Well, you just made my mind up! I just got done doing the CABDR-north and really felt the weight of my KTM 890R in some of the expert sections. I'm in my 60's and not liking to pick up the 890 anymore. Been thinking about the 500 for a while now.
I find a motorcycle is measured in memories. My best bike was a DR650 and it's because I rode it around Australia and had the most amazing experiences along the way.
Great video and bought my KTM 500 a month ago and super happy with it. Not planning to uncork it. Just modify a few things to make it mine and that's it.
I just purchased the 2024 500 EXC-F 6 Days, I looked at the same things you did and already own a Husqvarna 701 Super Moto. I always wanted a 6 Days so that’s why I went for it. I’ve already modded it with parts and pieces that I need for what I want to use it for including better handguards, larger Acerbis fuel tank and a taco moto ECU etc. you are correct, it’s great out of the box and can be adjusted for you personal riding needs.
I felt like I was just reliving my journey listening to you in this video. Just got myself the same bike, look forward to more content from you on this.
Good conversation. Relevant to more things than dirt bikes. Sometimes we have too much information and choice these days. Ultimately we just need to get out here and have fun and stop over engineering our choices.
Headed to the bike shop tomorrow. Same 2 bikes I am torn between with the same goal once I get there! hopefully home tomorrow with a decision made! Thank you for externalizing your thoughts on how you made your decision and sharing it with us. Helpful video that earned a subscription!
Good talk on the 500. I rode bikes as a kid and young man, but have spent a lifetime on mountain bikes. One of my buddies rides KTM enduros and I've always thought they were pretty well put together. Now it's time and, yeah, it's the bike I'm getting myself on. The others have just been a flirt
Right on and thanks! I think I am just about the opposite. Been on dirtbikes since I was a child, and have been getting into MTB's the past several years.
I appreciate the real talk dustin, helped me a lot. They are all good bikes. I felt similarly just needed someone else to say it with me. I think 450rl is the one for me so were just gonna send that and love every second. Thanks again bro.
I like to research for months before buying any vehicle. I try to take into account purchase price and modification price. Ideally im somebody who would prefer to leave it stock but things like larger fuel tanks to adventurise a bike ill no doubt end up doing as ill use the bike to go on day/camping trips There's really a huge gap in the market, im looking to buy my first bike and all of the crf300L owners are upgrading suspension, installing new ecu's and big bore kits etc because they've outgrown the bike. I've seriously been considering a higher performance bike, probably a ktm, beta or husky tbh, but the high service intervals are the only thing really stopping me (and not sure if it's too much power for a new rider) as id hate to need to do an oil change mid trip aha Very interesting that you went from a crf250 to this though. Hopefully the ktm serves you well for many years 🙂
Thanks for the comment! So far I am enjoying the KTM. Choosing the right bike can be a bit of a research project no doubt. When I bought the CRF250L it was based on price and its reputation for reliability, particularly the oil change interval. They are great bikes, but it just wasn't a thrilling riding experience. From my perspective the 250/300L is best suited for someone who will put more emphasis on just cruising around and sight seeing, and those who will go on multi day back country trips and really need those big service intervals. Of course you could mod it out, but I feel that the stock reliability of those engines is the main point of ownership. If you are day tripping or base camping, a rider may find the performance dual sports to be the way to go. With that said, there are plenty of people using the Austrian bikes for longer trips and stretching the services out a bit. You just have to assess your risk tolerance. Out of the box the KTM has been much more exciting to ride. Even stock it has more power, and for my weight the suspension feels quite good as is. In my opinion a new rider could handle these 500's. The power delivery is smooth and easy to manage. If you have a little speed demon in you, then just twist the throttle and it has some smile factor. I would say it is a fair assessment that the 500 gives a new rider a bike to grow into.
@@dustinhoover3157 Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it The biggest advantage of a dual sport is I can have 1 bike that can do it all, but whether I want a dirt bike as a daily commuter is another story. Once I start test riding some bikes I'll know if I want to ride with knobby tyres on the road mon-fri or have a separate dirt bike for the weekend. I'm In Australia so I have to learn to ride for 6 months before I can get my license. Only 3 months left to wait aha. With 2 bikes, service intervals become less of deal breaker if it's not a daily. The Beta 390 has a 2-3000km service interval schedule which honestly should be more than enough for 99% of the time except for that 1 trip per year when you have time to venture further What you said about engine mods on a Honda, I feel exactly the same way. It makes more sense to just buy the right bike for the job and not have to do any performance mods. From all of the forums I've read, the crf's always just end up being a stepping stone bike that people can learn on. If European bikes aren't intimidating to a new rider than I'm really considering one. Hopefully your KTM does everything you need it to and more
Deja vu! Two months ago (nearly the same time as you filmed this), I went through this exact reasoning and narrowed my choice down to the same two bikes, but I chose the CRF450RL. The choice was easy for me because my last bike was a KTM and a nightmare of an experience. I promised myself I'll never own a KTM again.
@@dustinhoover3157my 21 six days has around 900 miles and its bean a dream to own. The oil changes are a bit much if you’re in a hurry but it’s ran incredibly since day one.
I haveCRF300L(modded suspension skid plate etc) and a KTM 525,The KTM is outstanding in the dirt, rivers,hills,ruts etc etc .Its decent on the road but not as comfortable as the CRF.You can still do some dificult stuff with the CRF and its great for long trips.You can pick it up easily and its solid and reliable. Im not selling either😀
Yeah you dont need alot of power. I beat my friend with my 1991 dt125r and he has a 2002 exc300 😁 The roles reverse when I hop on the KTM though. A very usable surplus of power for doing powerslides and weight shifting quickly. The DT is so damn comfy and I dont really dislike anything other than the power a little bit. Needs an extra 5hp and stiffer front springs.
@@nickg2431 Yeah. Trust me the vintage beginner yamaha is all about "send it" full throttle :) A pro would probably blow me out the water on my bike even if I have 20years on it. And yes I bought it when I was 16 in 2003 and kept it since 💀
My number one dual sport is a 2006 CRF450X that is street legal and has been modded with a TM500 fuel injected electric start fuel injected 2 stroke.....Baja slayer
Bought the 450l did smog delete taipan aim ecu fmf pipe and it woke up quite a bit but not enough for me to keep it I actually put a lowering link on it and remapped it to a friendlier tune and gave it to the girl to ride now I’m going to pick up the 2024 ktm 500 im really hoping it’s what I’m looking for plan to do the same thing to it would love to see an update if you plan to upgrade anything perfomance wise on yours
@@LazyBoySniping Sweet that actually sounds like it worked out. I have several other videos about the bike up now, but I haven’t done a bike check yet. Overall you are going to like the 500. It is very capable even stock. You know the deal as far as tuning. As far as power, the delivery is smooth and linear bottom to top. Which makes it deceiving. Even once tuned it just doesn’t feel aggressive, but it moves.
I've had my 24' 500 exc-f for about a month and a half and love it. I've put just over 1200 miles on it and haven't had any issues. I occasionally ride it an hour to work on the highway. Best bike I've ever owned.
These bikes are so restricted from the factory its disgusting. Get your credit card ready for an ecu. I have a vortex. I had tons of issues with stalling and flame outs bike was too lean from factory thanks california
The motocross bikes are more snappy and have a more aggressive power delivery. The MX bikes have that wheelie out of power in 1st 2nd 3rd, and arm pulling feel. This 2024 500 EXC-F does feel a bit detuned stock, and the aftermarket tells us that it is. Though the power delivery is smooth and consistent. It does still have some balls, and does have a decent pull. It just is not wild or aggressive off the showroom floor. I am making a video of my inital riding impressions of the stock ECU mapping. Comming soon.
Too much bike for you right now... Start with something older and cheaper... CRF 250L.... Its good to start with a older/cheaper bike, because then you will enjoy every single upgrade
First thing we need to know is have you ever ridden a motorcycle? If not then it would be best to get a used bike that you can learn on. You don’t want to buy an expensive brand new KTM and tear it up. There is actually a lot to go over here. Such as do you actually want a dual sport? Will the bike be used as your primary transportation, and for recreation? Should you be buying a truck and a dirtbike instead? For your credit, you will need to sort that out one way or another. It might be best to just save some money and buy a bike.
It was. I ruled out the Husqvarna and GasGas bikes because, 1. I wanted the PDS shock setup. 2. I prefer the KTM aesthetics over the other two. 3. Again, I just wanted the KTM more. With that said, if someone were to be interested in the KTM brands, you could make the case for the GasGas and save a thousand dollars right from the start.
