300 hr review, 2019 KTM 500 EXC-F. I'm done.

Probably my last review on the KTM 500 EXC. Find out why….
All the things:
-IMS 17L tank
-Bajaworx Enduro Screen
-Custom seat by Topline Seats, Seaford (no longer in business)
-Highway Dirt Bikes Ultimate handguards with integrated fold-out mirrors
(anodised by Collins Anodic Treatment in Blackburn)
-HDB Modular dash & Display mount
-Super mount for headlight
-Baja XL80 headlight with adjustable surround by Moto Minded
-Heat Demon heated grips
-Grip Puppies
-Flush mount rear turn signals
-DIY Acrylic licence plate holder
-MSC Moto steering damper
-Pivot Pegs Mk3
-CJ Designs footpeg extensions
-Hammerhead forged brake/shift levers
-P3 Carbon Header pipe heat shield
-P3 Carbon Enduro skid plate
-Force radiator guards
-Golan fuel filter
-Vortex ECU
-suspension tuned by Chads Offroad Setups
-KKE Wheels
-Rack by Globetrottin’
Build videos:
…IMS 17L tank, • IMS 17L fuel tank inst...
…Screen, Seat, Mirrors, • Common questions answe...
…Headlight, • The KTM 500 EXC is eve...
…Whole front end build, • Front-end build of my ...
…Steering Damper, • MSC moto steering damp...
…LED indicators, • How to stop all four L...
…LED indicators with DIY KTM connectors, • LED indicators on KTM ...
…Footpegs, • Size matters. Big feet...
…Fuel filters, • Quick connect fuel fil...
…Globetrottin rack, • Globetrottin' rear lug...
…KKE Wheels, • a REAL cush hub on the...
Like this vid? Buy me a coffee at ko-fi.com/keith...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Discounts from this channel:
Carpuride Bluetooth CarPlay / Android Auto nav units: carpuride.com/...
Get $50 off with Coupon Code: KEITHJOB
EngDuro DoubleTrak tool*: engduro.com/ke...
Get 10% off with Coupon Code: keithjob
Fodsports helmet intercoms www.fodsports....
For 12% off your purchase enter Coupon Code: Keith
All my music is from Epidemic Sound. Get a 60-day free trial using this link: share.epidemic...
See something on the bike you like? There's probably a video.. Check these playlists:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All my KTM 500 EXC videos:
• KTM 500 EXC-F 2019
All my Ride Tech and Gear videos:
• Ride Tech and Gear
All my Ride videos:
• Ride videos
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My camera gear:
- Helmet mount: Sony FDR X3000
- Sony AS300
- Canon G7X II
- Canon 70D
- iPhone 11

[@user-nn7xr9hb1e]

Mate, please keep making content. Most informative and relative, and real info I’ve come across Thanks

[@ddacaro3625]

Ditto

[@joe2_515]

My statistics for the first 300 hrs on an 08 KTM 530 were $1.74/Km & $0.86/Hr. What a fantastic bike at 600 hrs so far!

[@Fayettepropertysolutions]

No issues for you at 600 miles?

[@jamescaudill1248]

I hear 2008 has oil migration issues. Great bikes but certain years are hit/miss

[@markoskakun]

Something seems odd. You traveled ~0.5km/Hr (0.86/1.74)?

[@Outerlane]

You're not wasting our time on these videos no matter what bike you're reviewing. Mate, We could watch you make videos about the 500 all day no matter how many times. I think I've gone back and watched nearly every single video you've made so far. I had been without a bike for a couple of years and thought it was about time to get one, Stumbled across your videos and channel last November. You give the most honest, relatable and in-depth information, Bought a 21 ktm500 the next day.

[@keithjob]

Thanks! Honest info is my goal here...

