Building my Ultimate Dual Sport | 2020 KTM 500 EXC Build - Part I

[@BigRockMoto]

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[@chrismharthart]

The swing arm covers look great but after a long ride in sand and water the swing arm gets hammered with the sand and rock between the SA and the cover. It does protect for super hard rock hits

[@dannymonahan4629]

Well done!! No nonsense video! Great explanations about why you put on the parts that you did

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kimojon9665]

love love love the black out look. Great looking bike with stuff added that makes it a better ride. Great job.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks

[@Eflosd]

Motominded is the way to go! I have their xl80 with the stout mount since the added weight of the xl80 makes the mask vibrate a bit with the factory rubber straps

[@Paul-RSA]

I have the 2018 model and can honestly confirm they are awesome machines, even in stock form. Considering you're using your bike for 1-2 day adventures, there is very little mods required in my opinion (other than the extended fuel range). Even the standard seat is good enough, if it's too uncomfortable then you're Sitting down too much. These bikes are pretty much perfect straight off the shop floor. There's very little need for all the added bling, it's a dirt bike....just ride it.

[@CincinnatiReefer]

had to like the video for all the funny edits you added! Great video man

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

I love the partly blacked out look. I may have to do something similar with mine.

[@BigRockMoto]

go for it

[@sproesser1]

The GET ecu has a knob to switch between maps on the fly. Maybe there’s a map that runs more fuel efficient, so you can have both options?

[@BigRockMoto]

Nice

[@Belindaxtz660]

GOSH! It's Awesome but....what is left that is stock? Frame, wheels and engine..🤔If i wanted to copy all of these mods the same.. how much extra does this add to the purchase of 2020 bike? Thanks for sharing your bike and available accessories. ( much Farkles..👍😜)

[@pinkiewerewolf]

The orange looks great. Awesome bike!

[@MrHugeheffner]

Thanks again for such informative videos. I would be interested to know what the significant differences between the 2014 and the 2020 model have been for you and pros / cons ? Thanks

[@admrlsalty]

Love the build but i would carry the oem rad cap in the bags i had the same tusk cap and it failed pretty quickly just my 2 cents

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks

[@nepicness]

Is KTM the only one that can sell more 6 days plastic? Also what do you think the cost of the parts/bike added up to? I usually buy 5-15 year old KTM's and ride them forever.

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

What is the oil change intervals?

[@davidh1314]

Nice set up.... I mounted my Giant Loop Mojave the same way. Much cleaner look too

[@MrEtnorb]

Excellent review. I have made similar changes to my 18 but have fitted a Haan Cush drive hub for insurance and a Parabrisas screen. With those flex bars you appear to lose space for clamping things. What about Oxford heated grips- far superior to the BMW heated grips and have a fail safe cut off switch. Bikes looks fantastic.

[@williamarango5289]

Thanks for video , from coral springs FL .

[@dzejko]

what about reliability, oil servis, valve servis, pistone cycle life in dualsport usage?

[@pascalolli2189]

Great build and enjoy your new ride when free time comes back around.

[@jadoune340]

hello where did you get the ignition key, is it an option from KTM.

[@nepicness]

Thought that came stock on the EXC platform

[@Neo_Mk]

Good question, i'm interested too

[@joaofurtado2250]

my freand try do do a test to the ajp spr 510r thanks

[@dannuthals7045]

Good tip on the rear light! I am going out to the garage to make that mod today! BTW, I guessing that your wife is your editor - she’s funny!

[@railduke68]

I have a 2020 as well. I did all the power mods with a GET ecu...nice, but definitely not needed on the new bike.

[@SKgeostrat]

Great video. I'd like to see the same kind of build video for WF450F. Do you think it would work? I'll have to check the Acerbis site to see if they have a tank for the Yam!! personally, I would prefer the Yamaha or Honda equivalent for reliability reasons, but this looks like a great alternative, if you want a light adventure bike.

[@vincentsmith3701]

Great mods, I'm a few weeks behind you doing the same on mine..keep videos coming..

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks, will do!

[@josheatsbananas4373]

Great video and things like that

[@kazzishots7661]

do u live next to a youtube fisherman.....lunkers? absolutely beautiful build, plan to buy my first ktm excf 350 soon!!!!

