2017 KTM 500 EXC-F Review

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F Review

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

The Alpha…

The 500 EXC is the strongest dual sport bike in the world, although that doesn’t mean it’s hard to control. This motorcycle is as lean and civilized as a thoroughbred racehorse. But let it rip, and its all-new 4-stroke SOHC engine blasts the redesigned chassis across any terrain you choose. Ahead of the competition. No sweat, just glory.

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

A NEW GENERATION OF KTM ENDURO MACHINES IS HERE!

KTM once again underlines its commitment to its foundations in offroad, as its world-dominating, class-leading Enduro machines have been completely revised with a staggering 90 per cent of the model year 2017 line-up’s components being new. Notable weight reductions of up to five kilograms have been realized throughout the model range, with improved mass centralization resulting in increased performance and better handling.

For MY2017 the line-up has been changed to include the 125 XC-W and 150 XC-W (replacing the 125 and 200 EXC), which are specifically designed for closed course racing, as well as the more traditional, fully homologated powerhouses with the 250 EXC and 300 EXC in the 2-stroke range. In the 4-stroke range KTM continues with its completely updated versions of the 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F models, as well as modifying the name of the higher capacity models to fall in line with the typical 4-stroke name to 450 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F.

Not only does each machine receive a new chassis with new suspension including the WP XPlor 48 upside-down split fork by WP, the R&D team in Mattighofen, Austria combined with its network of test riders, factory racing teams and input from KTM North America R&D, has worked tirelessly to deliver new engines at the same time with improved performance, reduced weight and a more compact size to assist with better machine handling.

With refinements from the frame and bodywork, down to the smaller details in the dashboard of these READY TO RACE machines, KTM has utilized the latest technology to consider every improvement possible for the amateur rider right up-to the professional world championship racer.

Following a tried and tested tradition, the specially finished SIX DAYS models stand side by side with the legendary, new generation EXC bikes. Available as 2- and 4-stroke bikes and equipped with several performance-enhancing and useful technical parts, the new “Six Days Spain” bikes, designed with sophisticated special graphics, top the latest KTM EXC model range.

Joachim Sauer (KTM Offroad Product Manager): “As the saying goes, after the race is before the race. According to our understanding in state-of-the-art development, the brand new line-up of our offroad competition Enduros are proof of KTM`s ongoing commitment to our core discipline. We believe this Enduro sportmotorcycle range will push the excitement and satisfaction of any rider to a new level.”

The new KTM MY2017 Enduro range was unveiled yesterday evening at its launch in Les Comes, Spain and the new machines will begin to arrive in European dealers in June.

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

CREATURE COMFORTS

AIRBOX
The revised airbox design, incorporating new snorkels, offers maximum protection of the air filter against soiling, while ensuring maximum airflow in a quiet way. The new, large Twin Air filter is mounted in a stiff cage, which at the same time holds the system in place. This design is so simple, you could still pop a fresh one in with a face full of mud. Without tools. In seconds.

FUEL TANK
A lightweight polyethylene tank with a capacity of 8.5 liters of juice. You will always be able to see how much fuel there’s left at a glance, thanks to its see-through plastic. By pushing the orange release button in the center of the filler cap, the bayonet mechanism makes refueling a snap. The 4-stroke models are fitted with an integrated fuel pump system and an additional fuel level sensor. On the new models the fuel line features a 90° connector to the tank for better protection against damage.

EXHAUST
FIM noise limits are a real challenge for every manufacturer. Therefore, KTM has put a lot of effort into the development of their exhaust systems. All 4-strokes are fitted with new header pipes and a shorter silencer, mounted as close to the engine as possible. You know what that means: more power, extra mass centralization and better rideability. An advanced internal design reduces the noise sufficiently in order to sit safely below the FIM noise limit, while still raising the hairs on your neck.

WHEELS
The KTM wheels feature lightweight, CNC machined hubs and high-end Giant rims guaranteeing maximum stability at minimum weight. The wheels are fitted with the latest Maxxis tires. The rear tire features a reworked profile and internal structure for better grip under wet conditions and is more resilient to punctures. Take them wherever you like, traction will be waiting.

