KTM 450EXC & KTM 525EXC

Ride Impression 2006 KTM 450EXC & 525EXC Racing - courtesy of www.eatmydirt.com.au

We took the latest offerings from KTM into the bush and onto the beaches for a first hand impression of the new and refined 2006 450 and 525 EXC Racing. Here’s what we found....

First and foremost we have to say if a bike could be sexy than the new KTM EXCs are the horniest looking bikes in the stable. New graphics, black anodised fork outers and orange fork protectors on Whitepower forks. Linkless PDS rear shock with orange rear spring, all black frame, anthracite (gold ) oversized Magura tapered bars, braided lines, silver excel rims, the slimmest cockpit in it’s class and a seat that goes all the way up to the fuel cap. The whole package weighs in at a reported 113.5kg for the 450 and approx 113.8 kg for the 525 (ready to race no fuel).

I took to the 525 first whilst Paul threw a leg over the 450. Having ridden 3 different 525 models for the past 3 years I can tell you that the difference in the 06 is quite noticeable. Paul whose mount of choice is normally a WR 250 found the 450 a pleasure to ride with lots of usable and predictable power on tap. With the new FCR Keihin MX FCR 39 Carburettor featuring an integrated (cast) inlet section (read smaller manifold distance between carb and cylinder head) and a newly designed carb-sleeve there is a notable improvement in throttle response. Not that the 525 has been lacking in bite off the throttle stop but the changes to this model mean if you crack the throttle be ready to live with the consequences.

The torque the 525 delivers makes it the big boys toy for sure, but be aware that a ride up the beach and back on the throttle saw the 525 hitting reserve on the 8 litre tank long before the 450. The 450 delivers a smoother power and this makes the bike less wearing on the rider and in some instances this means you're actually quicker on the 450 because you're not having to deal with the side effects of having a ballistic missile under your throttle grip.

The suspension out of the box was trick with significant improvements over the 05 models. The White Power front & rear units have a newly developed "friction optimised" anodised coating for all "sliding" components, including the guide-bushings to reduce friction by a reported 20%. The rear shock has a modified piston rod system with new oil flow and revised settings for smoother suspension function over whoops and during acceleration. Add a newly designed bump rubber to increase bottoming resistance and black reservoir to match the new frame and maintain it’s good looks. We found the suspension works really well, the rebound of the rear shock over stutters and rocky sections kept the rear wheel on the ground and helped maintain drive and steerability. It’s easily adjustable with an Allen key adjustment replacing the old cumbersome ring collar setup. The new WP front forks worked well but as with all good looking Sheila’s the KTM can be a little skittish in the front end. For the experienced rider this translates to being able to throw the nimble maiden around in the tight stuff with ease. For me at 90kgs and most enduro hacks a stiffer front fork spring would be on my Santa list as well as a decent steering dampener to tame the savage beast.

The cockpit features what has to be the most compact multifunction speedo on the market, backlit in orange (of course) with no less than 12 functions to get lost in. The hydraulic clutch is light and features braided lines as do the brakes with wave disks front and back - the stopping power is impressive even with the ADR switches on the hydraulics. The KTM’s feature an adjustable bar mount system for the Magura’s that suits the bigger riders and almost beckons you to stand on the pegs and adopt the "attack" position. It’s a good thing in our opinion and if you can ride comfortably in the standing position, you're prepared for anything that comes your way and we had no problem standing all day.

The six speed gearbox is something all manufacturers should adopt with some minor changes to the sprocket gearing to round off the package. KTM have long held our votes as best equipped tool kit in the business -they have taken it one step further by including for 2006 a spares kit that comes with the EXC Models which boasts a spare set of radiator shrouds, extra stickers, spare air filter, plastic engine protector (bash plate) and enduro rear guard extender/number plate frame.. Trailriders rejoice. So what’s the verdict. The 450 is the experienced trailriders bike of choice, heaps of usable power, and with a little tweaking of the front suspension predictable under power and brakes. Featuring everything you need in an enduro machine ready to race, just add Bark Busters and a decent B&B Bash Plate change the rear guard extender from your kit and a 14-50 sprocket combo and your done.

The 525 is certainly no bike for the faint at heart, if you're like me and you feel the need for sheer cubic capacity than look no further. As with the 450, a few add ons and tweaks and you're in trench digger heaven. The only difference being we would run 14-52 as our sprockets of choice. KTM are almost there with all the goodies straight out of the box. The front suspension favours the experienced enduro rider who has the stamina to use the KTM to it’s full extent and with the penchant for alloy frames being shown by the other major manufacturers it will be interesting to see how KTM respond.