it’s a amazing bike. 260 lbs, 50 hp, six speed wide ratio transmission, and dirt runway model. She does a little of everything and looks great while doing it.
Tag Archives: KTM 500 EXC
European vs Japanese dual sport bikes
A thread on advrider asks the question why Euro bikes are so much more expensive than comparable Japanese bikes and, more importantly, are the Euro bikes worth the extra money. The issue was expressed by the original poster this way: … Continue reading →
854 hours
I have previously written (here and here) about Aaron S. on advrider.com who rode his KTM 500 EXC around New Zealand, shipped it to South America, and then rode it all the way to Alaska. Still not finished, after touring … Continue reading →
It keeps going, and going, and going…
A while back I wrote a post about a fellow named Aaron who rode his KTM 500 EXC around New Zealand then shipped it to South America and rode from there to Alaska. During that trip Aaron put more than … Continue reading →
The real story
Why did all the oil in my KTM 500 EXC leak out during a ride? Because I lost the oil drain bolt. Why did I lose the oil drain bolt? Because, like a dummy, I failed to tighten it down … Continue reading →
It’s worse than that
First, there was a trail of oil behind my KTM 500. Then, once stopped, all the life giving oil in the engine made a large puddle beneath the bike. What in the world is wrong with my bike? … Continue reading →
Houston, we have a problem
Yes, that is an oil trail behind my KTM 500 EXC. I was warned that KTM was not reliable but in this case it was 100% operator error. (In other words, it was entirely my fault ’cause I was a dumbass.) … Continue reading →
Luckenbach
My adventure ready KTM 500 EXC in front of the Luckenbach post office. … Continue reading →
How far can a KTM 500 really go?
KTM motorcycles seem to be a lightening rod for discussion and controversy in the dual sport adventure community. For example, critics often claim KTM bikes are noticeably less reliable than comparable Japanese bikes. Or that the maintenance requirements are excessive … Continue reading →
Jack Rabbit Road
Jack Rabbit Road, though paved, is a really interesting and fun single lane road in Gillespie County. It truly is one lane wide – not even a lane and a half like most smaller county roads in the western part … Continue reading →
Bluebonnets
Thanks to all the rain over the winter, we are enjoying a bumper crop of bluebonnets this year. I haven’t seen this many flowers on Threadgill Creek Road since 2007. … Continue reading →
The KTM 500 EXC Build
After buying a 2017 KTM 500 EXC this past November, I’ve worked steadily on getting her all set up for the type of riding I do. Here’s the link to my build for those who have asked me about it … Continue reading →
Around the Bend
At the last minute, I was able to attend this year’s Around the Bend dual sport rally in Big Bend. And, of course, I took the new (to me) KTM 500 EXC. … Continue reading →
One more…
One additional gratuitous photo of my 500 EXC in the Texas hill country. This shot was taken along Flat Creek Road, west of Johnson City. … Continue reading →
Adding a Fisher Seat
The stock KTM 500 EXC seat is about 4 inches wide and not comfortable at all for the type of riding I do. So, I upgraded to a Fisher Seat, which is about 10 inches wide. It definitely works better … Continue reading →