Built from a 2011 KTM 530 EXC
While I was actually looking for a 450EXC, this 530 EXC was too nice not to buy.
I don’t really need the extra 80cc’s (the difference is actually only 61 cc’s) but hey – why say no to it?
The bike is basically the same as the 450-model, it just has a bit longer stroke on the piston and some minor differences it seems – well – you figure that out when you try to mount 450-model aftermarket gadgets! It pulls like a tractor and has plenty of power throughout the rev range. Amazingly easy to ride!
Reasons for me to go for this bike:
Factory road legal, so no hassle with insurance in case of a possible accident on the road and now I can get fuel legally in town. With our riding style, a road legal bike is a must although you do want ‘dirt bike’ performance. I really like the build quality of KTM, and the availability of aftermarket gadgets. Suspension and all are awesome, so are brakes/rims etc. You get what you pay for!
Modifications and Extras:
- White plastic kit – as I want to keep the orignal plastics shiny and there are plenty of orange KTM’s out there on the trails already
- Skid plate – life is potentially miserable without.
- Handlebar risers because I am 183cm / 6 foot tall I guess.
- Handlebar protectors (unknown brand, Moose wind deflectors) to keep levers/hands intact.
- Foldaway mirror – to remain legal but not buy a mirror on a monthly basis
- Rad guards because we have towed bikes out of the bush that didn’t have those….
- Fan kit to keep this puppy cool; with thermo switch and override button
- 24 liter (6.2 Gallon) tank for longer trips; this bike likes fuel when you open the throttle!
- Extra petcock for the tank above so I can swap tanks without swapping petcocks!
- Wrap around the header pipe – because that is cheaper than buying new riding gear all the time
- 13/50 or 14/50 gearing to make it more bush-worthy
- Mapping switch to be able to swap mappings while riding
- 12V power supply to the handlebars to have stable power to the Garmin GPS
- RAM mount for the above
- Giant Loop Coyote bag to carry stuff
- Trickle charger connector
- Bunch of stickers.