Moto Myth Busting and Fantasy Claims Debunked

Please consider supporting our channel and our store. Like and subscribe and visit us at tacomoto.co
Oops, something I flubbed:
At 1:35 I said 500 hp bike - I meant 500cc!
A few times I also say air boot when what I mean to say is air filter side panel.
I mentioned the Lyndon Poskitt rally bikes being twin cylinder, in fact those bikes are the LC4 engined 690 singles. In an Instagram post during the Eco Africa Rally he ran through some of the specs for the team bikes and notes them making 70hp.
By way of reference in the May 2019 Cycle World Dual Sport Shoot Out they dyno tested the 500 at 41hp @7800 rpm and 29.5 PFT @7600
Here’s Dirt Rider’s early test on a 2020 making 39.4
www.dirtrider.com/story/tests...
If there’s others let me know, I leave the comments turned on these videos because it’s important to know what you have to say
This discussion is primarily focusing and using numbers on the KTM 500 EXC, but all points and items pertain to the 250, 350, 450, and 501 as well.
if you need any parts, want us to build you a bike, have any questions, or need help with anything on your machine don't hesitate to call or email us.
702-812-6626
[e-mail]
tacomoto.co/
also join us on the best ktm / husq tech support group on facebook:
groups/EXCFE...

[@motomaryland4734]

TacoMoto is the real deal, got my GET ECU from him and getting some tuning advice directly for his tuner in Texas. Vented Airbox Door / Mesh-less Filter Cage / DCR Camshaft / EU Airboot nothing but honesty and passion from him, the type of vendor that elevates the game for us all!

[@ExtremeSportsWannaBes]

Extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing the link with us! I hugely appreciated anyone willing to contribute to the sport with educational stuff that actually teaches me something.

[@jedielder7970]

I'm a first time viewer of your channel... I'm glad I stumbled across it and I am now a subscriber. I like your no nonsense approach to explaining things, and having the parts in front of you. Thank you. 👍

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Stoked we’re able to help amigo

[@MacawAviculture]

This video presentation is world class...thank you Mike! Finally a science-based discussion about real world modifications and their exact outcomes based upon testing results, NOT on opinions without any basis or evidence.

[@philipjensen2508]

First video on KZbin I’ve ever bothered to like or comment on. Thanks for the solid, clear, concise info. Just picked up a low hour ‘18 500 exc and will be in touch later over the winter season to prep for next spring!

[@DavidLGibbs]

Great video Taco Mike! As always, spot on facts and no BS!

[@teddycourtney5692]

Wish this video was out when I bought my 18 450exc. I spent hours researching how to properly set up my supermoto and make it run how I wanted. I ended up with FMF 4.1, Vortex, pulled the reeds, and full desmog. This would've saved me so much time looking into all of it and wondering if I should've done something different! Great video, Taco Moto is the real deal.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Thanks for the words mate. We’re stoked to be able to do anything to serve the braaaaap community

[@JanASS1991]

What a in wide, depth and honest video. You have huge knowledge. Good job!

[@bonecreature]

Loved the video! Could you discuss the difference between the stock headers and the powerbomb/ megabomb headers? Regards

[@DualsportDisport]

Great video. 450 husky moto boot works great on the fe501. Fits perfect. I have the dobach tuner and a stock muffler off a 250sxf. I swap the mufflers when riding trails vs. Track and use the dobach to quickly adjust the fuel. Great to have 2 setups

[@FaithandActiondotnet]

Really great stuff, thanks! I'll put you on my list as I'm hoping/planning for an FE S.

[@tylerannjohnson]

I'm buying a FE 501s this year and just watched this video. It was super helpful, thank you so much for making videos like this!

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Thanks for watching and letting us know we’re doing something right w these 🤙🏽🏁🤙🏽

[@paulvanhout9695]

Great video - very informative and matter of fact. Enjoy seeing you on Tech Talk Taco Tuesday with Jimmy Lewis as well.

