NEW BIKE BASIC SET UP PROCEDURES

[@1122ss]

Well done ! No b.s. ,and no stupid jokes. Thank you.

[@gynn4622]

I just took apart a 2023 ktm with 1.6hrs. The linkage bolts and swing arm pivot bolts were completely bare with 0 grease. I always grease linkage and pivot bolts because I have found all my new bikes with no grease. Love the videos!

[@daleadmire1451]

Wow, that’s very discouraging because I bet nobody does that

[@swift-horse2242]

Hopefully the 2024 500excf 6days is good I have to tools for that. And probably take a few bills to get it done at the dealer ship

[@mattsutube]

I really enjoy your straightforward Style what to take care of what to look for.. and how to do it. Spot-on. Thanks a lot 👍

[@rl7880]

Your videos are always so informative. Thank you, Mike. The little 6mm bolts for the fairing around the tank should be checked, especially if you've asked your dealer to install a larger tank. The Sub Frame bolts (there are 4 of them) after each ride, especially the uppers near the tank. And the swing arm pivot nut must be checked at every oil change. You'll have to remove the frame protectors to do this.

[@13mikeasher6]

Picking up a 22' exc -f 500 in the mornin. First KTM I've own and will ride. Badass video keep'em coming

[@freedomandbike]

Ohhh, I like that video very much- and people who take so much care about the things.

[@casademerriam]

Super video. Just bought a 2018 with 800 miles and I learned loads. And now know the washer in the kit is from the kickstand and will be going over all of this. 👍🏻

[@lifebehindbars7359]

Had 3 of the 4 front pinch bolts fall out on my 2021 500exc. And axle nut was about 4 threads from coming off lol notified very fast something didn’t feel right

[@Ivankonermann]

Super useful video - clear, to the point, and chock full of utility!

[@MarkSpencerAZ]

Thanks Mike! Watched a second time and realized I missed the fork height setting. I think it's interesting about engine break in. Babying an engine on break in will only ensure that the cylinders glaze over and the rings will then never seat. In the aviation world, when we break in a new engine or cylinder we even have to be certain that we can fly at a low enough altitude to make full horsepower and a naturally asperated engine. i.e. to high an altitude, not enough oxygen to produce enough horsepower necessary to expand that top ring against the cylinder wall to seat. I wonder if anyone knows, not just guessing, if the torque specs in the KTM manual are for dry or lubricated threads? If they are for a dry threads, lubricating them with, let's say Loctite, can reduce the required torque necessary to achieve the same clamping force by like 40%. Hence, if a dry torque is to be, lets say 35nM, and you lubricate the threads, new torque spec may only be 21nM and going to 35 can stretch the bolt or otherwise damage things. Well, at these levels, you wouldn't stretch the bolt, but you may rip out the aluminum threads.

[@BMXaster]

Usually, but I'm not a KTM engineer, the torque specs and lubrication or glueing are linked. So if KTM recommends a bolt to be glued, or if the bolt you pulled out already had screwlock on it, the recommended torque will be for that scenario where the bolt is glued. And if it wasn't glued or lubricated, the torque spec is also based on an unlubricated bolt. Also in most cases, when you use loctite on a previously not glued bolt, and this bolt has a torque spec, you can just apply the given torque, regardless of the fact that your friction in the threat now is greatly reduced and you torquespec wrong. That's because in most cases a torquespec is a fine balance by the manufacturer, to make sure there is enough torque so the bolt won't come loose, but also not too much torque so that the bolt ot casing material starts to deform. Extra important in aluminium parts. But now the part of securing the bolt is primarily done by the screwlock you applied, so if your torque is a bit low, not really a big deal. But be aware, this is not always true. Some bolts and their according toquespec are important to more or less get right, lubricated or not. That is because, eg. an O-ring needs quite a specific amount of pressure on it to seal properly, but also not fail of overload, a few months in. Also generally speaking, not always as Mike pointed out for example on the positioning bolt on the rear axle, you don't want to grease or lubricate your bolts. They will loosen back up sooo much faster and easier, because there is so much less friction between the threats. You'd have to torque it like a moron, so that it stays in place as long and good as an ungreased one amd that is risky. But sometimes, yes greasing your bolts makes sense and makes life easier down the road.

[@joshpodolsky7740]

I've always been a believer of hard break-in.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

That’s all we ever do!

[@BrandonLund]

What bike lift is that? Nice explanation on setup 👌

[@maxflight777]

I loved your straightforward manner ! Many Thanks ! (2023 CRF450XR owner)

[@chrischrestensen3885]

Grease the swing arm bearings and lower shock ... Great tips!!!

[@mberry7a]

I know this video is 3 years old. But I just bought a 24 KTM 500 exc-f. As far as break in do you run it hard up to 1/2 or 3/4 throttle like manual says for the first 3 hrs? In aviation we pull the landing gear fairings to create drag and run engine full power to create the heat and pressure in the cylinder to seat the rings.

[@Martin-j2d8n]

Great informative video. Which mobile hydraulic lift do you use / recommend for a ktm exc-f 450?

[@siguresigure]

Thanks man for all the insightful videos you have on your channel. Thanks a lot man. Will be following your channel closely… cheers from MD

[@neal0593]

Hi...do you recomend moving the fork tubes to flush on the 2024 EXCF as well? Thanks

[@drumoto]

Thanks so much! You guys are the best.

[@kylewood4279]

I just picked up my 500 and the O ring on the fuel connector was nicked, the same issue Mike is talking about. If you’re reading this comment, check your fuel connector:) Thanks Mike

[@christoforospilitsis541]

On the 17’ 500 my start stop switch doesn’t work at all,but the keyed ignition works fine,to prime the fuel pump,start and stop the the bike.

[@tommyd1963ify]

I see the gold hoops for the Honda in the background 🤪

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Good eye 👀👀👀 They’re heeeeeere🤙🏽🤙🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@alexandre8598]

Thanks for the mirror tip

[@cbyn43]

Great videos! I’m definitely going to do this on my 22 EXC-F 500 that I picked up last week. I’m also about to install your tidy trail tail light system!

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Sweeeeet. Let us know is you have any questions or issues

[@jasonbellis9128]

Great vid Mike. Dielectric grease through - is an insulator. Packing the connectors full of a non-conducting insulator will keep the corrosion out yes, but can also interfere with proper connectivity between terminals. I know guys have been doing this for years and swear by it. I just think it can increase resistance through the connector as well.

[@mikesampont6091]

So what do you recommend?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Not the case.

[@wurger13]

Hey Mike, thanks for all the amazing vids and info you provide, total gold mine. I’m picking up a 22 500 EXC-F Six Days this week. I’ll be getting my accessories from Taco Moto! Subscribed!

[@eriknash8783]

Great video!

[@beomsukim3929]

What about the fuel tank upgrade?

[@DeadOnTrail]

Do you do this work for husky 701s?

[@JorgeMoya]

Would this apply to a 2024 bike?

[@4570levergun]

Why in the heck doesn't the dealer go over you bike with you like this when you buy one!? Thanks for the tips.

[@alkydah6741]

Hi Mike, great videos, very informative. At about the 4:15 mark you mention rear brake free play of 8 - 10mm but the manual recommends between 3 - 5mm. Have you found that the 8 - 10mm works better? Thanks in advance.

[@westcoastfrisco]

Its all personal preference imo.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Very helpful list. I got 90% of them, but there were a couple that didn't even occur to me to check. Also lots of guys telling me to pull out and regrease the rear shock, but it looks like maybe I shouldn't bother. How often do you check and relube that heim joint? Seasonally?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

We don’t do that on a new bike, do that on the 100 hour check

[@mototrailz]

16:57 hello Mike what is that wire with a black rubber cap for in the middle on the screen? I wonder what is it for? Thanks a lot

[@Big_Yum]

Would you happen to have a link for the Dielectric grease you use? Think I'd like to grease up the connectors on my bike too just to be safe

[@scottbdavis12]

would you suggest putting the folks level in the triple clamp with the husky 501 as well?

[@lui95191]

Sweet learned a few things gonna jump right on the 🤙

[@PeeekAB00]

What hour/mileage do you recommend for oil change after break-in period? & how many hours/miles do you recommend that the engine is "broken-in" thanks in advance

[@dirtrider9268]

Check Slavens on this topic...Jeff has very specific instructions and not to use synthetic.

[@CumminsTurbo4]

Would love to hear Tacomoto's opinion on this...

[@daleadmire1451]

@@CumminsTurbo4 me too, that sucks we got no answer!

[@CumminsTurbo4]

I text TacoMoto and here's what he said (sadly, no answer to break in question which is what i was wondering about the most): "We're doing 50-60 hour changes on our bikes w maxima pro plus oil, our magnetic filter, pc racing filter skin gasket and filter skin"

[@PeeekAB00]

Thanks to all of you, who have responded. Highly appreciated

[@mt1885]

*KTM* - wished they had orange frame on them other than that AWESOME!

[@jgpatt]

Six Days versions do have orange frames

[@daleadmire1451]

2023 model has an orange frame!

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

Great video Mike. Concerning the start/stop connector, could you delete it by soldering the wires + heat shrink? Seems that would mitigate all the potential problems.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Yes

[@flyinbryan125]

You'll probably have more failures with a soldered connection than this plug. Solder makes a connection brittle. In a place where you can expect vibration, you're better off just using the grease. Not to mention it makes replacing the switch much more work if you ever break it.

[@BraaapoholicBob]

Mike always helpful videos...thank you for posting. I do have a question regarding fork height...you say you push then down to bottom of the fork cap...I get that but doesn't it depend on the rear tire height as well? I have installed different rear tire sizes and it has made a significant difference on the resultant rake of the forks. Just wanting clarification...thanks!

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Here’s where working with a reliable Suspention tuner on your set up or having an experienced rider test your bike is clutch

[@scottforti3194]

How is the frame on that 500 black???

[@lemonadejesus5485]

Myself and a few others have had the blinker relay come loose and become lodged between the frame and fork tube. Inhibiting the bike from turning in one direction.

[@RMOR_KNIVES]

Wow, I should have bought my bike from you!!

[@davinsaluja4997]

Thanks Mike! You're the Man.

[@deep4soul]

Do you drop the forks down in the triptrees for higher speed riding? How about for more tech single track?

[@aliciamisita9397]

I just did my second oil change on a 2022 ktm 500exc-f. I accidentally removed the Allen head drain plug at the bottom near the other bolts. A single steel ball fell out along with oil. Is this engine oil? I filled the bike up with oil and completed the oil change but am afraid I might have drained an oil that’s different from the motor oil. Thanks for any help

[@TACOMOTOCO]

We have a video about that Ultimate Oil Change Procedure and Tips, KTM / Husqvarna / GASGAS 450 / 500 / 501 EXCF

[@aliciamisita9397]

Thanks man that solved my problem.

[@dirtrider9268]

Been there!

[@scottforti3194]

I’m currently in a pickle trying to figure out what to do because I am going to be purchasing a new KTM 500 exc But I really want a black frame as I will be turning it into a super Moto

[@mikeschlup5279]

Lots of great info...!

[@WAKO426]

Dissimilar metals cause galvanic corrosion love your videos

[@TACOMOTOCO]

thanks, yes, it seems like I was hunting around for that exact phase! Where were you on film day?🤪!

[@WAKO426]

@@TACOMOTOCO wish I was there! Probably at work I work at a body shop so have to learn all about that stuff 🙃 and I have learned a lot from your videos keep up the good 👍

[@dneitzel772]

Have you found that KTM is liberal with the steering head and swingarm grease? I know historically some other brands were really lacking some lube.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Adequate, we’re typically not seeing any issues w that

[@eriknash8783]

@@TACOMOTOCO I concur. I just spent hours pulling all of this apart because the internet told me to and found that everything had plenty of grease.

[@daleadmire1451]

@@eriknash8783 wow that’s a hard lesson to learn. Thanks for the info. I’m getting a 500 soon.

