Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
KTM 530 Across Mexico and Central America KTM 530 Across Mexico and Central America
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By LukasM

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Jan 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 1
KTM 530 Across Mexico and Central America
Does anyone have info or experience on long distance rides on (2011) ktm 530, ... going with a 21 liter tank and ht oil cooler, balanced wheels wearing the six days enduro tires, no cush drive. 60 percent dirt 40 street. Other Mods are JD jet kit, canisterectomy, and wolfman rolli bag system slightly modified. I know that oil changes will have to be frequent, but i think that with maintenance every third day or so the bike should handle it. I have really had trouble finding anyone who has used these bikes for long distance and any thoughts would be appreciated. The trip will start Dec 2012, and go for about 2 or 3 months. Leaving Phoenix AZ, Riding through mainland Mexico, Guatamala, and Belize.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 10 Aug 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, BC, Canaada
Posts: 30
??
Quote:
Originally Posted by transworld1 View Post
Does anyone have info or experience on long distance rides on (2011) ktm 530, ... going with a 21 liter tank and ht oil cooler, balanced wheels wearing the six days enduro tires, no cush drive. 60 percent dirt 40 street. Other Mods are JD jet kit, canisterectomy, and wolfman rolli bag system slightly modified. I know that oil changes will have to be frequent, but i think that with maintenance every third day or so the bike should handle it. I have really had trouble finding anyone who has used these bikes for long distance and any thoughts would be appreciated. The trip will start Dec 2012, and go for about 2 or 3 months. Leaving Phoenix AZ, Riding through mainland Mexico, Guatamala, and Belize.
No even a peep from anyone. how are the preps going? I really like the bike you picked and I'm VERY curious how your trip will go. Are there any dealers down there?

C
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Aug 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: On a RTW ride - currently Asia
Posts: 99
I only know of one 530 with more than about 25.000 kms on it, but there are lots of RFS bikes (previous generation engine) that have significantly more than that.

I don't personally like the split oil sump design of the XC4 engine, but on the '11 the migration issues should hopefully mostly be sorted. Definitely keep on top of oil changes with only 600 mls in the engine!

Cush hub is a must as well, otherwise your gearbox output shaft will be worn out around the 15.000-20.000km mark. A buddy of mine is currently riding his Husaberg 570 (exact same transmission parts as 530) from Chile to Montana and after 20.000km with a cush hub there was no noticeable wear yet.

Unless you already have the 530 I'd recommend a Husaberg or a 525 with an HT cooler instead.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Aug 2012
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 9
The 530, like most modern enduro engines, runs a slipper piston with a very short skirt and only 2 rings (one compression, one oil ring). At the very least expect performance to decrease and oil consumption to increase noticeably during such a trip.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ongoing blogs in South America scooper South America 79 26 Aug 2013 15:18
Just got charged $ 476.00 to enter Mexico scooper Central America and Mexico 23 18 Jun 2012 18:46
SPAIN to the AMERICAS by Elisa xfiltrate Ride Tales 1 15 Dec 2009 04:22
Need update for Puerto Limón, Costa Rica xfiltrate Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 13 17 Aug 2009 01:54
Extensive Border Crossing Info for C.A. nanagosa4 Central America and Mexico 7 10 Aug 2009 20:33

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:28.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top