Introducing the KTM 525 EXC : the good, the bad and the ugly.

[@spargett]

Great walkthrough. Regarding the complaint about accessing the carb. That's mostly the aftermarket tank. I have a 3.1g which has a large hole that allows access to the carb choke, etc. The KTM platform is the easiest I've ever wrenched on. Literally two bolts to remove the seat and tank and have full access to the carb. They also built it in a way that the carb can be loosened and rotated while installed to easily service without removal. I wouldn't criticize a 2004 KTM for not having fuel injection. The FCR carbs is one of the best there is. And with a JD jet kick, they'll make GOBS of power, efficiently.

[@anthonymuro1642]

RFS bikes are bulletproof if you stay on the oil changes and check/adjust the valves. I split my 525exc cases to rebuild the engine with 17000 miles. Left side main bearing went bad. All other parts looked almost new inside.

[@AlbesADV]

That is great, I’m planning to keep the bike for a long time 😀👍

[@59plexi]

the older exc's are way better than the new ones

[@Mgizler1]

Good to hear. I just picked up an 07 KTM 525 exc

[@joshuaedwards253]

03, sickest bike I ever had

[@jeremystemarie1697]

I have a 06 525 exc street legal for the last 4 years its a beast.

[@ackack3829]

What is some advice for the setup you’d want on it

[@AlbesADV]

I'm not quite sure yet, I need to mess around some more with it to figure out what I really want out of it.

[@ackack3829]

@@AlbesADV well I’m in Wyoming and we have a lot of huge open plains and a lot a lot of tight technical forest areas.

[@AlbesADV]

That sounds soooo good, perfect place for dirt biking 👍

[@ackack3829]

@@AlbesADV hell yeah it is man!

[@sippilandia]

6:53 You can simply use regular ISO 46 hydraulic oil for the clutch, it's the same stuff but less expensive than colored magura blood.

[@AlbesADV]

I'll try that out next time, thanks for the tip 👍

[@sippilandia]

Also the water pump seal seems to be leaking 7:34 . Probably the part of the camshaft that works as the shaft for the water pump has worn to grooves, which is common problem with these bikes with hundreds of hours on them. I don't know if people use too little to no grease on the shaft seals, or if the camshaft surface finish simply isn't hard enough. My bike has ~340h on it and I had to change the camshaft, gasket carrier and camchain all at the same time since they were all at the end of their lives.

[@AlbesADV]

It is leaking, slightly, I'll get to it when I do the valve clearance check 👍

[@ZcustomsGarage]

daje albe gran bel progettino, sono curioso di vedere cosa viene fuori!

[@AlbesADV]

Si, anche io...

[@diannuxsobeck9048]

I want this bike so much to have in the garage with my GS 800.... I follow very closely!

[@AlbesADV]

Stay tuned, lots to come 😀👍

[@scottcummings8074]

Be careful. I grew up on Hondas and bought a cheap 525 in 05 for a buddy bike. I immediately quit riding my new 05 Honda 450x and am on my third one now. Ive had cr, kx, and new betas since but sold them and got an old 06 525, put in a cam and higher compression piston. Have more fun on it than any other bike.

[@AlbesADV]

That is good news 😁👍

[@Mgizler1]

I just picked up an 07 KTM 525 exc! I have been going through it.. I also purchased it not running and it has been sitting for over a year.. great video

[@AlbesADV]

So far mine has been a lot of fun 👍

[@liquidktm]

Love the RFS bikes, My 02 520 has been rock solid It was a pure bread race machine back in its day . good luck on the build I still off road mine. wahooo . The KTM 4 stroke from 00 to 07 are all close to the same build 510cc from 520 up to 525 I bought mine new in 01 as a show room model its the best money I've spent on anything. Its a smile machine still out runs the 60HP newer bikes..

[@AlbesADV]

I agree, it’s a solid bike

[@luisgomes9991]

Hi, what is the brand of the fuel tank?

[@AlbesADV]

I believe it's acerbis, but it came with the bike and I have no idea how old it is or if they even still make it

[@johndoe-ly8jt]

That thing must be a damn monster!! Tried a ktm450f and I about pooped my pants lol a lot of power.

