KTM Maintenance 500EXC Test

[@liquidktm]

My 02 520 exc is still running strong, Love it, Use to be a racer now a puter in the woods.. great video ,

[@scottdrew6403]

Any major rebuilds in the past 19 years? I have a 18 500 excf and would love to see it still putting along in 15 years.

[@nigelphillips9426]

I have a 2008 ktm 530 excr in the UK still going well

[@cmbscx1084]

Adam Riemann's body English on that KTM is envious. The guy on the other bigger ADV big has big balls and mad skills as well. Awesome to see the KTM with really no wear. Take Adam's 75hrs and triple it for us normal humans.

[@mazdamedia5995]

Man KTM must being paying Adams mortgage...

[@HJZ75driver]

He is sponsored by them

[@Saundersstrong]

a good friend of mine uses 91 octane , runs the suggested Metorex engine oil and keeps his air filter fresh . He has a 2012ktm 350sxf and has just under 100 hours of hard MX on the bike and it runs great. take care of you're bike and it will take care of you. that goes with ANY bikes not just ktm !!!

[@Saundersstrong]

and before you say it , he's rebuilding it soon just to be safe

[@jonathanoxlade4252]

91 octane bp over here in the uk 102 octane is what the F1 uses lol

[@1MotoXRacer1]

***** The ratings are measured differently. US's 87 is your 95. 91 is your 97/98.

[@surg23]

***** Yeah, the lowest I can find around here is 95 octane 10% ethanol- Ethanol is okay up to 10% according to KTM, not sure about ideal though.

[@KTMcaptain]

Violetta I'm fairly certain 95ron is 90.5 rm^2, not 87.

[@ktmkevin]

just a KTM commercial in disguise

[@Braapncamp]

Great video, interesting, educational and Adam is the King!

[@kiparosu]

75 hours :)). I've got 650 hours on my 2012 Husaberg 300

[@OKMX5]

Thats a lot for a 2012 bike :) How many piston changes and bottom end rebuilds did you do on it?

[@TigeroL42]

Yeah it's amazing how people are stunned by a bike lasting for a few weeks without mechanical repairs... If a piston or head wears out in 70 hours, then either the bike is utter shit or you are neglecting basic maintenance so basically this video has no value...

[@OKMX5]

Blaž Milharčič Check the piston after 100 or 150 hours, replace it if piston clearance is too big.

[@dirtrider88]

where did he say only one piston? HE DIDNT.

[@jussiheimala2012]

kiparosu o

[@relaxingcat3422]

I wonder who actually follows the service intervals 100%

[@NukaMoto]

+randel mcmillin Depends, for oil and air filter its very reasonable, but the manual says to check all the bearing and stuff too every few hours, thats near impossible.

[@Thom1883]

+NukaMoto They say you should check the valves every 10 hours witch is retarded. some of the stuff they want you to check is really stupid. I do my oil every 5 hours and valve check every 30, air filter after every ride. filter every 15 hours. Simple stuff keeps the engine nice and clean :)

[@ElZilcho247]

same here, thats the way to do it

[@Backhurtsbad]

Its nice having all that cash to spend...

[@ElZilcho247]

Andrew M checking your valves cost nothing asside from a 2 dollar valve shim here and there, and Rotella oil changes cost like 4 bucks with another 5 for a filter. it's really not bad at all.

[@Kero400420]

Do I have to take my KTM to a dealer or can I have it worked on by a sparky and a cage fighter?

[@anthonyparisotto]

lol

[@infernoz0782]

It's all how you ride - my '13 has/had 198hrs and 4400 miles when I sold it. Oil changes, good fuel, clear air is all it got. Valves were fine last check. I just bought a '15 and it will get the same not the frequencies recommended. My XR250R (2002) still going strong with the same maintenance of course it's designed as a low stress, low performance machine. Love the KTM but won't ever sell the Honda :).

[@ajajaaukka]

6:49 heat causes friction? i thought it was the other way

[@TatersFPV]

Well heat causes parts to expand which in turn creates more friction.