[@mhilde7744]

Keith-THANK YOU for your work and experience with the 500! Your channel has been a wealth of tips and information!👍

[@djantix1200]

I appreciate your honest reviews and transparency with this bike. I have a '13 500EXC and it has been the best bike for me that I have ever owned. Cheers

[@anposen4637]

Pure info. No bullshit. Love it, don't stop making videos

[@TheIdlesurfer]

Brilliant videos from a man without ego, and that mate, is meant as a compliment. I have watched all your vids because you always have something interesting to say. And (again mate, this is a compliment) you are a proper bike nerd and we need them on KZbin. Superb riders just make us regular blokes feel inadequate but your vids give us real world info. Good onya and I look forward to the next vid.

[@garyoneill8868]

Awesome review Keith. Rare to see real costs associated with bikes as well too.

[@djnmv]

Thanks for all the informative videos on the 500 Keith! It has been of great interest to me as I also have one. Would like to see more content from you if you feel up to making it, even if it's further content on the 500 (repeated or not)! Your informative trip videos have been great as well. I'd be keen to see a video of good tracks/sections of the high country for riding and views etc, if of course you would be willing to share that kind of thing to everyone.

[@wallishaines7247]

28000+km, 450+hrs, just bought a 2023 ktm 1290 super adventure r, 500 is still strong going to do almost a complete top rebuild and bearings in suspension new oil etc. hard to let go as the 500 is still strong although i am religous on 15hrs with one or two 30hrs services.

[@maccas44]

Have been wondering where you have been. I will watch anything you put together Keith. Like the way you do stuff good on ya mate

[@Dave.S.TT600]

i've been following these vids now and again..very helpful real world trail bike info THANKS

[@lucasdanielwall]

Hey mate. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos over the past year when I got my 2023 ktm 500 excf. Keep up the good work

[@brianmartindale2221]

I've enjoyed your journey with that bike

[@AlexKost-tq6bj]

Definitely please keep making content, SO helpful! I recently got a KTM 500 and your channel was a big reason for that. SO STOKED.

[@PNWMotoKeith]

Absolutely my favorite 500exc channel, I have a 2018 that is kitted out very similar to yours for BDRs here in the states. I hope you find ways to keep making valued content. Cheers

[@limbandtreeremoval]

Yes, please keep it coming... Your humility is also a valuable blessing for ALL of us watching (living via you) Love from Richmond Virginia

[@billness2635]

I still have my 2014 500 that now has 15,500 miles on it. Like you, I’ve done just about everything and gone everywhere, including MX track racing, Hare Scrambles, desert racing, mountains etc without fail! It’s by far the best motorcycle I’ve ever had in 50 years of riding!

[@julianhill7223]

Thanks Keith, this series has been such an inspiration that has encouraged me to do the same, I couldn't be happier with the bike, your honesty, tell it how it is installs trust, top man and thanks again

[@EugeneYunak]

thank you Keith, i stumbled onto this channel with your first 500 video and have been following ever since! great work, awesome bike, keep riding and making these videos mate!

[@jimwood1068]

Cheers Keith. Helped me massively with my 500. Your channel was the bible. I look forward to what's next mate. Cheers. Jim. Uk

[@quentendawson81]

Hi Keith, Love your honest reporting and looking forward to the next one. Interesting to see what you are going to do with the 500!

[@elliot7179]

Thanks again Keith , very thorough review over multiple years

[@mohaganjr]

I’ve watched your vids since you bought this bike. I have an exc450 six days so very similar. I agree. I love the bike and it’s a super capable bike and thank you for the years of good vids 👍🏼

[@MrEtnorb]

Couldn’t agree more. Had mine for 5 years, similar mods but only travelled 100 hrs/7000 km as I also owned a DR790 and KTM 690 in that period. I did a huge amount of research in 2018 before deciding the 500 is the way to go and everything you say is correct. My oil changes are at 1500-2000km and might check the valves again after 4 years. Incidentally, am following an excellent world traveller story in Advrider of an Austrian riding his CRF450L. He has just passed 60,000km with similar oil changes to KJ’s maintenance and no reliability problems. This on another supposedly high maintenance single with recommended 20,000 mile engine rebuild. I’m convinced that these modern motors can take anything a normal rider can throw at them and the doubters should shut up and move on.

[@TheMadMonkey3]

Quck question! 100hrs on enduro bikes equates to 7000kms?

