Stunt Bike Based on a KTM 525 SMR

Grigory Taldykin is one of the few pro riders in the country who rides a supermoto, and a KTM at that. There is a lot of conflicting information about the reliability of KTM motorcycles. Stunt bikes based on KTMs are very rare. Grigory chose a 2005 KTM 525 SMR.

The first thing to note is that the motorcycle is carbureted, and that doesn't get in the way of tricks. Granted, the carburetor isn't a simple one: a Keihin 41 (an upgraded latest-generation carburetor). Since the motorcycle is a track bike, in stock form it has an excellent adjustable fork, an upgraded rear shock and great brakes. On the other hand, it has no dashboard and no generator, and therefore no lights and no radiator fan. So the first thing Grigory did was fit a generator kit, while saving on the starter, which he now regrets, because he constantly has to kick-start the motorcycle, and that's tiring! So, let's go through the setups needed to turn a 2005 KTM 525 SMR into a stunt machine.

Cage

The cage is the main protection element of a motorcycle, but not on a supermoto. Grigory is, however, thinking of fitting sliders or bars to protect the radiator, which can be damaged in crashes. The engine is protected by the handlebar and pegs.

Radiator

There are problems with the radiator. First, it needs protection; second, a powerful fan needs to be fitted, since in stunt mode the motorcycle heats up especially (many tricks are done at high revs and low speed, when there is no oncoming airflow). Third, there is no expansion tank, so Grigory fitted a homemade one.

Pegs on the wheel axles

Pegs are an important protective element on a supermoto. They should be long.

Subcage and flat bar

The subcage is joined to the flat bar, the optimal solution on this motorcycle. The pegs are placed as far back as possible for a more comfortable wheelie position. The subcage also serves as protection. The pegs don't fold, but the subframe withstands the loads in sideways crashes.

Rider footpegs

Since the motorcycle has no cage, the rider footpegs take on a protective role. It's recommended to make them folding, since otherwise the footpegs can bend their mounts.

Handbrake

Grigory has a bracket for two single-piston calipers, and they are linked, that is, both calipers work with both the hand and foot brake. The master cylinder is a 13 mm Magura. Such a system doesn't work perfectly, and the rider plans an upgrade.

Handlebar

A fatbar is fitted, which is essential on a supermoto. The handlebar takes a serious load in crashes and must be strong.

Mini dashboard

A KTM needs more frequent servicing than other motorcycles, since the engine oil capacity is smaller and you need to change it and check the level more often (owners often let the oil level drop and ruin the engine). A mini dashboard that counts engine hours is indispensable.

Sprocket

Grigory recently fitted a 65-tooth sprocket and isn't very happy with the switch from a 60-tooth one. The motorcycle is too abrupt. 60 is optimal!

Fork pressure relief valves

A useful thing for releasing excess pressure that builds up when practicing stoppies (many attempts in a row) or when transporting with the fork compressed.

Tires

A sport tire at the front. At the rear, whatever is available. The stock 2005 KTM 525 SMR rear tire is a very rare width, so tires are a problem. Constantly buying new ones is costly, and you can't find used ones anywhere.

To sum up, given two years of hard use of the motorcycle, the following advantages and disadvantages can be noted:

Pros

• A track motard. No need to change the wheels or fit upgraded brakes, fork and rear shock, as you would when converting, for example, a Yamaha WR or Honda CRF.

• Powerful for its weight and engine size.

Cons

• No generator and therefore no starter. But in fairness, motocross bikes don't have one either, and not all motards do.

• Frequent servicing.

• Idle adjustment problems because of the carburetor.

Overall, the owner is happy with the motorcycle. The only thing missing is a starter, although an extra warm-up doesn't hurt. Given that Grigory has been training and competing continuously for two years and hasn't had problems with the engine or suspension, it's fair to say that the 2005 KTM 525 SMR performs excellently as a stunt bike.