KTM 525 MXC Desert Racing vs Husqvarna FE 501 Heritage (2023)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the KTM 525 MXC Desert Racingstacks up against the Husqvarna FE 501 Heritage. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecKTM 525 MXC Desert RacingHusqvarna FE 501 Heritage
Model year20052023
Price
Engine510 cc511 cc
Weight115 kg108 kg
Seat height36 mm37 mm
Fuel capacity3.4 L2.4 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed6-speed
Front brakesSingle discSingle disc. Wave disk.
Rear brakesSingle discSingle disc. Wave disk.
Tires90/90-21 / 140/80-18

KTM 525 MXC Desert Racing vs Husqvarna FE 501 Heritage — which should you buy?

Picking between the KTM 525 MXC Desert Racing and the Husqvarna FE 501 Heritage usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the KTM 525 MXC Desert Racing brings its published horsepower in a 115 kg package, while the Husqvarna FE 501 Heritage counters with its own power figure at 108 kg.

Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike: