2019 KTM 500EXC-F

[@garthlundquist8316]

Nice build and riding vid. The new gen 500/501 bikes have the broadest performance envelope available: they do everything very well properly set up. Nobody I know has even had the motor apart, even with 400+ hours. Amazing. I pair my 501 with a TE300i that is plated. This covers most everything worth riding here in the PNW. As an old guy who has been riding since 1962, much has changed and for the better. This is the apex of the Golden Age of moto.

[@billness2635]

My 2016 500exc is hands down the best bike I’ve ever had in the 40 years I’ve been riding and racing! It doesn’t do any one thing well, but it does everything without complaint! 2000 mile rides, Motocross, Hare Scrambles, single track, steep mountain climbs, sand, rocks and snow and ice. I’ve done all of these and Supermoto on my 500. It’s certainly uncomfortable on long rides, even with a good aftermarket seat. I change counter sprockets for the different riding requirements, but nothing else. It beats out my 690 Dakar Rally, my 990 Adventure R and it does away with having any more 2 strokes for overall riding.

[@wfodavid]

Black tank with those graphics makes me want to buy another tank (already have the clear Acerbis) and re-do. SWEET! I uncorked mine and added the Vortex ignition. WHOA!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you for the kind words. Enjoy your bike.

[@TN_HondaDad]

Beautiful country- I can only dream about riding in those conditions!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We are very fortunate. Thank you for watching.

[@ThisTall]

Hot damn I was not a fan of the 2017 remodel but that is the nicest looking grown ass mans bike, hands down.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thanks for the comment and the kind words. Much appreciated.

[@samhooper7177]

Just picked up one of these sweet machines. Will have to add some flex bars for sure! Great video!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Good call. Tell them we sent you!

[@jamierpg9879]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE can you tell me which flex bars you fitted?? enduro or moto?? 10, 12 or 14 degree?? I have a 2019 KTM 500 also, just dont know which flex bars to go for??? much appreciated!!! ADAM

[@georgegillespie3849]

I have 2019 also. Is that the standard wide Seat Concepts seat or the XL? I have been trying to live with the stock seat, but now I’m done. Also is that the gripper top or the light gripper? I really like the build.

[@toddkurtz7635]

Really cool looking bike. One little pet peeve though, it's a 500 excf. Don't forget the F!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

That's fair.

[@johninwv807]

Isn’t it a bit redundant though? I mean when you hear 350, 450 or 500 you don’t really have to ask “is that a four stroke?”

[@techi3075]

Dream bike! Good review of upgrades.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

This has been a great bike. Thanks for watching!

[@josephprucha9823]

Just bought a 2020 500 6 days can’t wait to get it. I’m going to get to tail end setup like yours. Nice bike!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Congrats. You will love it.

[@michaeljkasnter]

Love the very last statement!!!

[@Minionmoto529]

i have the shinko 525 cheater on the rear and the shinko enduro all around 216 on the front and they are amazing tires.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Agreed... we love this combination as well.

[@Minionmoto529]

right on.

[@paul.vanhout57]

How much pavement riding can the NitroMousse handle? On my FE350 I am primarily off-road but some backroad pavement 65mph or less to get connect trails, etc.

[@bikemancody2752]

Excellent edit. Thanks for sharing. Have my 2020 on order.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you. Appreciate you taking time to watch and comment.

[@ronlawson5819]

Best looking bike ever

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you Ron. Very kind of you. It was a lot of fun too.

[@TheJaxsonjack]

Looks like a nice compromise between a dirt bike vs adventure bike! Love the vids! Thanx for sharing.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

You bet! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

Would have liked links to specifics you mentioned on this build - really good, common sense add-ons, great ride footage - very nice!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We will post a full build report soon.

[@LookattheBiggerPic]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE That would be lovely!

[@jeremybergeron3527]

I think I found my first bike. I just started my moto license. Really impatient for summer 2022! 🔥

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Best of luck! You are investing in a lifelong passion. Enjoy!

