Is a 2021 KTM 500 EXC-F worth it? | 70 Hour Enduro Build Review | the good, the bad, the expensive 😲

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Instagram - / extremesportswannabes
In this video:
We do a deep dive into our experience so far with our 2021 KTM 500 EXC-F enduro build. We review the bike at 70 engine hours to tell you what to expect from real life riding on this bike over the last few months. We've built the heck out of this model, ridden it hard, and replaced a few parts along the way.
Things to watch out for - very little, other than the price tag 🤑
Things to love - everything but especially the performance 🏁
Must do mods - a GET ECU and FMF pipe (plus some armor)
Stuff I'm still planning to add - Steering stabilizer, Rekluse manual clutch, custom GPS (trail tech is already off).
We'll also have a video coming up shortly looking at maintenance requirements and what the bike looks like after an abusive 100 hours (subscribe so you don't miss that one).
Video editing by Nikola Popovic:
/ goteki_audio_video
/ @goteki1987

[@paulskiya1781]

I have 120hrs, 3400 miles, stock clutch, no valve adjustments, runs great! Led light bulb helps and a Seat Concepts is nice for a 55 year old!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I'm now up to 100 hours, no idea how many miles. I'm gonna do a video on maintenance abuse next, never done the valves either 🤣🤣

[@pritampaul6552]

How doing wheelie ???

[@wcsdiaries]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes how good is this bike for on road? Can it drive on the highway ok?

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I guess you could set it up for super moto. It's gotta power. I have mine built for serious off road. I can cruise at 60 on the highway, even with my low gearing. But I don't ride much road.

[@wcsdiaries]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes Just want a bike that is great off road, but could be used for getting around town and occasional trips on the highway. Would you recommend?

[@BrokenEnduro]

Rad review Kjeld! 260 some odd hours, stock clutch, never boiled over, zero valve adjustments, saved many Betas.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Haha, saving Betas is a hobby!

[@michealburnett7877]

I'm 73 and have arthritis as well. I have found that the best mod for me has been the XC Gear bar mounts, Better than anything I've tried, even carbon bars. As far as the switch problem goes, Sicass has complete replacements that are 1/2 the size of OEM.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I have friends with those bar mounts, will for sure try them. Since making this video, I have installed the sicass switches on both sides, great upgrade.

[@neilhare4731]

This is the best review I’ve watched, I’ve just bought a 2018 500 six days and learnt a lot, thanks heaps

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Thanks!! So glad it was helpful! Have fun on the new bike!

[@dnrg62]

If you are looking at fitting a steering stabiliser ,Scott’s stabiliser with the sub mount kit use the blue rubbers not the red ( they supply both in the kit) I used a flex bar for a few years it worked well when I went with above mentioned kit I went back to a pro taper bar ,I am 60 years old been riding 40 years worn out joints ,pain the usual stuff bike riders deal with ,the better you look after your self the longer you last.👍

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Good to know. I'll probably do a Scotts with the makko bar mount.

[@painsrides3616]

I'm 54 and have some arthritis in my hands, the Fast Flex bars have made a major difference in my comfort level. With a tuned front suspension and the FF bars I'm good to all day. I'm sure the other options, like the Mako360 would do well also.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Great! I'm for sure going to try something like that. Much appreciate the tip.

[@tyl3rlyon]

The starter switch problem might be the 4-pin connector for it behind the number plate. It can get corroded over time, but adding dielectric grease will stop the corrosion, if that is your problem. Tacomoto mentions it on their new bike setup video

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

In my case the plug was clean. It was the button itself going bad. Might be dirt on it, but I couldn't seem to get it cleaned enough to work properly.

[@davidmerrell1163]

I've got an 08 530 and it runs great. no issues.

[@double-oseven5725]

Mate, greatly appreciated...i agree on all fronts...got the 22 fe 501...i believe more people need to let the suspension bed in and find the best settings. Upgrade cheap rego fittings, fix flame out issues and years of enjoyment awaits!!

