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XR650R and EXC 520 Power Characteristics
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Posted by: LocoCD---------------------
Has anyone riden these two bikes? I was interested in the comparability of the engine's power characterisitcs.
I'm thinking of moving to the KTM but don't want a dog in the engine category
. I am familiar with the other "pros" of the KTM!
Posted by: huntmaster---------------------
I was lucky enough to be on a ride once with both bikes, plus a WR-426.
They all had quite different personalities. The KTM was very much the lightweight thoroughbred, very high performance. If you've got the coin and the sky's the limit...it's an awesome machine. It extract's it price (besides at the bank account!) with higher maintainance levels, costs, and possibly durability.
The Honda is bigger and heavier (but no heavier feeling then the WR also along) but also much cheaper and probably a much more durable bike. On fast open stuff, the Honda rules, both in performance and comfort. The KTM is superior in tighter stuff. The Honda makes a bit more power up top, but way more everywhere else, with a classic big bore eye compressing lunge off idle, that helps in the tight going. My budget (OK my Scottish blood!) would not allow for the KTM, but I was considering a 426. I bought the Honda and it's been awesome.
Posted by: weekendtoy---------------------
My buddy dragged a XR650R with his KTM520 EXC.Sorry to say it but the Honda got it's ass handed to it.From a roll in first or from about 45mph up the EXC pulled away.
Posted by: penguin---------------------
the Honda pilot must have lost his nerve. The Honda will top out at nearly 100mph, I doubt it had its ass handed to it, but the 520 is plenty fast, and way lighter, and way more expensive.
Posted by: weekendtoy---------------------
If you dont think a 520EXC will clear 100mph this conversation is over.
Posted by: penguin---------------------
I did not say that. I just said I doubted the 520 walked all over the 650, it was probably a little closer than you implied, you need to start drinking decaf 
Posted by: KevinB4stk---------------------
I curently own a 00 XR650r and a 01 520EXC.
The XR is fast, it has smooth controlable power, the lowest end of the power is quite chuggy but will come out of it at the twist of the right hand, it has enuf power to lift the front wheel at any time in almost any gear, it is heavy but it doesn't feel like it, till you try and stop, are going down hill or if you ever have to pick it up. This is the only bike I ever won a harescramble on and I did it twice it's a great bike.
The 520 is fast, it has very smooth and controlable power, I think the 520 has a little more mid and top, but not quite as much bottom power as the XR, it will pull the front wheel up at will in almost any gear, it is alot lighter than the XR and it feels lighter, thus making it easier for me to ride faster longer in the tight woods that we always ride and race in. Since I got the 520 I have only riden the XR 1 time in the woods, I will be converting it to a dual sport bike this winter.
If I drop the XR it will either fire right up or I'm kicking for a while.
If I drop the 520 you just push the button,(yes I do kick start also)
I got my 520EXC for $6100 new so I can't reply much on the cost difference.
I traded an XR250 and some $$ for the 650r.
I have never drag raced the 2 bikes side by side, so I don't know wich one is realy (faster) I don't think that this realy maters to me on wich bike is faster going in a straight line in a cut bean field.
Posted by: LocoCD---------------------
Thanks for the info guys. The question wasn't about drag racing, it was about power characterisitcs. A couple of the replies were very helpful.
I would have bought a 520 originally, but they only became green sticker bikes in California in 2002. If you don't know about "green stckers", just know it is a big deal around here.
The 650 has been a great trail bike, I've taken it everywhere my riding partners go with their XR400s, RM 250s, EXC 400s and GG 300s... it has just been a little more work. I've riden it in enduros and hare scrambles, very big, very heavy, but the engine is dynamite and very forgiving. Now I've got the new bike itch.
Posted by: Shaw520---------------------
Quote:
Originally posted by LocoCD
I'm thinking of moving to the KTM but don't want a dog in the engine category
|
I think you'll find quite the contrary, from mid to top the 520 will make your eyes BULG
Posted by: Wild Hare---------------------
I had a 520 and sold it... but it's wasn't due to the engine! I've ridden the 650 as well. The 520 will not dissappoint you in the engine department, the thing is just plain silly fast. Much more responsive than the 650, yet it will be as smooth as you are....with the right hand If the weight of the 650 isn't an issue for you, you'll just love the 520.
Posted by: Backdaddy---------------------
I had a 2000 XR650r and sold it to by my KTM520EXC.
The XR was like a bigblock Chev, power any time, the KTM is more like a small block on steroids. The Ktm is smother down low because the XR had so much low end snap. The Ktm is more responsive to the throttle, most likely cause of the pumper carb. Low end--XR, mid Ktm, top tie or Ktm. Power to weight--KTM!
Posted by: DirtFamily---------------------
a lot of talk on big bores !
but ive made up me mind. i am getting a KTM, now the next ?
by the looks of the EXC/MXC 2002 book i have one ? or make it 2 ??
? 1. EXC VS. MXC.now is there realy a diference between wide ratio trany to
the "close ratio trany" ?
and if there is shouldnt packages be switched..........
meaning the gas tanks ?
520 EXC 2.3 US GAL.
520 MXC 3.5 US GAL.
also i see the the test in the magazines, and to me knowledge, non of them include the ........MXC..........AHA........could ther be a dif..........
then if so maybe KTM is the bomb.....
Posted by: DirtFamily---------------------
i hate to double post but........................
frogot onother ?
WEIGHT (without fuel)............
520 EXC 246.8 lbs.
WEIGHT
520 MXC 224.3 lbs.
now is this a misprint or the real deal???????
i also like the idea of 80% rider 20% bike but leaves lots of room for grouth
Posted by: Camstyn---------------------
I'm pretty sure the 520SX is around 236-238, so that probably is supposed to say 242.3
Posted by: gulliver---------------------
The 520 is a cutting edge racing bike. The Honda is a recreational bike with an extra 30lbs on it. The 520 is crazy fast, one magazine recommended the 400 for all but the most experienced riders.
I have a KTM 640 LC4, and can tell you that the big bikes are a lot of fun and easy to maintain. For getting a little crazy, you will be happier with a lighter bike. Fot getting very crazy, the 520 will be enough, if not too much.
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