KTM 500 EXC-F Review

Apr 8

For 2023 the KTM 500 EXC-F returns largely unchanged. This is the most popular platform from which to build an ultra light adventure bike and in no uncertain terms dominates high performance dual sport motorcycle sales. The KTM 500EXC-F has been a fixture of top ten lists and bike of the year. The reason is simple, this bike works right off the showroom floor.

Power

Power and performance are sufficient for the highway and the trails. With the exception of adding a real set of aluminum hand guards, the smooth, predictable, and ultra quiet 500EXC-F is ready for anything right off the showroom floor.

Weight

The KTM 500EXC-F comes with a lithium battery, and linkless PDS rear suspension which contribute to make the 500EXC one of the lightest 500 dual sports on the market today. That light weight also contributes to its excellent power-to-weight ratio and superior handling.

Suspension

The fully adjustable WP forks and PDS shock have evolved over the years and are excellent in most settings, except motocross and high speed desert runs. But spring rates are easily upgraded to suit a rider’s weight and riding preferences.

Gearing

A wide ratio 6 speed transmission gives dual sport and adventure riders looking to tackle tight technical woods will likely find first and second gear too tall out of the box, so adding 2 or 4 teeth to the rear sprocket will get you dialed in and living your best life.

Brakes

Brembo brakes at both ends, two pistons up front and one out back, combined with wave discs provide great feel and stopping power on and off road.

Technology

Electronic fuel injection means the 500 starts easily every time, and is almost impossible to stall as compared to the carbureted big single four strokes of the past. Other technologies, include traction control, and riding modes. These technologies make the bike easier to handle across a variety of riding conditions. Especially helpful for ultra light adventure riders dealing with camping gear, luggage and tough terrain.

Bits and Pieces

The large Twin Air foam air filter is easily accessed with no tools. Handlebars are tapered Neken bars. CNC-machined hubs and high-end Giant Rims. Rear view mirrors are large and functional but are not foldable and so for many dual sport and adventure riders these will need to be replaced. Brembo hydraulic clutch perch and KTM’s DDS clutch combine to provide easy precise clutch engagement and modulation.

Tires

The 500EXC ships with Continental TKC80’s which compared to most knobbies have superb on road manners but are mediocre at best off road. Depending on your particular mix of terrain and riding preferences, a tire change is an easy performance upgrade to make on most dual sport motorcycles.

Reliability

The KTM 500EXC-F is built to withstand the rigors of off-road riding, and with the exception of the rear license plate holder which appears to be designed to self-destruct after a short time off road, the rest of the bike is essentially a KTM race bike by design. I have found KTM race bikes to be durable in the most extreme situations and so except the 500EXC to be bulletproof. the KTM 500EXC-F has proven itself among adventure riders with several riders taking the bike across the globe. Most notable among these “Round the World Paul” was perhaps the first to prove the impressive durability of the 500EXC. If that doesn’t convince you, KTM backs the 500 with a one year limited warranty.

2023 500 EXC-F Six Days — 2023 KTM500EXC-F Six Days

The Six Days version of the 500EXC adds a little bling to the bike with factory installed KTM hard parts, including orange anodized billet triple clamps, a solid rear brake disk, a plastic skid plate and red white and blue six days graphics.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose the base model or go for the six days edition the KTM500EXC-F is a formidable dual sport machine with a wealth of aftermarket products to help you realize your personal vision of your ultimate dual sport or ultra light adventure motorcycle should be.