[@ogasi1798]

my 2019 exc500 is 4200 miles and about 170 hours now, bulletproof - it gets ridden too - change air filter and make sure it is clean, do oil at reasonable intervals (flipping between 15-30 at the minute) - done. In England we do not need to do air body or ecu adjustments, ours are bang on from factory - of course upgrades are there but needed here like over there, the bike is not starved - it is gnarly and yet supremely controllable while able to wheelie in any gear at ease - i moved to k-tech front n rear suspension internals, that is the only upgrade i will do i think, it changed the bike a lot especially at speed in rocky terrain and on any tough terrain be it moto or enduro

[@fadedjerry6952]

Just bought this a couple weeks ago. My first bike ever. Pricey for sure but don’t regret it one bit.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Yeah, I'm loving it. Worth every penny to me.

[@phenri4809]

You have some balls to buy a 500cc off-roader as a first bike. Glad your enjoying it

[@fadedjerry6952]

@@phenri4809 already hitting some decent hill climbs and baby jumps. It’s so addicting

[@TapioBlue]

Flexx bars work great on my bike. Diet can do miracles for arthritis. Seed oils and sugar top the list of no no's. Plants have many toxins, lectins, oxalates which can be problematic. Spinach is so high in oxalate it's pretty much poisonous. I've seen the best recoveries from animal based diets. My arthritis was so bad and in so many joints. Turning my neck used to be very painful and often sounded like glass balls breaking. Now at 57 I'm biking my ass off, motor or pedaling.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Glad you found a way through! We'll have a review of the flexx bars coming out shortly 😃

[@dantracy7314]

I love my KTMs! My 500EXC has been very reliable and I have a 52 sprocket on the rear. It helps a lot but doesn't compare to my 300 XC-W for single track or tight woods conditions.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

When I can afford 2 bikes, a 2 stroke is next!

[@jeffreysisti6653]

If you don't want to spend too much money on unnecessary parts don't replace the ecu, the O2 sensor which is wired to your stock ecu will signal for more fuel automatically, and will not allow a new ecu to bring on too much fuel. Open your exhaust and remove your reeds and the stock ecu will do the rest.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

You won’t get much that way. Stock ECU fuel map will be the hard limit.

[@jeffreysisti6653]

@WannaBes the stock ecu map changes as more intake and more exhaust are added, give it a try it cost nothing. If you don't like it you can dump your $1000 on an ecu. My wish list is waaaay to long to spend money on things I can get for free.

[@petebusch9069]

@@jeffreysisti6653 Its not the same, you comparing apples to oranges.

[@jeffreysisti6653]

@Pete Busch please explain. And as I've said, the O2 sensor on these bikes will not allow for more fuel as you think. Try it, it's free. If you don't like it spend your money on something else.

[@petebusch9069]

@@jeffreysisti6653 Fuel Dongle

[@Jeremybaland]

My 2022 2 stroke XCW300 is street legal. It is awesome that I have a plate on that bike.

[@BraaapoholicBob]

Well done instructional video. I bought a 2020 and now I’ve owned it two years. If you are a serious off-road rider you have to expect to put another $3,000 into the bike to make it rideable. At a minimum protection and a vortex for other brand ECU are a must. My bike is an absolute rocket and it’s a blast to ride but if you’re used to riding for instance a 300 two-stroke in the tight stuff you will find this bike is a lot to handle. There’s no perfect bike but this bike opens up a lot of riding area for me.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Well said. It's a bit frustrating you have to spend so much to make a new bike off road worthy, but it is what it is. I agree it's a lot of bike, it's gotten away a few times with impressive results, lol. Check out our Instagram for those clips 🤣🤣🤦‍♂️

[@philgoogle1535]

You've done a detailed and thoughtful review. Thanks👍

[@ridewherever]

Ok, you’ve convinced me to buy one.

[@MJ-yc2fc]

Great videos! I’m on a 22 500 15hrs so far, check out the brp stabilizer mounts they have a sub mount with vibration damping

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I will, thanks for that tip. We're likely gonna test a few options and do a video on how well they work.

[@Jaysrippen]

I recommend trying the setting 1 on your beleve spring washer, reduced cluch pull and we havent had wear/slip issues either (few years now on setting 1).

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I just threw in the rekluse core manual and I did drop the Bellevue spring pre load. But, I didn't notice that much difference from it really (video is up). I've got the clever lever on as well and that is TRICK! Also have a video coming on that.

[@Lracer61]

I love my 2020, 70 hours and no problems. Great bike to ride and modify

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Absolutely! Awesome bike!

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

Thank God here in Australia we get your xcw 500 with compliance plate.