When I made the video I assumed that most people researching this topic are aware that KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas are under the same parent company, and are very similar in design. I do believe that I had mentioned those bikes as being in the high performance dirtbike type sub group. It was basically Honda vs. KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, Beta, and Sherco.
I've ridden a fas gas 300 straight after my ktm 300 tpi. Night and day difference! It's 2 very different bikes to ride. Even things like the clutch lever cyclinder piston are different diameter
Just want to Echo what he is saying, I have a KLR650 (gen 3) and a CR250R and there is just no way around all the extra weight, even if you could double the HP on a KLR (which with thousands of dollars of engine mods maybe you can get close, not just with a slip on and airbox mod) You can't get around all the extra weight. The only reason I have a KLR650 is to have a bike I can ride on the street that I can also take on gravel and slight off road situations, I have seen some really high level riders that make the big adventure bikes look pretty capable, but you have no idea how good those guys are until you try to ride a Tenere or KLR like that. If you want something that is street legal yet you can really ride way off in the back country (safely) go with something light, I would avoid the KTM's personally, because of all the stories of KTM warranty issues and cam issues and it appears you can get an almost identical Chinese clone for 1/2 the price (because from what I read KTM's are essentially made in china) It's an age old debate though because there are so many different bikes and the slightest change makes a huge difference. People don't realize a bike that weighs just 50 lbs. more is a night and day riding experience. It also kind of depends on what you get used to. For instance go back to Jeremy McGrath in 1997 crapping all over the new aluminum frame Honda, going from the 1996 to the 1997 back then he hated it, but its recency bias and its difficult to get used to what is "different" and again, the slightest change to the bike makes a huge difference.
@dustinhoover3157 my son has the money ready to go for a new bike and was going to go for the ktm 500 until he found out how restricted it is and the extra money needed to de smog is just plain robbery.. he's decided to go with a beta 480 rr racing
Yeah it is unfortunate the cost of things have become what they are. Though I don't believe the problem started with motorcycles. It doesn't seem that the collective is ready to reel things in yet.
Plus the display unit. The interwebs tells us that the Beta is less choked up than some of it competitors. It seems to have some things going for it. The Sherco 500 SEF might be worth a look as well. I recently watched a review from Dirtbike Magazine and they claimed that it was the most powerful 500cc dual sport they had tested as of late. If that matters to ya.
![ร้อยพ่อพันแม่ - WanMai [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XY2pNYASEbg/mqdefault.jpg)
Well, you just made my mind up! I just got done doing the CABDR-north and really felt the weight of my KTM 890R in some of the expert sections. I'm in my 60's and not liking to pick up the 890 anymore. Been thinking about the 500 for a while now.
I find a motorcycle is measured in memories. My best bike was a DR650 and it's because I rode it around Australia and had the most amazing experiences along the way.
Great video and bought my KTM 500 a month ago and super happy with it. Not planning to uncork it. Just modify a few things to make it mine and that's it.
@@rikk989 Awesome! I am having alot of fun on mine.
I just purchased the 2024 500 EXC-F 6 Days, I looked at the same things you did and already own a Husqvarna 701 Super Moto. I always wanted a 6 Days so that’s why I went for it. I’ve already modded it with parts and pieces that I need for what I want to use it for including better handguards, larger Acerbis fuel tank and a taco moto ECU etc. you are correct, it’s great out of the box and can be adjusted for you personal riding needs.
I felt like I was just reliving my journey listening to you in this video. Just got myself the same bike, look forward to more content from you on this.
Right on!
Good choice. The new 500s are pretty tempting, but my 2015 501 is still running like a champ. Maybe in a couple hundred hours.
Good conversation. Relevant to more things than dirt bikes. Sometimes we have too much information and choice these days. Ultimately we just need to get out here and have fun and stop over engineering our choices.
Definitely. Thanks for watching!
Headed to the bike shop tomorrow. Same 2 bikes I am torn between with the same goal once I get there! hopefully home tomorrow with a decision made!
Thank you for externalizing your thoughts on how you made your decision and sharing it with us. Helpful video that earned a subscription!
Right on thank you! What bike did you pick?
Good talk on the 500. I rode bikes as a kid and young man, but have spent a lifetime on mountain bikes. One of my buddies rides KTM enduros and I've always thought they were pretty well put together. Now it's time and, yeah, it's the bike I'm getting myself on. The others have just been a flirt
Right on and thanks! I think I am just about the opposite. Been on dirtbikes since I was a child, and have been getting into MTB's the past several years.
I bought the 2024 Gas gas ES500 linkage and 9800.00 out the door
I appreciate the real talk dustin, helped me a lot. They are all good bikes. I felt similarly just needed someone else to say it with me. I think 450rl is the one for me so were just gonna send that and love every second. Thanks again bro.
Right on, and thank you! I am sure the 450RL will be a great bike. I've had a few Honda's over the years and they were all quality machines.
I like to research for months before buying any vehicle. I try to take into account purchase price and modification price. Ideally im somebody who would prefer to leave it stock but things like larger fuel tanks to adventurise a bike ill no doubt end up doing as ill use the bike to go on day/camping trips
There's really a huge gap in the market, im looking to buy my first bike and all of the crf300L owners are upgrading suspension, installing new ecu's and big bore kits etc because they've outgrown the bike. I've seriously been considering a higher performance bike, probably a ktm, beta or husky tbh, but the high service intervals are the only thing really stopping me (and not sure if it's too much power for a new rider) as id hate to need to do an oil change mid trip aha
Very interesting that you went from a crf250 to this though. Hopefully the ktm serves you well for many years 🙂
Thanks for the comment! So far I am enjoying the KTM.
Choosing the right bike can be a bit of a research project no doubt. When I bought the CRF250L it was based on price and its reputation for reliability, particularly the oil change interval. They are great bikes, but it just wasn't a thrilling riding experience. From my perspective the 250/300L is best suited for someone who will put more emphasis on just cruising around and sight seeing, and those who will go on multi day back country trips and really need those big service intervals. Of course you could mod it out, but I feel that the stock reliability of those engines is the main point of ownership.
If you are day tripping or base camping, a rider may find the performance dual sports to be the way to go. With that said, there are plenty of people using the Austrian bikes for longer trips and stretching the services out a bit. You just have to assess your risk tolerance.
Out of the box the KTM has been much more exciting to ride. Even stock it has more power, and for my weight the suspension feels quite good as is. In my opinion a new rider could handle these 500's. The power delivery is smooth and easy to manage. If you have a little speed demon in you, then just twist the throttle and it has some smile factor. I would say it is a fair assessment that the 500 gives a new rider a bike to grow into.
@@dustinhoover3157 Thanks for taking the time to reply, I appreciate it
The biggest advantage of a dual sport is I can have 1 bike that can do it all, but whether I want a dirt bike as a daily commuter is another story. Once I start test riding some bikes I'll know if I want to ride with knobby tyres on the road mon-fri or have a separate dirt bike for the weekend. I'm In Australia so I have to learn to ride for 6 months before I can get my license. Only 3 months left to wait aha. With 2 bikes, service intervals become less of deal breaker if it's not a daily.
The Beta 390 has a 2-3000km service interval schedule which honestly should be more than enough for 99% of the time except for that 1 trip per year when you have time to venture further
What you said about engine mods on a Honda, I feel exactly the same way. It makes more sense to just buy the right bike for the job and not have to do any performance mods. From all of the forums I've read, the crf's always just end up being a stepping stone bike that people can learn on. If European bikes aren't intimidating to a new rider than I'm really considering one. Hopefully your KTM does everything you need it to and more
I have an 890 but would really love a 500 excf too!
I hear ya! I would really like to have an 890 as well.
Deja vu! Two months ago (nearly the same time as you filmed this), I went through this exact reasoning and narrowed my choice down to the same two bikes, but I chose the CRF450RL. The choice was easy for me because my last bike was a KTM and a nightmare of an experience. I promised myself I'll never own a KTM again.
@@rpthaus Nice! I'd like to have both of them!
@@dustinhoover3157my 21 six days has around 900 miles and its bean a dream to own. The oil changes are a bit much if you’re in a hurry but it’s ran incredibly since day one.
I haveCRF300L(modded suspension skid plate etc) and a KTM 525,The KTM is outstanding in the dirt, rivers,hills,ruts etc etc .Its decent on the road but not as comfortable as the CRF.You can still do some dificult stuff with the CRF and its great for long trips.You can pick it up easily and its solid and reliable.
Im not selling either😀
Yeah having both is ideal! I really did like my 250L. The 250/300L's are great machines.
Yeah you dont need alot of power. I beat my friend with my 1991 dt125r and he has a 2002 exc300 😁 The roles reverse when I hop on the KTM though. A very usable surplus of power for doing powerslides and weight shifting quickly. The DT is so damn comfy and I dont really dislike anything other than the power a little bit. Needs an extra 5hp and stiffer front springs.
@@eamh2002 always the rider not the bike
@@nickg2431 Yeah. Trust me the vintage beginner yamaha is all about "send it" full throttle :) A pro would probably blow me out the water on my bike even if I have 20years on it. And yes I bought it when I was 16 in 2003 and kept it since 💀
Explaining the reason for choosing an exc500 can be done in one sentence. 'BECAUSE IT IS THE BEST'
its pretty good,im very happy for price/punch
@@nickg2431most potential for sure!
Love to see you ride it!!🤣
@@bradwiedemeier7109 The bike is a prop.
great choice ,those 500s are so light ,a 125 compared to anything else adventure
Yeah this thing just mobs around in the dirt. Quite fun!
My number one dual sport is a 2006 CRF450X that is street legal and has been modded with a TM500 fuel injected electric start fuel injected 2 stroke.....Baja slayer
Great video. I agree with everything you said. I own the CRF450l by the way.
Sweet! Looks like you have a Tenere as well. I suppose it is a great time to be a motorcycle rider.
@@dustinhoover3157 Yes, so many options now days. The Tenere is an impressive bike, it's super capable.
Bought the 450l did smog delete taipan aim ecu fmf pipe and it woke up quite a bit but not enough for me to keep it I actually put a lowering link on it and remapped it to a friendlier tune and gave it to the girl to ride now I’m going to pick up the 2024 ktm 500 im really hoping it’s what I’m looking for plan to do the same thing to it would love to see an update if you plan to upgrade anything perfomance wise on yours
@@LazyBoySniping Sweet that actually sounds like it worked out. I have several other videos about the bike up now, but I haven’t done a bike check yet. Overall you are going to like the 500. It is very capable even stock. You know the deal as far as tuning. As far as power, the delivery is smooth and linear bottom to top. Which makes it deceiving. Even once tuned it just doesn’t feel aggressive, but it moves.
I've had my 24' 500 exc-f for about a month and a half and love it. I've put just over 1200 miles on it and haven't had any issues. I occasionally ride it an hour to work on the highway. Best bike I've ever owned.
What mph would you say it's happy sitting at on highway ?
@@craigr1craig Stock gearing and stock wheels and tires I cruise it at 62mph on the highway
@jordanE1451 thanks mate , it's hard to find a proper answer on internet
I just bought the same bike but in the 6 days version
There’s literally nothing this bike can’t do that any other similar bike can
Well said man
Thank you for watching and the comment.
These bikes are so restricted from the factory its disgusting. Get your credit card ready for an ecu. I have a vortex. I had tons of issues with stalling and flame outs bike was too lean from factory thanks california
I never need more power dude it’s plenty lol… but the flame outs are annoying and sometimes when I give it full throttle abruptly, it will bog…
How does the power compare to a 450 mx bike
The motocross bikes are more snappy and have a more aggressive power delivery. The MX bikes have that wheelie out of power in 1st 2nd 3rd, and arm pulling feel. This 2024 500 EXC-F does feel a bit detuned stock, and the aftermarket tells us that it is. Though the power delivery is smooth and consistent. It does still have some balls, and does have a decent pull. It just is not wild or aggressive off the showroom floor. I am making a video of my inital riding impressions of the stock ECU mapping. Comming soon.
Honda vs an Exotic.... price is just too close to go for another Honda.
@@AdvancedTennisFoundation-ph9zo Yep. Give it a go!