[@MidwestUTV]

They go hand in hand. Sure frictions causes heat but if you are riding in hotter conditions the higher heat will cause tighter tolerances which will result in more wear and even more heat.

[@westwing23]

Midwest UTV i agree, as a machinist who has been working on extreme tolerance such as +/- .00015, have the A/C broken in the machine shop really made a drastic difference.

[@masterbeta343]

What do u expect its only got 75 hours wait until its got 300

[@J-Bibble]

Wow, those service intervals! Awesome bike, but I like my fat old dog Honda and it's 12,000km OCI, and 24,000km valve checks :)

[@sinki19841984]

That's the tradeoff between a standard and a performance bike.

[@landonhillyard]

Im right there with you. I had a thought of selling my xr650r for this 500 but I think Ill stick with my 300 2 smoker and the 650.

[@yoshyoka]

Then buy a 690 enduro r, same intervals, more performance.

[@Velthur]

@@yoshyoka It's my next purchase for sure

[@581turbovw]

I have 115+ hrs on my 14' 500exc and the valves are still in spec! Love when ppl talk crap on my bike.

[@dereckrodriguez9688]

How many miles do you have in those hours? Did you sell it?

[@hairynose656]

Here in canada the motorex engine oil is 22$ to 25$ per liters, its double any other synthetic oil...I bought it anyways but i`m sure its the same as other good brand that are half the price.

[@paulbrondel-taylor2442]

really top info, just picked up my first Enduro bike a ISDE 500, its ace, had a 290 Sherco trilals before, this babe is the dogs

[@dreadnaughttitan6072]

he deserves the michelin star for serving up KTM goodness!

[@lifesucks5322]

everything except the rear shock should be done at home get to know your bike

[@Reely98]

so i got a 350exc with 400h on it, first piston. runns flawless, oil every 25h and once per year valve check. even my ktm dealer says u dont change the piston on a 4 stroke.

[@b0xhead96]

Your mechanic is lying in that case. Pistons, rings and even the cylinder will eventually wear beyond service limits. I replaced the piston in my 530 at around 240 hours and it was well and truly due for it. With 400 hours on it your rings will be well and truly shagged.

[@chefgradler]

what a great video, Adam! as I am studying Engineering I know how important the service and regular check-ups of any moving part of the motorcycle is. especially for sportmotorcycles like the KTM is one of them. I'm glad that you show the "health-care" of the bike next to riding the high. moreover i like the fact that you are showing some crashes. not that i'm feeling spiteful, no! the Enduro-sport is hard and you should know your limits. wearing protection is as necessary as fuel in the tank... you are not just an expert-rider, you are a role-model, Adam! maybe you could show the importance of a good protection as well as high jumps! this is a great video and I'd love to see more, no homo...

[@KTMcaptain]

Toni Gernert you have some of his ejaculate on your chin. Best protection... wear a hans device, helmet, and allow your body to flip without you bracing for impact.

[@nicown1337]

No need to open up theese engines before 200 hours =)

[@dds272]

🤨

[@CycleCruza]

I use Shell Rotellal t-6 5w-40, good oil.

[@EverythingHenry]

Lol I see u still checkin out the ktms

[@lenardvillarino6869]

shell rotella is diesel oil right?

[@lenardvillarino6869]

shell rotella is diesel oil right?

[@lenardvillarino6869]

shell rotella is diesel oil right?

[@cimino39]

Awesome mechanic! I wish we had one like this in Dubai

[@tjtharp2432]

Great Video on service, Just goes to show you the build quality of KTM Products!

[@Gi0rG]

I've got 600+ hours on my '04 525 ..s strong beast

[@sinki19841984]

525's and 520's are still the best exc motors. They run forever...

[@graemesydney38]

@@sinki19841984 Nice to hear - I just picked up a second hand one 520. There is evidence of some 'sexy fingered' mechanics doing their worst but so far so good.

[@dac999]

My 525 has 745 hours. First piston. Never had any problems with the engine.

