Ultimate Off-Road Adventure Dual Sport Bike - rtwPaul's Modded KTM 500 EXC - Six Days / World-Ready

Is this the perfect full-time off-road adventure motorcycle, capable of handling any road or trail in the world reliably? After nine years of living and traveling on two wheels, rtwPaul thinks it might be! Check out Paul's amazingly modified KTM 500 EXC Six Days enduro motorcycle, all ready to take him around the world for the next few years (at least!)
rtwPaul's ADVRider.com build thread advrider.com/f/threads/1369978/
Visit Paul @ rtwPaul.com @rtwPaul / rtwpaul
Mike Spurgin @ tacomoto.co/
Lots more to learn @ MOTOTREK.net/
Follow MOTOTREK @ / findmototrek
Buy Stuff We Recommend @ www.amazon.com/shop/mototrek
MOTOTREK is made by Timothy Tyler @ inventivepictures.com/
MOTOTREK's music is by Matt Jorgensen @ mattjorgensen.com/
#rtwPaul #adventuremotorcycle #lightWeight #KTM #500EXC #dualsport

[@nickcalnephone]

Insurance company: Do you have any modifications...? This guy: Get yourself a cup of tea, sit down and we'll begin...

[@Infoseek777]

Lolol

[@mickynicky82]

😁

[@abdulazizsaleh8650]

😂👌🏻

[@exothermal.sprocket]

"Do you have any modifications...?" "How much time do you have?"

[@pascalolli2189]

You get this kind of upgrades from years of riding experience. Thank you for sharing! Super inspiring.

[@andrewanderson1988]

@@GiancarloBenzina dude has ridden around the world multiple times and you say he's not experienced? Interesting take.

[@joeybobbie1]

@@andrewanderson1988 you need to re read what he said. He was saying he has Years of experience.

[@andrewanderson1988]

​@@joeybobbie1you'll notice I am not replying to the original comment, but someone that deleted their comment? Doesn't look like I am the one that needs to reread.

[@ckenealy8]

Amazing bike, this is truly a dream machine! I rode a CRF150 across Vietnam, started in Saigon finished in Hanoi. Took 3 weeks,I had my GF on the back + all of our luggage. The first week it was fun the remainder was a pure painful slog of being in 5th gear with the throttle wide open trying to stay at 85+ Kms. We had bugger all protection, when I think back to that I can't really believe how silly I was thinking that was a good/cool Idea. We rode a mountain pass that took 4 hours through the night, not a single car passed us we really were in the middle of no where, how easily a flat tire or a pot hole could have taken us out. The standard light was so bad I had to squint to see and when it would rain my helmet had no visor so I just had to slow right down. At the end of the journey I realized that I want to do this again but properly, like you are doing. So i moved back home and for the last 1 year have been saving my ass off and planning my next proper big trip. Unfortunately Covid has other plans but I hope it all settles down soon and I can be off on my maiden voyage. Again awesome bike, I wish I had someone like you in my life to guide me a little but I guess that is part of the fun/learning process. Cheers.

[@one_step_sideways]

Have you tried doing anything yet?

[@paulm7732]

What year500 is this? was looking at the 690 as well for possible adventure dual sport for me..

[@LivingMovie]

I'm 15 seconds in, "This 500 exc is going around the world for the next 4 or 5 years" LIKED AND SUBSCRIBED!!!!

[@gregjerome1911]

Looks like a great build Paul, thank you for sharing with us all! Really like the tiny turn signals, overbuilt hand guards w/mirrors, I know that Taco Moto worked with you on a lot of those goodies! Good luck with your travels, looking forward to seeing your next update!

[@TRIUMPHUS1]

Perfect presentation of this machine. Have a good time and ride and all the best for your trip.

[@EPeltzer]

It's incredible, actually, this almost EXACTLY the same year bike, same rally tower, wheels, even same luggage, that I was thinking of building, but ended up going with a 1970 Honda Trail 90 instead.