[@cheltongriffith1024]

What bike stand are you using here?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

500 excf

[@DartWinger]

I've a question for staying mostly stock. I've seen the exhaust tip screen removal and the new tip you can get from KTM. is a re-tune required for any of those? I see most say they're going to but not sure if it's required or not. I would like to let the bike breathe and sound a little bit better and cooler without going crazy on mods and such. Looking at getting an EXC 5 hundy soon. Thanks!

[@chrisbrewer3090]

Ice video! But at 2 hours I have no turn signals! Any ideas? Fuses looked good, and both turn signals plugged in behind head light.

[@davevisse]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@loshonorables6165]

Thanks for the great video and tips

[@duncansloan6228]

Excellent!!

[@RayzGarage]

Perfect

[@450motodog8]

Can you give me the map settings for a vortec ECU for a 2009 Suzuki RMC 450

[@ArturoHauter]

Hello taco moto, do you have something similar for a 701?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Unfortunately not at this time

[@judsonmaurer3800]

Anything different to look at for a KTM 690?

[@andreasjonsson8075]

So. Here it goes again.... Since youre the austrian bike guru. Are motorex oils really that good that it matches its price tag? Crosspower are a api sn oil but so are the motul 7100 and many others. Want advice because Motorex price are priced like premium drugs damn it. Thx dude.

[@dirtrider9268]

Slavens recommends non synthetic for first two oil changes...

[@CumminsTurbo4]

@@dirtrider9268 Who is this slavens you keep speaking of?

[@dirtrider9268]

@@CumminsTurbo4 looks like I may not be allowed to mention another great website, store or channel here... slavens racing.

[@scottforti3194]

Can anyone in the comments please tell me how he got his frame black

[@lyledubois8969]

I found lots white residue in my fuel tank, looked like mold release, white strands and powder . I would suggest flushing the tank , how ? well thats good question, but gasoline alone didnt remove it, at all.

[@lyledubois8969]

Used methyl hydrate to wash out the junk in my brand new tank, also used it to clean really bad fuel varnish in my gerry can , I recmmend to clean out the the tank on your brand new bike, if you want the fuel filter and pump to live and always use clean fuel. fuel tank prefilter would be ideal as well as fuel stabilizer if you park it for winter or long periods, longer than a couple weeks even.

[@alexdetrana8740]

Thanks Mike! You Definitely know your $hit, much appreciated

[@Mmmmmppppppp]

👍

[@dylanfranciswav]

15:31

[@scottforti3194]

Why did they go back to orange frame on the 2023 model I’m so aggravated I want the new model but I don’t want orange frame

[@daleadmire1451]

Dude, what’s up with you and frame colors? most people love the orange frame color scheme.

[@scottforti3194]

@@daleadmire1451 I learned to love it I got a new 2023

[@daleadmire1451]

@@scottforti3194 Oh you lucky bastard I’m so jealous. I’m still waiting a couple more months to get mine. I ride an XR 650 which is heavy as a tank. I can’t wait to get on that nice light KTM!

[@scottforti3194]

@@daleadmire1451 😭 lmao I know dude trust me the these bikes are far from cheap and plus all the aftermarket stuff I got to open her all the way up because they are so restricted from factory currently turning mine in to a supermoto giant hole in my wallet but it’s my dream bike I’ve wanted for a long time

[@daleadmire1451]

@@scottforti3194 yes, you gotta drop some cash to make them extra nice. I plan on getting a tidytail a Baja LED headlight and exhaust tip and I think I’ll be set. and of course tires, but I’ll tear the stockers up riding them on the street first. enjoy your new toy. It’s like riding a Rolex!

[@ModularMuscle]

my dealer showed me how to disconnected the gas line, and then proceeded to reinstall it "dry" before I could stop him. God dammit.

[@daleadmire1451]

That would piss me off also! Now that O-ring can’t be trusted. you should’ve asked them for a new one on the spot.

[@andrewsoldan6050]

heavy duty tubes are waste of money.

[@dirtrider9268]

Till your first simple pinch occurs on 15 ish psi.

[@jamesmanningbmx]

You're a legend man

[@Impedancenetwork]

puhhhleze tell me what the make and model of that bike stand? I need to buy one.

[@adventureswithkatem]

Xcelent video, I have had the bolt that holds the kickstand spring in place come loose as well

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

Same here.