450 exc v/s 525 exc

[kevin c.]

Do these bikes really weigh the same? if so why would you choose the 450? what are the different characteristics of them, thanks Kevin

 

[kevin c.]

buying bike questions

I am looking at 450 and 525 exc's and mxc's any preferences here (gearing I know is different between exc and mxc) anyone ridden both) any help would be apprceiated, thanks Kevin

 

[ktmboy]

Some people feel the less powerful bike is easier to ride. It's a matter of riding style, like how some guys can go faster on a 125 than a 250 because they're able to ride the bike to its full potential.
Open bikes require a more sensitive throttle hand---you can't just grab a handful all the time like the smaller bore bikes, but if you learn how to properly ride one the rewards are tremendous!

 

[Nordegg]

The gearing preference is really subjective. The MXC with close ratio lets you have exactly the right gear at any time, within a narrower range. The EXC gives you gears that will do everything, but you'll find yourself going slightly too high or too low a gear if you are highly sensitive to that.

Personally I find the motors have a wide enough power band that I can always find a happy place on my EXC. Pretty low 1st gear, plenty fast 6th gear. Common wisdom on this is a desert racer might like an MXC, woods riding with dramatic shifts in terrain calls for EXC. No regrets, myself.

 

[KaTooM EXC]

I have an '04 450 EXC RFS and love it. It's got great power, I think the 525 would wear you out unless you're a really good rider that knows how to handle a bike. I went down one tooth on the front sprocket and up two teeth on the rear and thats the only gearing I've ridden with. I think you'll like the EXC, where are you located/what do you ride on? I ride on the east coast woods and I think I have the best bike as far as the EXC/MXC goes for the terrain.

For a little promoting, when you do get the bike get a GPR steering damper. High quality fit and finish. It looks trick and works even better. It's what Mike Lafferty uses on his KTM's.

 

[PhastPhart]

I've owned an 01 520, a 02 400 and now have an 03 450 all EXC's. Like the previous post, I'm faster on the 450 but felt faster on the 520. That's out here in the SoCal desert where there are plenty of places to ride fast. If you mainly ride woods, I would stick to the 450. It has plenty of power.

 

[Shaw520]

There is more inertia effect in the larger engine, it will build more momentum and carry that momentum into corners. Some feel the smaller 400/450 have less of this, hense making it easier to pivot in the corners.