ktm 500 exc as adventure bike?
 

Just got my first, new ktm 500 exc 2017 and love it already, light like a bicycle :) I am planning to do step by step longer trips on it and see how it goes,
because for now I don't feel comfortable too far from home firstly on ktm and secondly on racing bike :rofl:

Anyway I have never been traveling so light before. Wonder if anybody here used any of ktm EXC models or other enduro bike with short maintenance intervals for bigger excursions? No talking here about bikes like wr250r, crf250l
or klx250.

Wicked light, powerful and nimble bikes, them KTM450-500EXC, got a 450EXC (2016) set up as light ADV bike (not a cargo hauler) with Haan Wheels (Cush Hub Rear) and other modifications like rear rack, Acerbis 3.2gal. tank, Scott steering damper, suspension tuning, etc...etc.... While dual sporting the "race bike" service intervals can be fairly stretched a bit (oil / air filter changes) in my personal and others opinions and experiences....

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...FrGkcMW-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...4q7mzFG-XL.jpg

Quite a few interesting threads over on the ADVrider forums and let's not forget Adam Riemann and his famous Motonomad rides: https://motologyfilms.com

ADV Bike Build KTM EXC
Adventurizing a KTM 500 Exc | Adventure Rider

Extreme Ride 500EXC / 60000+ k's and going further.....
New Zealand to Oregon then Alaska on a KTM 500exc and now..... | Adventure Rider

nice, but what have you done to the seat? because stock is hard as piece of wood... Today after just one hour I had enough.

I am getting some ideas from here: Adventurizing the KTM 500 EXC | The Rolling Hobo to prepare my AJP PR5.

Comfort - Gripper Seat by http://www.seatconcepts.com installed on the EXC.

Many different KTM seats available from Corbin, KTM Powerparts, Fisher, Renazco, etc.. just to name a few companies.

seating comfort is one thing but vibration on pavement at higher rpm on this bike is quite substantial, I hope good set compensate for this. I would need grip puppies as well to reduce tingling on my hands.

Yes, all that and MORE. I assume you have read the ADV Rider thread from the Kiwi New Zealand guy? I read the whole thread ... very very impressive.

But this guy is good mechanic, knows how to take care of his race bike when in Bolivia! :thumbup1:

He somehow was able to carry quite a bit of gear on his bike, and did not seem too bothered by the seat as he did many many LONG riding days. Amazingly, his bike held up incredibly well.

Would ALL KTM's do as well? History of those bikes indicates NO. Two good friends have the 500 and LOVE it. But neither ride them out of the area. Both have several other bikes for travel. (KTM 950SE, BMW GS) According to both guys, the 500
has been pretty good. No serious problems in 1.5 year.

I think the 500 could work, but IMO, you are doing the EXACT right thing by starting out slow with shorter trips to "test out" your bike, fine tune it and prepare for a really long trip.

All the best, please post how things go here! Love to see your seat solution.
absolutely a MUST for me based on my 30 minute test ride on easy single track I rode. WAY TOO TALL for me but I managed on my short ride. What a magic bike it is, rides like a 250! bier

No worries ~ no dramas with vibrations riding my custom build and extensively modified 450EXC (2016) on paved roads "hooligan style" with 14/52 sprockets. Actually, its a well known fact, the EXC450 (2016) is more snappy & aggressive compared to the EXC500 (2016) and never had interest in the 2017 models in the first place for a few personal reasons (less oil, weaker lighter subframe, ECU lockable remotely by KTM through service computer, missing kickstarter, etc..etc...) and personally prefer the 2016 model year...

The BRP Scott Steering Damper Mount with rubber inserts: https://www.brpmoto.com and specially the brilliant Haan Wheels (rear cush hub): http://www.haanwheels.com installed on my 450EXC contribute to the smooth ride in my personal opinion as less chain chatter (chain slap) and easier on the whole drive train....

Very enjoyable KTM450EXC bike with a "motorised" mountain bike feel. Well ~ what can I say after a year of ownership, absolute wicked riding experience and all my other China bikes are either sold or up for sale as the KTM450EXC is the perfect bike for my needs here in Mainland China for the coming years ~ your opinion and experience might vary ~ not trying to start a never-ending discussion...