[@thealvaco]

Thank you for this video, it was very informative! I must say I wouldn't like to own a bike that needs so much maintenance. Too much money and time go in. But you do get the best ride.

[@KTMcaptain]

TheRoughmen I would love to see someone do this on an xr400... would snap in half.

[@Trotyl3]

Great video Adam !

[@x8daniel]

Nice Video!!! Very helpfull for every KTM owner..

[@BrodekDHE]

How much wear was on the timing chain? And how is the plain bearing on the big end of the rod holding up? I've got 50 hours on mine atm. Looking at the wear, I'm sure you could easily extend that 75 hour rebuild to 200 as long as air filter and oil were taken care of.

[@HJZ75driver]

Thats why its a plain bearing

[@mrilikeskateboards]

Suspension is the one thing I've never touched, I'll take it to a qualified person. I'll do everything else myself but. Good seeing valves and piston rings within spec after being hammered for 75 hrs. I'm not surprised tbh, it's looking like these are the new RFS.

[@dennisgarryowen8885]

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[@scottyd980]

Wow, the riding is insane.

[@eddiefury1875]

Great vid thank you! Adam is having a gas on that bike!

[@surg23]

In Australia it's illegal to enforce "dealer only maintenance\servicing" which is actually stated in the KTM manual. So don't take your manual or Dealer for granted. Always check your states policies and laws. KTM among other brand want exclusivity, but they can't have it if your states policy is in the green.

[@chucksnothereman]

Wow, this guy makes mechanical work look easy. Great vid. The reality is most of us dont ride that hard so probably don't need a 75hr service. I do wonder what the cost of that major service was though.

[@j0rzeh]

It is easy, You should see what I have to rebuild at BMW S1000RR engines now with shift cam.. I'd love to just deal with a single piston engine lol.

[@buttcutt1289]

wheres the video they're showing these intermittent clips from????

[@AntiqueMeme]

Heat causes friction? k.

[@johnfraser8158]

haha I thought the same thing

[@themanwiththekx]

I think he meant Heat causes parts to expand which creates more friction

[@AntiqueMeme]

themanwiththekx I guess. Still kinda ass backwards if you ask me.

[@ApexIXMR]

Awesome video. I've always been weary about getting a KTM because of maintenance. Anyone have any [ballpark]idea what a service like this runs(US$D) on a 500EXC?

[@haggeoromero]

many of these things you could do yourself if you are mechanically inclined. i have a 2014 350 EXC-F and when the time comes to do this kind of top end work i'll do it myself rather than go to the ding dongs at the local dealer. as far as the rear shock we have a suspension shop locally, super plush suspension that does great work.

[@SuperCAVEMAN1976]

Adam is definitely world class. Seems like a nice bloke too. Id love to go riding with him.

[@iwanGF]

SuperCAVEMAN1976 i dont care if hes number 1 or 2 ...hes fcking good, it nice to see someone go wild like that on a dirtbike... i prefer the fun of riding over whos winning and whos losing.

[@samanthaaustin1959]

+iwanGF The tyres have lots of grip but when its muddy, make the the valves get tighter from the revving.

[@zinkodedede3797]

What do you guys recommend for a "beginner"? I got my first 50cc when I was 5 years old and then upgraded to fiddys 125cc etc But never bought a "real" bike. I've looked at a KTM SX-F 350 4-stroke. I have heard that Honda and Kawasaki are softer than a KTM and are better beginner bikes. What do you think I should do? start directly with a KTM or start with something softer? weighs 80kg and 175cm length. 17 years old. :) sorry for bad english.

[@butacom2007]

*****

[@mr.x1464]

but how can he drive such a monster? it's impossible to do what he does with it. he drives it like it was a 125

[@HJZ75driver]

Easy. Practice

[@KTMcaptain]

Mr.X he has a really big di... ego... big ego.

[@graemesydney38]

multi goes and editing works miracles

[@paramidge8935]

Do these things not come with a bash plate /hand guards etc. - I mean they are not a 'starter' bike?

[@Maxischupp93]

question, whats needed to be done and when ,when (theoretically) only street riding this bike?