[@MrEtnorb]

@@TheMadMonkey3 I ride relatively easy dirt trails and rural roads with some linking sections of sealed roads, hence the 70 kph average. You will find that bikes used for enduros and single trails will typically average 30 kph and these are the ones to be careful about buying. Mind you, I am closer to 70 than 60 now, hence the easy terrain.

[@C_R_O_M________]

Yeah I agree. My conspiratorial self thinks that if these bikes were marketed by big companies as capable of passing high mileage marks with minimal maintenance, their big adventure sales would drop. Hence their owner's/service manual is devoted to address only the extreme use of these bikes and no one can blame them for doing so. After all they ARE extremely capable, almost race ready enduro bikes.

[@etiennecfourie777]

Time, effort, tips much appreciated Keith!

[@nickg2431]

Great video Keith, Fantastic bike ,Hell of a cost....

[@tigerrider6711]

27,000km on my fe501 and it still runs excellent. It works so well I have no desire to work the kinks out of a new bike and value my riding time more than turning wrenches.

[@charlietuna1971]

Thanks for the vids and all the great info over the years. Love my 500.

[@wayde4192]

Honest and comprehensive information. Great channel . Ride on Keith.

[@garthc8]

Hi Keith, keep the videos of travels going. In a cold wet winter in the UK whilst pounding out the indoor cycle, your videos are greatly appreciated.

[@kiwipilot407]

Great stuff. Got one myself and always watch your videos with interest. Safe riding Keith.

[@cathy2128]

Thanks Keith, I've enjoyed every moment and kilometre of your journey and I hope you keep entertaining and teaching us.

[@C_R_O_M________]

Your journey with this bike has been a great source of info for the big EXC. I think you covered all bases and kudos to you for the work, time and detailed monitoring of this bike's status. A simple and reliable bike like that will soon run out of themes to publish and I understand your decision. Mine, a 2012 model, is now at 16.000kms and 408 hours and runs like the day I bought it (perhaps even better - the shop I bought it from changed the oil and put in an inferior brand and I had some clutch issues for the first 10kms then I immediately changed it back to Motorex and the bike immediately got sorted) at 160 hours and a LOT less kms. The fuel pump haven't shown any signs of failure yet and as a previous owner of a 990 Adventure R which I had from new up to about 110.000 kms without ever having a problem with the pump (not so with its in-tank filters), I am not worried. I just make sure I don't run the gas tank empty. Ever! I believe you did run it empty at some point and that might have played a role with your issue. I don't see why a simple electric motor like the OEM pump should fail after only 300 hours. It doesn't make sense to me as I don't recall any wear items in there but maybe I'm wrong. This bike is amazing. Period! Thank you again for these segments on the 500EXC. Cheers from Greece. P.S. About your fear on repeating the same info about the 500, I'd say: "No man ever steps in the same river twice", borrowed from Heraclitus.

[@stevensoto8119]

Keith I agree 100% The KTM 500 is a legend bike. I’ve owned 3 different 500’s throughout the years. And they’re a bulletproof machine. I currently have a 2021 Sixdays model with a Rekluse clutch. The bike is unstoppable. I always make my friends look like rookies in the hard endure stuff. Happy Trails

[@ride4adventure]

Cheers Keith, your videos heavily influenced my decision to buy a 500 myself and I have to agree with everything you have said in my experience so far. It is a 2nd bike for me but I am slowly adventurising it as my trips look to get more technical. I still mostly use it for single track work but for more desert and sandy track trips in the future, it will be my bike of choice and your mods help me pick what will be necessary. Looking forward to the new stuff.

[@race8427]

THX Keith for all the great work! Your video productions project your honesty, sincerity and an acute mechanical aptitude 👍. It’s been a joy to follow along on your adventures and see the amazing land down under! Cheers!

[@AlpineTreeCare]

Dream of owning this bike but unrealistic here in Scotland. Thoroughly enjoyed all your videos and hope they continue, they have been a great window to another world.

[@C_R_O_M________]

Why is it unrealistic? Regulations?