[@grommit327]

Wow so much info. Great video. I just bought a new 500 EXCF and this helped me sort through a lot of the BS out there

[@paulwayte9660]

well explained and very interesting, I'm a new big fan of Taco moto co and the guys and parts. they are very honest with there information .

[@chriscatron2978]

2016 501s up graded piston from 11.8.1 to weisco 12.5.1 vortex Ecu set on 1 Port and polished head FMF full exhaust. Runs great now.

[@philipsmith6152]

Great video guys, wish you had come out with the TPS info 18 months ago,, I got sucked into cashing my tail with that BS on my old 350 ecw, cheers

[@MrHobbs-lm8jn]

Great video thanks for the education and options given. Appreciate when people with actual knowledge share it

[@f18a]

I found this interesting and I don't even own a KTM...

[@linguinatorschwartz9309]

Well get with the program, dude.

[@iamandreja]

@@linguinatorschwartz9309 I found this interesting and I don't even have a brain :v

[@crashedking1931]

@@iamandreja Yea are brains are all on the throttle side.

[@tommckittrick3519]

Really great info as always, much appreciated!

[@JustinSmithWY]

Most excellent video, I learned a lot. Supernerd observation since Mike called us out - from 43mm dia to 35mm dia is a 34% reduction in cross-sectional area (1450 mm^2 to 960 mm^2). And 43mm to 28 mm is a 58% reduction in area.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Another thing people don’t realize is that according to poiseuilles law, that there is change/ reduction to the 4th power of the radius, which is HUGE!

[@mikeerdman4831]

I forgot excellent job on the video as always. I can tell you got them big city smarts.

[@michaelhartman6959]

Great info. Thank you for the time and effort to do this.

[@wipperwils2111]

Great video and explanation and thanks for posting. One correction I’d like to point out to the interweb: the end cap spark arrestor cap is not an 80% obstruction mate, the air is forced sideways through the screen and into the fibreglass packing and back out of the fibreglass into the spark arrestor screen before exiting out the 27mm hole. It diverts the airflow through the screens. There is a restriction in airflow for sure, but it’s more like an overall 40% reduction which does create back pressure for the exhaust exit.

[@JasonFiske]

Great video. It looks like you’ve created a worldwide shortage of the pro billet end cap. This is just so credible and educational, thank you.

[@marcuswhonea]

Thank you for addressing all of the bro mods debunked and supported. Your professionality is on point, I now know where I can think of putting my money and time without wasting any of either.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Happy to be of service to the moto community 🤘🏽

[@yt-ll5mu]

it’s crazy how so many guys have issues with the stock bikes!! people think they know better than the engineers at ktm/husky and that just blows my mind. thank you for the clarity.

[@ildoc66]

really good knowledge, honest dude, will keep following your vids cheers

[@judoguy33]

Man I am so glad I found your channel. I got advice from somebody that I needed to knockout the screen on the outlet and then adjust my TPS on my 2017 EXC 250-F. Well I did that and now it started popping on decel so back because the air/fuel is jacked and is is so lean now. Time for an end cap and JD tuner. Thank you for the info! You got a thumbs up and a sub from me.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Glad I could help, let me know how it goes with the new components.

[@algee8228]

Hey judoguy33, did you go ahead and put the end cap and JD tuner on your 250? If so how did it work out for you. I've got an '18 250 and am contemplating it, to get just a slight power gain and run cooler.

[@JohnHowerton137]

Stellar video. Probably earned a customer if you have something I need that my local dealer doesn't. 👌

[@mikesimon9529]

Thanks for the input 👍 when I get my bike we will be in touch with you 👍✌️🤔😁

[@bilbombe]

Hi. There is a huge difference in US and EU EXC models. We have no emission boxes, reeds in the intake etc. EU have more power OEM.Too bad US have to mod to get it run like the EU.

[@Xfacehack]

Wow i didn't know. So what can you do with Ktm 500 exc 2020 EU bike to get to 59-60hp? :D

[@bilbombe]

@@Xfacehack OEM baby!

[@kona6417]

Very interesting, did not know you could alter the stock muffler on my Husky..