[@brycecampbell4845]

You can increase oil capacity with larger oil cap and change oil filter to a filter that filters our particles down to 2 microns and you can run 30,40 or 50 hours between oil changes. They do it in desert racing on these bikes and haven't had problems yet doing that fyi

[@jamescox4823]

Do the handguards influence of the Flexbars

[@BigRockMoto]

You need adapters

[@texlee84]

All of this time watching your videos and I couldn't quite put my finger on who you remind me of or more so who you sound like and it finally clicked tonight. You sound like Kip from Napoleon Dynamite haha.

[@3e1eboba]

Здравствуйте! Подскажите как называется это широкое сиденье?

[@paulbartsch1223]

That Acerbis tank pushes the tank bag up quite high. I wonder if IMS will put a larger flatter one out like they did for 17-19. It's a shame Acerbis don't make 20l tanks anymore like they did for pre 2017.

[@lanehollar9891]

Nice vid. I totally agree on leaving the engine as it is. I've a 2018 450 exc 6 days and had plan to desmog and do everything...but it runs so good...you just bump the starter and it runs perfect. I decided to leave it too. I love these small bikes...my 1200 GS is not getting the rides it used too. Lol

[@brunofiloni6791]

how much weight did you add in total?

[@georgesolomon5696]

Looking at your picture, why did you change from the IMS tank? Im trying to decide between IMS 4.5 and Acerbis 3.9

[@joseperez-cl8jk]

Nice look to the new bike can you please do a.cost sheet for all changes, just love to take it for a ride as a older rider I need all the comfort I can get I need to go and pick one up I have been on the fence about paying that much for a toy about 11K is a lot to put a smile on my face thank you ! will keep.watching JoP

[@Evil_Morty2000]

Are flex bar similar to stock in height and sweep?

[@kenkl5204]

Great info and great bike.

[@mattsutube]

Another great review. so many great ideas for aftermarket options that I didn't know of. Ready to pull trigger on 2023 500 EXC- (central California ) . Gives me pause that these bikes are not moving off the showroom floor faster. Thoughts on why?? 2023 smog/tuning, expensive? Thanks for ALL of your videos, Ian.

[@jeffknobby2700]

Does that tank go past the radiator on either side? I’m looking at getting the tank and some radiator guards (bullet proof) or (enduro engineering)….. thanks for what you for the riding community!!

[@jeffknobby2700]

Also I’ll definitely use your links to RM lol

[@AKnutt]

Would like to know if the seat concepts you have on this KTM would fit with the GPX Moto FSE 450r ? Thank you!

[@dustyroads5409]

Question: How does the center of gravity feel ,when you're on a single-track at a higher speed with the additional weight ?

[@facatube]

Good looking bike but I d set white instead ok black to match my taste 👍 and grey bags here summer is too hot

[@alphawolf2993]

How good can you make a dr650 for the price of a stock 500 exc?

[@johannzitz1357]

Hi Ian, howdy? Great videos good job, do you somewhere a list of links with all your accessories by chance? Thanks and safe ridding.

[@davidpetersen7091]

What did all the mods cost?

[@paul.vanhout57]

Is that tank dangerous for the family jewels? Looks like it limits how forward you can get on the seat.

[@helloharry1418]

Love your stuff keep churning out great quality 👌

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

Man Ian, that is just beautiful! I am looking for a special look for my 2022 500EXC F. I am getting used tot he peg vibration and installed a set of the XC Gear isolated pegs for some improvement there. I got to rid a friend's 2020 and it vibrated worse than mine. Anyway, smart looking bike. I am sorry you ended up selling it.

[@SteelHorseman]

Love it 😍

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

Do you still have this bike? I’m considering the KTM 500 EXC-F and the CRF450RL. I don’t see a real advantage of the 6 days model did you?

[@JuanHoya]

Great build, thanks for sharing!

[@bryantheuri3580]

Hey there, how would you say this compares to the 790 r? Could it replace it for touring, commuting, and what about maintenance?

[@BigRockMoto]

It does not replace a 790. It is bad on the road, and very high maintenance

[@Woodeneyejust]

Are you going to fit a cush drive?

[@lifeoff-road280]

So you prefer this bike to the BETA 480RR?

