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

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....





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

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Somewhere down the road in China since '89 ~ along the route I've learned the hard way that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake....TBR

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.

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http://www.wanderclan.com

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.

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Somewhere down the road in China since '89 ~ along the route I've learned the hard way that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake....TBR

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!

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!

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

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Somewhere down the road in China since '89 ~ along the route I've learned the hard way that pleasing everyone is impossible, but pissing everybody off is a piece of cake....TBR

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

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

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.)

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Mike
Stamford, CT
www.happycameladv.com

Current Rides
- 2018 Ural Gear Up (the Happy Camel)
- 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F (the Cougar)
- 2014 BMW F800GS (the Goat)

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. )




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

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Mike
Stamford, CT
www.happycameladv.com

Current Rides
- 2018 Ural Gear Up (the Happy Camel)
- 2017 KTM 350 EXC-F (the Cougar)
- 2014 BMW F800GS (the Goat)

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.