[@AlbesADV]

A lot of power, but very mild mannered, in comparison my YZ426F feels like riding a bull, I guess ,since the KTM is street legal, has longer gearing and the power kicks in a little later on the power band.

[@TN_HondaDad]

There is a VERY clean, "farm used only" 2000 520EXC locally to me that I am eying for a pretty good price. Thinking very hard about it..........

[@AlbesADV]

I believe price is key, everything else can be fixed 😁

[@VASHXKALIBER]

I'm looking for a bike I can learn on, and use as a commuter. No racing just commutes and casual weekend off-road trails. There are many dual sport options but unicorns don't exist. My pockets aren't loaded with cash, so it's a really tight budget. The KTM has many features I don't find on other dual sports, and there are many used for sale cheap. Is it worth investing in?

[@AlbesADV]

Hi, if you are looking at a ktm 525exc, don't, it's not a good bike to commute on, I might go with a Japanese dual sport, like Suzuki DRZ or Yamaha WR 400f or what not. In the end I guess it's all about what you can afford and how much discomfort you can take.

[@VASHXKALIBER]

There are a few good WR's around, just need to find one that is already street plated. WR's are well made from what I've learned. DRZ's are cool too. Depends really on what is available near me.

[@AlbesADV]

@VASHXKALIBER good luck bud 😀👍

[@charlieschueneman7363]

Looks like the suspension was done by Steve Searcy (clean racing). I am assuming you are in Orange County/So cal. Good guy and knows his stuff. He nailed the suspension on my 2006 KTM 525 XC-G. I am 235lbs. Such a great bike for a bigger guy. Enjoy it!

[@AlbesADV]

I am in socal and so was tge previous owner. 😀👍

[@CaptMaxADV]

So awesome Alberto! Can’t wait to see it in SUMO style! Great shirt and I need to get some Albe’s ADV stickers for my boxes!

[@AlbesADV]

One of my subscribers made me notice I say that all the time, so I put it on a shirt. If you still have my number text me the address and I'll send you some stickers

[@radoslawwiechecki3859]

looking forward to your build and service videos!

[@AlbesADV]

Thank man, more videos coming soon 😀👍

[@BATTOUSAIBEATS]

I really want to buy this bike , I have one I’m gonna go look at that’s a really good deal and senior citizen owned… but the carb thing is making me think it’s a deal breaker. How hard is it exactly?!

[@AlbesADV]

Carbs are fairly simple to deal with once you become familiar with them but at the beginning seams very overwhelming. The good news is there are a million KZbin videos on how to deal with them 👍

[@Crazymotoman03]

If the old one cant be cleaned or fixed, you might be able to find a similar new one and swap all of the jets over. My old 2001 KTM 520 had a carb that wouldn't clean out so I had to find a cloned carb brand new and then swap all internal settings and jets over. Once I did that the bike ran great!

[@BATTOUSAIBEATS]

@@Crazymotoman03 update since this comment. I got the bike and had the carb cleaned at AEO Motorsports / KTM store and also had them do a check over on the whole bike. Only put maybe 15 hours on it so far but should be much more to come OH, And also, when I looked up the VIN, it popped up at a 608cc. Reading online that that would make it a big bore kitted 525. Pretty hyped, can’t lie.

[@AlbesADV]

@BATTOUSAIBEATS nice man, congrats 👍

[@fernandoaragon1941]

Great project 👍

[@martinc4251]

Hello I have been searching the whole internet 😞I have a 525 EXC from 2004 in Europe and I want to mount supermoto wheels. However I have no idea what size to buy, especially the axles... is it 20mm rear 20mm front??

[@Lando94]

I hate when guys never say it just say it, what was the good deal $$ even if he was your buddy.. give new guys an idea of the market

[@AlbesADV]

I paid $2500 for it

[@xorolif]

525 is exc, so enduro, not cross why in america they have not a plate?

[@AlbesADV]

Because this is the Wild West !!! Yyyyhaaaa

[@xorolif]

@@AlbesADV era una domanda seria😂

[@AlbesADV]

Qui anno regole strane, praticamente il bollo lo paghi usando il numero di telaio, costa meno, ma la moto la puoi usare solamente in fuori strada nelle aree OHV, se hai la targa, assicurazione e bollo costano di più, ma la moto la puoi usare su strada e in fuori strada ovunque a meno che non ci sia un esplicito divieto per i veicoli a motore, questo per lo meno in California perché ogni stato ha le sue regolette. C'è anche la storia del bollino verde o rosso, ma se mi metto a scrivere tutto mi si consuma il pollice 😁👍

[@xorolif]

@@AlbesADV diavolo non credevo fosse così diverso rispetto all'italia, grazie mille capo per la spiegazione!

[@AlbesADV]

Era meglio la storia del "far west" 🤣🤣

[@elgringodiablo1156]

What exhaust header is that I've been looking for an aftermarket and can't seem to find any!?

[@tougeattack123]

husky 510smr or 525exc sm ?

[@AlbesADV]

I would probably go for the KTM, easier to get parts and stuff

[@niente58]

Does the 525 have a screw to purge the carb? I cant seen to find anyone on a polaris 525 with ktm motor.? Can someone help?

[@ferrallderrall6588]

Never came across one on the bike carb

[@niente58]

@@ferrallderrall6588 thanks but i cleaned it with a compressor and it is running fine now. 👍

[@ferrallderrall6588]

Is that keihn carb ?super tunable user friendly on the bikes anyhow,thanks on the reply and luck on the trails

[@erikgramhanssen]

Good info on this type of brand. KTM can be a little difficult I've heard.. ;-)

[@AlbesADV]

Definitely has it's quirks

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Nice. Just bought a 2007 525exc

[@AlbesADV]

Congrats Frankie, it’s a great bike.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Cool. I got it for a great price not running, hasn’t been started in a year. Has 2,400 miles. Came with supermoto wheels also. Looking forward to digging into this bike and getting it dialed in!

[@AlbesADV]

Very nice, enjoy 😀👍

[@liquidktm]

@@frankiemarchese2978 Heck yea the RFS is solid and fast mild to wild with the 510cc congrats

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Yeah compared to my wr450f it feels like a r6 the way it just cruuuuises. The power is like my yz426f on steroids but more tameable?

[@sergiofregozo4859]

I have 06 ktm exc 525 battery??? Wathe crack amp

[@AlbesADV]

I'm not sure, sorry 🤷

[@martinsowerby8074]

great vid

[@Buddha-ci8fz]

I'm considering getting a 2004 525EXC with 3,300 miles in good condition. Asking price is $2950, is this a little high?

[@AlbesADV]

Unfortunately not in today's market, I've seen 2004 525exc go as high as $5000 because they have a license plate, I believe $2500 is a fair price but people are willing to pay stupid money for a 20 year old bike 🤷

[@aidanmacdonald6602]

How often do you have to do rebuilds, valve adjustments and oil changes on these bikes for steer/trail

[@AlbesADV]

It all depends how hard you use it, more often if you do a lot of trails, less often if you cruise on the street, I don't have a maintenance manual handy right now, but there should be a reference number in there

[@jamesc6137]

What year is this bike?

[@AlbesADV]

It's a 2003

[@tonycstech]

The "near impossible to start" ruins everything good about this bike. You literally cant even start it.

[@ignaciosian2485]

¨KTM uses special fluid for the clutch, it doesn't use brake fluid like most motorcycles¨ WHAT THE F*CK?????????

[@AlbesADV]

I know right!!!!

[@jayinla228]

My 06 525 uses mineral oil

[@jimtitt3571]

To make the slave cylinder smaller there is nowhere for an internal oil leak to go but into the engine oil so Magura specify mineral oil, fork oil works fine. What's the problem, it's a race bike?

[@Backhurtsbad]

There is always a way around when you re poor, people ride em into the ground because not everyone has money for a rebuild for example :)

[@ferrallderrall6588]

Very maintenance friendly bikes

[@ferrallderrall6588]

Might want degree of some sort when its comes time to crack cases lol but I've been hearing crazy mileage without having to look at doing so lol so that's a good problem to have

[@ajayhouston9301]

Bro aren’t you an actor ...

[@AlbesADV]

Lol, nope, but you know us Italians, we are all actors...😁👍

[@nebulah33]

Da turd reason

[@Dastardly_X]

😁