[@FrenchyRider574]

Oh really !? They are branded as EXC in Australia though. I'm in Sydney and I just bought the 2022 500 EXC. Do that mean they have better fueling and more power ?

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

@@FrenchyRider574 lol if your in Australia

[@tonychambers6275]

Got a 2018 350 over 300 hours never had to touch the valves still on original piston the key is maintenance

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

That’s awesome! Totally agree. Maintenance is key for sure

[@crandall777]

Very helpful video for me. I'm 65 in fair shape and shopping for a bike to putt around on. I've got it narrowed down to ktm 500 or 690. I think I can still ride lol this is the first of your videos I've seen , good job

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Thank you! The 500 is a great option. Can stand in as a light adventure bike if you build it that way.

[@philbuck365]

I'm 62 I'm looking to get the huskavarna 500 basically there same bike but progressive rear suspension . At our age don't think about it to long life is short .

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

@@philbuck365 do it!! That’s a great bike!

[@stevecarmack6267]

@@philbuck365I’m 66 and have a 690 and am planning on switching to the 500. The weight and off road performance is the main reason. I use the 690 as a dual sport and have traveled 3/4 across the country on the TAT. There were places I would have been happier with a lighter bike than the 690. I also ride a 300xcw for single track and the 500 is much closer to the 300’s weight than the 690 is. About a 100lbs. Good luck with what ever you do and enjoy!

[@carolmcglade9351]

Hey bud, look at the Mako 360 bar mounts. I put those on my Husky 701 and it eliminated all of the vibration. I am 66 and my hands and wrists didn't bother me after installing their system. Mike McGlade.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Yup, it's on my to-do list to try!

[@2wheelsoffroad730]

Great vid. Getting a revalved suspension can make a huge difference in how the bike rides in the desert. IMO the suspensions are too soft for higher speed riding. The bikes get a little twitchy and harder to manage on larger whoop sections and g-outs stock. I personally get my KTM suspensions done by Kreft moto Midwest motorsports 1-finger clutch lever works great. Lightens the clutch pool and saves on changing the clutch out. I also like their 1 finger front brake lever. I prefer "stiffer" brakes so I can feel the edge of traction better in the desert but thats more of a personal preference. Enduroplate has a break-off plate holder that saves on some fender damage.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Yup, we mostly ride Enduro, so soft works well. I actually have installed the clever lever since shooting this vid.

[@mikebels719]

I have the ‘22 six days 500 exc-f. It’s awesome so far. I am 6’7” and it’s super comfortable for me

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Nice, always liked the 6 days graphics

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

6 7" damn I'm riding around with 29" inseam which is a bitch with the new bikes. You can throw your bike around where my bike throws me around instead lol. Stay safe and enjoy riding

[@liberatorxxx]

I have 2018 ktm 500 since new, 72 hrs, 2200 miles, only maintenance done is front fork seals.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Nice!

[@JohnTucci-yw7gm]

Great review. No nonsense. Thanks!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Hell ya!!🔥🤙🏻

[@Heartlanddualsport]

Very nicely done on this video sir, Thank you for taking the time to share this and Know, you have a new sub my friend. Thanks again and have a blessed weekend. Dale

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I appreciate the feedback! Glad this was helpful.

[@christoforospilitsis541]

What do you exc owners think about the close gap from 4th to 5th,and the long gap from 5th to 6th? 2017+ model years.

[@smidge1872]

What's up sorry I missed your name. I have a 2108 250 EXC F with 565.4 hours on it. I had a new top end put in at about 250 hours and still on the original clutch plates! The clutch is done, but impressive. Have you heard of any EXC F's with 500 plus hours? Curious if you have heard about anyone rebuilding the bottom end? and if so were they happy? How much? Hoping to make it with this bike until the 2023 EXC F's come out. Noticed your CDSR stickers I'm a member up in Santa Barbara the Central Coast Chapter. Sicass makes a great skinny multi function switch that your clutch lever won't hit. Thanks for the video just found your channel so I'll be checking out your interviews!!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Hey 👋. Nope, don't know anyone who's had rebuilt this engine. But we have a video coming soon of a 300 we rebuilt recently, top and bottom. I imagine the 500 will be similar (but with valves). I've got that Sicass switch. There a recent video up where I show how I installed mine. I'll have a video up shortly if the rekluse manual clutch I installed. My original plates looked just fine too at 100 hours.

