I’ve wanted an Enduro for years. And I’ve wanted a second bike to add to the Ogre Ranch Stables. Finally brought it home. It’s a KTM 525 MXC… I’ve probably mentioned it before. Well, the deal is done and the bike is mine now.
The bike is in brand new – seriously, like it’s never been ridden, brand new condition with a ton of upgrades. First thing I have got to do to it though… is lower this beast. It’s tall. I’m talking, big time, Shaq Attack altitude. To give some perspective, here it is with my Superhawk…
The bikes were parked almost completely side by side, with the Rear Tires up on the concrete pad… The KTM is a big machine. My ZX-11 isn’t much bigger than the Hawk was in physical size, and the KTM is just dwarfing it. The riding position is very much upright. It’s like a Culture Shock Whiplash riding this thing. Of course, the hard part is getting it going… and by that I mean getting up on it. I’m about 2 inches too short for it, or so it feels. The bike was set up for Desert Racing, which it never had a chance to do, so it’s in Desert Attack Mode right now. Yeah, that’s going to have to be changed a bit. I need it in more “Dual Sport” mode. She’s Street Legal as she sits now, lights and everything… good to go. But Tires and Suspension are set for Baja 1000.
The big question: Why?
Man, I don’t know. I just always wanted an Enduro. I’ve been attracted to Adventure Touring. Go freaking anywhere. Up trails that disappear over mountains. That kinda stuff. Now I have the machine… I need to go do it. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
The biggest thing I got to get over is riding on Dirt. I’ll be honest… it scares the shit out of me. I’ve not had good luck on dirt and gravel and such. So this is me overcoming my fear of Earth. Once I can do that – I’ll be in a much better place psychologically when it comes to riding, regardless of what I am on.
Nice bike, but would try it off road as is before reworking suspension. Enjoy
No, no, no. Don’t lower it. Learn to appreciate the “plush” of long legs. I grew up on short stiff dirt bikes of the late 60’s, 70’s and still love them. However, I’ve learned the beauty of these new suspensions. It’s insane how fast and smooth you can get through stuff that would have killed you on the old bikes.
Sweet toy you got there! How much does the suspension compress when you are on it? It might be easier on your knees & back set up as-is so you might not want to mess with it.
Yeah, its easier. Some compression, but not much… its about right, actually. Previous owner is about the same weight, just taller.
Now you need to get a second so your oldest can go adventuring with you.
You may be right… But they have Peddle Powered Mountain Bikes my older boys ride – This is so I can keep up with them!
I’ve noticed that those who do a lot of Enduro riding are in pretty good shape. I don’t know if they stay in shape so they can ride or the ride keeps them in shape. The nice thing about off road the speeds are a bit slower and the dirt is softer than asphalt. Given your ancient years you might want to beef up on the B complex vitamins just in case. Liver and onions….eyuch.
Red Bull has a lot of B Vitamins.
Riding Enduros, I’ve noticed, is a lot more “Whole Body”. Upper body to wrestle the beast into the direction you want to go… Legs are pumping to fight spinal compression and sometimes you gotta put a leg down because you have to… regardless of speed. It’s much more active than a Sport. On a Sport, it’s different. I rarely get out of breath on a Sport Bike. I’ve already been out of breath a couple times on this KTM!