[@dirtbiketv1]

Great info. In the Stk Exc ex we do knock out the come and then takeoff the end screen. Then we took the screen off and it rips and is not loud. Get with me if want to chat.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Is this jay Clark? Def would like to hear more. Drop me an email [e-mail]

[@lyledubois8969]

I used a long punch to get most of the welds broke off the resonator, and then a 3 foot 1.5" OD stainless tube I had laying around to knock it out , it came right out , no damage to the main perf tube. It flows as well as an fmf , without the price. Ran the pro moto cap, with spark arrestor.

[@cmbscx1084]

Thanks Mike. Just lost another 3 hours of my life. So much great info that i can't take it all in so will have to watch it again and again. As someone who just did a few of these upgrades my only questionable item was the reeds. I took them out from a few pics i viewed of them getting sucked in to the motor. Probably 1 in a million chance but my luck sucks so i took them out.

[@mikespurgin537]

it can and has happened, just like 2t bikes eat reeds on occasion. everything can break but we've seen reliability on them to overall be very good.

[@lbeck119]

Awesome VID..... keep up the great job 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@WildBORProductions]

Always a great education with your vids! Thanks!

[@Outdoorspapa]

My 82 XR500R has intake peddles. Not going to lie the first time I took off my carb I was a bit taken back. But they work.. Gpa use to say if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. My 500R rips sooo, they stay👍. Great show, thanks for all the great advice Mike. Keep it coming.

[@NickV70]

Man, you are killing it with info! Great job Mike!

[@FLT1970]

Learned soooo much! Thank you Mike!

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Thanks for checking out our vids mate

[@donpetryna4356]

Great video..... love the content......looking forward to more of your videos....👍

[@dg1019]

Take it from a KTM dealer that has modded several customers bike this guy is giving you the straight dope. We are partial to the Vortex but the Dobeck works very well.

[@Logs95]

Why partial with the Vortex?

[@raphaellacasse-linteau]

Very good video i have a Husqvarna fs450 2019 i'm racing it in stock form. Procircuit end cap and get it ecu will be my only power mods. Fmf titanium exhaust is not even lighter the header is.

[@mike4207426]

Mike I think you forgot the DAD's root beer candy mod! That mod always seems to smooth out my install time. Also seems to enhance my whistle ability while I endlessly search for the bolt that dropped into the bowls of the bike. And you can't beat the longevity of the DAD's, it usually lasts long enough to run to the hardware store twice to get the bolt I lost.

[@mikespurgin537]

right! stickers too, 3-5hp dyno tested.

[@earl6969]

Last time I got free candy was with a $10,000.00 dollar stereo system. *Bonus with my cheater lever

[@jordanguerard4847]

Really imformative video and great explaning!

[@brettmenzie982]

Good vid. Just personal experience not a pro mechanic by any means but I put your get ecu on my 2020 Ktm 500 exc f with fmf 4.1 and was not overly impressed until I pulled the reeds. Much better power delivery now.

[@mikespurgin537]

depending on the type of riding a guy is doing and his typical throttle range, reeds in or out may be a very personal and subjective choice. glad you found the set up that's working for you

[@Mike-hi3sc]

Great vid. Got some very useful information. Thanks

[@MrJasonfromcanada]

I put anodized bling parts and a racing number on my 300 and got 71.32hp

[@linguinatorschwartz9309]

LOL. You sure that wasn't 71.bs hp ?

[@dennistate9951]

A number plate alone is worth 10HP alone.. then add a single digit number to the plate and that thing will scream!!!

[@JaegerWrenching]

Good to see a lot of great, accurate advice. So often there is terrible emotionally based advice over fact based advice.

[@findvoltage]

Plenty of common sense,... flying out the window. Dont know why they call irt common sense when its not at all common. haha

[@GreenlawMotorSports]

I have thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you for the realities. You can go with your Bros or listen to the pros. Great job.

[@stevebaum]

Interesting stuff! Thank you. Now I have to figure out how to put my reeds back in!

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Try yamabond 4

[@jjjjjjjjrifufjssjosskenf]

Wonder if Dave from ktm and husky watched your video

[@mayconpix]

Thanks from a Brazilian!!! Thank you very much for the information here in Brazil we are lacking this type of information. I won't spend any more money...

[@wfodavid]

Used to run the EJK and it was nice. Thing I didn't like about it is if the battery lost power you had to reprogram. Once I bought the VORTEX it was a game changer. Bike is a monster (500). Got the GET ECU and the GET fuel injection addition on my 300. Its a game changer as well. Nice reviews.

[@brianricoh3242]

My Jd tuner doesnt do that, you can leave battery unplugged all week, tuner holds last settings.

[@mikespurgin537]

never had that problem w the EJK on any bike, so might have been an issue or malfunction of just the one unit that you ad possibly.

[@iamandreja]

Thank you for this video, a pure, honest no-shit-talk presentation. I will correct you if you allow, Lyndon Poskitt doesn't make 790s (twin cylinder), he is modifying 690 Rally Replicas, they're single cylinder and they make about 80 horsepower. Stock 790 makes about 110+hp. Now excuse me, I will take a look at your channel, there's plenty to learn! Cheers! :)

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Thanks for the correction and info. Cheers !

[@endurocotenordhusqvarna468]

Be great if you did a video on swapping the factory air boot for the reedless air boot...

[@johnball6160]

I installed the Loudmouth Kit on my 13 500exc not so much for power but I'm not a fan of the center pin on the air filters the fact that the Lm kit clamps on is safer in my opinion Great Vid Thanks

[@rayrokni]

On my ‘24 excf 350, the reed is held in place by very small ribs that fall in place in a groove. Zero glue/silicone. I took it out just to see the difference and that’s how i found out about the glue. I did put it back in

[@jeffreysisti6653]

Excellent video, still thinking to remove those reeds for my woods riding, my 500 exc-f doesn't have the snap that my 300xcw has.

[@Simon-eh5ez]

More clarification on the rally bikes. The 70hp africa eco race bikes are 450s and the LPR 732 engine makes gobs of power over that. The stock HQV701 and newer KTM 690s (lc4 693cc engine) makes 75hp stock, and lyndon felt that those lacked in power compared to his modded 690. I have seen people push near 90 whp on stock displacement 701s. In 2012 the rally raid (dakar, AER, World championship) changed the rules to limit the displacement to 450cc and these are the ones run in the video from lyndon you mentioned in the description, factory team likely runs even more power. I remember a video series with Sam Sunderland on redbull TV where he had an sxf practice bike he claimed at 72hp which i would assume is about what he has on the dakar bikes. It has also been mentioned that the dakar 450s make as much power as the older 690s but have to rev harder and is more expensive, so that also points to a bit over 70hp. The dakar bikes (ktm 450 rally factory replica, husqvarna fr 450 rally replica) are sold to the public, and obviously spare parts as well. A spare engine can be bought here in sweden for about 12 000 USD, which is about 1500 USD more than a brand new sxf 450 factory edition. I agree with you on the video though, the point you made was that basic bolt on parts won't make it a 70hp monster, and the price tag of those dakar engines should prove that. Otherwise the engine alone wouldn't cost more than the most expensive stock motocross bikes out there. But 70hp is doable, and can be bought as an off the shelf item, might not be approved in all regulations though. ;) BTW, as a 2019 701 enduro owner i can say that 75hp is insane. Hitting 100mph on dirt is way to easy on that machine.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Simon Nilsson great info and great reply. Thanks for those insights and your time!

[@jalexandr55]

Awesome ! Thank you!

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

‘Placebo power’… 😂. brilliant, I’m stealing that

[@williamdevore9880]

Awesome Vid! Very informative.

[@cascaderetriever7618]

Great video! Thanks!

[@BigEarthHiker]

Awesome video. Thanks so much. Will spend money with you.

[@craiglimon6964]

Very thorough and informative video. What does a duckbill valve do on older Honda crf bike air box? Do I need it or should I plug it?

[@dannylorenze6188]

Thank you, Mike!

[@Hoser1mVm]

Mike - great channel and no BS INFO! Basically - everything mention (intake, throttle body or exhaust - other than digital mods/ECUs) leans the bikes out - that correct? Only digital ECU/injector mods can enrich fuel mapping to compensate for more air thru flow - do I got that right? Just picked up a 2019 Six Days 450 EXC-F with only 11.1 hours on it. Initial oil change was done. Looking to get the moto-minded Ultimate kit , EJK and end cap. Also have a 2018 300 XC-W Six Days with tons of goodies on it. Thinking of selling both for a new Six Days 500 EXC-F 😅 - and I’ll have mod money left over ;) Some of your vids make me think I should wait till the new chassis and changes hit the EXC’s I’m 2024?

[@rickydicky5889]

00:28 Honda Cr500 in the eighties claimed almost 65 HP so it wouldn't be too crazy or unreasonable that some upgrades could pick 5 extra HP.

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

Kx500s with powervalves claimed 56 so I think your off

[@codenamenoob4973]

You'd be lucky if you got 65hp out of the cr500 works bikes of the time

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

You do know that a 2 stroke fires twice as much as a 4T, right? And you do know how power is created, right? This isn’t just about displacement.

[@InsideEnduro]

Good video, how do you adjust idle with the GET?

[@Cristian-Filip]

What do you think about the air cage screen on a 250 exc-f..? Thanks ! Well done with the way you put it up on the channel by the way! 👍👍👍

[@tomharris8358]

Great info to save us from BS

[@adventureswithkatem]

Excellent video! Can you please put a 2020 ish ktm 500 exc with a vortex e.c.u. and an after market slip on muffler on the dyno. I'm dying to see the numbers. Thanks.

[@nepicness]

Can you do a suspension vid? There's so many forums of people saying nonsense so I always end up leaving more confused than when I came

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Good idea. Thanks for that

[@davidmicklo97]

Regarding the FMF pipe, does it also give up low end power as knocking out that center resonator on the stock pipe, since it doesn’t seem to have it?

[@michaelgreco5845]

Do you have a video on suspension set up for bigger guys 270 ish for single track technical trail style riding

[@probuilder961]

"Placebo Effect Power" Love that term! I'm gonna use that next time I hear the noisy bark of a Harley.

[@ADVNevada]

Awesome idea!

[@EngineerK]

Dude you go above and beyond. Couple of questions: If you do the end cap will the stock ecu still work? What are the relative power increases on the 3 tiers of ecu?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Just like on a carb bike if you change intake or exhaust you need to account. Do that on an FI bike w one of these mentioned

[@jeffreysisti6653]

Thats the question I have, did you replace the end cap and have to do an ecu?

[@rudydalessandro1094]

I'm considering to buy the new KTM 500 EXC, I find this video very useful.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Great video, and I don’t even own a ktm. On a similar topic, I’ve been running that pro moto billet tip on my crf450r 2005 for many years, and I know inside that the FMF isn’t going to do crap for my bike, except make my wallet much lighter, but I will admit, they look sick!! Maybe I need to just figure out how to change the color of the large stock ugly can. Lol

[@iToy80]

Lyndon Poskit makes a 732cc single cylinder engine for his bikes, not a twin ;) Informativ and interesting video !

[@TACOMOTOCO]

Thanks for the clarification. Good notice. Those bikes are the LC4 engined 690! I’ll correct that in the description comments.

[@Simon-eh5ez]

And his 70hp engine is not the 732, but a 450 rally factory replica ;) Would be kinda crappy to run a bigger bore and longer stroke and lose 5hp compared to the stock (newer) lc4

[@250txc]

Nice video ... I quit local heroes and experts long ago ..