[@gorongo4202]

The metric that matters most is smiles per mile. Sounds like the KTM gets more than a heavier bike, and that above all else is what I’m here for. I’m doing the same type of testing on a 2019 Fe501 in the western USA. Cheers.

[@davidbrown9550]

I don't normally comment on KZbin, but I'm going to make an exception. Keith, I've enjoyed your videos and found them very informative. Even though I ride the older 530 EXC, a lot of your info has been transferable. I think it would be interesting to hear how things are to 400+ hours as that is in the realms of a secondhand bike and let's face it no one throws away a serviceable bike because of its hours. In short mate, there still lots to learn keep up the good work.

[@Paul_R_Canada]

Thank you Keith , ride on, looking forward to some of your adventures to come...

[@BMXaster]

Gonna pull the trigger next July and buy a 2025 Husky 501, sooo excited and your videos only give me more confidence that this is the endgame bike!

[@hdan1867]

Hello Keith, very nice video and EPIC summary...looking forward to watch your new series!!! Cheers, H.

[@cameronmorris6661]

Hi Can't wait for the next story's you have and adventures. You and all the guys like you make Weekends fun and things to look forward too. Have a KTM 530 WHICH is my little beast

[@johnmcnamara1134]

Thanks for sharing your journey with the KTM 500. My 2020 500 just passed 20,000km and 500 hours. It has many of the mods you suggested and easily managed a Simpson crossing and some outback trips, however most of my time is enduro riding. All the best.

[@aaahillshandyman..bellavis864]

Have you done a top and bottom end rebuild?

[@johnmcnamara1134]

@@aaahillshandyman..bellavis864 , No and the bike runs perfectly.

[@MLS_Adventure]

Well done. I've watched every episode from beginning to end. Thank you for the excellent content, you make it seem like we're friends. I look forward to your next adventure.

[@Justvisiting498]

I love your analysis...Conclusion, we only care about smiles per mile. Ive never wasted one single dollar on my bikes.

[@ethermal1]

Great work, I have a 17 501 with 300+ hours. my consumable and mods are a pittance compared to yours. For example I simply swapped the seat rest is stock. But awesome bike. Mine did double duty as dirt and snow machine so has lived a very demanding life still feels as strong as it did on day one and has plenty of life left in it. I agree checking valves on a KTM is a waste of time

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

Hey mate ,let me say you started me on my ktm unicorn 🦄 build ,I have been a ktm tragic since I finnished racing huskys back in the day, as u know I have a few ktms but my rally bike build useing some parts u have suggested 😉 was an awesome help. This is probably one bike I will keep, me and everyone else still want to see your trip away mate don't be a you tube stranger, best regards Allen.

[@timjrvine]

You are one of the reasons I bought my 501, loved ya work

[@chrisoffersen]

Many thanks ! Looking forward to seeing your next journey.

[@stuartsmith8476]

Thanks Keith, enjoyed your videos, informative and well presented. In fact after doing many hours of reseach in trying to determine which bike to buy, 2T/4T, enduro/dual sport etc, your videos convinced me to buy a '20 500. And, I love it! Cheers!

[@keithjob]

Well that is great to hear! Thanks for the feedback!

[@bradsanders6954]

Thanks! It is SUCH an individual thing, as to what dual sport or ADV bike works for a person. Ive had all sorts. Including 4 KTM 4 stroke singles all having been plated. I dont know why Im such a sucker for the things. All 4 proved to be too big for local singletrack, and certainly no treat going down the road. But they are SO cool. To sit on one of these for say, a 600 mile day like Ive done on various bikes, is just insane. A tall skinny buzzing dirtbike with a plate. 12" travel, for what? Its surely not needed for 90% of dual purpose or ADV riding, but Such Cool Bikes! If these 500's were meant to go down the road, KTM would have a cush hub on them from the get go, like their other ADV/dualsport bikes. As shown it takes a LOT of money to make one do what it was never meant to do. Aaron the long haul 500EXC guy started rebuilding his 500 engine at about the 20,000 mile mark, from then on it wasnt quite the solid bike it once was. 20,000 miles in reality, is not that far for a modern bike. Its pushing one's luck on a 500EXC. Getting off and on a bike as tall as a 500EXC over a multi day ride, just that part can wear incredibly thin, if your a tough guy it doesnt matter. Ive had many KTM's since the 80's.....Over 15 for sure, mostly 2 strokes that all worked great and held up great. No bike is perfect or even close, Ive got an 890R currently, with it's obvious limitations due to near 500lb weight. But it is such a great bike, love the 100HP, smooth all day on long days. A modern 690 may show up at some point.

