2004
KTM 525 MX Desert Racing - Specifications & Review

Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 789500 |
|---|---|
| Category | Enduro-offroad |
| Make | KTM |
| Model | 525 MX Desert Racing |
| Year | 2004 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | chromium molybdenum |
|---|---|
| Frontbrakes | Single disc |
| Frontbrakesdiameter | 216 mm (8.5 inches) |
| Frontsuspension | WP-USD 48 MA |
| Rake | 24.0° |
| Rearbrakes | Single disc |
| Rearbrakesdiameter | 260 mm (10.2 inches) |
| Rearsuspension | WP-PDS-shock absorber |
| Trail | 64 mm (2.5 inches) |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 95.0 x 72.0 mm (3.7 x 2.8 inches) |
|---|---|
| Compression | 11.0:1 |
| Coolingsystem | Liquid |
| Displacement | 510.40 ccm (31.14 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Orange |
|---|
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Alternateseatheight | 675 mm (26.6 inches) If adjustable, highest setting. |
|---|---|
| Dryweight | 118.7 kg (261.7 pounds) |
| Fuelcapacity | 14.00 litres (3.70 gallons) |
| Groundclearance | 385 mm (15.2 inches) |
| Overallheight | 525 mm (20.7 inches) |
| Overallwidth | 525 mm (20.7 inches) |
| Seatheight | 925 mm (36.4 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
About KTM
Country of Origin:
Austria
Founder:
Hans Trunkenpolz (later joined by Ernst Kronreif)
Best Known For:
Off-road/enduro supremacy, Dakar wins, Duke/RC streetbikes, and READY TO RACE ethos
Company History
KTM evolved from a postwar repair shop into a racing juggernaut by treating competition as R&D. Lightweight two-strokes made the brand a force in motocross and enduro; later four-strokes and advanced electronics cemented dominance. Dakar Rally victories showcased reliability under extreme conditions and fed the Adventure lineup—bikes that balance long-travel composure with startling pace. On the street, the Duke and RC families brought razor geometry and punchy singles/twins to license tiers worldwide, while the 1290 Super Duke and Adventure pushed the IMU-aided edge of performance. Corporate agility—acquisitions, platform sharing with Husqvarna/GASGAS—expanded reach without blurring identity. Historically, KTM changed expectations for chassis feedback and electronics integration in dirt and on road, proving that orange-painted ferocity could also be precise. The brand’s throughline is simple: build light, communicate grip, and let riders go fast safely. Few companies have turned a color and a slogan into such a reliable proxy for results.
