We Ride KTM's First ATV
Pictures: KTM and Joe Tolle
Video: Joe Tolle
Words:  John Pellan
Test Rider: Lance Schwartz

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We all knew it was just a matter of time before KTM added an ATV to their already impressive two-wheeled line up. With their strong commitment toward competition, we pretty much knew their first four-wheeled effort would be a high performance quad worthy of the racetrack. Since KTM’s involvement with the youth market is so big, we thought they just might release a youth quad first and see how sales go before committing to the expense of a top of the line sport quad capable of winning race events.

Boy were we wrong. Figuring that KTM might dabble in the ATV industry a while was way off. Austrian/American KTM just knocked our socks off with not one but two incredible new high performance ATVs that truly are cross country race ready right off the showroom floor. What’s more is the fact that KTM announced yet another high performance ATV designed specifically for motocross applications as well. Their calling this model their 450SX, but this particular machine won’t be available for another year. Until then, let’s look closer at what will be available this Fall and what will surely be on the line of many cross country race events for years to come, their new KTM 450 and 525XC ATVs.

First and foremost, we're lucky enough to be good friends with KTM's product technician John Maley and KTM's hired guns, Tim Farr and Adam Clark. After plenty of testing, you may recall the exclusive interview that Adam gave us about the then rumored KTM nearly a year ago in September of 2006. What's more, John, Tim, Adam and the KTM Headquarters are all within 45 minutes of ATV Scene's Mayfield Village, Ohio location. So we've been following the birth of KTM's first ATV closely and with much interest.

In order to get a completely unbiased opinion on the machine, our test rider extraordinaire Lance Schwartz got the nod to ride the machine. Lance spent some time on and off KTM's new 450 and 525XC ATVs during their recent press launch and dealer meeting in Rhode Island.

Like we did, we're sure you have many questions about KTM's newborn four wheeler. Is it truly ready to race? How much will it cost? Can it compete in other ATV racing disciplines? Are there any first year bugs? We'll answer these questions and give you the low down on the newest quad on the scene in the pages ahead.

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