Power: The ‘90 KTM 500’s engine generated fairly strong low-end power and rip snorting mid-range power. A rider could rev the engine and still receive horsepower.

Suspension: The upside down forks worked average. The forks could handle everything in a respectable manner, but were harsh in the mid-stroke. The rear White Power shock worked the same as the forks.

Handling: The ‘90 KTM 500 was a sharp turning machine. Its straight line stability at high speed was excellent and it did not do anything weird when coming down from speed! The machine was very thin through the mid-section and it was easy for the rider to move around.

Reliability: The bike’s overall reliability was generally very good.

Odds & Ends: Many riders agreed that the KTM engine power was better than the KX 500 engine. KTM’s problem was the KX shifted smoother and the clutch action was easier and more controllable.