New here, just saying hi & looking for direction.

[KTM199]

Hey guys/gals, I'm new here, I don't own a KTM yet but honestly I think I've made up my mind for my next quad. I visited a local KTM dealer (Outlanders, if any of you are familiar) & I totally fell in love so now I'm exploring the KTM world. I'd appreciate any help in navigating this site & what the best mods/brands for these are. I'm still trying to make up my mind on either a 450XC or the 525XC, my salesguy was saying he's tested both machines & that the 525XC was just a bit of a handful for trail riding, which is what I mainly do, however, like most people I am a power junkie, lol!

[5lblmbn2009]

I love my 450 xc but i wouldn't mind more power, and I think I could handle a 525 on the trails. Ktm Bill on here has the best pipe for the cost. Fast64Ranchero on here does some thigns to the carb that really helps out with a throttle jab bog at low rpm. and a lot of guys like rocket ron racing for their shock needs. barely tighten the tank bolts if you get it. there is a wealth of info on here and it is all helpful.

[KTM199]

Thanks, seems like this forum is layed out a lil different that some. I currently have a few machines, a Warrior which I plan to keep, I just like it... I have a YZ465 & A '00 CR250R. I really like the KTM though, I really want somethin that'll go balls to the wall when I want it to so I like the 525XC. Which section here is the best for overall performance talk.

[reckless525xc]

Welcome, this is a great site with tons of info. and great guys who are always willing to help. First, get the 525 xc !!!!! You will not be disappointed, guaranteed!!!!! Second, as soon as you get the machine take the carb off and send it to Fast64ranchero for his carb mods. This is a must mod, and the best bang for the buck. Third, you'll want to soften up those shocks- RocketRon is the man to talk to!!!! With just those couple of mods you'll be gitty with a smile from ear to ear!!! Then there is always the FCI Intake, big bore kits, cams, carb boreing. One great investment for these motors you might want to do for longevity on the bottom end is an oil cooler. Polaris Bob is the adapter man for the oil coolers. There are many posts on all these mods and who to talk to.

[Gooner5643]

I'm in the same situation as KTM199. I've got a 08 Honda trx700xx with aftermarket a arms, elkas up front, revalved rear shocks, steering stabilizer, precision clamps, full exhaust, stiffer rear sway bar, razr/razr2 combo and everything but I'm still not 100% happy with it. At the end of the day it's still a 500lb machine and isn't as nimble as a 450. Whats worse is my rear shocks were re-valved by some guy who didn't know what he was doing and I can't find anyone else who will work on them to fix it.

I've always loved the ktm quads but was scared away from the price tag and reliability compared to a Honda. But seeing 450/525xc's going for $5000 used has me thinking though. Should I make the switch? I also want to get into gncc racing which I did one race and got hooked. I ran in college B class.

[5lblmbn2009]

I would switch from a 700xx. I sat on one at the honda dealership and it didn't feel right. to tall and the irs isn't for me either. you would love the ktm. at least i love both of mine. you can get them less than 5k now closer to stock form. search the forum here for some great info. also top left corner of home page has a search bar to narrow what you care looking for.

[MAX4X4]

Get the 525XC. I just got mine two months ago, new in crate, love it!

[Gooner5643]

I would switch from a 700xx. I sat on one at the honda dealership and it didn't feel right. to tall and the irs isn't for me either. you would love the ktm. at least i love both of mine. you can get them less than 5k now closer to stock form. search the forum here for some great info. also top left corner of home page has a search bar to narrow what you care looking for.

Thanks. The more I think about it the more I want to switch. I grew up on irs utilities so going from that to the 700xx felt great but I'm trying to make the quad something it will never be. It's more of a open desert racer or trail cruiser than a xc racer. Hopefully I can sell a couple of my aftermarket stuff separetly and still get around $4000 for the xx. Then it would be time to shop around. I'm going to wait until after April though because we always head down to hatfield mccoy trails that time and I don't wanna sell my quad and not have time to buy the ktm by then. I'm already compiling a list of mods once I get her lol. So far its Ron's revalve/spring, precision stabilizer, precision shock and vibe clamps, and razr 2 fronts.

[KTM199]

Haha, ^ that's totally what I'm doing, makin friends & doin research, lol!

[Gooner5643]

Haha, ^ that's totally what I'm doing, makin friends & doin research, lol!

Haha yupp. What do you ride now?