2001 ktm 520 exc for dual-sport ????

xr600r

Member
Apr 15, 2001
117
0
i am thinking of retiring my xr600r and getting a 520 exc.
do any of you guys use these for dual-sport riding ?
if so hows it work ? my riding will be about 60% 2-track,
30% single track, and 10% pavement.
 

HiG4s

~SPONSOR~
Mar 7, 2001
1,311
0
I've been thinking about a VOR 503 enduro because they come with the wiring harness for signals and horn, and dot approved full knobies already on it and it gets a regular title here in FL.
 

BigStoppy

Member
Mar 6, 2000
24
0
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.
 

NEMX305

~SPONSOR~
Mar 25, 2001
106
0
It was that they used thin gears in the transmission, they can handle the forces they see in the dirt, but will not hold up on the pavement. Tim
 

cujet

Member
Aug 13, 2000
826
5
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
 

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.
 

BCR-Bob

Sponsoring Member
Mar 8, 2001
104
0
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.
 
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Tiger

~SPONSOR~
Aug 21, 2000
235
0
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!
 
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:
 

Tiger

~SPONSOR~
Aug 21, 2000
235
0
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./

Stephans-Garage@t-online.de


> >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
 

creator8

Member
Jul 22, 2000
28
0
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.
 

gulliver

Member
May 4, 2001
44
0
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.
 

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.
 

gulliver

Member
May 4, 2001
44
0
I cut this from the Yahoo KTM group:

Quick word of advice from my local KTM dealer and techie guy....gears
5 and 6 are only half width in order to keep the engine narrow. He
suggests that for aggressive road use the bike should be geared so
that only 1 thru 4 are used hard and 5 and 6 are effectively overdrive
gears for cruising - especially if there is no cushdrive fitted which
I don't think there is on the Talon hubs. Otherwise.....potential
early failure of gears 5 and 6 will result ;-((
Pete M
KTM 620 EXC
UK
 

duke498

Member
Mar 30, 2001
6
0
Re: KTM400/520 RFS Dual Sport links/parts info

Tiger,

How much did you pay (US$) for all of the parts mentioned below, and
how did you know how to wire the harness?

Regards,

Jamie




Originally posted by Tiger
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./

Stephans-Garage@t-online.de


> >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
 

the mayor

Member
Feb 25, 2002
22
0
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
 

drz mick

Member
Jun 2, 2001
112
0
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
Originally posted by TexKDX
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.


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.
 

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