[@darrylgibb2693]

Man....you know what you're doing. Preparation like a Dakar winner. The best presentation how to I've seen. Welcome back and great riding ....

[@modernrider1398]

Nice bike. I have a 2015 xcw 500 that I’m slowly converting into an adv bike. I’ve done maybe half the things you’ve done already but definitely learned a lot more here. Thanks!

[@matticusmac6452]

The quality and feel of your stuff is epic and this 500 is friggin awesome!!! Great choice, Adam Riemann picked for motonomad, 500exc, he dround his in motonomad 2 and still finished, fantastic build!!!

[@byrdt6528]

Really glad to see another Mototrek video. Great subject and material. Thanks! Keep em coming.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, will do!

[@mojosdad68]

Heck of a setup there, looks like you’ve got it all covered. Best of luck on your journey.

[@brettkovak6344]

Wow! Just wow! You’ve thought of everything! I really love the fact that you pointed out I’m not racing this bike around the world, I’ve shied away from husky and KTM because of service intervals but you were absolutely right!

[@jamesbramblett3346]

Excellently presented and upgrades are well thought out.

[@davelariviere682]

Those are the right boots as well. Tried many others and found them to be the best. That is quite the wind deflector. Makes sense for those long days. Have a great trip sir.

[@BigRockMoto]

So jealous of that build! Perfect! I miss my 2014 500exc. Amazing bike. Love it for all the exact reasons you stated. Thank you for this incredibly well thought out overview. "Light is right"

[@paulmessikommer4027]

so there you found the unicorn !!

[@mellow8066]

Massive tnx,ur the 1st person that gives me much better info mods..👍😀

[@marcelomurara6512]

That's what I call a dream bike! Great upgrades and a proper bike to travel light!

[@robprice307]

Awesome video, with great production and content. Bravo! May we all live vicariously through you RTWPaul!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thank you kindly, Rob!

[@fortheloveofknobs]

Great video and no doubt that bike is going to be amazing on your RTW trip, Paul!!! Safe travels buddy!

[@user-dn6gz2ow8f]

Thank you sir for sharing all this amazing information based on your experience and needs!! Finally a well informative video. Enjoy and have safe travels!

[@DavidDacaro]

Thanks for great content. Because of what you said, I'm now on my second exc, started with a 2022, now getting a 2014 for friends and family who visit. Everything you said to me personally in emails past or in your videos has been spot on. I didn't listen originally to your advice and bought a Honda 300L, thinking the 500 was too much power. All I can say is...Ooops, that bike needs to go. Since I got the 500, literally every time I ride it, I'm smiling at what the engineers and testers did to push this platform. Amazing, always outside my skill level, and infinitely capable. I'm like you demographic-wise in many ways for those curious. I'm not a racer or mx or enduro guy, but like to as Paul puts it, be able to go wherever I want to go on the bike, and when not loaded down with gear, push the bike on trails pretty hard for a non-pro. It does it all. Love the 500's.

[@mrgregpappas]

Five years ago today I left Connecticut for a trip to Guatemala and back on a 2007 KTM 450 EXC. I did the cush drive, enlarged oil cooler for increased capacity, custom racks for soft luggage, larger tank, etc. It was primarily road riding, 100% across the USA, 100% across Mexico and some light trail riding in Guatemala. It was like riding a chainsaw for 7-10 hours a day. I would never take a small single cylinder race bike on a trip like that again. For this trip, I guess if you're doing lots of off-road, the experience would be drastically different, but for me, my CB500X with a RR L2 kit has been the sweetest setup yet for my travels around Honduras and Guatemala (I live in Honduras currently).

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the info, Greg. Safe travels!

[@mrgregpappas]

@@MOTOTREK Thanks you too! Keep up the great work on this channel! I always enjoy your videos.

