525 vs. CRF450?

[tolga]

Tolga,

Gas-Gas is a Spanish bike, like Honda is a Japanese bike and KTM is Austrian.

Thank you for your answer but it is strange that I have never heard of it. In Turkey, pretty much everybody knows Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda, KTM, Husaberg, & Husqvarna but not Gas Gas. Although I shouldn't generalize it, it could be only me . . . :(

 

[tolga]

Why CRF450 is compared with 525 but not 450?

 

[sloopy]

if the crf450 is anything like the peice of sh*t 2003 400 ex i owned. :(

when i bought the bike i have now i researched ever bike and every company and chose ktm because of the quality. the dealer i bought my bike from carries honda and ktm, and unquestionably told me the ktm is a much better bike. it is not that i dont like japanese products, i have owned 3 honda preludes, 2 outbacks , and a 4runner. ktm just makes a better bike.

 

[holeshot]

Then why bother looking at thumpers?
http://www.servicehonda.com/CR500AF.html

Yep, CR500AF - the ultimate dune bike.

 

[holeshot]

Then why bother looking at thumpers?
http://www.servicehonda.com/CR500AF.html

Yep, CR500AF - the ultimate dune bike. :nod:

 

[SFO]

ktm just makes a better bike.

Oh yeah, we are in the KTM forum...

 

[ETS]

I'd take a 525 over any kind of CR500 unless the service honda doesn't vibrate like they used to. My 90' was like a paint mixer strapped to your nuts. Stock for stock the 525 would hand me a spanking from what I remember. Put the six speed in and the 525 is twice the bike as the old two stroke. It's hard to beat the 525's reliability in the fourstroke world also. The steel valves seem to last longer than the CRF's and the bikes in general just look nicer for a longer period. Honda's choice of hubs/frame look dingy in no time and require more maintenance to keep it looking new in my opinion.

 

[Masterphil]

Put the six speed in and the 525 is twice the bike as the old two stroke.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Have you ever ridden a 500 2-smoke, It would flat out eat that 525's arse.

 

[ETS]

Yup. I had a 90' for a few years in the early 90's. I was never that impressed with the bike. Vibrated like crazy, It did pull like a freight train but so did my 520 and my bud's 525, ran out of gearing quick, didn't have any more top end speed than a buddies new 94'cr250 at the time. I wouldn't be so sure about a 500 handing a 525 it's arse. IMHO the 525 is the best of the new breed of big modern thumpers for the average joe. Maybe not the best performing but an all around good performing bike with a good reliability record. I had a 03' KTM450 I picked up this winter with less than 10 hours on it but I think I rode twice before I dumped it. It simply refused to start no matter what trick or valve checks I did. By the time it would start I didn't care to ride it because I was pooped out. A riding buddies 04' CRF450 can be fussy on starting also. Every so often he has to kick like crazy but most of the time it fires right up. My 520 was always easy to start and so is my buddies 525. His friend has a 05' 450SX and it doesn't start nearly as easy as the 525. Unfortunately I base most of my judgements about a bike on how it starts. I've had three ATK's over the years and non of them start worth a toot. I'd never own another and I'm disgruntled for life about bikes that don't start easy.

 

[sloopy]

sounds like the carb was out of adjustment to me. i had the same problem when i messed with my carb. i put it back to stock settings and never had another problem. mine starts right up first try every try.

if you want to talk about a hard starting s.o.b. i had a 89 ktm 350 two stroke, with a high compression piston. the kick starter was on the left hand side and you have to wear boots or you would bruise your foot.

 

[BigRedAF]

I have a 2005 CR500AF and I must admit it vibrates less than any 250cc and up bike I've ever owned. I've had several steel framed 500's in the past in this new bike kicks Ass!

 

[darklife41]

what does the worlds toughest competition ride in the sand?

I've read through all these posts and can't help but think this is a no brainer. Looking for a dunes bike means 1 condition, sand. Think of the ultimate sand races and you have to put Dakar at the top of the list. I believe any major competitor who thinks they have a chance of winning enters every year. Requirements to win at Dakar include talent sure, but mostly all out speed and reliability in the toughest of conditions for the bike.

How many Hondas were in last years Dakar? -0-

How many of the bikes entered were KTMs? Oh yea, all of them.

Now you can go by what someone recommends for their personal preference, or go with what the big boys use to win on.

Case closed. :-)

 

[Okiewan]

Let's see some pics of those KTM's, then please post the comparable Honda model.
Case open.

 

[380EXCman]

I have ridden a number of 500's. 3 AF's and a couple KX's. The 525 is not on the same level as the 500. Especially the AF. The only place a 525 may be superior would be in top speed. And thats if your comparing the 525 in EXC trim to the 500 with stock gearing. If your strictly going for top speed and gear for it, all bets are off and their about equal. For dunes its a no-brainer the 500 all the way.