Known for its ultracompetitive motorcycles, KTM has been offering a range of sport ATVs since 2008 canadian show that does justice to its fine reputation. After providing engines to Polaris for the Outlaw for several years, KTM took the next step and created four ATVs of its very own: two SXs (cross-country racing) and two XCs (enduro), available with a choice of three engines, 449, 477 and 510 cc.

In the looks department, our 525 XC tester really stood out from the current crop. Its unique flair puts the brand’s colours and design language to good use, creating a particularly mean looking machine.

In the looks department, our 525 XC tester really stood out from the current crop. (Photo: France Ouellet)

Quality components
The rear part of the frame and the exhaust are both made from aluminum, while the base of the chassis uses chromoly to offer the best balance between weight, stiffness and torsion. The fully adjustable Öhlins gas shocks, front and back, ensure top-notch handling. The wheels are virtually always connected to the ground, and the optimal grip makes for sharp corner entries and efficient exits.

The 525 XC also inherits a length-adjustable axle, allowing you to increase the track for greater stability or shorten it to tackle a narrow trail. Adjustable tapered handlebars, an electric starter and a reverse gear complete this seductive package.

Simply explosive
Derived from Team Orange’s two-wheel enduro models, the 510 cc single-cylinder offers acceleration and throttle response similar to that of ATVs pushing the 600 cc mark. Naturally, the engineers had to play around with the carburetion and ignition settings to account for the increased weight while maintaining the thrilling personality, punchy performance and aggressive exhaust note.

Lively at mid-rpm and particularly explosive at the top of the range, the 525 XC’s engine also proves easier to tame than that of its rivals, even though the Austrian mill still features a good ol’ Keihin FCR 39 carburetor complete with accelerator pump instead of direct injection technology. Response is immediate and the transmission and clutch work flawlessly.

The 510 cc single-cylinder offers acceleration and throttle response similar to that of ATVs pushing the 600 cc mark. (Photo: KTM)