[@bradsanders6954]

A basic modded DR650 will do hiway great,80mph mine is happy. And most any off road is fair game...............the problem is the bike doesnt cost much,isnt any kind of poser bike. The real kicker is parts can be had world wide and cheap. So that's no good. There's no drama. Mine has 50,000 miles on it and it runs the same as it did at 1000 miles. If you need the bike to be the star of a ride,and attract attention,the DR wont do it....but it will get where you want easily,day after day. Ive ridden a KTM 500 and if you were riding singletrack all the way it would be great..

[@G58]

@@MOTOTREK Can you list the parts you’ve fitted please? Am currently designing a lightweight adventure bike based upon a modified CCM 604 frame and a BMW F650 Dakar engine converted to a carb. It’s a similar idea to your’s, but a smaller budget, and I’m starting with a generally reliable Rotax engine designed for on and off road. Liking your setup. Ride safe.

[@razorwired130]

@@bradsanders6954 - funny that anybody who spends more than $7K on an "adventure" motorcycle is a poser.

[@charlesdunn5731]

A true no BS kind of video, the man told y'all what worked for him and left it at that. 👍👏 Take it or leave it. Pro rider or future rider, everyone can appreciate his thoughts and effort into upgrading a bike for HIM. The whole point of motorcycling is that your bike represents you as an individual

[@tshansen]

Think you Sir... this was really nice to watch :-) Great to see your setup and your tought's behind it :-)

[@240fxst]

Sir you got all the bases covered. Awesome bike great presentation. Stay safe enjoy the ride.

[@ADVJames]

Awesome overview and details of why you went with extra/after market solutions. Thanks RTW

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colmhaughey7001]

Smart Lad all makes perfect sense I’ve just bought 2016 KTM 250 EXC-F > Six Day I live in Laos so it’s the perfect machine to use in my back garden gives me the option to ride quick or slow I’ve done a few I’ll be using some of your ideas lice the sump guard with the tool tray Enjoy the ride Bro...!!!

[@Coldgecko]

Best video on setup for Adventure travel I've seen yet! I've done a tiny bit compared with you... About 70,000km in past 2.5 years from 3 trips; South America (top to bottom), USA/Asia/Europe and crossing USA (miami to L.A ... Montana...). I used a F850GSA on my last trip from Miami to Thailand. I rode 70% tarmac and 30% off-road. I find the F850GSA heavy for me 5'9". I love the bike though -- I also own a 2018 R1200GSA. Anyway, I'm always thinking of my next bike which I will take to Africa in 2021 -- Top of Africa to bottom. Anyway, keep the vids coming ... I like the fact that you are a do-er... not just a talker.

[@guyzents7206]

That is one beautiful bike, great set up. Can't wait to see more videos. My 640 and I will be following you. Keep the rubber side down Brother.

[@KTMBB71]

Hell yeah !! Went the same route on my 2010 Ktm 530 and it's been completely awesome, in fact just got home 🤟

[@TheFaiyazy]

Just bought mine. A used 2010 500 EXC. My first bike ever....

[@stevenpelayo9418]

Good stuff. Best of luck! Looking forward to following your adventure.

[@dudunelkee]

i lik your humility and the fact that this bike is made for you and what you wanna ride.. indeed it's an awesome bike but not suited for everyone ! Good ride and hi from France!

[@chtomlin]

true, but how is a DR Z400 not better for this mission?

[@marcusbevz6500]

Falcon 4 not as light or powerful and not even close comparable suspension

[@davidbadham3712]

Great video and thank you for covering the elephant in the room. I’ve been having sleepless nights about what to get, 690 enduro or 500 exc. It’s definitely going to be the exc now👌👍

[@RoadGlideAustralia]

Great overview Paul. Thanks for sharing.

[@demzunoplayer]

Yeah, an impressive build up of a global traveller motorcycle. (Glad you anticipated the fuel pump problems.)

[@hhattingh]

Went to the website. Great stuff! Thanks for sharing. You certainly know how to live.