COOLING SYSTEM
KTM’s proven cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to aluminum radiators made by WP, which have a new filler cap system and are made of a stiffer alloy. Due to flow optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated air ventilation, the system is superbly efficient. Because of their high power output, the 450 and 500 EXC-F are fitted with a radiator fan as standard, which is now regulated by the ECU. In addition, well thought-out radiator guards integrated in the front part of the spoilers provide protection in case of crashes.

SEAT
Tailored to meet the needs of the world’s fastest backsides, this durable seat offers great comfort, while being 10mm lower to help you master the most challenging terrain.

BATTERY & WIRING HARNESS
All EXC-F engines are fitted with an electric starter – a unique KTM feature and a major benefit at all levels of offroad racing. A super compact 495g lithium ion starter battery breathes life into the engine, shaving off an entire kilogram of excess weight while offering three times the starting energy. Because of its reliability, we decided to eliminate the kick-starter entirely. The battery and wiring harness are centralized in a compartment above the airbox, allowing the mechanic to remove the subframe without getting in conflict with the electrics. Because a happy mechanic, is a good mechanic.

DESIGNED FOR THE DIRT

BODYWORK
KTM R&D, Kiska Design and all our factory riders had their say in shaping the plastics. Their goal: complete harmony between rider and bike. And so it turned out. Perfect ergonomics and contact points, maximum freedom of movement, a low seat height and sweet comfort, especially in the rear part of the seat. The I-beam structures of the front and rear fenders are prime examples of such an intelligent design, guaranteeing maximum stability and a low weight thanks to well thought-out construction and mounting. Plus: they stay cleaner for longer. Or take a look at the headlight fairing. Can you spot the smart solution that makes sure your brake hose never makes nasty scratches again?

GRAPHICS
A new, tailor-made kit, fit for a king. Because in this sport, champs deserve to look the part regardless of the dirt.

KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

ENGINE
Small in dimensions, sky-high on output. The 500 EXC-F’s fuel-injected powerhouse has been redesigned in order to make it the most compact and lightest 500 on the market, while delivering groundbreaking torque and power figures over the entire rev range thanks to a reworked single overhead camshaft cylinder head and the latest electronic fuel injection. Class-leading and cutting-edge: just the way we like it. And it’s Euro IV homologated, so it’s kind to nature. Mostly.

CYLINDER HEAD
The SOHC cylinder head has been completely reworked. An all-new overhead camshaft now controls the gas flow through optimized ports, while a redesigned water jacket and combustion chamber take care of explosion and heat management. The engine’s four valves can now rely on extremely rigid rocker arms. Their timing chain has been shortened and its chain guides now have less friction to deal with. Two new lateral brackets allow an efficient fixation of the engine to the frame and reduce vibrations.

CRANKSHAFT
The 500 EXC-F’s crankshaft features a stiffer design and employs a shorter connecting rod, which makes for an overall compact and lightweight engine with a snappy power delivery. Even though it stayed at the same weight, it provides 5% more inertia than last year’s model, while a higher balancing factor reduces the vibration level. A plain big-end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin. The necessary oil feed for this bearing is ensured by the engine’s pressure lubrication. This design enhances the engine’s durability, allowing long crankshaft service intervals – a customer benefit in respect of time, effort and cost. An improved sealing concept with metal shims instead of seal rings reduces space in the crank room and keeps the engine ultra-slim. A shorter primary ratio (31/76 instead of 32/76) reduces the shaft distance, also contributing to its compact dimension. More power, longer service intervals, no half measures.

ELECTRIC STARTER
The 500 EXC-F is fitted with a unique electric starter as standard, which is a clear advantage when it comes to crunch time in the heat of battle. A strong starter motor and a reliable lithium ion battery will fire up your 500 time and time again at the push of a button. In order to reduce weight to the minimum, there is no kick-starter. You won’t miss it. If by any chance you do, just retrofit a PowerParts replacement kit to get your kicks.

ENGINE CASES AND COVERS
The new design of the die-cast engine cases allows a much more centralized shaft configuration, raising the crankshaft by 7mm and backing it up by 9mm. In other words: closer to the bike’s center of gravity. This also shaves off another 550 grams. Newly designed engine covers feature an advanced surface structure in order to reduce the wear caused by the rider’s boots. Do what you want to it, it’ll keep on shining.

