How To Adjust the Valves on a 2019+ KTM/Husqvarna 450, 500 & 501

[@eriknash8783]

This is by far the best tutorial on late model KTM 4T Valve Clearance Check and adjustment. Thanks for taking the time and thought to make a great video.

[@rmatvmc]

Thank you so much! We're glad it was helpful.

[@miker7851]

Just finished my KTM 500 EXC-F after watching this. Piece of cake. Hardest part is getting the valve cover out. The clearances hadn't changed in a few thousand miles but were a little greater than spec so I figured it was time to do it. The long seat screw worked perfect for pulling out the rocker cam.

[@FordSierraIS]

how long did you ride it before adjusting first time?

[@miker7851]

@@FordSierraIS I don't remember but guessing 6,000 miles.

[@Cantwaittogohome]

Thank you guys it’s a priceless video saves us all from making mistakes or misunderstandings ❤

[@Jaykeev]

Beautiful video. I really like that you specified the torque specs and everything! I have a new 2023 husqvarna fe450 with 4 hours on it... after this summer im going to do a valve check with this exact video, thanks alot!

[@rmatvmc]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you for checking out the video.

[@Twistedmetallic]

It so good to see this, after i have tried to adjust valves on a Ducati :D

[@deltabravo1257]

I stumbled across this video. Glad I found it. I need to do this on my barely ridden 450 EXC-F Six Days.

[@nickr5051]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful and straightforward.

[@daveyt4802]

Interesting valve configuration. VVT on the camshaft too? Looks centrifugal. Wonder why the intake rocker doesn't have a roller...

[@mmc205]

no its a decomp

[@Turtle11086]

I just bought a 65hr 21 FE450, i was worried it was going to be a PITA to do valve adjustmets, but after watching this it looks easier than my 06 CRF450. Its a bit rattly, so hopfully is just a valve clearance and not a timing chain etc. 65hrs and I doubt they've ever been checked.

[@BZXT]

Thank you for this video! Is it not required to put a new sealing gasket when reinstalling the valve cover?

[@rmatvmc]

Check your sealing gasket for any damage. If it has any damage you will need to replace it.

[@johnscribb6731]

Dot on the cam sprocket is aligned "up" and in center of the retaining bracket. This ensures it won't be on the wrong stroke?

[@rmatvmc]

It will help keep everything in sync when the engine is started again.

[@chadouteaud]

Great Video, thanks. Very helpful!

[@jordantotz9278]

Awesome video. Thanks for posting it!

[@040Tongelre]

Is this the same on an husky fe 450 2017 ?

[@ladislavesterka125]

Thanks! My EXC 450, 2020 after 100 hours no adjustment needed :)

[@MOAB-UT]

Good for you but that is definitely not typical. Sure you checked it right e.g., was the bike at room temperature e.g., 70F'ish? That can make a difference. In the winter, many people will park it inside a room that is about 70F overnight. You can remove the tank first outside.

[@GNR325]

@@MOAB-UT Was the older (pre 2019) design more robust from the perspective of hardly ever needing valve adjustments?

[@MOAB-UT]

@@GNR325 Not sure but I doubt it. Any motor should be checked. It is not hard to do but will take at least an hour or two since you have to take things apart to get to the valves. It is time very well spent thought. Whether newer or older, adjustments are sometimes needed. I just checked valves on a 2019 or 2020. It exceeded the interval for checking and they were fine. Only one was close to needing to be adjusted. This is VERY important. Sometimes you will find that you are between tolerances. It is MUCH better to NOT adjust them if they are close than to over adjust them. That is where experience comes in. The specific reason is, if you make the tolerance too tight, you will likely have trouble starting the bike because one or more valves will always be slightly open (too tight.) This lets too much gas/oil creep into the cylinder and can also foul plugs. Clearly you do not want them too loose either. When in doubt, leave it alone and recheck at a later time e.g., maybe after another 10 rides or so. I am not suggesting that you ever ignore the motor. What I am saying is that just because you spent time taking it apart, don't think you earned the right, "while you are in there," to adjust it anyway, just because. That is a common rookie mistake. DO change the oil and plugs and air filter frequently and all other proper maintenance. Again, proper maintenance, like with your own body (I'm a nutrition and fitness buff) is to take great care of it and not mess around more than is necessary. Less is very often more. The fact that you are in here and asking the question tells me you probably take great care of your machine. Good on you!

[@GNR325]

@@MOAB-UT I know exactly what you are saying in checking but leaving things alone if no work is necessary. I'm actually just at the considering different bikes stage. I keep coming back to the KTM 300 for the obvious grunt and simplicity and longevity. I like 4 strokes, but at some point they require a lot of expensive work. Thanks.

[@MOAB-UT]

@@GNR325 KTM's are great bikes. All bikes need maintenance- KTM's maybe slightly more but not too bad. I would go with a 4 stroke- KTM 350 EXC-F. We ride these when we go out to MOAB, UT and they have enough power for days. You can also take them on the road out there so it's easy to hit up various trails in the area. What makes KTM's great is that they are light and the geometry is right on. They are nimble high performance machines. One year I lost my license when skiing- I could only rent their Honda equivalent (not a road bike.) I hated it. No comparison. KTM was like a smooth BMW and the Honda was like an old Chevy- heavy, and not fun to ride. In fairness it was not a top of the line Honda which would be better. bottom line, go KTM. Even the resale will be good and relatively better. You will enjoy it more too. Not sure where you live, but if you have a chance to get out to MOAB- you will love it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5zdaYCDpdF8fck I've been 6 times!

