Suspension and ECU upgrades to the 2019 KTM 500 EXC-F - first impressions ride!

Who doesn't love an upgrade? The trusty 500 gets better springy bits and a new brain.
Suspension by Chad's Offroad Setups
www.chadsoffroadsetups.com.au/
ECU by Vortex
www.vortexcdi.com/
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See something on the bike you like? There's probably a video.. Check these playlists:
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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
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[@robbo6799]

Looking forward to hearing your longer term thoughts on the vortex.

[@jamiecoburn1231]

Need to do the muffler end cap mod + select the correct tune..The euro spec bike still has a tiny restriction at the end of the muffler (no spark arrester though). Really wakes up the bike! You can also get a down directing tail pipe that keeps it really quiet if you like a quiet ride. Also, I would get Taco moto's fuel pump and fuel filter setup. I think Mike says its a 3000 + hour pump! The stocker is going to leave you high and dry sooner or later. Enjoying your videos!

[@jarrod1687]

Regarding the fuel pump, is this information only applicable to the 500 or 450/350 as well?

[@jamiecoburn1231]

​@@jarrod1687 Stock KTM fuel pumps are race endurance only. If the Taco Moto 500 pump can be made to fit your bike I think it is a must do for a bike that sees any sort of mileage. Upgrade the micro filters while you are in there! Mike has that stuff too

[@raffs_adv]

Hi Keith, I have used Chads and he does great work, and Richard is a great guy, he helped me out with my 19-501 ecu, I found map 7 handy when up north buying crapy fuel, and zero flame outs ever.

[@keithjob]

I was wondering about that one - good to know.

[@jamiecartledge6891]

I used to put a fuel filter on the end of the fuel cap breather to stop dust going into the tank when it empties

[@dougderby9454]

Have an 18 FE501 I got new. And luckily I got a Euro map in it. Much better. Along with the other updates I did to the bike.

[@BikerBytes]

New suspension is like night and day 👍

[@jonathonms4906]

What do you keep in your day bags ? Also what spare parts and tools do you take on a trip ? Would love to see a video on this

[@sailingwithzefr4085]

Hi Keith in a lot of my riding lately I find I have no choice but to use 91 octane and sometimes opal fuel it would be good if you could change the mapping to suit at the press of a button I think that vortex may allow that would it be worth your time to discuss it

[@keithjob]

It does... simply select map 7 (low octane) on the vortex unit, so then when you select Map 2 on the KTM handlebar switch, you get map 7 on the Vortex.

[@renato771ktm]

Mexico😮

[@travishimself1973]

Did you end up keeping the ecu long term? I just got a 24 excf 500 and was thinking about giving it a try also. Croydon is only 15 mins away so I might give Richard a call and see if he has mapping for the new engines yet.

[@keithjob]

Yes I still have it. Yes give him a ring and ask.

[@grom-XR650R]

Very good!

[@shanecarrodus4335]

How often does the bike need a top end rebuild cheers

[@keithjob]

"It depends", on how it is ridden. As an ADV bike, I would be surprised if it ever does. As an enduro bike, I guess as per manual (135hrs)

[@adamp7448]

Where abouts is Paul’s ln Love to do a ride with you Keith. I’m on a new fe 501

[@keithjob]

If you leave Yarra Glen township heading north, go straight through the roundabout at the chocolate factory and its a few kms up that road on the left. (Old Healesville road)

[@mototrailz]

No offense but if you ride like that you won’t see the difference between a Europe / Australia unlocked ecu and a vortex one. For all the US guys vortex or Get is mandatory for a 12000$ bike Cheers

[@keithjob]

No offense taken and I totally agree! This was a cruise mode ride. I need to try different terrain, different styles, to see how it performs.

[@robsonenduro3316]

luckily in Europe we don't have to do anything with ECU and suspension for trail riding is pretty good stock even for a heavier guy like myself.

[@peterjones4163]

Heavier guy ok…example : let’s say +30 kg gear and your 105kg The bike would handle terrible off-road. Then on top of that adding larger tank , gps, steering stabiliser, screen etc etc etc. even worse handling . It’s sprung for 80 ,85kg without gear out of box. Plenty of blokes out there like yourself thinking it’s ok to ride undersprung bike. Imagine how good the bike would be sprung and set up to suit your weight and gear. Wow ! Less fatigue, less injuries, more fun , I’ve ridden around the world And have experienced plenty of dirt in my time. Good suspension is your best friend.

[@robsonenduro3316]

@@peterjones4163 I ride dirt all my life and the best suspension are your legs :)

[@peterjones4163]

@@robsonenduro3316 well yes to a degree , standing up has many benefits as most know. Now ride a bike with correctly set up suspension on challenging tracks and see what it does for you. Remember an under sprung bike your sitting in the wrong part of the stroke before you even start riding. So your suspension is not doing what it is designed to do. You’ve lost your travel because of under sprung bike etc etc The bike was never engineered for all the extra weight. I’ve seen Sir “Keith” lugging around a lot of gear on his 500 on standard springs in previous posts. Now his bike is set up correctly, I bet money he’s not as flogged at the end of the day and not as many spills. Because a correctly set up bike gives you confidence,improves your skills, prevents unnecessary falls, lowers fatigue. The list goes on. Kind Regards, PJ

[@sicks6six]

buy a KTM the spend $1000s on upgrades or buy a Honda, its already upgraded at the factory for you, and the engine will destroy any lightweight flimsy KTM engine,

[@tainted1581]

I don’t know what Honda you’re riding but no factory Honda has anything over KTM besides assumed reliability. This is coming from an XR650R owner.

[@MrEtnorb]

RtwPaul is riding around the world on his 500. KTM factory mechanic recommended top end rebuild at approx 60-70,000 km when he has only 1000 hrs. Kiwi Aaron Steinman logged a measly 140,000 km on his round the world trip. Myth completely demolished. No need for new ECU either as per the CRF450L.

[@dereckrodriguez9688]

A stock 450L doesn’t ride good at all stock And I’ve ridden several. With the vortex and an exhuast it’s def much smoother and less flameouts.

[@brendenvosper7772]

That’s one scary tash. 😜🥸😉

[@keithjob]

Upgrades all round...😜