TRANSMISSION
The new engine is fitted with a smooth, tailor-made 6-speed gearbox, running like clockwork thanks to a special low-friction coating on the shift forks, special surface treatment on the 5th and 6th gears and a reworked shift drum. Its advanced ´No Dirt´ gear lever design prevents dirt from blocking the joint of the lever and guarantees smooth and safe shifts. All 4-stroke engines are fitted with a gear sensor that sync the power curve to the gear you’re in and the surface you’re on. Yes, smart is sexy. And fast.

ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The state-of-the-art Keihin Engine Management System with electronic fuel injection features an all-new 42mm throttle body. Thanks to its unique injector position, the engine’s response gives a whole new meaning to the word ‘instantaneous’. And to make life even easier, separate systems for cold starts and idle adjustment await you. Push the throttle back when the engine’s alive and well, and the cold start mode disengages. And with an optional map switch you can select a stronger power curve and activate the unique traction control system for maximized grip.

CYLINDER AND PISTON
Inside the shortened cylinder, with a bore of 95mm, thumps a forged box-in-box type piston with an ultra-light piston pin. Its crown geometry is adapted perfectly to the combustion chamber, where its rigid structure and low weight shine. Thanks to low oscillating masses, the engine is as perky and smooth as it’s powerful.

COUNTER BALANCE SHAFT
In order to balance the mass-forces, the 500 EXC-F engine uses a multifunctional, side-mounted counter balance shaft, which at the same time drives the water pump. It has been balanced to perfection, keeping vibration levels to a minimum, even while gunning it to the maximum.

CLUTCH
The 500 EXC-F employs the KTM-developed DDS clutch (damped diaphragm steel) with a wear-free steel basket and extremely heat resistant clutch plates. This clever design employs a diaphragm spring instead of the usual coil springs, which makes for a considerably easier clutch action. A diaphragm spring also leaves sufficient space for a damping system to be integrated into the clutch hub. The goal was traction, yes, but durability as well. On top of that, it is fitted with a lighter basket, a reworked inner hub and a pressure plate providing better oil supply and unsurpassed cooling. Of course, light operation and magic amounts of control are what makes this particular clutch, a hydraulic Brembo clutch.

THERE’S ALWAYS A WAY

– 5KG
The main target for the KTM engineers when developing the EXC models was a massive weight reduction compared to the previous generation. The result: the current EXCs are the slimmest, lightest bikes in the Enduro scene, even though the engines are equipped with an electric starter as a standard feature, while the competition still needs to be kick-started. You can just focus on kicking ass.

FRAME
The high-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame has a knack for easy handling, outlandish rideability, precise cornering and excellent stability. You can also count on high torsional rigidity and low longitudinal stiffness. This results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear suspension sucking up jumps and bumps. In short: more comfort and less rider fatigue. Laterally attached, lightweight engine head stays (the connection between cylinder head and frame) contribute to a reduced vibration level. Two threaded inserts in the lower cradle tubes allow for safe fixation of an optional skid plate. The engineers were able to pull off all that, while making their frame a big fat kilogram lighter than that of the lightest competitor on the market. In addition, it is easier to maintain, easier to work on and supplies more space for the tank and other components. The bike also features an extra-light subframe made of stable aluminum profiles, which tiptoes the scales at less than 900g.

FOOTPEGS
Sophisticated ´No Dirt´ footpegs prevent smudging up the pegs, even when digging in deep ruts. The pegs on the EXC models are 6mm higher than the ones used on SX versions, which benefits ground clearance. But you can swap them at will.

SWINGARM
This updated design allows for an optimized mounting position of the PDS (progressive damping system) shock, providing even more gradual action. Furthermore, the cast aluminum design guarantees lower weight (-220g) and perfect flex behavior. The single-component casting process also eliminates any inconsistencies and inherent weak points created by welding. And it’s better looking.