[@bobriley000444]

haha very man of you to include your bloopers in this vid.. so you are human!

[@franaster3606]

What hours disarmed the engine?

[@shivex]

I liked it :) Technical stuff is fun to watch!

[@Wahey_RS]

My mate has 378hours on his 500, no engine work just regular servicing

[@johnslaughter7110]

I just bought a 2004 KTM 525 EXC. It has a 6 speed transmission. Is this common?Where do you buy parts? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[@BraaptasticFrank]

I don't know if you will see this comment but what are your thoughts on the service manual suggesting replacing the piston, connecting rod, rod bearing, all engine bearings and valves at 135 hours? Seems extremely excessive to me. I have a 690 smc and it has nothing in the owners manual saying to do anything like that.

[@sinki19841984]

LC4 is a totally different engine then the 500 exc. The exc holds less oil (1.2l), runs smaller clearances (performance bike), only 1oil filter.... 500 exc is an offroad 'motorsport' bike. Most of those excessive recomendations are for racing use. And you don't just blindly repalce them, you check the tolerances to measure wear. while the 690 is a regular 1 cil (all)road bike with 2 oil filters, 1.7l of oil and intervals for on-road use for an engine that's build for day-to-day use. You're basically comparing apples to oranges.

[@mmaaddict78]

This bike seems super expensive to maintain. How bad is it really? Like what would be the running costs, say five years in? I currently ride an ‘83 Honda XL500R. She burns oil like a furnace and handles like a torpedoed aircraft carrier. I need to upgrade to something that isn’t going to put me in traction after a weekend of riding. The old girl has character but she’s a cruel mistress that likes to make me suffer. I’d like to ride something that isn’t going to dislocate my knee and bruise my shinbone every time I start it up. Oh how I wish the decompression cable was still intact.

[@storyremainsthesame]

luv ur vids what u share with the weekend warriors congrats dude keep up the brillant work

[@DaddyEric222]

Thought about taking this across America on the trans American trail... But oil changes every 15 hours is ridiculous... All the performance and weight loss sure does come at a price.

[@Cijpher441]

yeah, it really does have a price. i need to change the piston on my 150 every 20 hours

[@RCG73]

nice.. good video guys !!!

[@piligrim11]

Like .Master his craft working man.

[@Cleopatra542]

What does a clean air filter have to do with proper valve clearance? Wear on the intake and exhaust sides of the piston skirt? (Two stroke lingo)

[@HuskyRider250TC]

How much cost all this? Piston etc... Sorry for my bad english

[@ΛουκιανόςΚωστοπουλος]

I have one question can you ride the ktm exc 530 like the exc 500 on hard enduro

[@F8BPF]

Nice video is always Adam , thanks

[@KTMcaptain]

Dude, you maintain Jason Bourne's bike! Fuck yeah brother

[@easy4steve]

yes im with you guys love my katto

[@jowenjv4463]

How can you recognize ''good quality fuel'' ?

[@VitorOliveiraaa]

What about front forks?

[@easy4steve]

hey guys what tyres are you running ?

[@quitplaying712]

Love the vids i am saving to get the new KTM 150sx

[@Twk_186]

Gage Quina how old r you

[@ED-on8to]

Yes but 75 hours are not much especially for a 500 4T. In my opinion this engine has to run 150 hours without problems!

[@tyrone7352]

Awesome Vid!!!!

[@iamandreja]

I like high spec enduro bikes but man, complete tear off after 75 hours? Nah, I'll keep my XT :)

[@johngrant874]

Just as I suspected...my local KTM dealer lied to me about the maintenance. This is a high performance, high maintenance race bike like other KTM's. Maintain it or it quickly falls apart. I thought of buying one because the light weight would be great in the trails. After seeing this video I think I'll stick with my XR650L...just put gas in and go.

[@feelnrite]

+John Grant I will do the same. I have wanted a 350 ktm but after this video I will go with a Yamaha. I don't want something that wont last or I have to work on all the time.