[@dereckrodriguez9688]

A buddy of mine made it 500 hours on the same top end, another buddy has 1,000 hours with a top end rebuild but still on same bottom end

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Nice! I doubt I'll make it anywhere near that long, I'm super hard on mine.

[@dereckrodriguez9688]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes my buddies stunt theirs. Wheelies only and plenty of rev limiter coasters so I think you should be fine

[@leanit5756]

Just bought a 22. Had a 19. Terrific bike, but damn what is up with the engine vibration? I don't get why they don't balance them so they would run smooth like a DRs or XT or WRR. I tried a CRF450L and it was just as bad. Just feels like they are shaking themselves apart, adds fatigue and detracts from impression of build quality. Anyhow great video!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

That's an interesting question. I actually don't notice that, but I could just have gone numb :). I came off of a Beta390 which seemed the same as the 500. But I'm also comparing against the 300 two stroke we have on crew and that's waaaay worse, lol.

[@garrett08322]

I love my 2021. Way to tall though. I couldn't stop dropping it. I had to lower an 1-1/2" and get a low profile seat concepts seat. Other than that it's awesome.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

It's tall for sure. I'm 6 foot and struggle. But, the trick is to stay up on the pegs. The ground clearance is great!

[@philgoogle1535]

I lowered my 690 40mm as I'm new to this and like you, dropping the bike alot. I was told by a very experienced short female rider just to "offset" on tall bikes. In other words, shift your arse sideways off the seat BEFORE you stop. It sounds simple and it makes sense but I find it hard to turn it into a habit. But if I could. I'd raise my 690's suspension tomorrow.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Offsetting is the trick, but that's off you're into hitting obstacles etc.

[@phenri4809]

I lived in S America for years and lots of vertically challenged people there, NO ONE lowered their offroad bikes, EVERYONE offset. I had a short 5'3" Japanese lady do a tour with me, when she could she'd offset but she would stand up when coming to a stop, swing her leg off and stand to the side, left foot on peg still. Light would turn green, and she'd take off, standing up and swinging her leg back over the seat.

[@magnusjsvensson]

Very good review,have a 22 ! Here in sweden uncorked without blinkers and mirrors ,a torque monster! But easy to ride ,well made ! Link vs pds? Hade husky 501 19 and i cant feel anything better with that.ride hard but safe! Difficult one😀

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I like that you don't have to worry about the linkage hitting rocks.

[@magnusjsvensson]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes absolut! and no maintenance taking apart and grease bearings ,more tim to ride!👍👏

[@gophop]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes 2lbs lighter, too.

[@jmlgl]

Really good and informative video !

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Glad it helped!

[@charliemccallum5660]

Great video! Wondering how you mounted your rear tugger strap? I’m running the Graves muffler so no room between fender and exhaust to put in traditional spot (for ‘20+ bikes anyway).

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Mine is on the two seat bolts. Even with a rear fender zip tied together, it still let's me pick up the bike securely when I need to.

[@Menz890]

Taco moto makes a nice slim light switch

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I have it on already actually. Video coming about the install for their switch.

[@scottc4433]

The only problem I’ve had with mine is how much cool shit people make for them . Hard to decide and expensive lol shout-out to taco moto and rocky mountain

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Hell yeah, that's why mine got so damn expensive 😂🤣

[@robsonenduro3316]

I put over 600 hours on mine 500 exc-f 2017 so I can tell you it's worthy :)

[@snousnou321]

There's a bug or something screwing around in the background at 8:08 xD good vid btw

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Yeah, you weren't supposed to notice 🤣🤣. The studio was under construction and that was a side effect 🙄. Glad you liked the video 👏

[@snousnou321]

***edit on my ktm 2021 500exc-f i found that the ''rear splash guard'' near the swing arm rub against the base of the rear shock and weardown the aluminium :/ take a look at yours

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

It's close, but I don't see any damage on mine. Will def keep an eye though. Thanks!