[@exploredom3690]

Great setup, look forward to your upcoming videos. Safe travels!

[@ScrambleNorth]

I want to do a similar build to my 6 Days! I had thought about selling this bike but I’m kind of inspired to have an ultralight adventure bike!

[@udomsimon1]

LOVE your bike and your upgrade. Thank you for sharing

[@billness2635]

I rode my 690 Rally throughout Europe, the UK and Africa covering 12k in eight weeks. Once I got back home to Alaska, I sold it for a 500exc that I now have 9000 miles on. I haven’t found a seat yet that doesn’t kill my ass after a few hours of riding! I’m taking it to Ushuaia from AK next year. The 500 hands down is the best of all worlds. Not great at any one thing but brilliant at everything!

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Always looking forward to your videos.....Thanks Bret and Paul!!!

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome.

[@jasonfilos4167]

Great videos and appreciate you taking time to share your riding wisdom. Have you done any episodes about route planning? Entry requirements, places to avoid, how you determine where to ride while still being able to stay mostly off road? I'd love to hear and learn about that.

[@xavierbennedtti460]

That's one hell of a prep. Hoping it doesn't all feel too heavy? So many tips, thanks for sharing the knowledge. Ride safe and enjoy the moment. A new subscriber.

[@unosom]

When you get to Norway - remember to take the coastal route and NOT the E6 that goes from south to north.

[@JohannesDalen]

Og ikke kjør off road, for her er det ikke lov...

[@unosom]

@@JohannesDalen helt klart. Noen offroadere harvet opp en tursti på hytta vår i sommer. Helt unødvendig - så enig med deg :-)

[@dandersonjr]

Glad I waited to the end of the video to comment cause I kept thinking about maintenance. Seems you have it covered. Wish you well on your trip.

[@trombolio]

So how often does he do the oil changes?

[@luigimonaco7826]

Love it, have a good ride. Will check in on your website now and then.

[@scottysscandinavia5793]

An inspiration. Though the trickiest change I've found so far when modding my ride has been swapping all of my T:s to D:s.

[@leonardopaesano8020]

Wicked video... Thanks for sharing & Good Luck on the Trip... Have Fun Brother.

[@singletrackscott1053]

Paul, great video. It's like an article I'm reading in Men's Journal magazine in that it makes me want to be there. Just got back from an annual 4-day ride in Colorado so I'm currently in the market for some upgrades (read: repairs). Thanks for the great info!!

[@sandycollier3981]

Sic! nice quality sound on the video too! FYI, those of you wanting more details I see HoboMoped has a 9 minute video of this same bike.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the info, Sandy!

[@royarnab22]

Sending this video to C90 Adventures 😋

[@MOTOTREK]

Ed March is awesome!!

[@mboyer68]

That bike is AWESOME!!! Good job!!

[@MilaNelson]

Like it a lot! You´ve made your homework. Safe travels from Switzerland, you are welcome any time! (Bernese Mountains)

[@rocketrollsvlogs7625]

I'm excited already. Hyped.

[@SB-fe4gt]

Great video for RTW prep. Thank You

[@dasfahrer8187]

Treasure trove of great info, things to think about and common sense features. Thanks for posting!

[@simlarry100]

Shout out to Paul! I'm a new subscriber and loving it! Thank you!

[@MOTOTREK]

Welcome!!

[@plympytheplumber4605]

Awesome bike! I really like that skid plate/tool box!

[@hungwasson1399]

I'd be concerned about integrity, after being bashed by a large rock or log at speed. But it does keep the heavy stuff down low....

[@dariohazewinkel8213]

Dream setup and nice video! Hope to see more

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

This is a magnificent and enviable setup!

[@gestoandlane]

magnificent yes....necessary ...no....I'd do that on my CBR and I just a mere girl! lol

[@imyourhuckleberry357]

Man!! So nice....I was raised in the Mojave desert....I really miss it for the riding.

