KTM 500 EXC-F

The 500 EXC F is the KTM enduro bike for open country, big hills and heavier riders. It makes torque everywhere, it never needs to be revved, and it weighs the same as a 450 EXC F. It is registrable, electric start, hydraulic clutch, and it has been the best selling big bore enduro bike in Australia for years.

It suits a trail rider in open or sandy country, a farm rider, an adventure rider who wants a real dirt bike, and anyone who likes torque. It is a lot of bike in tight single trail, where a 350 or a 300 two stroke is easier. Against a Husqvarna FE 501 it is the same bike with different suspension and bodywork.

Oil every 10 to 15 hours for trail riding, sooner if raced, with a filter every second change. It takes about a litre with a filter and KTM specifies a JASO MA 10W 60 or 10W 50 full synthetic. A big single works its oil hard in slow going, so check the sight glass before every ride.

Air filter every ride in dust. Valves hold their clearances but check them at the interval in the table. Pistons last a long time on a 500 that is not revved: 80 hours plus for a trail bike is common. Grease the linkage and swingarm after wet rides and keep the coolant and the fan working.

Ask about hours, the last valve check and whether it has been de restricted. Make sure it starts on the button hot and cold. Look at the airbox, the sump guard, the radiators and the linkage. Check the rego status and whether it has a roadworthy. A 500 that has done a lot of slow, hot work will have a cooked clutch; feel for slip under load.

Prices in Australia are strong. Recent sold prices are on the Marketplace page linked below.