As far as riding position goes, the KTM has the four-position handlebar we've come to appreciate, and the bike has gone on an anti-diet. The '08 is actually a bit wider through the middle and it provides a better knee-grip than earlier models. The standing riding position is excellent and takes very little energy to maintain. That's a good thing, since the seat is probably the least-loved component on the bike. The seat on our bike is soft and thinly padded, and tall or heavy riders feel the seat base far too early in the ride. But we rode a 505 XC purchased at a dealer, and despite having similar mileage, its seat felt great. Apparently, the seat density can vary considerably from bike to bike.
Aside from the seat we found little to grumble about and much to applaud. The 530 XC-W(R) is a solid, fine-handling mount with a magic motor. And if the engine isn't affable enough for you stock, just disconnect one wire under the tank and the ignition goes to another curve that's even more controllable. We saw 65 miles of tight trail riding on a tank without running out-even though we were on reserve for almost 20 miles. In faster riding we never hit reserve in 55 miles. The speedo/odo is a nice touch, and this bike has the premium components we expect from KTM. It's quiet and clean-running enough to be green sticker-legal in California, so it should have little problem in other areas. The tank is even sealed to prevent fuel fumes from assaulting the atmosphere. One of our test crew-a KTM convert currently riding his third RFS and second 525-summed up the 530 like this: "All KTM did was fix everything wrong with my current bike."
Specifications
MSRP: $7298
Seat height: 37.4 in.
Ground clearance: 13.7 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 20.4 in.
Weight (ready to ride, no gas): 251 lb
What's Hot!
Smooth, deep, endless well of usable power
Plush suspension that can handle aggressive riding
Easy to work on for routine maintenance
Chassis rigidity is way up, so no kicking to one side afterhard impact
Roomy and adjustable riding position
Shifting is fabulous, plus it has a sixth gear
What's Not!
Fuel capacity is average and adding capacity
doesn't look easy
Seat is a pain in the rear for tall/heavy guys
Keep an eye on the little S/A tip or lose it