[@bradl45]

NICE Build!! I love 500s, 3 things 1. I wired in a garmen gps mount direct to the battery, rode, put bike in garage, loaded up to ride the next day, unloaded at location, bike was dead, was parked on a great hill, fiddled with rekluse cs to bump start, tried many bump starts, but wouldn't fire without battery juice :( Walked back up hill to get truck to go get bike and go home. I did it WRONG, relays ROCK!! 2. Had a brain injury: lost balance, didn't ride much for 3 years, totally out of ride shape, arm pump, wrist ,elbow and shoulder pain, riding on my first dirt road I was questioning why I even ride. Jumped on my daughters bike(with a Scott's stabilizer), I got some some relief . I wanted to ride so bad, I started to throw $$ at it. Forks tuned by Stillwell, rubber mounted Scott's, then flexxbars, ALL helped me, next build I'd like to try the mako360 over the flexxbars, just to see(1000s of ways to tackle this I'm sure). % helped Tuned forks 50% Plush on top, forks ride high in stroke, Soooooooooooooo NICE! I should of done this years ago. Small rocks just go away. Scott's, at least 20%, set pretty high, but when turning bars slowly, couldn't feel any dampening, turned up to high would warp my mind. Good looking bling too, lol. Flexxbars 30% I was shocked after the suspension and scott's that the bars provided so much relief to my joints, the Scotts, and suspension really helped with arm pump. Incrementally you can find lots of relief. I'm researching for my next set of grips now. 3, I need a chin mount, so glad you mentioned that in your video, you web store is opened up now :) Question? When my bike wouldn't turn over, I took my gps out of the mount and let it dangle on its tether, I accidentally crushed it between the forks and frame(expensive mistake), I need another gps, do you like using your trail tech unit? does it come with software to make and edit tracks? Riding at Big bear looks SO fun(and lots of work) exceptional footage, thanks for sharing. I've watched footage from races there....Someday I'd like to run that. Such a rant, lol

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I'm for sure gonna get a stabilizer at some point. I'm also gonna get into the suspension soon too. I know those two things will help. Appreciate your thoughts on the flexxbars. I've heard good things. Just hadn't got to them yet. Totally agree on the relay, it's been great! Yup, our store is open. Shop.wannabes.life.

[@wfodavid]

Good stuff man.

[@CRYMEARIVER-S4]

What kind of bugs os your building infested with you can see them crawling on the wood behind you.

[@travi_0182]

10:20 bug is trippin me out lol. would you rather have the 501 for more on road with the difference in suspension?

[@Zayas0ne]

Thanks

[@captainamerica9353]

This is pretty good played back at .85 speed.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I talk too fast sometimes for sure. Thanks for the hint 🙂

[@captainamerica9353]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes , ha, hope you are really not mad at me! But yeah, it was too much for me until slowing it down. Seriously, it would prolly be perfect at .90 ! Good information, though.

[@bugbiteaudio]

DUDE!!! at 8:06 There is a bug that is clearly stalking you on the wall back to your left! I hope that you survived!!!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

You weren't supposed to notice 🤣🤣🤣🤣. Yeah, we have since solved that little issue.

[@bugbiteaudio]

IT'S BACK!!! 19:23

[@bugbiteaudio]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes Persistent bug but EXCELLENT REVIEW!!!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

🙏🙏🙏

[@Mxbdt]

Thats Harold he comes an goes.

[@DesertVetRider]

If you're 6' and the bike is a reach for you, then I am screwed only being 5'9 and a 32" inseam.

[@colbyclark2479]

I want one so bad but dont have $15-20k laying around at the moment, maybe next year!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

They are annoyingly expensive. Twice what I spent on my last bike, it's crazy.

[@colbyclark2479]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes Ya, they are truly amazing bikes though. I live in south FL so I would be doing a ton of city riding and also dirt/fire roads with occasional sandy/grass single track on private property. This bike would be PERFECT for my situation....just the price though

[@stanleykania7184]

Love my bike too

[@mattsutube]

Likely won't get a reply as this video has been up for a while. I also have Cycra Probend Ultra with HCM, handlebar clamp mounts. Is your clutch hydraulic line making contact with the left Cycra bracket also ? I see no way of alleviating this baring possibly going with Cycra's "U" shaped bar brackets. Thanks. And thanks for your informative channel.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I’ve never had issues with the clutch line hitting the bar guards. I run my levers tilted pretty far down, so that might be part of it. I also slid my levers pretty far inwards on the bars because I only use one finger on each.

[@mattsutube]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes thanks for taking time to give me a great response. Your solution seems simple and eloquent. Since my post I bolted on cycra's bar clamps designed for ktm's exc-f stock bars. Work great with no clutch line issues. Thanks!

