When the 504 came up on eBay it didn't take Robert long to give it a new home. Although familiar with the Rotax 500 engine, the KTM 504 was a new experience for Robert.  His initial examination revealed a bike reasonable well maintained. "It was basically all original except for the electric strarter, turn signals, Dunlops and white paint on the tank black paint on the frame. It had 480 miles on the speedo..."

Restoration of the 504 is being planned, and like many KTM restorers Robert is encountering the familiar problem of discolored gas tanks. "I would like to get the bike back to the original colors but the gas tanks are hard to find white not yellow, painting them is about the only option and looking at mine the paint doesn't stay on very long." 

Robert has already fabricated a new style kickstand to the frame, replaced the original boomerang style exhaust with a Supertrapp, and replaced head gasket and valve seals.

Finding good quality spare parts represents one of the more significant issues for owners of the 504, and Robert has already purchased another tank, front and rear wheels. Fortunately these came with a Fox Twin Clicker shock and Brembro front disk brake.

Now the 504 has close to 2,000 miles on it, all without any major problems. Robert sums up his experience with the 504 saying "I can under stand why the motard bikes are getting so popular, 4 stoke power, plenty of suspension and street tires that work."

Anyone wanting more information on the KTM 504 should read the Cifu Motorsports article.