Thoughts on the DRZ400SM

[k-os]

I was pretty set on finding a DRZ400SM but ended up find a 2005 KTM 525 EXC. Haven't gotten to ride it much as I've been working on improving the inside of the garage a bit and need to do some work on the KTM before I take it out (carb rebuild, oil and filter change, valve check).

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by nickjpass

How many miles is that? I want a bike like the exc 500 in my future, but I'm afraid it would be horrible for riding on the street. Thoughts?

They're very maintenance intensive.

I don't remember for sure,.. around 4-5K miles I think. Just getting broken in as far as I'm concerned.

I've got a riding buddy that traded his R1 for a 500 exc last year, and another that just bought a Husky 501, which is basically the same bike. The KTM 500 is a beast!!! Really, it's an animal, and a great platform to build on.

I wouldn't call the maintenance "very intensive", it's only the full on MX bikes that are bad. The enduro bikes are much more robust... Honestly 2k miles between oil changes isn't out of the question if you ride mostly on the street, just make sure you keep the air filter clean. The maintenance is definitely not anything crazy like full engine rebuilds every year or two like the manual says.

Personally I like to keep a close eye on the berg, so I switched to a reusable SS oil filter and Rotella T5 dino oil, and I just change the oil every 10 hours. I clean the air filter when it looks like it needs it. That's all they really need on a regular basis. Definitely don't be afraid to get one of these bike because of the maintenance.

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by ninjamunky85

I don't remember for sure,.. around 4-5K miles I think. Just getting broken in as far as I'm concerned.

I've got a riding buddy that traded his R1 for a 500 exc last year, and another that just bought a Husky 501, which is basically the same bike. The KTM 500 is a beast!!! Really, it's an animal, and a great platform to build on.

I wouldn't call the maintenance "very intensive", it's only the full on MX bikes that are bad. The enduro bikes are much more robust... Honestly 2k miles between oil changes isn't out of the question if you ride mostly on the street, just make sure you keep the air filter clean. The maintenance is definitely not anything crazy like full engine rebuilds every year or two like the manual says.

Personally I like to keep a close eye on the berg, so I switched to a reusable SS oil filter and Rotella T5 dino oil, and I just change the oil every 10 hours. I clean the air filter when it looks like it needs it. That's all they really need on a regular basis. Definitely don't be afraid to get one of these bike because of the maintenance.

thanks !!