KTM525exc

[ThumpinPumpkin]

Preparing to build it for short intense summer road use and winter ice weapon :)

- Should I get the 4.25`` or the 5.00`` 17inch. rear wheel?

- If I get the 5.00inch. will I have to loosen/ thighten the lace to clear the tyre? If so will it harm the Handling? Will it `` push`` the front end?

- What do you guys think about the GPR unit as a steering damper? I am kinda short so I will lower the fork legs in the T`s so I`m a bit worried about wobbling.

- Anything I should do right of the bat (jetting kit, special maintenance...)?

[Muzzard]

Sorry for delay in response to your questions...
Firstly on the big KTM's the 5"rim is the go...You get the advantage of larger contact patch, better supply of tyres, and obviously better grip.
GPR steering stabilisers are OK... Buy to a price if you can as a dampner is just that on a dirtbike...
Our resident KTM man Dicky is out a bit so he may respond later with any tech tips he may know of...

[Wobbly]

I wouldn't worry all that much about a dampener unless you find it a problem ... I dropped the forks about 10-15mm on the DRZ without drama in terms of stability. I've give it a shot first before lashing out the dosh on the dampener, as you might find you could spend it on beer instead :D

If a 5.0 rim fits then like muzz says, go with that. If I had my time again I'd go a 4.5 on the DRZ, but thats only because a 5.0 is very hard to fit, but if you've got clearance then go for it 8)

[ThumpinPumpkin]

I know the damper question sounds a bit like paranoia... but you will have to understand, I have own and raced '70's Kawi :lol:

Someone said to me that I might have to loosen the nipples ( on the rims not on your sister :D ) 3/4 of a turn on one side to offset the rim for clearance issue. Done that on dirt track bikes and ice racers but never on any street bikes. I guess I will wait for the PumpkinMaster to chime in :D

[Muzzard]

Dicky would be impressed with a title so magnificent as 'Pumpkin Master"... :D Neil?...

[Flash]

Mmmmm nipples :la:

[Wobbly]

Ask a ye shall receive ... actually, somebody asks on your behalf and ye shall receive :lol:

Mmm, nothing like loose nipples :D

[ThumpinPumpkin]

Sorry let me clarify the nipple thing. I f you lossen the nipples on one side you gotta twist the other side to make it tight :lol:

[dicky]

ok, i'm not touching anyones nipples.

I run the standard 4.25" rim on my 2002 LC4 with 160/60 tyres.
The later models have a different swingarm which allows the 5" rim.
The bigger rim will increase the contact patch as it flattens the profile of the tyre.
I have not been found wanting for rear grip with what I'm currently running, and I love the amount of lean that I can get.
It is not possible to ride off edge of the rear tyre without rubbing your axle on the tarmac.
One point to consider is how much clearance you have between the chain and the edge of the tyre.
My chain does rub on the tyre, but not enough to eat into it.
The actual fitted width of the tyre will be different from make to make even with the same profile.
I did have a link somewhere to a list of tyres/profiles/fitted witdh but I can't find it at present.

dicky
<pumpkins don't have nipples, only stalks>

[ThumpinPumpkin]

Am I ever confused now :shock: Searched on ktmtalk and the guys seem to agree that the best wheel/tire combo for the 525exc would be; 4.5''X17" and 150/60 tire. But the ktm hard part catalog only list 4.25" and 5.00" damped wheels???

Pumpkin Master :prayer: is the 2005 swingarm wider to acommodate the 5.00" rim? I am supposed to pick-up my bike on the week-end and just dont want to waste hard earned cash (got to have some left for :cheers: )