[@johngrant874]

+feelnrite Good choice. I owned several Yamaha's including a 1986 Yamaha TT350 that was fun and reliable. I'm sure it depends on how hard/often you ride the KTM but I don't like tearing things apart unless theirs something wrong with it...not to mention the cost of parts.

[@CycleCruza]

Reason I got a wr250r, rather be riding than wrenching.

[@Esarix]

Im just about to buy a new 450, or 500Exc. Not much difference in prize. Dunno which should I buy. My ex is a 300EXC 2stroke.

[@clayrooster9189]

Big Adam Riemann fan. Stunning film maker, gifted rider. He can ride with the big guns, like Toby Price, and look good. He is darned near fearless, risking bike, life, and limb to get a great video (he's 40+!). If you want a giggle, check out his "KTM Powerparts" flick!

[@Tixoxod102]

75hr and you need to replace whole bike... mmyeah...

[@Roll4Eternity]

Good video . Friction causes heat not the other way round =)

[@Roll4Eternity]

Yeah thats true .. haha didnt think of that

[@aarons1351]

I have over 850hrs on the Original top end on my 2015 500.

[@jamesbb91]

That was awesome cheers

[@grantbloxsom6414]

I did 300 + hours on a 07 250 excf never shimmed then valves or did a bottom end oem rings stuffed after 70

[@endurowar2907]

wonderful bike

[@endurowar2907]

the most powerful exc i ever ride

[@Chudysas]

Whats name song?

[@jonpaul4935]

Rough idea of how much this would cost ?

[@snuurtje]

Right now I only ride Street bikes. I would love to get into enduro riding. But the intervals of and massive amounts of maintenance required VS road bikes really hold me back. 15 hours seems like a really short amount of time for oil change... That's like 3 days of fun.

[@j0hnCi4]

I have a KLX400 (same as the DRZ400) and believe me the service intervals described here are INSANE. I have 6k miles on my bike with nothing but air filters, oil and valve checks. Same if not less maintenance than your street bike.

[@dirtrider88]

Your drz is nothing like this KTM. The tolerances on this bike are much tighter requiring more frequent service.

[@TheBalrog111]

great video.

[@Chris-zc7hq]

How much is a re-build, with parts and labor?

[@sunjabibahladeen6394]

Like over a g, I got quoted $1500 for top and bottom ends

[@Chris-zc7hq]

Alex Davidson Thanks. Then you have to wonder if our local KTM dealer mechanics would even come close to this guy?

[@techi3075]

So valves will stay in spec if I always maintain my air filter (3:44)..... Really?!

[@hitmaniwan]

can you please make such a vidío for 2 stroks too?

[@kidzcannon]

why does the other dirt bike have that weird screen in the front? looks kinda weird o.O

[@sinki19841984]

Dakar bike. The navigation tower is behind it.

[@70sguitarplayer]

How much would this services have cost to the average joe

[@Thom1883]

+NeRo 067 over a grand for sure. at home not nearly that.

[@luzerino1124]

I slowly start to think why Ktm is so good is because they tell you that you HAVE to buy the best and most expensive oils, filters, nuts and equipment in a 150 hour cycle in order to maintain best quallity... My audi a4 has nealry 400.000 km and the only thing I did was change the oil and breaks etc every couple months, years and guess what? No problems with her what so ever

[@louispienaar456]

Hey Adam,can you do a review on a KTM 530?

[@b0xhead96]

The 530 is basically the first gen 500 using the xc4 engine. The split sump was good in theory but early ones had some shocking issues. That said, my 08 530 hasn't given me any real issues and now sits at 240 engine hours. Change the oil frequently and it's just as reliable as any other bike out there.

[@matthewharker637]

I never take my bikes to a dealer. I work on them myself

[@rocklee6631]

i was thinking on buying one of these bikes but taking it in to a dealership of ktm every 75hrs to replace shock oil is insane. with all this,now im losing it

[@sinki19841984]

That's regular suspension maintenance on dirtbikes. You don't need to get it done, but it certainly helps on keeping things working properly.