[@marioskalogeropoulos7054]

I HAD 7 BIKES FROM 15-16yo UNTIL 36(TODAY) I STILL HAVE CBR 1000RR FIREBLADE! FROM KTM I HAD LC4 640/DUKE 625/KTM 525 W/OUT LIGHTS(PISTA) ALL THIS MOTOS WERE MOTARD,AND THIS 500EXC-F project LOOKS FREAKING AWESOME DUDE!!!!!!!!!!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you for the nice comment.

[@Mmmmmppppppp]

Nice bike & great video! If you had to choose and could only have 1 dual sport would it be the 500 EXC F or the EXC F 350 for “nimbleness” & lightness on single track and desert trail rides?

[@AdventureMotoEnduro]

500 ,longer engine life power on tap everywhere, ,350 more fun in tight stuff ,less aggressive torque easier to ride fast through single ,less rotating mass , not ease choice depends on what you like to ride , openflow desert ,or tight woods , 350 needs rebuilt top end at 140 hours , your shifting gears more and running alot higher rpm

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Just one... the 500. It's got the power to perform well at more tasks. Even as a light ADV with the correct gearing. Where we typically ride... in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest on technical single track, the 350 has a lot of pluses. But it doesn't hop on pavement and go 70mph as well etc.

[@Mmmmmppppppp]

UPSHIFT ONLINE thank you! Sold a Honda Africa Twin today, going for a 2018 500 EXC F “on sale” near me. Much appreciated Sir!

[@Mmmmmppppppp]

Adventure Moto Enduro thank you! I am going to try and buy both bikes, the 500 tho 1st.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Enjoy the new bike!

[@andreasignorini3352]

like a first bike for my 18 (im italian) It can be possibly or to hard to drive ? if no the 500 i like the 300 but I prefer 4 stroke

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Maybe look at the 350 for your first bike.

[@andreasignorini3352]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE and how you see a 300tpi ?

[@kradius2169]

Lovely machine. Grateful for any thoughts on a Left Hand Rear Brake. Thanks.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

That's a very personal choice and something you have to be very committed to. It changes how you ride. So if you ride several different bikes it can mess with your instinctual control. But they have some serious advantages in technical riding.

[@kradius2169]

... Appreciate that. ... I see also that linked / combined / integral braking is making inroads with motorcycles. I would think the off-road type machines though would want to maintain front & back brake actuation isolated from each other. ... Any crystal ball predictions on that? ... Thanks again.

[@teddycourtney5692]

@@kradius2169 I run a Clake SLR hand brake on my 450exc. Its great in the real technical stuff, but I do notice my rear brake isn't quite as strong now

[@kradius2169]

@@teddycourtney5692 ... Nice. Clake is great stuff. I hope Owen makes it through this Coronalierus mess.

[@jacksonwheeler4731]

is the KTM 500 exc faster than the KTM 450 sx-f, i’ve been trying to figure out which one to buy

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

The 500 is faster. It produces more power/torque by a little and it has taller gearing. The EXC-F is a street legal bike and is designed to hit pavement as well.

[@Kalani_938]

Can I buy that graphics kit for my 2022 500 exc-f? I see it for the 17-19.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We have not developed that kit for the current gen EXC. We will add it to our development list. Keep an eye on our social media. Thanks for watching.

[@Domingueada]

Tiene alguna diferencia esta y la 450 ?

[@axellness]

Is this the dual sport version or pure offroad ?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Dualsport... comes with a license plate from the factory.

[@bobclapper2672]

Love that Bike !

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

One of our all time favorite projects. Thanks for watching.

[@helipilotbob6368]

I’m having a hard time finding the rs4 for the 2019 where did you get that one?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We got it from Yoshimura directly. They have not been able to produce product due to the Stay at Home orders in California. It's probably just backordered for now.

[@petrlandsgesell2579]

Guys can you tell me where can I get the plate holder with indicators like you have,?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Yoshimura

[@petrlandsgesell2579]

Yoshimura is pl.holder but fender with indicators? can not find at yoshimura, thx a lot

[@Marvelfunfaqs]

This bike is sooo F!@#$ing beautiful

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you! Appreciate the comment.