REAR SUSPENSION
The WP XPlor PDS is a newly developed rear shock. The PDS, the KTM proven and successful progressive damping system is kind of a KTM trademark where the shock absorber is directly connected to the upper side of the swingarm. We don’t use any linkage systems. This set-up has now been reworked with the new frame and swingarm architecture in mind. It boasts the best possible mounting geometry, provides even more progressive damping and features an all-new body with a smaller piston and a larger reservoir. The piston diameter was reduced from 50 to 46mm for reduced weight, the total length is reduced by 2.5mm and the shock stroke shrank by 4mm. In addition, it is now mounted 5mm closer to the centerline, which means nearly symmetrical loads for the swingarm and frame and more space for the exhaust. A second piston works together with a closed cup (instead of a needle) towards the end of the stroke and is supported by a progressive shock spring. It will be hard to bottom this rugged bad boy out. Still, we managed to cut its weight by more than 600g. Various machined and anodized components and a distinctive WP color trim (black reservoir, white spring, silver body) make this a valuable, high-end product compared to the roughcast bodies of many competitors. You’d almost hate to see it get dirty. Almost.

FRONT SUSPENSION
The all-new WP XPlor 48 upside-down fork is a split fork developed by WP in close collaboration with KTM. It is fitted with a spring on both sides but features separated functions for each fork leg: compression damping is fitted on the left side, while rebound is on the right. So the forks can easily be adjusted for compression and rebound with the twist of a dial on top of the fork tubes (30 clicks each). In addition, a longer and sealed hydro-stop guarantees better resistance to bottoming-out. Due to high-quality materials and a state-of-the-art production process, the new XPlor 48 fork – with approx. 300mm of travel – has outstanding response and damping characteristics and is about 200g lighter than its predecessor. A new, optional preload adjuster allows for a threefold spring preload setting without any tools. Easy as one, two, three.

BRAKES
You couldn’t brake any harder, better, faster or stronger. These high-tech Brembo babies are combined with lightweight wave discs. And the rear brake now features a 10mm longer brake pedal combined with a smaller caliper piston for better modulation. The steel-flex front brake hose enjoys better protection tube with an integrated channel for the speedo cable. First you outrun them, then you outbrake them.

HANDLEBARS
KTM engineers sure know how to handle handlebars. This tapered one, made of high-strength aluminum by NEKEN, features a newly developed throttle assembly with a robust aluminum body and straightforward free-play adjustment. An ODI volcanized grip sits on the right, while on the left side of the bar a comfortable ODI lock-on grip is mounted, which does not require any wire or glue to be fixed. You can now retrofit two interchangeable throttle cams, for different response characteristics to suit your specific needs. Another option is the handlebar map switch, which allows for the selection of an even feistier power curve. In addition, you can activate the revolutionary traction control at the push of a button. Bring it on, world.

TRIPLE CLAMPS
The new generation is fitted with forged triple clamps with an offset of 22mm, ensuring a solid grip of the fork and precise handling. You can move the handlebar forwards and backwards over 4 positions, so the bike should fit you like your gloves.

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ USD

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

510.4 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

72 mm

Starter

Electric starter

Transmission

6-speed

Primary drive

31:76

Secondary gear ratio

14:45

Clutch

Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

EMS

Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame design

Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frame

Rear suspension

WP Xplor PDS shock absorber

Suspension travel (front)

300 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

310 mm

Front brake

Disc brake

Rear brake

Disc brake

Front brake disc diameter

260 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

220 mm

Steering head angle

63.5 °

Wheelbase

1482 ± 10 mm

Ground clearance

355 mm

Seat height

960 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

8.5 l

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

109 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

510.4 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

72 mm

Starter

Electric starter

Transmission

6-speed

Primary drive

31:76

Secondary gear ratio

14:45

Clutch

Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

EMS

Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame design

Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frame

Rear suspension

WP Xplor PDS shock absorber

Suspension travel (front)

300 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

310 mm

Front brake

Disc brake

Rear brake

Disc brake

Front brake disc diameter

260 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

220 mm

Steering head angle

63.5 °

Wheelbase

1482 ± 10 mm

Ground clearance

355 mm

Seat height

960 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

8.5 l

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

109 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

510.4 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

72 mm

Starter

Electric starter

Transmission

6-speed

Primary drive

31:76

Secondary gear ratio

14:50

Clutch

Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

EMS

Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame design

Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frame

Rear suspension

WP Xplor PDS shock absorber

Suspension travel (front)

300 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

310 mm

Front brake

Disc brake

Rear brake

Disc brake

Front brake disc diameter

260 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

220 mm

Steering head angle

63.5 °

Wheelbase

1482 ± 10 mm

Ground clearance

355 mm

Seat height

960 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

8.5 l

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

106.5 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).