It is surprisingly comfortable on the
long stretches and exceptionally
good fun in the twisties
To try and retain as much of the bike’s
performance as possible, the volume of gear I
carry has been reduced to the bare minimum.
While I still carry all of the key items for safety
and practicality, this weight reduction means
the bike whistles through technical terrain
without really noticing the load being carried.
There are a number of engine performance
upgrade options for the bike, but I really don't
have any interest in going down this path.
With 63 horsepower pushing a 107kg bike, I
think there's all the power any adventure rider
could need, and then some. The power mixed
with the bike's beautiful balance means that
even at 100km/h it is easy to pick the front
up and sit it on the back wheel. I've laughed
to myself inside my helmet on a number of
occasions as I pass my riding buddies on the
back wheel and catch the look in their eyes as I
fly past. This bike brings out the kid in me, and
I absolutely love that.
One question that comes up often when
discussing the 500 is what it is like on
the open road. Well, naturally, the ride is
nowhere near as smooth as a placid single or
a twin cylinder engine, however it would be
wrong to make such a comparison as that’s
not really comparing apples with apples.
The 500 EXC-F Six Day is KTM’s flagship
performance enduro bike. It is designed to
race. However, my expectation that it would
be vibey and unpleasant to ride on the open
road was quickly dismissed. It is surprisingly
comfortable on the long stretches and
exceptionally good fun in the twisties. Riding
sections of tarmac to link up the off-road
tracks is simply a non-issue.
I'm very happy with the 500 for the style of
adventure riding I enjoy. It not only devours
technical terrain with ease, it is actually a really
good all round adventure bike. I believe KTM
has produced a brilliant machine in the 500
EXC-F and it is easy to see why it is becoming
so popular for adventure riding worldwide.
KIWI RIDER 29