2017 EXC500 ADVrider thread: http://advrider.com/index.php?thread...exc-f.1146410/ and lets not forget famous KTMtalk: www.KTMTalk.com

thanks for tip, just read this story, amazing over 60k km with just engine oil change, no engine rebuilt nor any problems. This bike is pretty solid I guess,
never seen report about serious problems, unlike the 690 enduro.
What I love on this bike regardless of gear I am currently on when I twist the throttle torque and power it's always there :)

Regarding seat comfort, I'll go on the budget and try sheep skin :)

and we have now preparation of new ktm 500 ex for motonomad III

Light ADV bike
 

Look at The Rolling Hobo from Sibrisky Moto Adventures ,Walter Colebatches boys .He done estonia etc on a 525 KTM .Amazing light setup .Quilt with good Mat .Which I have done saves 1kg right there.Also great camping Kitchen setup .Tools etc.Off to do TET myself using his ideas:D

I love my 350 EXC-F. However, I would personally not consider it for any significant travel. Comfort aside, the biggest issue is service intervals. With a 15 hour service interval, you’re looking at every other day, or every third day. That means sourcing the parts and oil and doing the work. You could be spending a significant portion of your travel time on routine maintenance.

IMHO, the smaller KTMs are designed for and do amazingly well as street legal dirt bikes. The larger ones (690 and up) are more adventure oriented, but would still not be as durable as, and as easy to find parts for, some other bikes.

Last year, while already planning to purchase the 350 EXC-F, I picked up a DRZ 400S to ride the Trans America Trail on. Though not as light or nimble, it was a super, maintenance free (one routine oil change and tire swap required) across the country. IMO, that bike is much better suited for adventure travel than a KTM. (I traded the DRZ in on the KTM when I returned.)

not at all :) 15 mth is for race only. When riding trail, street, enduro so basically dual sport you can change oil every 1800 - 2000km (+/-) and no problems at all. Look at some vids guys (motonomad) traveled over 7k km, changing oil every 2k km or so. Plus they flood the bike once during river crossing as well. Theses small engines are really tough. I have over 130 mt and oil is changed every 80 mth or 1800 km.

My biggest concern was vibration for longer trips, but I managed it putting sheep skin on my seat and changing handlebar grips for Pro Taper Pillow. Big improvements. I also got 15 liters Acerbis tank, not installed it yet so range will not be an issue.

My owners manual says 15 hours OR after each race. And the oil is filthy at 15 hours. I personally wouldn’t go much beyond that...especially if you’re doing a lot of off-road...but YMMV.

Re: vibrations...I have the Scott steering damper with the BRP anti-vibration mount and Pro Taper pillow grips and my 70 year old body is fine with vibration. (Im a fortunate one that was born with a cast iron butt, so stock seats always work fine for me. [emoji3])




Mike S.
Stamford, CT
'18 Ural Gear-Up
'17 KTM 350 EXC-F
'14 BMW F800GS

Did Connecticut to Guatemala and back a few years ago on a 450EXC. Not recommended. Was inspired by Austin Vince and the Motonomad guys. Unless you're tackling some serious off road for a majority of your ride with very little pavement, then go with a bike that offers more comfort, even if it's a 640/690 or something of that nature. I crossed the USA doing 300 miles plus a day, stabbing so I could get into Mexico as quick as possible and it was just plain stupid. On a trip you want a bike that doesn't wear you out.

I talked with the rolling hobo guy as he was transitioning into the 500 from his 690 as I had just finished my trip then. For his style of riding, where he's going through some gnarly stuff for a majority of his adventures and not covering the distances I did, then it makes perfect sense, but a 500 dirt bike as a world tourer? Not for me.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...7636829edb.jpg

I just watched that one this week. Been following Adam's series since the first video. Cinematography is incredible.

Perhaps you mean "lack" of comfort aside"! bier
Totally agree, although when traveling, you could probably push that oil change interval a bit, since most times you won't be riding at race pace. But point certainly made!
Yep! And my guess is when it comes time for another long range trip ...you go back Suzuki or similar for travel.

Ready To Race not required for long range travel. But I've literally been beating this drum for 20 years doh ... and I thought for sure by now KTM would have stepped up and built a strong, reliable, easy to maintain dual sport, a sort of "Suzuki Like" Dual Sport/Adventure bike. :mchappy:

In the old days it was a given the KTM would break down in some way.
KTM better now of course ... but still we don't see all that many average, non mechanical types traveling in hordes on KTM's.