[@MOTOTREK]

This is the perfect time of year for the AZ desert!

[@loupuleff571]

Nice bike I have a 2013 ktm 300 xc but have been looking for a 2013-2015 ktm 500 exc your bike is set up like I want mine set up very nice !!

[@fistfullofthrottle]

Gday Paul Looks like a well set up machine. I also have a ktm 500, i have added grip warmers and same on the seat, huge difference on a winter ride. I also installed gel in my seat, keeps the vibrations off your ass. I use tubliss on Heidenau k60 scout dual sport tyres, on the dirt I take down to 5 psi grip is excellent. Ride safe i look forward to following your progress.

[@constantineeliadis5582]

Knew Taco was involved with this build ... their signature KTM mods... great bike! safe travels ...

[@pinaero]

Very nice setup! Looks like a fun beast.

[@J-dog44]

Great setup on an awesome bike! I would love to do this. Great explanation on the parts you used too. Thanks for the video.

[@christiandupuis706]

This is so satisfying to watch!

[@pwestjr]

Watching this video for the first time and I have to say, I am impressed with what you have done to modify your KTM 500 XC. I was not aware you could add a kick start on a bike with electronic ignition. Sweet! Will be following you!

[@hungwasson1399]

This is only possible with select models of bikes that are pre-configured to allow optional kick start kits to be added after sale. Beta may also have such models, but I'm not certain.

[@hungwasson1399]

I too think the kick start option is a sound decision on this build. Lithium-ion motorcycle batteries are notorious for sudden failure....

[@Infoseek777]

He has the 2016......which already came with it from the factory....

[@gedlyman1]

Wow! What a set up Paul, awesome job! I learned a lot from watching your video and will look to use your advise on my bike for some of the upgrades. Pleasure to meet you on your travels, we met in beautiful Caraz, high in the Peruvian mountains back when you had your DR 650. Cheers Ged.

[@rtwpaul]

Hi Ged

[@kamelthorn]

Great video, all of the best for your trip!

[@sumporfuk]

Wow, with a few exceptions the upgrades and modifications that you’ve done to your bike are pretty much exactly what I did to prepare my 2016 KTM 500 EXC for round the world extended travel. Your windscreen from MotoMinded looks to be much larger than the one that I got from them and your console dashboard setup is pretty slick as well (I just setup two different NAV’s on my handlebars). I’ve debated long and hard about attaching a rack setup but after seeing yours I may have to give that a rethink. I’ve been putting it off but I know that I should get a new set of heavy duty wheels with a Cush rear from Woody’s Wheel Works, too. 👍🏾

[@bradsanders6954]

All this to basically ride on roads going RTW? Its hard to do trails going RTW. Unless you have 12 years set aside. And time for rebuilds every 20K miles or so. 500EXC not optimum going down the hiway.

[@johnsmircic6650]

FANTASTIC overview of the bike!! just found your channel, looking forward to following travels. Your friend in Texas, John.

[@MOTOTREK]

Welcome aboard, John!

[@chikinito]

I have no plans on adventure motorcycling. I ride a small 115cc bike as a daily commuter. But, I enjoyed your video so much because I appreciate people who do what they love. Thank you so much for sharing your setup and knowledge. That's 14 minutes and 20 seconds of my life not wasted.😉 Take care!

[@vantruong9452]

Me too bro,

[@vantruong9452]

115cc it does not matter if you are a great ride.

[@chikinito]

@@vantruong9452 That's the thing, I'm not a great rider. Haha. But I enjoy driving my bike anywhere. It's very relaxing and calming in some way.

[@waadventure.5840]

Nice thanks for sharing, safe travels i am building my 2019 500 up for adventure love it.

[@boboneleg]

What a shame this didn't happen Paul, I wish you the best of luck for 2021.

[@WayneSutton]

Yeah! You're back!

[@emker7772]

Love the motorcycle!

