Ktm 525 reviews

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

This is the second KTM I have ever owned and I can not believe this bike. It out performs all my others. It is very powerful and user friendly. It is often too much to handle if that is at all possible in a dirt bike. It chews up back tires like nothing at all. I can not think of one bad thing to say about this bike. I say hats off to KTM for building such awesome bikes. 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 already wrote a review so I just wanted to write another to submit a picture. I'm pleased with this bikes performance. Very predictable and easy to ride and it has lots of torque and speed that most of the time can never be totally used, unless you're riding it on the highway. Besides my last complaints that I wrote, on the other review, the only other things negative about this bike is that the hardware tends to stip out easy, due to the fact that most of it is aluminum, and the clutch case leaks a little oil sometimes. Other then that, the 525 is a beast. Show less

I have just purchased my 07 KTM 525 XC-W. The bike is beautiful to look at, it's hard to believe the sex-appeal that just the black rims add. When you jump on, the first thing you'll notice is the POWER - more then any sane person needs. Hill climbing becomes a breeze, no clutch work, just thottle control. The bike is a little more snappy than a trail bike, but respect the power...and it becomes a gentle gaint. You can lug through the more technical trails, or easily snap it up and over any obstacles in front of you. This bike fast! Top speed in 6th gear is around 90 mph/170kmph, and you've got a speedometer to prove it. The only problem is stock it runs hot so your going to need a fan kit that simply bolts on. Other than that, just a pry-bar to get yourself off this bike. Show less

Absolutely the most versatile bike I have owned. The power and handling are very impressive and this bike will make most anyone look good. It is so easy to ride yet handles single track, wide open desert or motocross with ease. Once jetted properly, you most likely will not need ANY engine mods cause this bike has plenty of power. All the components on the bike are top notch. Mine has been stone reliable. Recommend this bike to most anyone. If you ride it-you will buy one. Show less

The handling and power of the bike are the best. Air craft quality, this machine is race ready. Fast, agile and light. I see broken down blue and green fast bikes, trouble starting fast red bikes, very respectable but slower yellow bikes, so my world is now a new color. And I am in love. Single track or desert, this is the one. Some one would say for desert, a 650 would be better and for single track a 250 would be better, but for me, my KTM is way BETTER. Show less

I have ridden this bike so dang much, I love it. It is the first time I have switched from Suzuki, and I am glad I did! Though, the stock seat sucked comfort-wise for long rides. 300 miles on that seat and I was crippled! Show less

I've had my bike for approximately 8 months now. A couple desert trips, Randsburg ride from Charlie's Place, Jawbone, Hollister, Pozo and general fun riding have definitely placed this bike as my favorite after owning and riding many bikes in my 30+ years of riding. The bike feels like it was custom made for my level of riding and is an awesome experience to fly across the desert at warp speeds. Its ability to tractor up the most rugged hills is something that must be experienced. I love my KTM. Show less