I'm 6'3" 250lbs and the 500EXC-F suited me perfect. I would opt for the Husqi for looks and color scheme, but the KTM is just ever somewhat simpler without the swing arm. KTM headlamps are nothing to write home about, but they get the job done. Never got to try a Husqi in the dark for comparison, but that's not something that is discussed pretty much ever...BD light kit and springs are in order regardless of which bike for a guy my size. They only seem to cater to 160lb high school kids out of the box, so clickers are essentially useless. But I digress. The FE and EXCs are top notch. I would probably have a tough time choosing as well. I'm just kind of surprised they let you take them both out like that.
Same dilemma here. Looked at both again today and still can't decide. Husky dealer did offer me a better price by abot $750 tho.. And the Husky sho is purty...
How are you liking your 2021 501? I’m about to buy one with 65 hours, vortex ECU, full FMF exhaust and upgraded suspension…not sure if I’m making a mistake not just getting a brand new 2024 or 2025 but not sure if there is even much difference between 2021 and 2024. Any advice is welcome brother!!…forgot to mention, the owner is a millionaire and only selling it for $7800 so it’s a smoking deal!
Got my 22 exc 500 couple a days ago ,swapped from my 501-19, both excellent,ktm little quicker steering and feels little more aggressive,husky linkage is good but pds feel good too,to early to say wish is better! New colour on ktm is cool! Here uncorked and no ignition key,pure race machines not street legal ,but cops dont mind to much if you drive with sense ,sober and insurand !
@@erikj6101 as I mentioned here used as purely race machines,you get blinkers in a box with mirrors! After 4 years when you need to visit the inspection you need to have those on! I would say the pds is as good as linkage coming from a lot of linkage bikes,no maintenance,better ground clearance,nothing that can get damaged! On the other hand linkage never gave me any problems but you have to take it apart and grease it as you know! Ride safe!
Have a 2020 FE501 street legalized and tricked. