2001 ktm 520 exc for dual-sport ????
- Thread starter xr600r
- Start date
xr, Im sure others have seen this, but I remember seeing something in the 400/520 RFS owners book about not using these bikes for the street. Something about the engine wasn't designed for and isn't recommended for dual purpose use because of inadequate lubrication.
KTM was very forceful in letting us know that the 520 was not designed for dualsporting. I think they are correct in their assessment of engine life and dual sport use. However I think the statements may have been somewhat politicaly motivated. I hear of some 520's that have tags and ride on the street from time to time without problems. That does not mean I fully trust the bike on the street.
I ride with a group of KTM's from time to time and we all spend some time on the street without problems.
Chris
I ride with a group of KTM's from time to time and we all spend some time on the street without problems.
Chris
Nverfastenuf
Member
- May 4, 2001
- 106
- 0
Talk to your dealer and he can let you in on the lowdown on this one. Looking at the gears, they sure dont look that much narrower. Tell the guys that are racing the bikes that they are being easier on the trans than if they were riding them on the street!!!! I know of many 520 riders that have abused the you know what out of the bikes, and the trans are holding up fine. Oiling is a concern that many had(small oil capacity). After extended use at high speeds, the thought was that this would be a factor on the longevity. I believe the capacity is the same as the LC4s. My thought is that if the bikes can hold up to a desert race, tapped in 5th and 6th, the bikes can hold up to some pavement riding.My 02.
Total capacity is 1.25L. I've raced (H&H and HS) my 2000 520 EXC for about a year and a half and it has seen very much 5th and 6th gear time. I have nothing but praise for this bike and it durability. If maintained correctly, I believe that it is as durable as anything else.
Last edited:
Nverfastenuf
Member
- May 4, 2001
- 106
- 0
My mistake, the capacity on the LC4 is more. Bob you told me wrong.
Dual-Sport riding KTM RFS's...
Hey. I just returned from my first Dual Sport ride aboard my 2001 400 MXC at Devil's Creek in Florida. There were MANY KTM 400/520's there besides ours. It is a good bike for that purpose you mention (little street). Proof? If you look around at KTM's other websites (Australia for example), these bikes come fitted with a full OEM Dual Purpose items. You can order these parts directly from overseas (the $ exchange rate is VERY favorable now) and simply snap them onto your bike. I talked with an owner who had done just that. MUCH better than the $400+ www.baja designs.com kit (mine was marginal at best) and it included items (mirrors, odometer, etc..) that theirs did not! You can find some useful info at www.wdsrc.com Email me directly for a dealer overseas you can email to get specifics. I'd list it but I don't have it handy. P.S. VOR and XR owners are H-O-T when they see the electric start for the first time. Good riding to you!
Hey. I just returned from my first Dual Sport ride aboard my 2001 400 MXC at Devil's Creek in Florida. There were MANY KTM 400/520's there besides ours. It is a good bike for that purpose you mention (little street). Proof? If you look around at KTM's other websites (Australia for example), these bikes come fitted with a full OEM Dual Purpose items. You can order these parts directly from overseas (the $ exchange rate is VERY favorable now) and simply snap them onto your bike. I talked with an owner who had done just that. MUCH better than the $400+ www.baja designs.com kit (mine was marginal at best) and it included items (mirrors, odometer, etc..) that theirs did not! You can find some useful info at www.wdsrc.com Email me directly for a dealer overseas you can email to get specifics. I'd list it but I don't have it handy. P.S. VOR and XR owners are H-O-T when they see the electric start for the first time. Good riding to you!
THUMPER-DARRYL
Member
- Dec 22, 2000
- 15
- 0
Dual sported my 400EXC for a couple hundred bucks. Brake light switch & horn from KTM,the rest from radio shack.. It works great as dualsport bike. My dealer says KTM wants you to to buy their LC4 bike for dualsporting and keep the rfc's for racing. Nothing to do with reliability, just sales.:cool:
KTM400/520 RFS Dual Sport links/parts info
Here you go, hope it helps dispel the myths...here's the reported info that I have received. Also a list of other USA sites. Good luck!
Sample letter:
I would be paying by credit card ( Master Card) if acceptable.
Please let me know how much it costs in USA currency, including shipping.
Thank you very much.
http://www.stephans-garage.de./
[email protected]
> >Cooling Fan #590.35.041.044
> >Speedometer #503.14.069.044
> > Rubber sleeves 2x #310.08.060.000
> > Plastic screws 2x #0016.050121
> > High Beam Light #580.11.021.300
> > Flasher Indicator Light #580.11.024.300
> > Bulb 12V 1.2W #491.11.425.000
> > Speedo Cable #583.14.069.151
> > Clamp #550.11.022.100
> > Magnet for Speedo #503.14.069.050
> > Circlip DIN 0471 9X1INOX #0471 009104
> > 2x Flashers #584.14.025.000130 and 2x Flashers
#584.14.026.000130
> > Rear-Light #50314040100
> > Back-Fender #50308015100
> > Flasher-cable front #59011080000
> > " " back #59011081000
> > Flasher-relays #44611207200
> > " switch #50311029000
> > Headlight switch #50311070000
> > Adapter for flasher-switch #13011070060
> > Brake-light switch,back #50311051100
> > " " " front #50311050000
> > Wire Harness 2001 #59011075400
> > Horn # 545.11.060.100
> > Horn Bracket #590.11.061.000
> > Support Bracket #590.11.083.000
> > and #503.14.061.100
Other sites that may be able to offer similar items!
enduroeng.com
eurotekktm.com
ktmworld.com
holeshotktm.com
mikescyclektm.com
cyclehutt.com
scottsperformance.com (Steering dampers, stainless steel oil filters)
Good luck!
Paul
Here you go, hope it helps dispel the myths...here's the reported info that I have received. Also a list of other USA sites. Good luck!
Sample letter:
I would be paying by credit card ( Master Card) if acceptable.
Please let me know how much it costs in USA currency, including shipping.
Thank you very much.
http://www.stephans-garage.de./
[email protected]
> >Cooling Fan #590.35.041.044
> >Speedometer #503.14.069.044
> > Rubber sleeves 2x #310.08.060.000
> > Plastic screws 2x #0016.050121
> > High Beam Light #580.11.021.300
> > Flasher Indicator Light #580.11.024.300
> > Bulb 12V 1.2W #491.11.425.000
> > Speedo Cable #583.14.069.151
> > Clamp #550.11.022.100
> > Magnet for Speedo #503.14.069.050
> > Circlip DIN 0471 9X1INOX #0471 009104
> > 2x Flashers #584.14.025.000130 and 2x Flashers
#584.14.026.000130
> > Rear-Light #50314040100
> > Back-Fender #50308015100
> > Flasher-cable front #59011080000
> > " " back #59011081000
> > Flasher-relays #44611207200
> > " switch #50311029000
> > Headlight switch #50311070000
> > Adapter for flasher-switch #13011070060
> > Brake-light switch,back #50311051100
> > " " " front #50311050000
> > Wire Harness 2001 #59011075400
> > Horn # 545.11.060.100
> > Horn Bracket #590.11.061.000
> > Support Bracket #590.11.083.000
> > and #503.14.061.100
Other sites that may be able to offer similar items!
enduroeng.com
eurotekktm.com
ktmworld.com
holeshotktm.com
mikescyclektm.com
cyclehutt.com
scottsperformance.com (Steering dampers, stainless steel oil filters)
Good luck!
Paul
my 520exc is set up for dual sport with the euro factory parts. basically these bikes are delivered street legal in almost every other territory. i think there are two reasons for ktm not making them street legal in the u.s.. first they want to sell their other off road bikes which the rfs bikes make look obsolete. second there are epa and dot issues particularly with california bikes and the costs involved in certification. i've got quite a few miles of street riding on my bike with no problems. as long as you're not dumping the clutch and popping wheelies i think you'll be allright. i can't see how riding flat out in 6th across the desert is any easier on the bike than riding on the street.
One difference between true "VIN" and converted dual sports is the rubber damper in the rear sprocket of the VINs. It's there to protect the drive train from the sure traction of blacktop. Without it, there will be more strain. In dirt, there is definately far less traction and far more wheel spin to take the jolts.
Bumper thumpers are a lot of fun, I have the LC4 640. I would dualsport a 520exc, but I'd save most of my fast acceleration for off road.
Bumper thumpers are a lot of fun, I have the LC4 640. I would dualsport a 520exc, but I'd save most of my fast acceleration for off road.
TexKDX
~SPONSOR~
- Aug 8, 1999
- 747
- 0
I have not been able to confirm if the non-US EXCs are delivered with cush drive or not. Same for the WRs, XRs, and KDXs. Next time I'm across the pond I'll be scoping rear hubs closely.
All that said, with your 10% street riding, as long as you don't play supermotard every time you ride it on the street I suspect you'll be just fine. A friend has a 400EXC street legal and I put about 50 miles on it the other day. We were on forest roads and some pavement. From a ridability standpoint, those thin seats will limit your pavement exposure, that is for sure. The motor works fine on the street. Not very buzzy, chugs just fine. Lots better than my street-legal WR was.
All that said, with your 10% street riding, as long as you don't play supermotard every time you ride it on the street I suspect you'll be just fine. A friend has a 400EXC street legal and I put about 50 miles on it the other day. We were on forest roads and some pavement. From a ridability standpoint, those thin seats will limit your pavement exposure, that is for sure. The motor works fine on the street. Not very buzzy, chugs just fine. Lots better than my street-legal WR was.
The main reason KTM makes the non dual sport statement is to prevent some dummy from trying to ride interstate across the country and back, with out ever checking the oil, and then trying to claim warranty work.
If you are using it mostly off road with a little street time...and keep your oil clean...you will be fine.
It's sad to live in a world where lawyers have to speak for mfgr's so the lower intelligent life forms don't hurt themselves
If you are using it mostly off road with a little street time...and keep your oil clean...you will be fine.
It's sad to live in a world where lawyers have to speak for mfgr's so the lower intelligent life forms don't hurt themselves
European/UK 520/400's don't come with any form of cush drive. You won't have any problems with reliability-loads of guys in the UK have run the RFS on the road and in super moto racing with no problems. JUST CHANGE THE OIL REGULARLY. Talon(UK) will make hubs with a cush drive but i think this adds to the cost.
Max Factor
Sponsoring Member
- Oct 18, 2000
- 155
- 0
In Australia, the RFS range does not have a cush drive. (neither do any of the other bikes that you'd listed and all are 100% street legal and registered) All of the serious Motord guys over here running an RFS use the LC4 rear wheel that has the cush drive. Having said that, the Super Motard series champion over here runs a factors backed LC4 not the RFS.
There are plenty of people using their RFS in the 10% street application (and more) with no reported troubles.