[@jakobcrawford2753]

Let's be real here. Even a 14-45 sprocket setup isn't ideal for highway use. I start to hit higher revs just below 60mph.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We don't disagree... the 45 to 47 change isn't massive. Where we ride, we can get to most trails on surface streets and 35 to 45mph is the norm. If you really need highway speeds out of the gearing, more drastic measures will be necessary.

[@lanem2005]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE Did you leave the stock 14 tooth on the front?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

@@lanem2005 Wes we did.

[@codenamenoob4973]

15/45 on a husky 501 my dad had was pretty ideal for road use, maybe 14 front not %100 on that

[@alexkellum1]

Do you guys have a list of links for all the add ons?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We did a full write up with links in Issue 35 of Upshift Magazine. www.upshiftonline.com/magazine-issue/july-2019

[@UTPP]

Man I want that bike!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

It's been great!!

[@Thatsald]

Where do I get that rear number plate holder

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

It's something that 3 Brothers builds in house. We recommend calling Ed and asking him about getting the fender eliminator kit from the Upshift build. 949-642-0546

[@Thatsald]

Thanks mate for replying I’m in Australia so hopefully they can help me out. Great build looks Awsome

[@jasuncarter3883]

Another ripping video from Adam!! Thanks for the killer review, gave me some new ideas for my 2019 500excf. SB boyz gettin it!!! 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you Jasun. Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@Marvelfunfaqs]

If you had to guesstimate, how much would be this finished project bike?

[@mts982]

What gearing would you do for 75mph on highway?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

The stock gearing was fine for 75mph. Can not remember what it was off hand though.

[@BraaapoholicBob]

Want. Ordering a 2020

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

They are pretty amazing. Enjoy.

[@michaeljkasnter]

Why would anyone buy the smaller cc EXC if the 500 is only 8 pounds heavier?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

The 350 handles a lot differently than the 500. Definitely and argument to be made for the 350 in tight technical terrain over the 500 and the 500 has advantages in the desert. They can both work well in either environment, but the choice is nice if you are riding certain terrains more than others.

[@codenamenoob4973]

I've never seen a KTM with a Yoshimura exhaust seems wrong lol

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

But it works so good.

[@kylerogers8184]

where can i get the taillight assembly from? I searched 3 brothers website and couldn't find it

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Give them a call and ask for Ed. Tell him you want the tail light like the Upshift 500EXC-F. 949-642-0546

[@kylerogers8184]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE awesome, thanks for the reply

[@speedy_blondy]

I got some questions : First : what is the upshift project ? ( i hear that alot on bikes ) Second : what are differences between the KTM 500 EXC and 500 EXC F ?? Third : how much it will cost me to get one exactly like this with all the features he mentioned !?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We are Upshift. We are a motorcycle media company that produces Upshift Magazine each month. We put together project bikes from time to time and this was one of them. The 500 EXC and the 500 EXC-F are the same thing. The F designates four stroke and since the only 500 machines in KTM's lineup are all four stroke, many people including us omit the F when discussing the 500 EXC-F. The cost on bike like this is highly variable. Prices for parts and accessories is always changing. Recommend you get in touch with a reputable dealer and have them give you a quote.

[@jcpaclax19]

any issues with flame outs?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

None!

[@jcpaclax19]

no problems wth mousses on street ?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We wouldn't run them for long distances, but we have had not issue with Nitromousse when connecting on pavement etc. As long as they are installed correctly you should be fine for shorter trips even at speed.

[@jcpaclax19]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE wat do you consider long distance?how far did you guys ride on street wth them?

[@hshsbsbbsjsbdyxhdhf1370]

How tall are you?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

5'9"

[@wildone2163]

which bulb was that you swapped on headlamp?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

It's the Cyclops 10.0 KTM/Husqvarna bulb. www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/Cyclops-100-H4-LED-headlight-bulb_p_192.html

[@Ray-cv6gc]

Which model of seat did you use?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Seat Concepts Comfort seat

[@dusanpavlik2473]

Hells Hammer KTM 1.

[@BACK40ADVENTURE]

Awesome bike especially with "do-dads and add-ons"

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Haha... the do-dads are especially big performance gains. ;)

[@uslt5028]

I'm from Idaho nice bike

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Atta boy! Thanks for watching.