[@AaronMaz]

Change engine oil every 15 hrs?

[@AaronMaz]

Recommended, but what is ideal? I keep hearing 5hrs from shops and other KTM owners.

[@theawesomeLawson829]

+Aaron Maz I would go with 10-15 for racing (high rpm for long periods of time) and 20 for trail riding.

[@AaronMaz]

+Lawson Harper Media (LHM) Thanks, I'm at 7 to 8hrs right now, but looking to push it a couple more hrs if the next oil change looks good.

[@Thom1883]

+Aaron Maz I change my 350's oil every 5 hours on the hour meter with 20 dollar CAD oil. Doing this will make the engine last a long time....

[@theawesomeLawson829]

Thom 1888 That's a bit over the top, i just use 100% synthetic oil every 10-15 hours. But hey, I can't tell you what to do :)

[@joshz5481]

Lets say I get a 2016 ktm xcw and don't ride hard would I have to do all this maintenance at 75 hours?

[@traiward1282]

+josh zub Probably more up to the 100 hour range if your not riding hard.

[@abusameersameer3384]

+Trai Wars USA

[@spencer1244]

+josh zub your not very specific, first 4 stroke or 2 stroke, 2 strokes are typically lower maintenance

[@dabunwin442]

id say every 100 take it in to do all this crazy shit lol and every 20 25 hours change oil oil filer, fuel filter and little stuff like that

[@dabunwin442]

P.S i am not a ktm owner xP

[@75robcam]

Good vid thanks

[@gumball016]

How music this? 0:00-0:40

[@bobbybulan8472]

Ok so let me know if I got this right after 70 h u need 2 change the piston?no thanks u keep the bike in the shop more then u r riding it

[@MidwestUTV]

That's only if you absolutely have it pinned a majority of the time and ride it pretty hard in some pretty harsh, dusty and/or hot conditions. If you don't ride the bike as hard you can expect longer life and bigger service intervals.

[@wicho99w99]

I own a 09 yz 250f and haven't done a top end rebuild now it has 130 hours and still running strong only valve adjusted recently and they weren't that bad either but I don't ride it hard I'm just a beginner but I also use it for trail riding and motocross if u put good oil and keep the air filter clean u don't have problems

[@ElZilcho247]

I dont get guys who ride but cant fix their own bikes. A top end rebuild is ridiculously easy. If you're a dealership maintenance kind of guy and you're not rich then dont buy KTM. or you could just nut up, become a man and work on your own damn shit for next to nothing

[@Twk_186]

bobby bulan I got a sxf 250 2015 and it's mint I have had no problems nothing replaced nothing touched lol

[@sinki19841984]

"If you're a dealership maintenance kind of guy and you're not rich then dont buy KTM." Or any real dirtbike for that matter. They all need maintenance. And no an old xr650/DR/any old fart japanese tank isn't a dirtbike. Ppl should check the CRF450/KX450F/etc mainteance intervals if you want to make a comparison instead of comparing a modern performance offroad bike to an old tank with half the power. 'omg it's a KTM they are so expensive to maintain' Every REAL dirtbike is, for crying out loud.

[@ronaldbronson1285]

am I the only one who noticed this guy pouring fork oil down the drain? WTF is that

[@zakorkaz]

+ryan rowe Looked like a oil pan to me

[@ronaldbronson1285]

+zakorkaz I've never seen in oil pan built into a counter top but that sure seems convenient especially with the vice right above it

[@bradleythomsen3083]

@@ronaldbronson1285 drains into buckets/barrels

[@narendrabagusadiyaksa1880]

wait, did this guy just dump used oil in the sink? wtf?

[@narendrabagusadiyaksa1880]

is that even legal?

[@jbones123]

+Rendra Bagus Its probably a shop sink specific for oil. Look at that shop I can almost guarantee it.

[@dirtrider88]

It goes to a tank underneath it.

[@factoryktm.]

love this generation

[@bradleythomsen3083]

Dude can ride. I need the other dude though.

[@steder20]

Amazing!

[@J.Johanson]

I love you guys Hanah