450SX or 525SX

[Mr Bigglesworth]

For those of you that have ridden or own both, how do they compare and tell me about their performance. I'm looking to get an '04, but I'm curious on the '03s. Thanks.

[MX915]

I havent ridden a 525, but I can tell you the 450SX is a quick bike. Just as fast if not faster than the competition but oh so smooth. Crack the throttle and the front wheel goes clawing toward the sky. Many people say it's deceptively fast but trust me, you can feel the power. If you want even more a 525 is the way to go.

[Dano426]

I have not ridden the 450sx, but wow that 525sx moves -- make sure you have a lot of room infront of you when you twist your right hand

The problem with the 525sx is that you have to run it in the MX open class. I don't see how anyone would need more power than a 450 from any thumper?????

[4strkepwr660R]

In my opinion. bigger is better (most of the time).

[Big Maico 393]

I own & race a KTM 525Sx, I love the brute force when you crack the throttle. I can ride most tracks in just one gear. If you've got the skills it is a potent mx ride. The 450 is soposed to be a quicker revving motor with more mild type of power. You need to have some upper body strenght & a lot of leg strenght to hold on to a 525sx at full throttle. It will pull like a raped ape if you go WFO. I know if I try to ride it hard it will tire me out quickly. If I try to be smooth it will just rip & be more plesant to ride! you need to try both & see which one fits you!

BTW you can ask Kirtwell what he thinks of my 525SX, Just shoot him a PM

[Mr Bigglesworth]

I'd like the power of the 525SX because I ride a lot of trails in the mountains in Oregon, but from what Maico and the magazines have said it probably wouldn't be the best choice because if I tried to ride it hard at the track it would wear me out. The 450SX is sounding better.

[YzRacer#53]

ive never seen a local ktm in my pits or anything but i herd there pretty quick

[slaith]

Hey

I have a 426 now and I thinking of perhaps going for a SX450 '03 Next season.
What are the main flaws of the bike? I really like the idea of not having any linkage beetween the shock and the rear end. Less parts to swap. And It really seems like a well put together machine.
But again what should I look for? Faults that have occured on the older 400 and 520 bikes??

Any tips would be helpful

[MX915]

Slaith,
I've had mine since the end of June and I cannot fault the bike at all except that ITS TOO DARN FAST! The worst part is changing the oil. 2 filters and 2 little screens. It probably wouldn't phase you much however, as you're used to draining oil from the frame, motor, and all those external lines. Other than that, its great and I'm convinced it is the best built, sturdiest, longest lasting bike out there (that said with a Honda next to it in the garage). The air filter requires no tools (just pop the cover) seat comes off with one bolt, powdercoated everything stays looking new, fatbars, quality rims and chain stock. Gotta love that swingarm too. It has one, maybe two welds on it. Its a work of art.

I know, I know, I probably sound like a KTM salseman but if you have an eye for details and quality this is the bike for you. Even if you dont and you just want a super fast bike, if it fits you and you can find one....go for it.

[slaith]

I'll keep checking ...it's more and more leaning towards that bike next season.

I like the idea of a bike that's already wetsumped.
And everybody says that the bike is really narrow feeling and handles great.
Besides I like the 03 look

thanks guys.

[Mr Bigglesworth]

Hey Slaith, have you ever heard of In Flames or Dark Tranquillity? They're bands from Gothenburg so I just thought I'd ask.

[slaith]

Mr Bigglesworth:

Well as a matter of fact I saw them not so long ago.
They are almost my favourite bands. I'm really into the whole metal scene.
If you like the gothenburg sound check out. At The Gates and another band from northern sweden called Meshugga.

They are really good to. At the gates doesn't exist any more but the music is really powerfull. Check out the album "Slaughter of the soul". If you can't find it maybe we can arrange something
Damn good for getting the adrenaline up for riding.

I can go on all day about Scandinavian Black, death, trash, metal bands.

If you like a little more trashy rock dirty sound.
Check out: Hellacopters, Backyard babies and from gothenburg also Hardcore superstar. Check the out they are deffinetly worth listening to.
Albums:
Hellacopters - Super****ty to the max, By the grace of god.
Backyard babies - Total 13
Hardcore superstar - Bad sneakers and a pina collada

Anything you wanna ask just give me a message and well talk.

[slaith]

Mr Bigglesworth:

Have you checked the bands yet??

Just curious

[Mr Bigglesworth]

Nope. Those bands don't really interest me. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Iced Earth, Origin, Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, and Extol.

[mxerhale]

Well I might have gotten in on this a little late, but here's my 2 cents. I've had my 450 since last November and can honestly say that it is indeed an awesome ride and I've thought that since the first time I swung my leg over it. It is very narrow, handles better than my 426 did, has a very low center of gravity, and hasn't experienced any problems. It seems to rip the side knobs off my tires with regularity but I think that has something to do with my riding style. I was the only KTM regularly racing in my class this year and I got first overall for the season, so that must mean something (I know the bike isn't everything in racing).

[Woody_393]

WOW, congrats Chris... Good job on the KTM.

[mxerhale]

Thanks Woody, something just clicked this yearand practicing with you a few times didn't hurt either. Hey, are you and Bates still training for the Oct. race in Delta? I sure hope it warms back up before then.

[Woody_393]

LOL, Ya, I'm sure riding with me really helped... I know I probably really pushed you to your limits... :

We are thinking about it... Still undecided... IF I would get off my lazy A$$ and actually train (cardio) I would probably do a lot better and would be more inclined to race, but as it sits now... I'm undecided. We'll see. Order the Unadilla the other day... Just need it to show up in the mail