KTM's 525XC - 2008 Open-class ATV of the Year

In its first year of ATV production, KTM has already risen to the top of the field and the 525XC was the first Open-class machine to take the checkered flag in our books. The KTM 525XC is a purpose-built ATV for trail riding and racing and not intended for a laid-back jaunt around the farm. It comes stock with things that many people would consider “extras”, such as tether kill switch, Ohlins fully-adjustable shocks, quality tires, free-flowing exhaust, a hydraulic clutch and more. In line with KTM’s longstanding tradition, the motor is absolutely phenomenal with unbelievable amounts of power but still makes the vehicle easy to ride. While KTM’s sticker price is higher than just about every other machine in its class, the extra money you’ll spend initially is more than made up for by the “extras” that come on the base model.

KTM had quite a few competitors in this category, its fiercest one being Yamaha’s Raptor 700. However, when it came down to which one could do just a little bit more, KTM pulled ahead. Congratulations to KTM on its 525XC taking ATV Illustrated’s 2008 Open-class ATV of the Year—an accomplishment made even more significant by the fact that it is KTM’s first-ever ATV project.