I thought sure by now the old Japanese nails would be long dead and buried ... yet they are still relevant.:eek3: (Honda XR-L, Yamaha XT600/660, Suzuki DR/DRZ, Kawi KLR)

My 450EXC was completely reliable. I did have the head worked with SS valves and added an oil cooler to double the oil capacity. Still, it was a well used and abused motorcross bike from the previous owner. The rear plastic shroud around the subframe was split in two, suggesting that the bike had been in a pretty heavy crash ( I didn't see this until I dismantled the bike in the garage). I had the head off and didn't even touch the bottom end. I split the cam chain, dismantled the top end, and then put it all back together and it was fine for reliability. For comfort...well...that's a whole different story. haha

It's amazing what a good seat can do for a previously unrideable bike!
Like your KTM, my DR650 was impossible to ride (for me) more than about an hour on the stock seat. A true POS torture rack.

I've ridden (and owned) KTM's for years and only my two Dukes ('01 Duke 2 and 2017 690 Duke) had marginally OK seats. Both those seats were tolerable, especially the 690 Duke, which I rode 6 to 8 hour days on.
Not great but doable.

Your 450, if fitted with a nice WIDE custom seat like a Corbin may surprise you.
A real seat made from premium materials by Pros can really make a difference for all day comfort. Using things like Sheep skins or air pads are, IMO, half measures. Something like an Air Hawk can help ... but can you do 10 hour days with it as your only buffer between a crap plank and you? Width and shape, IMO are key to comfort.

I'm quite sure the Corbin on my DR650 is the only reason I could ride back to back long days on that bike. Others make good seats and some, like James Renazco, specialize in making custom seats for KTM.
Renazco Dual Sport Seats

Back to the BMW G310. I'm sure both Corbin and Renazco will be jumping in to build a seat for this new bike.
bier

I put a Seat Concepts wide seat on it. A chainsaw with two wheels still rides like a chainsaw with two wheels. :lol2:

I am going to get an AirHawk to put on my Benelli down here. I'm hoping that it'll help my bum.

main reason would be the high price of KTM IMO, bikes like DRZ or XR have cheap components. With KTM you get very good suspension, wheels, hydraulic levers, motor out of the box. You don't really have to put more money into it.

ktm 500 exc as adventure bike?
 

This is certainly true. For travel, just add luggage for the most part.

BTW, that kiwi guy Aaron S. is still riding after New Zealand to Oregon, then to Alaska trip. Currently in Europe and just hit 75000 km on his ktm 500 exc! amazing. No faults, no engine rebuild I believe.

And I do not envy him! :rofl:

The "cheap components" argument has been well disproven decades ago. A hydraulic clutch system does not make a KTM the better bike. :nono:

What components on Japanese dual sports do you consider "cheap"?
The Engine? Funny, a DRZ will outlast any KTM by double or more.
Suspension? Standard Showa and KYB is just as good an anything WP make. The difference is typically the spring rate and valving are OFF on the Jap bikes, the KTM more dialed in. But even so, most KTM riders I know (that's be a BIG number!) end up re-doing their suspension front and rear.

The other area KTM are good is that they have more modern chassis where the old DRZ and XR's are over 20 years old and never updated. So big advantage KTM here.

Should also be noted that in EU KTM is about same price as many Japanese bikes. In the USA, different situation as there are SO MANY used DRZ's and XR out there selling super cheap, fewer KTM's for sale and used one typically sell for more money.

XR Honda's haven't been made in 10 years now (* except XR650L), DRZ still in production as is DR650 and KLR.

KTM comes out with new models and different engines every few years. Some good ... some not so good! doh (see rocker arm disaster on 690's)

From a travelers perspective, many pick Japanese bikes for lower price (as you've said). Not many would walk away from a
$10,000 KTM, but an old KLR or DR could be abandon and rider may not take such a financial hit.

Abandon!??!?! Nevarrrr!!!! Seriously though, people abandon their bikes?

Yes, abandon ... or sold very very cheap. Happens all the time from reports I've read. In the crazy Baja rides I mentioned many guys crashed and abandon their bikes. Some came back for them, some not. Some sold off ... some left where they broke in middle of the desert. The carcass of one such bike was there for years.

Here on HUBB you can find several cases of travelers on inexpensive Chinese bikes being given away or left.

I helped two Kiwi guys buy and set up two KLR's years ago ... one sold his off in Bolivia, the other gave it to a fellow traveler. Initial cost was around $2000 USD per bike. So, for a years service on the road for the "life time" trip, not a bad deal. Both these guys are pushing Prams now in NZ!

Quick! Your Adventure Window is closing down! :Beach:

oh please, wheels and suspension is the biggest one - even today all new honda crf250l or Africa Twin have crappy soft suspension and people change it right away. Same goes with very soft rims. Have you ridden on recent KTM bike at all? :smartass: As far as the Japanese engines, usually under powered unit without character.


p.s.
and yes hydraulic clutch system makes ktm less troublesome and more maintenance free.

Yes, I've noticed quite a few bikes in the classifieds here on HUBB that are in South America and the prices are ridiculously low. Makes me wonder if I should fly south, buy and travel north on the next big run. :innocent:

oh noes. doh

"Character" and "soul" are the two most nondescript words overused by journalists and bloggers. This is purely subjective. There is absolutely no measure for this. It's a stereotype and it's marketing. "Italian bikes have soul" "European bikes have character" "Japanese bikes have no soul." "Japanese bikes are purely mechanical. They have no character. They're functional, but they don't speak to my soul the way X does." Sound familiar? It's an idea that's been repeated so often that it's has become accepted as common "fact."

hogwash.

sure it's non descriptive, how can you describe feelings. But phenomenon is real, if you get erection while riding it's definitely real :rofl:

Anyway, it's not the point here.

ktm 500 exc as adventure bike?
 

Bwahahaha. I have no response to that.

here is nice summary why and how adventurize ktm 500 exc:

Adventurizing the KTM 500 EXC | The Rolling Hobo

mine will be soon ready as well

Nice build, but seems he's left a few things out. But to each his own! :thumbup1:

I subscribed to Rolling Hobo's Blog a while back ... never got any notifications. I don't know his history regards travel, would be nice to read up on it and learn more.

As expressed before here and elsewhere, the KTM 500 EXC is possibly the best serious street legal dirt bike out there today. But as a RTW travel bike? It may fall short for some.

Lots depends where you ride and how deep into rough off road areas you want to explore. Most riders stay on some sort of "road", be it rough, muddy, beat up, rutted, steep or whatever. Most roads support vehicle travel at least part of the year if not year round.

This means that on most small to medium bikes you can probably make it through, and even big bikes can make it, especially if the rider is pretty good.

I can say from experience that finding good off road routes in Latin America can prove tough. There are few detailed paper maps and GPS may not show much either.

In most cases you won't find the sort of groomed single track trails you find in USA or Canada. Most travelers don't know the areas and GPS may not be accurate.

One strategy is you pay for a guide (like in Ecuador) who has spent YEARS
assembling good, fun Enduro routes. Some are mapped out, some not. And not all countries are well explored and basically NO ONE (except locals and the military) really know where certain roads go. Bottom line is you can get pretty lost.

I know that in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica you may find local riders to guide you into some serious fun trails. I lived in Guat. 3 years (off/on) did a bit of exploring, most on foot around Tikal. If you get lost in the Peten Jungle on your bike ... you may not make it out. :eek3:

Many ride into the interior of central Peru' unguided. But good news is there is lots of knowledge on this North-Central interior and good ROADS going everywhere ... plus villages and decent roads.

Single track trail? Go ahead, take it. See if you can make it out! doh

All this blather to say that for most (IMHO) the KTM 500 EXC may not be required to do a fair bit of exploring. Sure, if riding at race pace all day everyday, the KTM will be WAY more fun than my 37 HP DR650 ... which is 100 lbs. heavier.

If you're into doing US based rides like the TAT and other cross the nation trail rides, then the KTM could be great. But if heading into UNKNOWN territory everyday ... I'd think twice.

With the KTM you would also have a blast exploring BC Canada, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and Nevada's awesome off road riding. Some seriously technical challenges await.

So, if you're that into riding serious, challenging trails ... why not join AMA and enter the Enduro series. That's what I did for 8 years. I was limited to Calfornia and Nevada but saw the very best trail riding in the state ... just me and 400 other competitors. My best finish ever was 4th place. In the B class. And that is saying a lot.

But realistically, how many riders are at AMA or World Enduro rider level? To get the most out of what the KTM 500 is capable of, you will need SKILLS. Being young, strong and in great shape will really help. Now add years of off road competition experience. Now you're ready.

Regards the Hobo's build:
I am surprised that he is "apparently" running the stock KTM torture rack seat.
I've ridden the KTM 500 briefly two occasions ... one of the bikes had a Seat Concepts kit seat, other was stock. IMO, for travel on road where you are actually SITTING not standing, these are ONE HOUR LIMIT seats.
So, good luck with that doing long range tour.

Also surprised he's left off the oil cooler, which he bought but did not fit. Yes, a PITA to install and you have to be super careful it does not leak, but IMO ... would be a MUST HAVE for long range riding on that bike. Even the DR650 and DRZ Suzuki's have oil coolers ... and those designs are 20+ years old.

If you're doing day rides or weekend jaunts then his luggage set up is OK, but what about camping gear? Carrying even the small tent shown could be pushing it when you add a decent sleeping pad and bag.

