We have a good sized fleet of KTM dual sports in the desert outside of Las Vegas. 2 RFS bikes 525's , an xc4 530/570 bike, 2 14's one 450 one 500 and then 3 18 Huskies. What we see is the FI bikes have a micro second better throttle response than the carbs, the carbs actually start better than the FI bikes in temps under 35f. But overall you can't go wrong with a KTM or husky big bore dual sport from about 05 to the current bikes. Pro level guys, real I get paid for riding guys, can find a bit more in the brand new ones, but if you have a day job grab whatever you can afford and run it.
I have a plated 12 500xcw with 200 hrs and I love it. I often think of replacing it with a new 2020 but the math doesn't work for me. Can probably sell my old 12 for $5-5.5k but out the door for a new one is probably $12k plus another $800-1k for protection and getting them to run at their full potential so there's no way a new bike is $8k better than my old beast.. Also no kick start is a big boner killer. I'm still running the same Earth X lithium battery from new and I don't worry about a dead battery leaving me stranded. I've never charged it once and it always has enough juice to fire the fuel pump to get me going.
Great bikes for Mammoth trails. I ride a 2002 KTM LC4 640 Enduro and I love my low maintenance bike that I don't have to adjust the valves every 30 hours of riding.
I have a 17 500 exc-f and new it was very disappointing from the performance of the motor (felt more like a race 250 than a 500). But ktm had to highly restrict it to get it into the US. Now I have de-smogged it, removed the intake reeds, fmf 4.1 titanium silencer. And lastly added a vortex ecu. It is absolutely a freakin beast that can lift the wheel first through fifth just by throttle alone. Main complaint is that it should have came from factory like this. I should not have to had to spend another 2000.00 on top of 12k dirt bike to get it to run right. But all in all the bike rips and is WAY more bike than I can ever use it to it’s full potential. The vortex totally eliminated the decel popping and the flame outs. Seems like it doubled the hp with the correct mapping and fueling.
Im new to the 500 exc scene. I got a used 13 on consignment at Gray Area KTM in Eugene Oregon. It had 10 k miles on it. I missed on a 2015 with mods. A newer 16 for less money and an FE 501 on craigslist. You gotta move fast on these. My 2013 has a rekluse. A 5 gallon tank. Skidplate. Rear rack. Cycra guards. A better headlight. All mods i would have to do on any 500 i bought. I have a couple days riding in the fantastic Oregon backcountry now under my belt. I gotta say i am thrilled with it so far. The rekluse does provide some engine braking. Its hard to break old clutch habits. But am liking it more all the time. I tried riding a crf 450 on tight single track once. Had multiple flameouts. Hated that. Its not an issue with this thing. It just tractors around. Goes up anything I pointed it at. Power comes on it in a predictable manner. Then just keeps on coming to almost horrendous amounts past where im comfortable with. (Im coming off a KLR 650) Great bike. Im loving it. Im sure problems will arise. But Ill deal with it. Loving the Austrian thunder. I shoulda got one years ago.
I have a 2013 500exc and I absolutely love it! I couldnt afford a new bike so I searched and searched for my 500. So glad I went with the 500 not the 350 will I ever use or be that fast no but its there just in case. I will say with buying any used Ktm plan on replacing bearings and seals, most people arent as thorough with their maintenance as they say they are. Happy Trails
As far as I know they change every year either give or take a few pounds. I bought a 2006 ktm 525 2 years ago and loved riding it more then my 2016 ktm 500 because it was like 15 pounds lighter, weird but it made me happy.
I had the opportunity to ride a 2020 500 XCFW and a 2020 EXC 500 at the end of the 2019 season, both bone-stock. I’m an “A” woods rider on a well kept “15” 300 XCW and I thought both bikes were slower than my 300. I really enjoyed riding both bikes but I’m not sold on their ability. Do I want one? Yes! If so I’d go with the 500 XCW and uncork the thing. 🤛✊🤟
It's not that the ability is lacking, but you're judging a fish for it's ability to climb a tree. The 500 is at-best a compromise in the woods, but take the bikes to a more open area and the 500 will destroy the 300.
I'm really intrested in a ktm 500 for my next bike...what is up with the ticking sound from the motors? It's keeping me from biting the bullet on one,the motors are really loud and sound like old technology
I hear of alot of people having problems with low power and back fire on there bikes. I bought my 2016 ktm 500 six days new from Alaska, I've had zero issues and plenty of power. Does the six day editions come with a different map?
I'm curious to hear your thoughts on how a '13 or '14 EXC would compare to a '23 or '24?
We have a good sized fleet of KTM dual sports in the desert outside of Las Vegas. 2 RFS bikes 525's , an xc4 530/570 bike, 2 14's one 450 one 500 and then 3 18 Huskies. What we see is the FI bikes have a micro second better throttle response than the carbs, the carbs actually start better than the FI bikes in temps under 35f. But overall you can't go wrong with a KTM or husky big bore dual sport from about 05 to the current bikes. Pro level guys, real I get paid for riding guys, can find a bit more in the brand new ones, but if you have a day job grab whatever you can afford and run it.
I have a plated 12 500xcw with 200 hrs and I love it. I often think of replacing it with a new 2020 but the math doesn't work for me. Can probably sell my old 12 for $5-5.5k but out the door for a new one is probably $12k plus another $800-1k for protection and getting them to run at their full potential so there's no way a new bike is $8k better than my old beast..