[@promotionalpro]

Wish I could give this video 10 likes. Very informative. Please make more

[@TACOMOTOCO]

you're rad. thanks

[@emilopffer1069]

old yamaha yz 250 f rider switched to 2016 fc 350 ; not happy with rear suspension , I have tried lighter springs, any opinion on changing the links, like the pro circuit or sds

[@S0RELOSER]

Great video. I have a 2020 xcfw. Seems there are many ways to skin the cat. Max performance would be ECU upgrade, euro airboot, and powerfilter. But since Im a low RPM guy, I think I’ll stick with OEM boot/reed combo. Sounds like I can stick with OEM ECU as well? I like the billet powerflow kits and the OEM o2 sensor should be able to accommodate for it. But if Im wanting to richen things up I can go to my dealer and slip them a extra tip to give me the FMF/Akro mapping in my USA mapped ECU? Sounds like that & a powerflow kit and I’ll be plenty happy?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

What’s a billet power flow kit? Your dealer was supposed to have a ‘map2’ flash for an aftermarket pipe for the xcfw bikes but so far I haven’t heard of any dealers doing that owing to epa issues w that

[@S0RELOSER]

TACO MOTO CO the billet powerflow kit is the twinair filter kit you showed in the video. With the billet cage. No backfire screen. I have one on my FC350 and love it. But I’ve been hesitant to get one for the XCFW because it’s already lean. I was unaware the o2 would make (minor) compensation until watching the Slavens video. And unaware of the aftermarket exhaust / OEM ecu reflash until your video. That ecu reflash is only for map 2 huh? It wont richen up map 1 as well? Im gonna contact my dealer and see if they have that map.

[@mickynicky82]

Great video, thanks 🥳

[@micjohn701]

I would buy the pro billet adapter because it is cheaper and test it to see if I like it or not then keep the original end of the stock muffler just incase I would want to go back to the stock back pressure.

[@willfillinlater1924]

Thank you very much! What do you think of the Manifold kits like the ones from KTM n Husky?

[@TACOMOTOCO]

We tested that on the dyno and in a ride test with a rider on a bike that we kept that mod secret from him - no dif noted in either evaluation

[@alexandre8598]

Thank you for the video!

[@mikeerdman4831]

I didn’t have to take my reeds out. They blew out when the bike flamed out. So I just left them out. The dealer remapped mine with the euro aftermarket exhaust. So I changed the muffler to fmf. Put the 89bd spark arrestor in it. Bike runs just fine. It even ran good dead stock it’s a17 500 296hrs

[@tannergreiner8441]

Taco moto dropping TRUTH

[@wakawaka12320]

The Aussie models don't run lean you can safely run an fmf etc....i believe they call it the euro map, our bikes come straight from the dealer with the unrestricted air boot etc, we don't have a spark arestor or perforated screen

[@mikespurgin537]

yes, you're bikes are the last real dirt bikes in the world. america may be the home of the brave but australia i think is the land of the free.

[@linguinatorschwartz9309]

@@mikespurgin537 said, " . . . but Australia I think is the land of the free." Not after they willingly turned in all of their .22 rifles. What other firearms have they turned in since then ? Ya can't fight a dictator with a dirtbike.

[@TheFretwrecker]

2023 FE501S owner here. Really enjoyed the in depth information. One question though- regarding the exhaust specs you gave earlier in the video- the ID of the inlet on the exhaust going from 43 down to 35, isn’t that closer to an 18% reduction in airflow, and not 80% ?

[@jonathoncatterson8901]

The the 35 mm screen tube goes into the 43 mm perforated tube. That only leaves 8 mm round circle for it to get past and into the screen

[@grantcoop]

If I keep my OEM exhaust and I add the tail pipe cap do I need to get a “get” to have it run correctly?

[@timothylawson4518]

Awesome video!!!

[@cyuiyuwyguiyui8540]

So,if i install that silent down turn (straight through) on my stock 500 exc f exhaust i have to install another ecu??

[@SWFlowseeker]

Ty for all the info. Do you sell a air boot with reeds in? I destroyed mine getting them out, kinda wanna try with them in. Also by changing the reeds would you have to adjust the fuel? I bought the fuel tuner from best dual sports.com.

[@TACOMOTOCO]

SWFlowseeker you can source a US boot w reeds from any ktm oe parts supplier. Yes, fuel tweaks will be needed

[@liquidktm]

Straight talk good stuff.