[@alkydah6741]

Thanks for taking the time/trouble of posting your very detailed and informative vids. Two things: 1). effin super jealous of your location (I used to live in Cali and miss it). 2) As if I haven't spent enough on mods/upgrades on my '22 500, you have me seriously thinking about getting the Flexx bars. I have the Renthal 609 Fatbar on now with Cycra Probend handguards. Can I reuse the Cycra's with the Flexx bars? Thanks in advance.

[@BigRockMoto]

you will need an adapter

[@michaelmcgregor26]

Question: I have the KTM 350 EXC and see that you removed the mesh from the stock exhaust end cap at the end of the video. How did you do it and does it lean the bike out too much? Most end cap changes require you the program the bike. Would love to know!

[@jeffknobby2700]

The 2020 and newer has an O2 sensor that automatically adjusts the air mixture within reason, for such a small change in engine flow dynamics.

[@helloharry1418]

What tires do you recommend as I do mostly dirt with connector in and around phx arizona

[@dannuthals7045]

I have the same bike (not 6 Days) and run Goldentyre GT216AA on front and GT333 on the rear, both with Tubliss. I’m 95% dirt and ride in SoCal. Super tires!

[@makjak111]

Any extra risk of tank damage with the tank being wider?

[@alkydah6741]

I have the same tank and have dropped the bike a couple times but nothing brutal (almost at a stop, Florida sand), the bars hit before anything else does. Tank doesn't even seem to come into play. My experience only tho.

[@riderpop]

wow.. solid! thanks for sharing !

[@jeffromoto874]

Sweet bike! I went to dealer to buy it and they had just sold last one! So I test rode the husky 501S and Honda CRF450L and NO CONTEST WHATSOEVER. Bought the husky on the spot. But 500exc is on my short list still

[@cre8tivegarage157]

Nice Dual Sport!! Would you recommend to someone who wants to start riding?

[@arthurhawkins9230]

Nice job with the videos so haw may miles can you go on your 3.9 gal tank ?

[@BigRockMoto]

200

[@FloridaDualSport]

Nice Looking 500. Just bought a 2021 and will be adding a few of your recommended mods. So after 2 years how is it performing? Any issues? Thx

[@jaytomson7052]

Did I miss tire selection?

[@DmenDuroRider]

That skid plate is terrible. I got a few dents in my frame. I upgraded to the axp no new dents. I would recommend the ktmandhusky.com radiator guards with the cross brace. My bike took a nasty fall off a steep cliff into a rock garden with those guards no rad damage at all.

[@dannuthals7045]

I have the non-6 Days bike, same year/size. I added an AXP skid plate and love it! Strong, lightweight and doesn’t viiibbbbrrrate.

[@joshallison3034]

I went with the Enduro engineering skid plate, it’s pretty stout armor.

[@emfl4437]

Wow! First of all, love your videos. Great detail and info. I don't even have a KTM 500EXC. However, if you eventually want to sell yours I will buy it. 🏍️👍

[@adventuresandmore4463]

Very nice I cant wait to get one damn Corona is stopping me with all of the factory's shut down😥

[@jordanJohnn]

Why all the 790 videos, you didn’t get rid of this beast did you? Looking forward to a update

[@BigRockMoto]

Nope I will be keeping the 500 for a long time.

[@douglasstewart6327]

What are your sprockets front and rear?

[@rippinaroundeverywhere9249]

DAYUM!!..Nice!!

[@coolcool690]

which tires u have?

[@ryanzaragoza2789]

How did you cut the screen out

[@fcalin21]

Why ktm500 and not husqvarna 500 or honda crf450l ? What is your opinion on the bikes i mentioned ?

[@joshallison3034]

Calin Florin they actually just did a decent review/shootout on all of these bikes. It has decent info. I wanna say it was put out by dirt bike magazine.

[@rickriddle]

Sweet Video!! Appreciate this information! 🇺🇸

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@losttheplotcolin]

Nice looking bike. How long/far do you find a chain and sprockets last? I assume there is no cush hub? cheers.

[@ivanmessina]

Can’t find part 2…

[@tango165]

Very nice!!!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks!!

[@deltabravo1257]

Do you still have this bike?

[@Neo_Mk]

Great video, as usual. What do you think about having no Kick option for a long range adv bike ? I'm about to get a 2019 and not a 2020 only for this reason.

