KTM 500 EXC Review + Build

[@rangeroadmoto]

Any 500 owners out there? How has your experience with the bike been?

[@waynesworld6896]

Husky Fe501... great bike...

[@rangeroadmoto]

I got to ride the FE501 while I was filming this, what a blast to ride! So much power

[@vondrz1391]

Amazing. Love my 500. Best bike I've owned.

[@sea_turtle_adventures]

This is simply one of the best reviews I've seen on this bike plus... overall just an expert and informative review regardless. Thank you!

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thank you! And yes I think Mike is a true expert on the 500/501, couldn’t have asked for anyone better.

[@plantpower3048]

it comes from KTM fanboys, it's more of an ad than a review

[@PetterIvarsson]

This review sticks out from the others that only talk about their mods. You talk about bags, weight, suspension, how the bike handles etc. I like this view of the bike!

[@TeamStruggleBunny]

Traded my 2012 690 back in 2015 for a 500exc. Still have the 500 with the only mods being pulling the screen off the exhaust and making an adjustment to the TPS. In 2019 I test rode the new 500 and it felt pretty choked up, my near 400 hours all original 500 felt much stronger. The forks on my 500 felt light years better than the WP 48s on my 2019 300xcw. Much more adjustment and more plush. I've since added the Dal Saggio XP-One kit to the 300's forks and it is much better.

[@KSMotoCafe]

awesome review!! You guys are hard AF riding through Alberta winter 🥶!! Glad to see a fresh video on the channel 🤟

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks man! Yeah it’s been too long. We got more stuff coming don’t you worry.

[@AlexKost-tq6bj]

Do you find you'd want a luggage rack if carrying multi-day gear? I have a Mosko 40 luggage, I've heard the subframe is weak and I was suggested the Globetrotting rack

[@manuelfvdias]

Cool and pratical review. Imho you could consider the AJP PR7 (ignore the stickers, its a 600cc), high quality build, all the custom mods came from stock, cheaper, plenty of parts available, excelent custom service, 5000kms (3000 miles?) oil service. Or as an option the AJP SPR510 (500cc). Not sure if both are street legal in the usa and canada... (I had a brand new 690 and could fill a A4 paper sheet with all the issues. Its high maintenance as well...). As tires goes, again imho, you could consider the Bridgestone E50 (dot) excelent grip in wet, wet rocks, sand, mud, gravel, etc., or as second option Metzeler mc360 mid-hard (dot). The Mitas, imho, don't fit the bill as wet grip goes. You just couldn't have longevity and grip. And it seems to me that in your job its critical to get there and come back. Cheers mate.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks man! Lots of good info on in there! I’ve heard similar with the 690’s having issues, although from what I’ve seen Mike and those guys are having very few issues with their 500’s. Hopefully it stays that way.

[@manuelfvdias]

@@rangeroadmoto Any time 🤙

[@phil2ride312]

Sadly, no AJP avalaible yet in Canada....Btw, I also made the switch to a rally inspired 500 after owning 2 690's loaded with issues. 3 seasons later I have yet to have a problem with it..

[@Coastal-rsidedown]

Found your video as I have been looking at KTM builds. I am building up a smaller version, got a 350 EXC-F, insurance here in BC gets pricier once above 400cc. Will look into the Fastway / Pro Moto Billet end cap then some sort of tuner. Noticed your name as Range Road and took a moment to gather the meaning. I grew up on an acreage in Alberta part of our address was the Range Rd.

[@rangeroadmoto]

I didn’t know BC was doing that with their insurance..That’s really lame :/ Yeah that’s definitely what it is, I always preferred to travel via range roads vs the bigger highways and when I got into bikes it was the same thing so it sort of just fit!

[@djantix1200]

Great vid on the 500! I have one and it's hands down the best bike I have ever owned for my needs. The weight alone is one of the best reasons to own one. I can literally go anywhere on this thing. The power is there whenever I need it, and it can handle single-track amazingly well too. What more can I say. Wish I bought one sooner.

[@rangeroadmoto]

How many hours on your bike? Had any issues at all?

[@djantix1200]

@@rangeroadmoto 21,429 miles with 562 hrs. on my 2013 500exc. No, I'm not kidding. I bought it used and it had 19,000 miles on it. The previous owner only had done a top-end rebuild. Finally though, the con-rod big end needle bearing went. I am rebuilding it as we speak. KTM changed that bearing with a better one for 2014-15 because of failer issues. I'm putting in a brand new crank with the newer bearing and also a newer lower timing gear. I'd say that the bike held up pretty well for having that many miles on her!

[@rangeroadmoto]

@@djantix1200 damn! Thats actually awesome, and fits in line with what a lot of other people have told me about their 500's and reliability. They seem like awesome bikes and definitely worth fixing. Is yours mostly just used as a single track bike or more of a dual sport?

[@djantix1200]

@@rangeroadmoto I use mine for dual-sport. I ride single-track often when in the woods. I love a bike that I can ride on the road to the off-road riding spots and ride dirt for 4-5hrs and then ride back home on the road all with the same bike!

[@stillbingrude]

bought a 2020 ktm 500 excf brand new. love it to death...unfortunately it blew up in about 25 hours. been down over a year but being rebuilt though

[@rangeroadmoto]

Oh man that sucks, what failed on it?

[@stillbingrude]

@@rangeroadmoto apparently just bad luck with a dropped valve🤷🏾‍♂️

[@MattPerry]

I remember when we had good bikes like these and reliable. These bikes cost a fortune.

[@AngelFaceMotoRider]

Just so you know, when I comment off-topic, I still always watch the entire video to the very very end. The reason my comments are often off-topic is bcz I write the comment while watching the video, not after watching it. RR Moto, I would like to INVITE You & your Riding Friends to a Calgary MotoEvent on Sunday, May 15th 2022

[@magnusjsvensson]

Had 2 501, and now a 500 exc,last one feels more aggressive 22 mod !

[@rangeroadmoto]

That’s awesome! Such nice bikes

[@shorew3]

Haha just watched the dr650 video and realized you had this! This is my second option! I know guys that do some serious hard enduro on them and love em! I figured with a seat and big tank a dr650 would be a little better for the longer rides into the mtns! But for a short rip after work into our single track these would be amazing! Up in Grande prairie we have riding like 15 min from town

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks for watching! There are people using ktm500’s to travel the world, check out “rtwpaul” he has an incredible set up. That being said the 500 is 100x better off road than my Dr650, especially if you are going to be getting into the hard enduro side of things. The bulk of the Dr is gonna be a pretty massive handicap. That being said for the more adventure style riding the dr’s weight will make it a lot more stable on the highway and more comfortable to ride long hours. In my opinion.

[@mikei50]

I love my EXC500F. RIDE ON MY FRIENDS RIDE ON.

[@Avaadrian]

What tires are you running?

[@andrewstambaugh240]

I liked his statement, "your 1190's not going to get there. Your 1250GS ain't going to get there. Your DR, it might there..." It is surprising how capable those DR's are. At my lack of skill, I was passing people on much more appropriate bikes on a sketchy endurance race. I don't think I could have done than on the next bump toward adventure bike (KLR650) without serious risk to myself, and I would not have even considered it on something big and heavy like Grandpa's Street Adventure bike (aka GS) Before the GS crowd chimes in to lynch me, I take low street bikes off-road, and I don't hate GS's. I just think they need a major diet, and while surprising capable for their weight, they are just that: capable - FOR THEIR WEIGHT. If I had one, I'd happily do trips, moto-camping, moto-dates, etc on it and light-to-med off-roading. But I wouldn't take it on the endurance race, and I definitely wouldn't be able to keep up with the dirtbike crowd of friends when they want to let loose a little. My Dr650 doesn't hold them back waiting.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Yeah! The Dr’s are amazingly capable machines

[@tylerk2061]

Unreal video love from edmonton

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey thanks man!

[@advriley]

Awesome video! 🏍💨

[@rangeroadmoto]

Thanks man! In the not too distant future you and your Tenere 700 will be on here!

[@deadmanprodinc]

Good review of the KTM but not much of a "vs" the FE501. I was hoping to learn more in this 16 minutes presentation.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Hey Deadman, thanks for the feedback. What did you feel was missing?

[@burleybackroads4442]

@@rangeroadmoto I also came looking for more info about the KTM vs Husq, but as soon as I saw the bit about the shock hanging below the linkage I stopped caring about the Husq. Appreciated this video a lot, I'm planning on a new 500ExcF for Spring.

[@rangeroadmoto]

Yeah I didn’t know that husky was still using that system till I sat down and interviewed Mike. Enjoy your 500!

[@trevorneeley5423]

You’re running 15/50 gearing?

[@rangeroadmoto]

Mikes says he is running 14/49

[@AngelFaceMotoRider]

I LOVE this Video.!! :-) I really want a Street Legal Enduro.! Problem is many-fold. For one, I dont know them like I know smaller Dual Sports. I think I have owned every modern 200 and 250 Dual Sport that is available in Canada (except the TW 200) I made two videos about the Dual Sports I've owned in the past. Next Issues is, they are Expensive (even used) and High MAINTENANCE (which I do not want to do) Despite all of this, I'll bet you that within the next few years, I end up buying one. The one I really want is the Street Legal Husky 350. I don't know if that is the FE or the FC here in Canada. I want 6-Gears and wide-ratio if possible, cuz I Ride on the Highway to the trail heads. Do you know how I picked the Husky 350.? ;-)

[@rangeroadmoto]

The husky 350 would be an awesome choice! Really nice bike

[@AngelFaceMotoRider]

Which one is the Street Legal version in Canada.? The FE or the FC.? I am confused about their naming system. What is KTM equivalent of the Street Legal Husky 350 called.? BTW: Did you get my Invite.? ;-)

[@rangeroadmoto]

@@AngelFaceMotoRider I did get it yea, unfortunately I will be working then. The FE is the street legal version. The KTM version is the EXC

[@AngelFaceMotoRider]

DARN WORK getting in the way of Riding eh.? :-( Perhaps you could tell others about this Calgary Meet-Up or recommend my latest video to them. ;-)

[@plantpower3048]

This or the Crf450RL?

[@rangeroadmoto]

Good question. I think for me personally if I was doing more true dual sport, more on road stuff, highways adv stuff I’d go with the CRF, but if I was going for most hardcore off-road I’d take the ktm. I’m not an expert though maybe others can chime in.

[@jordansb8]

what tires were you running?

[@rangeroadmoto]

I believe they were mitas, but I can’t remember which model