[@andyholmes999]

Nice one Keith, ive enjoyed your vids so far, to the extent to buying a 2019 500exc-f, its just clocked over 15hrs now..... the shame!

[@DualSportDoug]

I have a 2019 450 EXC-F Six days. It has just barely over 1000 miles on it. It has become a garage queen due to lack of use!

[@yayoi1]

Barkbuster bar-end weights do a great job of reducing handlebar vibrations, then you can run heated grips or whatever kind you like.

[@gillesgenete9598]

Thank you so much fir your review. I ride my '21 500 like you, and have 7.000km on the clock. So far so good (only 1 fork seal change). Did not install a rear wgeel cush drive, having a front sprocket with rubber insert: I'll see how long my chain last. Ride safe ✌

[@martincrippen3107]

Thanks for all your videos. I do hope you continue. (I have a 2019 FE501 - I live on the east coast of the US)

[@peterjacobs355]

Great series of videos - convinced me to get one and leverage off your excellent insights. Thanks for the effort - much appreciated

[@jasminebebe3455]

Still in love with my 21' EXC500

[@frankderris8875]

Keith, you promised us an update on panniers for the 500, dont leave us hanging. I got the impression you were over the Moskomoto after you last video.

[@DsDex-zk1lx]

Let's hope you never run into an unexpected emergency that costs $34,000.

[@cyclemoto8744]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the 500. Will need to look at your other videos. Cheers

[@patinaz6758]

Thanks for all the vids!

[@mfranquemont1884]

Couple questions; What octane fuel did you commonly use? Fuel generally had ethanol or not? Did you use fuel additives? Any negatives to vortex ecu? Would you do Cush drive again or not worth the $? Any mods you still want to do? Any mods you wish you had NOT done? In searching for the ideal KTM 500, could you comment on model years to Look for/avoid? What, if any, satellite communication would you recommend? Keep up the good work; You are an inspiration!

[@keithjob]

Great questions! 98 whenever I can, but that is basically unavailable in the outback. Ethanol, never. Never used a fuel additive. Vortex...no negs that I know of. Cush drive... yes I would buy again (bling wheels ;-) Mods to do.. probably wished I'd tried rubber mounted bars earlier, but happy with the foam grips now. Mods to not bother.. the headlight is great, but a very expensive luxury. Probably wouldn't do that again. Models.. from what I know the 17-23 range are solid bikes. Not sure on the subframe construction/mounting on the 24. Sat comms... you're down to Iridium for phones as Thuraya went under. And Garmin inReach for two way messaging. I don't think SPOT4 works in Australia? That's what it seems like anyway. Cheers!

[@Jimo368]

I’m surprised at the insurance costs. Here in Canada I pay $325/year for my DRZ.

[@theruffiankj4164]

Love your videos, even though I don’t ride a ktm 500 , or live in OZ. From an old DR 650 rider in Southern Africa…

[@miker7851]

Have 250H on my OEM fuel pump. Going to get the taco moto one now and swap it out. Thanks.

[@Wolfman_NV]

Fantastic video thank you!

[@mabecka]

Thank's and cheers from Sweden! Your channel is really good!

[@markg7834]

As always, an excellent video. Thank you.

[@pierrekawa76]

Bonjour Keith,le piston vous ne l avez jamais changer ?et chaîne de distribution ? Merci😊

[@Jimmymotor]

I love my 500, but how do you not feel the vibrations! After a while my ass, feet, and lesser extent my hands go numb it vibrates so bad. I have a BRP submount and pillow top grips that help but the vibes through the pegs and seat are still terrible. Did yours vibrate much less with the cush hub? I’d say mines about 10x worse than my old drz400 for vibes

[@anthonyfox5337]

Thanks mate, really enjoyed the 500 EXC reviews.