And what about spare tubes, Sandals, tools, First Aid kit, foul weather gear? Might be a bit tight! :smartass:

I have never been fan of a large array of racks and bracing up at the front of the bike. Big Nav towers a la Dakar racers is just a bit silly for typical travelers.
But more worrying is what that steel or Alu tower does to your body when you crash and your smashed into it chest or stomach first.
Been there, done that!

Some who follow Dakar may know that a few Dakar racers have died from exactly this reason ... the giant Nav tower ripped their guts out in a crash.
Windshield also pose a possible hazard and some have been nearly decapitated from them.

My advice is if you want to learn how to build your KTM ... go hang out with the AMA Enduro racers riding KTM and see how they do set up and how they Prep their bikes. These guys are really good and know what works.
bier

If you're getting an erection while riding (your bike) you definitely need to modify your seat :-o

I just came across this thread and I'm the guy traveling rtw on the 500. Aaron Steinmann.
I get that it's not for everyone and some days slabbing it on long distances it's no fun but long straights aren't much fun on any bike.
Yes you can stretch your oil changes and I carry a spare no big deal only 2 liters to carry and really quick to do.
Filter every 2nd change.
As far as taking into somewhere remote any bike can break down and it's a pretty basic bike to do the little things on and I'm not a good mechanic just handy with tools.
You don't need to be a great rider to own it and it would be way easier to do the BDR routes and TET on than a big bike.
There is no perfect bike out there to do everything but there is enough to pick from that suits you , your attitude and riding. I picked this because I thought it would be a challenge and I like wheel stands
Just don't not pick it because you think it needs a piston every 100 hrs . Maybe if you are riding it pinned all day every day but we are talking about adventure riding not Dakar.
If you are going out camping for a few nights exploring the trails perfect bike.
I wouldn't of been able to go to as many places alone with a bigger bike just in fear of getting it stuck and or not been able to lift it out.
It's also handy to fit through doors for safe parking which opens up more accommodation opportunities.
I would like KTM to bring out a bike between the 500 and 690. Like a 600 little more oil longer between changes. Make it a little smoother a light subframe and cool Dakar style fairing. Kinda like a newer version of the old classic XR600
Oh btw I did do a full top end at 67000k and I would say most of your questions about it will probably be in my thread on advrider.com . Seat Concepts was the first thing to go on but yup some days my arse still hates me.

Sounds about right. My 450EXC was really nice when nipping around cities and pulling it into hostels (lobbies) in Latin America. And, like you, I found that slabbing on a dirtbike is pretty rough, especially across the lower states in the USA.

As you said, it really depends upon the rider. For my style, I found that the off-road bias for my trip didn't help, as I'm not really an off-road rider. I would like to, someday, become a better dirt rider, but for the majority of my riding in the places I've gone, it's been mostly asphalt. I imagine that in other parts of the world, with less paved roads, the KTM really shines. So it really is about choosing the right tool for the specific job.

BTW, when I was looking for my bike in 2014, I considered the 500 and did a lot of research. There are quite a few companies that make rally style fairing kits. If I remember correctly, they're not cheap, but they're out there. The Motonomad guys made their own if I remember correctly too.

Glad to see your post. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels. bier

well, if you like rally fairing you can get it straight from ktm buying 450 Replica Rally :)
Price is kinda a factor though, 24k Euros doh

http://moto.zombdrive.com/images/ktm...replica-13.jpg

Thanks for chiming in Aaron! I'm sure most here have read all or part of your Report on ADV Rider. Nice work!

Were you able to find good quality synthetic oil in S. America? Big cities?

Correct, you don't need to be a great rider to own and enjoy the KTM 500EXC ... but my point was that most average riders will never come close to riding at the level the KTM 500 allows ... and most simply don't need a bike that good off road ... cause they won't go down that trail in any case!

As you know, riding the 500 for all riders of all skill levels will find they will be safer and expend less energy riding the 500 in difficult terrain.

As you say, much easier than on an bigger, heavier bike. Lighter and better everything on the KTM makes an easy bike to manage! :D

But most will never really know just how good that bike is. The KTM 500 is a bike that can win the Erzberg Rodeo ridden off the showroom floor ... with a good enough rider aboard. :thumbup1:

Very very impressive you made 67K km (40K miles) until top end rebuild. How did everything look inside? Most of my many KTM riding buddies have not done that well with their bikes ... but most ride like hooligans.

Still, compared to typical service life from say, 10 years ago? 75% better everywhere with the KTM's.

Where are you now and what's next for you?
bier