[@bingoberra18]

When you say "used" or "use" is that a local accent or is it just you saying it like that? Just got really curious cause I never heard that before.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I don't know honestly. Never thought about it. Probably a bit of both. We're in Southern California, so there's very likely some accent 🤷‍♂️

[@Tommytmoto]

whos your friend at 1019

[@JULESRULES9969]

Have you heard anything about the Chinese GPX bikes or ridden with any of the ktm clones? Nice bike!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I don't know anything about those unfortunately. I've heard some are getting pretty good, but never seen one in person.

[@teach1644]

Chinese GPX here. Awesome bike. 2000 hours hard riding no problems!!!

[@tagecarlsson4942]

Keep it up 🤘

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Thanks! We plan too :)

[@maxflight777]

They just don’t need a steering stabiliser !

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

For sure!

[@mrtimhawk1]

What yr model was your Beta 390?

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

2018

[@yukonadventurexc]

How is it on tighter trails and rocky areas? I have a 2014 250xc with all the upgrades and suspension etc but ordered a 2023 500 and worried it might be a top big difference on the tighter stuff. I want something road worth though. I even made my 250xc road legal but man it sucks on the road.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

It's a tad heavier than a 2 stroke, but I haven't had any issues in technical stuff or tight single track. You can see in our shorts section clips of the gnarly riding we get after and how this bike gets through.

[@yukonadventurexc]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes appricate the reply. Up here in Yukon it's a little more room but some tighter stuff. Probably going to get it by the 15th so I'd love to come back and leave a little review.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Love to hear your take!

[@finnkane7774]

@@yukonadventurexc hey dude what was your thoughts on the 500 in the tight stuff now you have had the bike a while? I too am in the situation you were in, had a 2017 250xc road registered and loved it off-road but sucked on road between trails. I now want the 500 to enjoy off-road still but more friendly on the road. Friends tell me it will feel too exhausting in the tight stuff (yet none of them own one or have ridden one lol) but I’v sold myself on the 500, would be super interested to hear your thoughts as you’ve gone from the same 250xc to the 500. Thanks man

[@yukonadventurexc]

@@finnkane7774 At the end of last year i managed to get it in some tighter stuff and honestly it performed amazing even with no ECU or engine upgrades. The feeling exhausting statement is a major myth as this is lighter than my 2014 250XC just feels a little bulkier. Its also actually easier to ride because you can do everything in 1st or 2nd gear in the tight stuff. It lugs up hills and has way less wheel spin if you end up getting caught up. On my 250 i was on the clutch more because i was changing gear a lot more and worried about whiskey throttling it. Even though the 500 has the power its just a lot smoother of a delivery. Not as fun or challenging as the 250 but for me its easier and you can do 90% of the stuff i do the same or better. I've had a couple flame outs on my 500 but its fixed with an ECU. Then on the highway and in the streets its not even a competition, i felt bad riding my 250 on the streets even for a few minutes because it was screaming. 500 does have probably the same vibration as the 250 due to it being a single cylinder. Any other questions fire away.

[@gerardocudich2982]

Did you change the gears so it's more suitable for trail riding ? Iam thinking of buying one but some say it's to much for trails and wears you out what do you think ?

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Oh yeah, I should have talked about that. I run 13/52 so it's waaay lower geared than stock. I didn't talk about that because I consider this to be Enduro gearing and I do it to all my bikes.

[@gerardocudich2982]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes with 13/52 can you still ride on the freeway 65- 70 mph ?

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Yeah, I don't much. But when I need to I can cruise at 65 easily. I've run up to about 70 on occasion.

[@stillbingrude]

Thought I'd share my opposite experience. First off, I still love KTM. Bought a new from dealer 2020 500 EXC-F which proceeded to completely grenade in less than 30 hours. Engine currently at Tacomoto waiting for parts to completely rebuild :'( If anyone knows where to find a conrod kit in stock for my bike please reply/message me

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I had a beta that was a total lemon. Guess there are no guarantees.

[@gophop]

They come with a 6mo warranty. What did the dealer say?

[@stillbingrude]

@@gophop only in USA. Mine was bought in Africa. Told me I’m out of luck. I even contact KTM headquarters in Austria and they’re like nope

[@gophop]

@@stillbingrude that's pretty shitty.