[@zojfinek3703]

I love how this bike has it's origins from my country, Slovakia! 😁 Stay safe on your trips

[@redberrine]

Awesome brother good luck on your trip

[@troyanthonymorris]

very good video and very informative. Thank you.

[@avvida]

Cheers Paul. Sweet ride ✊

[@kyleplancich9074]

Excellent set up!

[@kineticenergy9613]

Great video!!! 👍 and I love how you get down on the ground lol next to the wheels to explain things hahaha a true dirt rider 🤙🏼

[@motolge4195]

I love that bike!! Hope to see you through Australia :)

[@garrybaker5487]

when are u thru oz

[@ondkes]

Great video.Thanks

[@1JEEPNICK1]

Great setup. I envy you. Man what a dream. Be safe and have fun Paul

[@davidm1563]

Beautiful bike you have there Paul with a lot of common sense aftermarket upgrades! Looking forward to the luggage video and if you could go into detail on everything you'll be bringing with you from spare parts, to tools, to clothing would be awesome. Will you be recording or blogging about your journey throughout? Looks like an amazing route you've chosen.

[@joeybobbie1]

Could also show what Type of Drone you will be using, Tent etc.

[@keyboarddancers7751]

I stopped riding 10 years ago because my knees just can't take it any more much to my distress (had to sell my completely customised XTZ 750 - rather heavy but a ground-up custom build by me). I live vicariously on two wheels through guys like you. I love every single piece of detail you cover in your vids. Your EXC set up looks utterly droolworthy. Expensive maybe but on the other hand, lotta fellahs drop at least £$30-40k on a totally impractical two seater car so it's still collossal useable value to be on the best pair of wheels you can get.

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the feedback, KD. Sorry you're not riding anymore :(

[@ihtishamulhaq951]

I have a very sensible crf250 rally 2019 and trust me it is prime but I must confess that I like this ktm 500.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Nice bike and extensive upgrades. Based on other videos and reading, I was glad to see you upgraded the fuel filter. I'd filter the fuel as it went into the tank, and I'd carry a spare fuel pump. That's been a KTM Achilles heel. Adventure bikes should have a 5+ gallon fuel tank. No exceptions.

[@user-yn2nc1qc9l]

I love these videos, this is not the best bike, its the best bike for me.

[@NWind-go9qn]

Nice build, thank you for sharing.

[@MOTOTREK]

You bet

[@tuanoful]

Daaamnnn dude, that motorcycle looks amazing

[@randywilliams4325]

I have some Dirt Tricks Sprockets on my Honda Xr650r. They are the best . Nice adv conversion . Best of luck on your ride .

[@barrymurphy3554]

Nice Paul great work Enjoy around the World Cheers

[@w.hughcurrier2317]

I just finished a 2400 mile ride through Baja on my 2013 KTM 500 EXC. I was with a KTM 790 Adventure and a KTM 950 Adventure and after all was said and done I’m convinced this is the best bike for the job. I could tackle anything from single track, sand, mud and hills with confidence and still chew up highway miles with no problem. Wish I had tried the Moto Z tire. I used a Metzeler Karoo 3 and it was thrashed. Thanks for posting the vid, I’m gonna have to borrow some of your mods for my future trips. Have a great adventure!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for the info, Hugh!

[@trombolio]

How often did you changed the oil?

[@w.hughcurrier2317]

Trombolio I added some oil on the 3rd day after a long fast stretch of dirt where I was riding between 70-90 mph and working it hard. When I hit La Paz at around 1200 miles I drained and replaced the oil but not the filter. I used Lucas Oil that was available at Auto Zone. Like rtwPaul says, he won’t be racing, and if I wasn’t riding it quite as hard I don’t think I would have had to change the oil quite as soon.

[@avlolga]

Perfect setup 👌

[@OFallons]

I really like you equipment setup, very well done. 🙏🏼☺️

[@kateallen8998]

There are many parts on that bike that I think I need on my Tenere 700. Super cool bike