[@drewmorg.]

So funny how the dirtbike guys are blown away they got their bikes on the street, meanwhile theres guys running around with 200 wheel horsepower on crotch rockets lurking!!! Those are the real weapons on the road. PS Love the 500 EXC-F!!!!!!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

But you can't take a crotch rocket down that dirt road you have always been curious about. And insuring a dualsport is so much more affordable than a 200 hp tarmack missile.

[@drewmorg.]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE Oh I know! I'm just laughing because of which one "should be illegal" ... it's the tarmac missile not the humble dirtbike!

[@Moneypress11]

Any kind of emission delete?

[@rafaelmolina848]

Pleas do a ktm690 video on trails

[@dustyroads5409]

Thanks Very informative review 😎

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you!

[@PBstx1100]

Why would you want a 500 in the woods?? Beautiful bike.l but isn’t it a pig on the single track??

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

There is give and take just like anything... but this bike is surprisingly nimble and it can do 70 on pavement from your garage.

[@JasonHurley-tx7og]

Yooo

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Hey!

[@timmoore6656]

Can’t ride home on mousse though….

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We do all the time... but we run Nitromousse and they hold up quite well when properly installed. But you do have to be mindful of what you are doing and know they are not DOT approved. If you are planning on doing 300 miles of tarmac... probably not a great idea. If you are doing 12 miles between... unlikely to have a problem if your equipment is all squared away.

[@timmoore6656]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE Would you run 300 miles on tubliss?

[@brandonthomas8314]

Is it rude to know how much all this is?! Ball park like $15k?!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

With tax and title, pretty close. It could have been less and it certainly could have been a lot more. These are just the mods and the setup we prefer.

[@carlracki6395]

How can they justify 15k? They make the price real high and finance it like the shady usurers they are.

[@jonellwanger7258]

Carl Racki your just mad because you suck at life and can’t afford nice things... as a high school drop out, I shouldn’t have Most of the things I have, but hard work and what not...

[@TS50ER]

@@jonellwanger7258 , Dude, that was a bit rude telling someone they suck at life. You don't know anything about his life. Keep it positive if possible dude. You will feel better about yourself that way.

[@jamescox4823]

@@TS50ER no @jon is correct

[@Ram-re5em]

So limited without a street legal package. Track bikes are ticketed all the time in Montana riding to a trail from a forest or logging road.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thankfully there are more and more options hitting the market that are street legal and high performance.

[@marksonferreira1758]

Beautiful 👏👏

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you!

[@jgorogue]

Should’ve added an fmf instead of the yoshi

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Why is that? Yoshimura makes a superb pipe right here in the USA and they support Upshift Magazine. We don't have anything against FMF. We have been friends with the Emlers for a long time. But we like to support the brands that support us.

[@djlee503]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE I have a 2018 EXC-F 500. Where can I buy the Yoshimura? I can't find it anywhere.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

www.yoshimura-rd.com/collections/all/products/ktm-450sx-f-exhaust-system-264612d322?variant=12727774052455

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

There is a link for you. Most any good shop can get one in for you.

[@غانمالتميمي-ظ1ح]

👍🔥💪😍 KTM 500

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you for watching!

[@mikeb9555]

where can I buy one, cash just like that?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Carl's Cycle Sales in Boise or 3 Brothers Racing in SoCal could build the exact bike and they have access to our graphics kit.

[@gregburnett96]

Just watched your video, from melbourne australia, the bike looked just grand, you ride it well, I'll be checking to see if I can get one here in aus, just loved it, you explained the bike well, cheers

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@91CR250]

U add a fuel tuner vortex or jd!?

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We did not. Stock ECU with a Yoshimura pipe and a Twin Air filter. We really didn't feel a need for more power. Maybe if we were racing in the desert, but this bike was built for technical single track.

[@benfairhall5331]

Yoshimura on a ktm 🤮

[@Dirtbeaver]

What ?? Since when can you add an exhaust to an 500 exc without adding a vortex or a jd tuner Won't it run really lean ??