[@Zobby447]

Keep the videos coming keith great channel

[@bmwlane8834]

Great vid! Agree on all points!

[@user-jt3wr4zl5w]

Great review of the 500 as always 👍

[@BillyBoblovesthedirt]

That’s an expensive bike to own and use. Nice bike but gee wiz when you break the costs down it’s an awful lot of dough for the average Joe.

[@grantsimmo]

Thanks for the very informative videos 👍

[@johnpublic168]

Walbro auto fuel pumps go 120000 miles same size

[@TheMotoBarista]

Have you found much improvement for your all-rounder riding style with the Vortex ECU? Worth the $1000?

[@itsboomtime]

thanks for your video, great information. did you ever put on or consider swapping the plastic oil pump gear for a metal one?

[@timsbike4887]

Cool! Well i have learnt heaps from you so a Huge thanks from me. Chhers Tim

[@MotoWorld777]

It's been a nice ride mate!

[@TonKlaver-hk2kp]

Hi Keith, did you ever changed the piston? My EXC500-2020 has about 14000 km on it and use it like you. No hard enduro

[@keithjob]

Nope haven't changed it.

[@fulloflead45]

Now I am starting to worry about my fuel pump. My 2020 500 xcfw has 502 hours, and I have never even taken the gas tank off. Have I just been super lucky?

[@FloridaDualSport]

What oil do you use? Thanks for all the info. Great channel!

[@robertandersson2523]

What about the "internal" cush drive you talked about long time ago? Isn't that enough?

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

Hi Keith. Hey just a question, do you know if other 500 adv bike users go upto 5000 klms between oil changes?

[@keithjob]

I haven't heard of anyone that goes that long between changes.

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

@@keithjob cheers man

[@JorgeGonzalez-ei6ft]

@@keithjob I'll keep my Crf Rally then. lol

[@ericdawson3425]

Well said

[@tonychoi768]

Beta 480? 390???

[@user-bi1yf5wg5o]

Yeah three ninety

[@ralfivarsson8191]

Hi. Have you changed the piston on the bike?😊

[@bravokiloromeo1]

Get a new bike, and begin the process of "Jobson-izing" it!

[@Fickoch]

Appreciate you man. Thanks for the info and all the work and help.

[@keithjob]

welcome!

[@travishimself1973]

I might upgrade the springs on my 24 500 too. I think I recall you used someone in Geelong??

[@ronanrogers4127]

Chads Off-road are down that way

[@krazed0451]

CFMOTO 450MT next? >_>

[@captainseahawk4803]

Adventure trials bike ?

[@ogasi1798]

my 500 is now at 300 hours and only 7k miles - of course my riding in uk is slower and more tech than out there so that explains that, fwiw it has needed nothing in repairs, amazing machine and it gets used a lot and for everything - fuel pump though, hmmm i did not know the 300 hour mark was the supposed fail point - let's see if all pumps are equal as mine will stay until it dies, half tempted now you say it to go and swap in advance but it may last another 100-200 or more

[@Megahegs]

Hey keith, that $1.62 would come down a lot if you deduct the value of the bike at todays value!

[@C_R_O_M________]

No, because he already paid full price. P.S. That's why I seldom buy new. I got mine, a 2012 with 160 hours at 1/3 of what he paid for his new and the bike has been rock solid and sits now at 408h.

[@Megahegs]

@@C_R_O_M________ but if he quit riding today, and sold the bike? The total cost would no longer be 1.62

[@C_R_O_M________]

@@Megahegs the total cost for HIM is what he has already paid for having the bike and maintaining it for the mileage he covered. I think you skipped your morning coffee.

[@seansmith2914]

​@@Megahegs correct 👍 you don't need morning coffee to work that one out☕😁

[@Megahegs]

@@seansmith2914 yea thought it was pretty simple concept.🤣

[@Charleroifa]

The thing costs you $50 per 100 kilometers? wtf...

[@opencurtains9323]

put double that many miles in half the years on my drz lol