[@teach1644]

Wow

[@stanleykania7184]

245 lbs !!

[@andrewbecker3700]

If someone told me it was gonna cost 20k. to go hard enduro riding, I would have to pass. I don't even have 15k. into my modded '21 yz450f, and one thing I know is KTMs are a money pit. Everyone I've known who went that route had major repairs on the machine within 3 years of ownership. If you can afford to buy a new one every 2 years it's all good. Stick with Yamaha and Honda for reliability.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I hear you, they're expensive. The money pit thing is a choice though. I like tinkering and upgrading. The Honda/Yamaha reliability stuff is just urban legend though. Maybe in the old days when KTM first started, but these days they're top shelf and super reliable. They're also a class above Honda in performance for Enduro riding and Yamaha doesn't do Enduro so not really a comparison.

[@andrewbecker3700]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes The idea that a KTM is some sort of specialized enduro machine is more of an urban legend. I don't enjoy stock machines, so I'm talking about heavily modified bikes set up for high speed desert and hard enduro. The whole point is spending double the amount for a KTM doesn't get you a better machine. I'm no engineering expert, but from the research I've done, the Yamaha 4 strokes are at the top of the list for reliability. I've always thought of KTM as the rich snob brand.

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

To each their own. I've ridden Honda for a lot of years and would never go back.

[@YTisAbunchOFfascists]

Kinda pointless that youre even here. Maybe you didnt notice the glaring, repeating theme in both your comments. Clif Notes: You couldnt afford a KTM, your friends could, so you hate on it. Youre jealous, cope.

[@brendonnel6593]

My 2012 xcw has 300+ enduro and fast two track on it and the only repairs I've had to do to it was the steel putty on my oil cover after flipping it on a hill climb.

[@alexclarke3534]

I just bought a new 2022 husky 501. Haven’t tried it’s new ktm cousin but let me tell u, the husky is the biggest piece of crap I’ve ever owned in my life. I have nothing good to say about it

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

That's too bad. That's how I felt about the Beta I had before.

[@dereckrodriguez9688]

What makes you say that? My buddies 16 fe501s has about 340 hours. He beats the dog shit out of it. Wheelies it, and drops it daily and is still running great. He has done one valve adjustment or 2 since he’s owned it. Another buddy of mine has 1,000 hours on his and the bike was running great until a car hit him.

[@alexclarke3534]

@@dereckrodriguez9688 as soon as I picked it up I rode 300m to get fuel and realized the cheap ass braketech brakes and terribly unbalanced suspension made it worse to ride than a TTR250. The power delivery is terrible. It’s underpowered, and down low rpm sneaking through single trails the power it’s unresponsive and it’s on and off. I found it really wasn’t worth riding at all without an exhaust and an Athena ecu. So there’s another $2000. The vibration is so bad when u put your weight on the pegs you can’t see properly because your eyes r vibrating. I took it back and the dealer replaced the crankshaft and bearings but said the manufacturer wouldn’t support them with tech specs for the crank so they couldn’t measure the run out and balance which they were very disappointed about. So they just replaced it hoping for the best. Which did absolutely nothing. The mechanic said unfortunately all the 2022 4 strokes he’s predelivered had horrific vibration it’s just how they are. I took the tank off to check the spark plug and the spark plug boot was perished from the factory it just fell to bits. The brakes have been recalled because they spit the pads out and people r crashing. (my buddies 300 did this btw) the indicator switch gets jammed when u try to indicate left. The transmission ratios r strange. 4th and 5th gear r very very close like u don’t even shift then to 6th is a huge gap and it bogs down. It’s just a piece of crap all round I’ll never buy another husqvarna especially now I know they won’t even support their own dealer properly. It’s become blatantly obvious to me why the brand has gone broke so many times in the past .

[@dereckrodriguez9688]

@@alexclarke3534 damn man that sounds horrible. I appreciate the feedback. I didn’t know it the current issues were that extensive. I think I’ll keep away from those years and go for a ktm 500

[@TheLostAdventuress]

so many bugs crawlingg

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

I know, studio was incomplete at the time. It wasn't a great day, lol.

[@einhundertfunfzig4919]

Grammatical error in the thumbnail

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Uh oh, what did I miss?

[@einhundertfunfzig4919]

@@ExtremeSportsWannaBes Egine

[@Turboprop130]

Go get a mechanical license please.