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

What's wrong with Yoshimura Ben? They support us and help us make Upshift Magazine free to you and everyone else. And they build exceptional exhaust. FMF does too. Both made in the USA as well.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

It's a touch lean with the RS-4 from Yoshimura but not to an extreme. We wanted to ride it a bit and see how it does. We're looking into some options and will likely put together a video on that specifically.

[@غانمالتميمي-ظ1ح]

👍🙏💰😍KTM 500

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thanks

[@jkktm9916]

Need these graphics 😍

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Coming soon!

[@benfairhall5331]

Shame about the bubbles in the graphics 😑

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Ohhh well.... When you lay them up the night before... kind of the way it goes sometimes. They ultimately laid down.

[@ivarsmatisons]

Labs

[@غانمالتميمي-ظ1ح]

👍👍👍😍♥️💪🔥✌️🏁🙏💰🏍️ KTM 500 EXCF

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

That was such a great bike.

[@Peccs91]

Graphics are nasty

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Assuming that's a good nasty?! ;)

[@Peccs91]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE You know it!

[@knightrider3699]

Where can I get a set of graphics like that From?

[@marekskoda4615]

Sorry mate but that Black fuel tank is horrible. White plastic only!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

We will have to agree to disagree. ;)

[@Tikkikoira]

6.31 Your graphics are full of bubbles, lol.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

When you install them minutes before you shoot the video... it happens. But thanks for making sure we knew that.

[@rambabutharu7664]

nice

[@turgaymurad6542]

No 2020 years

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

They just got announced. We have not yet received the newest model and probably won't for a while.

[@turgaymurad6542]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE Ok

[@АлексейСоколов-м2р]

Класс

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Thank you for watching.

[@PhilipMarbury]

I'm after one plz

[@wadimor4749]

$$$ dolarr?

[@goodboyringo9716]

15000.00 in this bike.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

A little less roughly.

[@غانمالتميمي-و5ذ]

🏍💰🙏😘✔👍👌

[@cinziadallona6054]

Cunto costa

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Probably in the neighborhood of $14K USD at the time.

[@dkl7824]

Super video ! viens faire un tour sur ma chaine et n’oublie pas de me dire ce que tu en pense en commentaire ! ça me permetterais de m’ameliorer ! 😁😁✌️✌️

[@PhilipMarbury]

😅

[@goodboyringo9716]

KTM thinks they are saving money removing the kick start but that is a bad mistake. This is the dumbest decision for a dirt bike I have ever heard of. Being stranded in the woods is not a happy day. You don't have to bring a tube or air but bring a battery. His guy bought the bike for high $ and changed out most everything, gggg

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

And yet, we have never had an issue with a lack of a kickstarter. Just have to be mindful of managing your battery, not leaving the ignition on at stops etc.

[@kradius2169]

(remove space) ktm-parts. com/79412945044.html

[@yogamayhendra9699]

Impianku

[@jasonrobbins7079]

In CA MJ is legal but god forbid you ride a dirt bike on the street...

[@tjlovesrachel]

Jason Robbins mj?

[@fcalin21]

So, you have to spend another 5000 euros for a bike "ready to race" ??? KTM is screwing us. For 17000 euros you can buy a decent SUV.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

I think you missed the point of our project. You don't have to do any of what we did to this bike. We were simply showcasing what you can do... what some of the options available to you are.

[@cinziadallona6054]

Jnx

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Anytime

"doesn't feel like it should be legal to ride on the street"? Bro, c'mon, don't say stupid stuff like that. Some filthy lawyer will make it illegal.

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

Yeah ... this video is going to trigger a lawmaker to all of a sudden become anti-dirtbike. They all have an agenda that is well established on that front already. C'mon bro, it'll be ok.

[@sebastiankock4008]

Viel zu teuer.kann doch kein Schwein mehr bezahlen.

[@Ray-cv6gc]

Cyclops low beam is useless!!!

[@UPSHIFT_ONLINE]

How so? It works well for us.

[@Ray-cv6gc]

@@UPSHIFT_ONLINE beams look like they criss cross leaving a big black spot right where you need to see,ktm reflector reflects light everywhere except where you need it. Gonna try to take out those spacers,that may help.