KTM 525 EXC as an Adventure Bike

[stevh0]

You guys think its posible to go RTW with a well setup 525?

[DRjoe]

I have a 01 520exc and my primary drive gear nut on the end of the crank has come loose again. Last time I just degreased the threads put some loctite and torqued it up to FT.

I've taken a closer look at where the gear sits on the shaft and it looks that the key and keyway are worn so I'm thinking I'll just pile a load of loctite on the shaft and threads and tighten it up again.

I was wondering if anyone else has found a cure for this little issue.

[LukasM]

Originally Posted by stevh0

You guys think its posible to go RTW with a well setup 525?

Everything is possible with enough time and money but IMHO it's not a really smart idea. Even with a ton of mods, in the end it's still a race engine that will have to be rebuilt after a few hundred hours. An LC4 would be a much better base with it's increased maintenance intervals and greater loading capacity.

That being said, I think the 525 would be a great choice for a hard core off road trip that lasts a few weeks. I plan on taking mine down to either Morocco or Tunisia later this year with the usual mods:

- Larger fuel tank
- Cush drive rear wheel
- Oil cooler
- Stainless valves
- Radiator fan
- 120W stator kit
- HID lights
- Jet kit
- Giant Loop bag
- etc.

Let's hope it holds up!

[Hayduke]

Is anyone here running the Safari 4 gallon tank? I need more range than the IMS gives me, but damn that Acerbis is huge. I don't like the price of the Safari, but if it's the right compromise of range/size/weight I'd pay it. How's the fit? I sort of like the looks, too.

[crazybrit]

Originally Posted by Hayduke

Is anyone here running the Safari 4 gallon tank? I need more range than the IMS gives me, but damn that Acerbis is huge. I don't like the price of the Safari, but if it's the right compromise of range/size/weight I'd pay it. How's the fit? I sort of like the looks, too.

You may want to PM scratchy, see post 933 on this thread. I feel the exact same way you do about functionality vs cost.

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by crazybrit

You may want to PM scratchy, see post 933 on this thread. I feel the exact same way you do about functionality vs cost.

Forgot that I'd already asked this long ago. Now I need to find one second hand. (or save the scratch)

[crazybrit]

Originally Posted by Hayduke

Now I need to find one second hand. (or save the scratch)

If your luck is this good .... don't forget the Powerball tickets.

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by crazybrit

If your luck is this good .... don't forget the Powerball tickets.

No kidding. I think I'll be paying full price. Oh well.

[JRMosley]

I ponied up and paid the $460.00 to have the Safari 4 gal shipped to me in Alaska. Buy it. Great fit, great ergonomics, you can mount a fan, it doesn't spread your knees like you're its prom date, and it looks good. I know, no pictures or it didn't happen, I'll try and post one up. I rode it about 40 miles on double-track 4-wheeler trails with it starting off full, and it was a bit heavier to pick up when I wrecked, but I didn't notice the weight while riding, just lifting it after its nap .

[Raul Duke]

Originally Posted by Hayduke

...damn that Acerbis is huge.

As they say, go big or go home.

I'm with you, 4 gal would be about right. The big MXC tanks come close - I may just switch between the MXC and the Acerbis. Now I just need to find a big MXC tank.

Im putting my 6.6 gal of goodness on this weekend for the first time, I'll let you know how it feels to me compared to stock.

[Hayduke]

random pic from today.

[Esteban]

Duke,

The big Acerbis tank really is not that big in the back by the seat. You hardly notice it if you don't look down. It is extremely well made and cheap too at $200.

However, I did just buy a 13 liter (3.4 gls) tank off KTMtalk and will keep that around for closer to gas station rides. My bike has been getting 45 mpg so the 3.4 gallon tank will get me 150 miles.

That Safari tank does look nice though.

Steve

[Hayduke]

Justgastanks.com has the Acerbis listed at $315 plus $80 if you want orange, plus shipping. Gitting close to the same money. That huge range could be nice, though. decisions decisions.

[crazybrit]

Originally Posted by Hayduke

Justgastanks.com has the Acerbis listed at $315 plus $80 if you want orange, plus shipping. Gitting close to the same money. That huge range could be nice, though. decisions decisions.

There was a place in Oregon that was closing out the clear/natural 6.6g for $200-ish w/ free shipping last year, It was in the KTMTalk Advertiser promotions section and iirc it got mentioned here ..... I'd just bought a barely-used orange for the same price, would have preferred the natural.

edit: http://www.cyclebuy.com/shopping/gas...tm_400-530.htm

deal is long gone, no free shipping either but looks to be a bit cheaper than @jgt for the orange

[Raul Duke]

I picked up my 6.6 used on KTMTalk classifieds for $120 within 7 days of starting to look.