. Anyway, that's my two cents worth. Show less

Just an update to my 11/29/05 review. Still have the bike and everything is just the same...fabulous bike, I have no complaints whatsoever...and for me that is odd! I was going to buy a new '08 just because, but I couldn't bring myself to do it as there is absolutely nothing wrong with this bike! Well, I guess I could complain that it eats tires like crazy...but I could easily remedy that with less twist of the right wrist! Show less

I have had the bike for about one yr and I can tell you it is fast. It can be a hand full on the tight stuff, but manageble. I had to work on suspension due to my weight. On the right hands this bike will not fall behind others. Tight places work best, plenty of pull on the flat (not as fast as 400cc) obviously... but if you drop it easy to pick up and the ride goes on. Bullet proof reliability and I never run out of power. The front end gets a little nervous on the sand, easly resolved with a dumper. I am a mid level rider and for my level of skills this bike has it all. Show less

Changed from an XR650 to this bike, superb! It feels like a 250 in weight and a 750 in power. If you need more power than this, your name must be kini! I'll keep you posted as to reliability etc, but so far so good. Why don't KTM dealers keep any part stock? Everytime I want something it has to come from Austria! As we have have said before, no-one makes a perfect bike, but for me, this is so close! Show less

I LOVE THIS BIKE! This thing handles great everywhere. It has awesome torque and top end. When the conditions are muddy, everyone on the motocrossers start to sigh and this thing will tear any bike to shreds in the mud! In the rocks, this bikes weight and power are perfect for tackling some of the toughest rock gardens. Then, in the dust, as long as you can see where you are going, this bike will fly. All in all, this bike hooks up great in every thing and I highly reccommend this bike for off road racing. Show less

This bike is an amazing bike. It has lots of power and feels like you can go any speed on the trails. It feels like a Raptor 660 on 2 wheels. This is a lot of bike. It clocks out at 110+. Show less

The 200 EXC is an awesome bike. The motor is sick with plenty of low end torque and decent top end. The trick is to ride it like a four stroke and short shift it.(ok not quite as short a fourstroke) I can easily pull 5th gear power wheelies with no clutch. The motor has to be the best thing about this bike. I had the suspension revalved by factory connection because the stock was a little weird for me. This is an awesome bike. don't let the 200 fool you. I've seen too many people on this site saying they should have bought something like a CR230F. The 200EXC has the top end power of a japanese 250 and much more torque than a 250F. 2 STROKES FOR LIFE! Show less