@@dustinhoover3157 got the 501, 3 weeks ago, lol
I want to get this bike as a 18 yr old with no credit or nothing how would I go abt financing it without credit
Too much bike for you right now... Start with something older and cheaper... CRF 250L.... Its good to start with a older/cheaper bike, because then you will enjoy every single upgrade
First thing we need to know is have you ever ridden a motorcycle? If not then it would be best to get a used bike that you can learn on. You don’t want to buy an expensive brand new KTM and tear it up. There is actually a lot to go over here. Such as do you actually want a dual sport? Will the bike be used as your primary transportation, and for recreation? Should you be buying a truck and a dirtbike instead? For your credit, you will need to sort that out one way or another. It might be best to just save some money and buy a bike.
Why was the Husqvarna fe 501 not on your list
It was. I ruled out the Husqvarna and GasGas bikes because, 1. I wanted the PDS shock setup. 2. I prefer the KTM aesthetics over the other two. 3. Again, I just wanted the KTM more. With that said, if someone were to be interested in the KTM brands, you could make the case for the GasGas and save a thousand dollars right from the start.
When I made the video I assumed that most people researching this topic are aware that KTM, Husqvarna, and GasGas are under the same parent company, and are very similar in design. I do believe that I had mentioned those bikes as being in the high performance dirtbike type sub group. It was basically Honda vs. KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas, Beta, and Sherco.
I've ridden a fas gas 300 straight after my ktm 300 tpi. Night and day difference! It's 2 very different bikes to ride. Even things like the clutch lever cyclinder piston are different diameter
@ErzbergAdventures Thank for the insight. Were they equivalent models other than displacement?
@@dustinhoover3157 No doubt. Saw a new '24 Gas Gas ES500 listed next state over for $7999. 😮
Just want to Echo what he is saying, I have a KLR650 (gen 3) and a CR250R and there is just no way around all the extra weight, even if you could double the HP on a KLR (which with thousands of dollars of engine mods maybe you can get close, not just with a slip on and airbox mod) You can't get around all the extra weight. The only reason I have a KLR650 is to have a bike I can ride on the street that I can also take on gravel and slight off road situations, I have seen some really high level riders that make the big adventure bikes look pretty capable, but you have no idea how good those guys are until you try to ride a Tenere or KLR like that. If you want something that is street legal yet you can really ride way off in the back country (safely) go with something light, I would avoid the KTM's personally, because of all the stories of KTM warranty issues and cam issues and it appears you can get an almost identical Chinese clone for 1/2 the price (because from what I read KTM's are essentially made in china) It's an age old debate though because there are so many different bikes and the slightest change makes a huge difference. People don't realize a bike that weighs just 50 lbs. more is a night and day riding experience. It also kind of depends on what you get used to. For instance go back to Jeremy McGrath in 1997 crapping all over the new aluminum frame Honda, going from the 1996 to the 1997 back then he hated it, but its recency bias and its difficult to get used to what is "different" and again, the slightest change to the bike makes a huge difference.
I got a ktm 500 6 days love it I think you did great they rip check out what I did to mine
Looks sick!
12:39 to say you bought a ktm because you wanted to buy a ktm. I feel more stupid for watching this video.
Sorry bud! I am interested to hear what distinction you were wanting to glean from this take on the subject.
This guy 😂😂😂
@@dominic9279 Haven’t seen any basher vids lately, where ya been?
Through the ringer Dustin. I've been thinking about doing some more vids because I miss the hobby... ❤
@dustinhoover3157 my son has the money ready to go for a new bike and was going to go for the ktm 500 until he found out how restricted it is and the extra money needed to de smog is just plain robbery.. he's decided to go with a beta 480 rr racing
Yeah it is unfortunate the cost of things have become what they are. Though I don't believe the problem started with motorcycles. It doesn't seem that the collective is ready to reel things in yet.
😴
Well, get back to work then.
the Beta has 30 hour oil change interval and seat is lower. Going for Beta
Plus the display unit. The interwebs tells us that the Beta is less choked up than some of it competitors. It seems to have some things going for it.
The Sherco 500 SEF might be worth a look as well. I recently watched a review from Dirtbike Magazine and they claimed that it was the most powerful 500cc dual sport they had tested as of late. If that matters to ya.
I have a 2022 Husky FE501S and wish I would have done the build your bike with BETA. It is definitely worth it if you can go that way.
Please stop doing reviews.
@@Impedancenetwork Did you choose the name or did the name choose you?