Also no kick start is a big boner killer. I'm still running the same Earth X lithium battery from new and I don't worry about a dead battery leaving me stranded. I've never charged it once and it always has enough juice to fire the fuel pump to get me going.
correct
Great bikes for Mammoth trails. I ride a 2002 KTM LC4 640 Enduro and I love my low maintenance bike that I don't have to adjust the valves every 30 hours of riding.
I have a 17 500 exc-f and new it was very disappointing from the performance of the motor (felt more like a race 250 than a 500). But ktm had to highly restrict it to get it into the US. Now I have de-smogged it, removed the intake reeds, fmf 4.1 titanium silencer. And lastly added a vortex ecu. It is absolutely a freakin beast that can lift the wheel first through fifth just by throttle alone. Main complaint is that it should have came from factory like this. I should not have to had to spend another 2000.00 on top of 12k dirt bike to get it to run right. But all in all the bike rips and is WAY more bike than I can ever use it to it’s full potential. The vortex totally eliminated the decel popping and the flame outs. Seems like it doubled the hp with the correct mapping and fueling.
Yes you are fully correct with all you have done to the bike and said-- Enjoy that power :-)
Im new to the 500 exc scene. I got a used 13 on consignment at Gray Area KTM in Eugene Oregon. It had 10 k miles on it. I missed on a 2015 with mods. A newer 16 for less money and an FE 501 on craigslist. You gotta move fast on these. My 2013 has a rekluse. A 5 gallon tank. Skidplate. Rear rack. Cycra guards. A better headlight. All mods i would have to do on any 500 i bought. I have a couple days riding in the fantastic Oregon backcountry now under my belt. I gotta say i am thrilled with it so far. The rekluse does provide some engine braking. Its hard to break old clutch habits. But am liking it more all the time. I tried riding a crf 450 on tight single track once. Had multiple flameouts. Hated that. Its not an issue with this thing. It just tractors around. Goes up anything I pointed it at. Power comes on it in a predictable manner. Then just keeps on coming to almost horrendous amounts past where im comfortable with. (Im coming off a KLR 650) Great bike. Im loving it. Im sure problems will arise. But Ill deal with it. Loving the Austrian thunder. I shoulda got one years ago.
These ''dual sport'' bikes are just incredible. Strong, very fast, easy to ride. They are extremely versatile and can do a bit of everything.
Good comment and good to know. Thx...
In general, you do not lose engine braking with a Rekluse. I ride one every day and engine-brake every day.
Remember that saying, "What's my favorite bike?, the one I'm riding..."
Ride a 13’ 350. Just replaced the top end at 250 hours and was in great shape.
the newer the ktm bike the cheaper parts they use...sad
How about engine vibration? Does the older gen vibrate more?
I have a 2013 500exc and I absolutely love it! I couldnt afford a new bike so I searched and searched for my 500. So glad I went with the 500 not the 350 will I ever use or be that fast no but its there just in case. I will say with buying any used Ktm plan on replacing bearings and seals, most people arent as thorough with their maintenance as they say they are. Happy Trails
Wow fantastic useful video. Looking at that exact year 500 this week.
Keep these coming, I really like the comparison !
Just for you!
What about the weight difference? Anything noticed with the older bike being heavier? More 13 videos!!!
As far as I know they change every year either give or take a few pounds. I bought a 2006 ktm 525 2 years ago and loved riding it more then my 2016 ktm 500 because it was like 15 pounds lighter, weird but it made me happy.
@@carbajalf9835 Lighter? Really? the advertised weight is 112kg for the 525 and 109kg for the 500.
@@graemesydney38 I'm wrong, idk how that happened I could have swore that I seen the 525being lighter but you're right its not.
Helpful review. Thanks! 👍
I had the opportunity to ride a 2020 500 XCFW and a 2020 EXC 500 at the end of the 2019 season, both bone-stock. I’m an “A” woods rider on a well kept “15” 300 XCW and I thought both bikes were slower than my 300. I really enjoyed riding both bikes but I’m not sold on their ability. Do I want one? Yes! If so I’d go with the 500 XCW and uncork the thing. 🤛✊🤟
It's not that the ability is lacking, but you're judging a fish for it's ability to climb a tree. The 500 is at-best a compromise in the woods, but take the bikes to a more open area and the 500 will destroy the 300.
Tyler Nicholson: I will indeed agree with that comment.
Go through the tunnel single file not side by side.
good to see someone likes the old bikes
how about EXC450 07
I am going to do some older EXC soon
Dirt Bike TV - 2010 EXC 530
Can't wait to see what older RFS video you come out with. Love my 04 525EXC
Rad
Yes you are!
I'm really intrested in a ktm 500 for my next bike...what is up with the ticking sound from the motors? It's keeping me from biting the bullet on one,the motors are really loud and sound like old technology
Donny bike looks better! So it wins.
I hear of alot of people having problems with low power and back fire on there bikes. I bought my 2016 ktm 500 six days new from Alaska, I've had zero issues and plenty of power. Does the six day editions come with a different map?
some run better than others-- I would assume the map to be different --
Good thing those horns worked
Trombolio they are warning other riders who may be coming from the other direction
@@TheJumpn that's a good point but everyone knows it's not why we braap in the tunnels :)
can you tell me what year front fender and headlight mask that is and was it a direct fit
2017 fender and headlight ring with Motominded headlight bezel and Bajadesigns light.
@@firstturnfilms thanks do you know if the 17 fender is a direct fit?
I once knew a bloke that knew a bloke that knew a bloke that had a bloke that knew a bloke that kept a bloke in his garage to wash his bikes