The 520 EXC is only 11 pounds heavier than the SX, and comes with a slick electric start system.

RIDING IMPRESSIONS - KTM 520 EXC

When Scott Harden (the KTM rep/guru) was asked about the difference between the SX and the EXC, he told us that ? other than the lights, odometer, ignition, kickstand, silencer, rear wheel size and gearbox ? everything else was the same.

There is a weight difference, with the SX hitting the scales at 235.8 pounds ready to ride, less fuel, while the EXC tapes in a 246.8 pounds.

But THE BIG DIFFERENCE is the electric starter! You got it, amigo. The EXC starts just by tickling a little button mount on the right side bar. It burbles to life immediately, and settles down to a comfortable idle.

What makes the 520 EXC so amazing, is that it weighs about 30 pounds less than the Honda XR650R, and it has that electric foot. What a bonus!

Now for the best news. For a number of minor reasons, the EXC is worlds easier to ride than the hard-core SX racer. Because the ignition of the EXC has heavier lighting coils (almost a pound difference in weight), the engine doesn't hit with quite the violent burst of the SX. Also, there's a spark arrestor (USFS approved) on the pipe that mellows the power out a bit more.

We're told that the valving is slightly softer on the forks and shock than the SX model, which translates into a more plush ride, and actually slows down the quick handling to an acceptable level for those with less than National level riding skills.

Even this fat, grumpy old rider loved the EXC! There's no doubt in my mind that I was able to turn much faster lap times on the slightly heavier and mellower EXC, than with the brutish SX.

Please don't think that the EXC is a slug. Far from it. Run hard through the gears, and the front end torques off the ground unless you pay attention.

On twisty fire roads, riding the EXC is almost like cheating. You can charge deep into a turn, tap the powerful brakes to set the bike up, and hang the rear end out to dry, just like those flat track guys.

Would this make a good Baja bike? Yes, of course. Except, like we noted up front, the EXC is a very serious race bike and will require more regular maintenance than, let's say, an XR Honda.

Still, all things considered, the 520 EXC is the best all-around production four-stroke race bike it's been my pleasure to ride.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS