ktm 450 or 530, but if you buy one of those why even keep the klx?

 

If you go for the big-bore KTM then the 2007 KTM 525 is the sweet spot as the chassis is almost as good as the 530, but it's engine is better than the 530 - so much so that there are guys retrofitting 525 engines into the 530 chassis. Despite what the numbering suggests, both models engines are actually 510cc, not 525/530cc.

I can appreciate keeping the KLX as well as having a dedicated dirt bike - it's what I have done. The KLX is definitely more of a road biased dual-sporter than my Husky that is very much a dirt racer. I love the feel of the KLX for my commuting, and love the fact that it is very easy to take offroad still. I would likely kill myself on a dedicated road bike. If I absolutely had to replace the KLX I would be looking at another dual sport bike or adventure bike.

For those of you making suggestions - any chance you could elaborate on which models/years and why you recommend that particular bike? I love to know more about bikes and their strengths/weaknesses, but at the moment this thread just seems to be listing options, not the relative merits of each model.

 

I was going to buy a 310 Husky but did the 351 thing instead. But I'v pert well
got my self covered. If i could only have two bikes I would keep my 520 EXC along with the KLX.

 

For the second bike I got one for the GF. Worked out great. She rides on the road and even uses it to go to work when its not raining. Plus I get to use it when my bike is down.
Cheers Jim

 

We will have to assume some things to fill in the blanks. We have to assume that your budget is not an issue since you selected some high end brands. We have to assume you want more off-road ability than the KLX which means a very dirt oriented bike. If we assume that you want a real dual sport with actual blinkers and everything then that cuts out some of the KTMs and other bikes that come with plates but aren't really dual sports. Then the biggest issue is seat height. Being bigger than the KLX, more dirt worthy, and expensive means a very high seat height.

Tough corner we're in here. Your needs are pretty specific. Where can you compromise? Or maybe correct some of these assumptions.

 

A scraper bike....

 

My latest aquisition.



2005 Honda ST1300

 

Klr 650 mf

 

Well, I kinda got it backwards. This is my bike: 123,000 miles on it. 42 mpg 125+ mph. Comfy as can be, Note the electric windshield and 4x 100 watt XM stereo.
2000 BMW R1100RT



This is my second bike: 60 smiles per gallon! 85 mph top speed if you dare.
I ride it to work and for fun.

09 KLX 351SF



AND this is the bike I rode for the last 20 years. I have no clue how many miles on it. I still have it.

1976 BMW R75/6



Gotta have SOME fun.

David

 

fz1