KTM Canada invited Moto123.com to take part in a round of the FMSQ-sanctioned 2009 Quebec EnduroCross ATV Championship.

Race Ready? Indeed, with no extraneous accessories or toys - just what it needs to go fast! (European model) (Photo: KTM)

Seasoned rider Sébastien Lévesque volunteered to race a KTM 525 XC — we didn’t even have to twist his arm — in this 50-minute long endurance competition. The 4-kilometre track, set up at Mecaglisse (north of Montreal), was full of sandpits, mud pools, jumps, rocks and other nasty obstacles.

We talked to The Man after the race… before he collapsed due to excessive fatigue.

Moto123 – Sébastien, what were your impressions of the 525 XC following the warm-up session in the morning?

Sébastien Lévesque – Right off the bat, the machine felt solid and capable, delivering surprising performance over bumps and jumps. For sure, it comes out of the factory all “ready to race” as they say. Component and material quality is impressive, with Brembo brakes, a tapered Nekken handlebar for extra shock dampening, a Brembo brake master cylinder and Magura clutch master cylinder, Maxxis tires, DWT racing wheels, three bearings to support the rear axle at the end of the offset swingarm (the latter allowing chain tension adjustments), a multi-tube frame in 4130 alloy (steel, molybdenum and chrome) as well as a waterproof air filter that’s easy to remove without tools.

Moto123 – So, the perfect machine?

SL – Well, two things are missing; otherwise, I’m perfectly satisfied. One is a motorcycle-style, twist-to-go throttle instead of the lever (there’s a chance KTM already offers one in its catalogue). And come on, there should be a safety net under the footpegs, just like with the 450 SX.

Moto123 – An ATV needs multiple setup options in order to excel on various types of tracks and in various conditions. Is it the case here?

Our man "Sebass" hard at work in a rare moment when the four wheels touch the ground. (Photo: Alexandre Poitras/Mécaglisse)