[@irishflyer6377]

First class video, thank you

[@teephud369]

Great video. I'm working up the nerve to do this... Why do you need to remove the spark plug?

[@rmatvmc]

Because in the next step you will need to turn your engine to top dead center and it will be much easier to rotate the engine with the spark plug removed. You got this!

[@roberteddy1951]

Would this be the exact same procedure for 2020 KTM 500exc-f ?

[@jra1753]

I have a 500 2020 and I can confirm the process is the same. Although you might find it slightly harder to remove the valve cover than what it shows in this video as the 500 motor is a little taller than the 450 and the cover is closer to the frame up top, leaving little space to take the cover off and out. I know I had a bit of trouble with it.

[@MOAB-UT]

If not, it will be close. Watch some videos on that one. Some of the markings to find TDC might be different. Torque specs too.

[@miro_s]

Good video thanks! What assembly lube is recommended?

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks! We used Maxima assembly lube in this video. You can check it out here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/maxima-assembly-lube-p

[@alexandre8598]

Thank you, but what about the lock top dead center bolt located on the right side of the transmission cover? You don't have to use it?

[@rxkern]

The manual says to use it but I think it locks the engine in place to ensure nothing moves? I've done a few of these on my 500 so far and haven't used the 'lock out' part. Curious to what other people are donig.

[@claytonharbin1151]

Is the procedure any different on a 2017 500/501?

[@ThisTall]

Isn’t the model year 2017-19? And new gen 2020?

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

So I’m a noob to doing this and just got my 500. How is the fuel tank not dumping when disconnecting? Are you draining first?

[@rmatvmc]

We did end up draining the gas before removing it. If you have a pair of vice grips you can pinch the hose, so you don't have to drain it.

[@eugenelane3291]

The biggest size feeler gauge I can find on RM is .10mm. Where did you get yours

[@rmatvmc]

We have a couple different options on our website for feeler gauges that go up to 1mm. You can check out both options below. Tusk Tapered Feeler Gauge Set: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-tapered-feeler-gauge-set-p Bike Master Dual Reading Feeler Gauge Set - 32-Blade Combination: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/bike-master-dual-reading-feeler-gauge-set-32-blade-combination-p

[@kevinkillsit]

Good video, but you never rechecked to make sure you got the math right? Always gotta recheck it. Just wasn't sure if it was before or after torquing back up, but I don't think it makes a difference

[@patrizioiezzi]

Love it

[@malacoda242]

Why is the spark plug removed?

[@rmatvmc]

Removing the spark plug just makes it easier to turn the engine over.

[@DeadOnTrail]

So much easier than my 701

[@noControl556]

So glad I have a 2 stroke

[@scottforti3194]

Except you have to change your piston twice as often as my 500

[@noControl556]

@@scottforti3194 About 150h and it still has plenty of life left

[@scottforti3194]

@@noControl556 ok but you’ll be changing that piston soon my 500 will go around 600 hours on a piston

[@hphillips7425]

Good video. I was doing some research on this bike and when I heard valve adjustments every 30 hours I lost interest

[@Mmmmmppppppp]

Big wheels from Mattel don't needs adjusting! Get a big wheel to ride to The Mall!

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

In reality I think most people do them a lot less frequently and I haven't heard many reports of them being out of spec. But I agree this seems like an enormous hassle. Since I bought my 2021 EXC-F, I have already spent more time maintaining it than riding it.

[@imridingwithstoopidohwaiti3948]

This is actually one of the easiest shim style valve adjustment I have seen Just did a second check on my 21 500exc first one 1 hr in spec... Today 96.8hrs still in spec.. I was just told someone is at 500hrs still in spec.. I was nervous to go KTM but the 500 seems to be a very solid engine.

[@rxkern]

@@imridingwithstoopidohwaiti3948 Agree, I don't do the math at all.

[@MOAB-UT]

Big mistake. KTM is one of the finest machines there is. Most other bikes will be ~100lbs heavier. 30 hours is recommended- not everyone follows this. It is also super easy to do. You missed out on a great bike because, to say it nicely, you lack the proper motivation to care for your machine(s). That's fine- more KTM's for us. ALL bikes require maintenance. Did it ever occur to you that the other manufactures might choose not say to do it every 30 hours just to sell more bikes and parts when they break sooner? You fell for it and played right into their game.

[@nictennick1650]

This looks rough, I want a 501 but that's a lot of work.

[@MacawAviculture]

I agree, should be much simpler than this!

[@matt23727]

It's not hard

[@scotttaggart]

It takes 30 minutes or less once you've done it. Most of the time all you do is measure and they are in spec so the rockers don't have to come out but still, that's easy too. Piece of cake.

[@eriknash8783]

This is the least amount of work I've ever seen to check and adjust valve clearance. Even the design of rocker assembly removal is so simple.

[@WeckforsDiscovery]

Thanks for a great video!