[@BigRockMoto]

I hate that there is no kick. I had one on my 2014 EXC. THey need to put it back on. Now I carry a small battery jumper pack sometimes

[@Neo_Mk]

@@BigRockMoto Yes i agree that the option i will take too if i get a 2020. Also, the engine seems a lot smoother than the older models. Having more power is cool, but is it still as fun/brutal as before ? Thanks for the answer !

[@chrisblanchard4938]

No windscreen? Any reason why?

[@BigRockMoto]

Ahhh. Stay tuned for next video

[@dh-flies]

You've had no issues riding off-road with that seat? Too wide in the back? I'm ordering one for my 2022 due in 2 weeks. Expensive seat, don't want to buy the wrong one. Thanks, bike looks great.

[@GreyBushMedia]

Awesome bike! Did you have to remove the chain guard for the swingarm protector?

[@FloridaDualSport]

i just added one and it was simple... took 5 min. Swing arm stays on.

[@FLT1970]

Sick.

[@georgesolomon5696]

I am REALLY thinking of getting the 500 EXC-F. I currently have a GSA, which I will keep.My question is have you ridden any longer distance on the road? Maybe 80-100+, if so how was it.. I normally ride 70-75mph.. Thanks for the video

[@BigRockMoto]

It sucks for road, there is no nice way to say it. I've done 100 miles on the road. Hate it, personally. I always end up riding an adventure bike. If you stick to under 60 and take breaks, it can be doable.

[@gsolo99]

@@BigRockMoto Thanks a bunch for the honest answer. Do you know if a 690 Adv R would be better on road? Thanks again..

[@curtkautsch]

Highly recommend relocating your brake saver off your lower case. That would be a very expensive oops.👍

[@BigRockMoto]

came that way from ktm...

[@johnbaker529]

Great video thanks. Very informative for my own 500EXC adv build. But one small point...the pronunciation of Acerbis is not Aserby, it’s an Italian word (after Franco Acerbis, the founder) and is pronounced Ach..err..biss. Just a small point in an otherwise excellent video.

[@tomvaccaro7265]

I like what you have done to the bike I have a 17 that I do 150 - 200 mile day rides (brewery hopping) in nor cal and thinking about the 20 or 21 500. Ride safe. P.S. If you ever get checked by a ranger or pulled over on the street they will stick a small long rod down your exhaust to check for that screen (sparkarester) and you will get a very expensive ticket if it is not there. there is a company called bestdualsport.com that has end caps with the screen that are not restrictive.

[@BigRockMoto]

There is another screen inside... thankfully

[@chrisblanchard4938]

Just an fyi, cutting out the screen in the exhaust end cap does absolutely nothing For the bike.

[@DN4AGDX]

I always though the screen was the spark arrestor. I think that's mandatory to have in my state of Arizona.

[@jamesdegraff]

Curious about that tank. Looks like it puts that tank bag in a horrible location.

[@SWFlowseeker]

Nice 500! Could you give me a link to the grips your using? Ty

[@BigRockMoto]

pro grip 714

[@DesolationAngels]

You did a great job on that bike! Looks bitchin!

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks

[@imds123]

Nice! Way to much bling though.

[@TTR66]

Handling,Control,Performance, ...most people have never tryed another suspension than the stock onces!Big Mistake...Good Custom Suspension cost big money,but it S worth it...if you are serious Rider you know that! Race Tech or Enzo is the place to go for Top Suspension...p.S.It's the same with Weapons a A Class Scope (Schmidt Bender)cost often more than the Rifle...

[@mattbillenstein]

FFFFFFFAAAAAARRRRRRKKKKKLLLLLEEEE! Looks nice tho ;)

[@CorrupteddSanity]

I know you said you'd get one - but a steering damper should have been the first thing you got great bike

[@kiwipilot407]

Nice Bike. I live down under in New Zealand. Have you checked out this guys bike who has a website down here called www.remotemoto.com. Same or similar to yours and he has customised the shit out of it for Extreme adventure riding. Cheers and all the best.

[@brycecampbell4845]

Unlock the 16 hp. You won’t regret it.

[@utahdirtbiketours]

That gas tank is horrific looking.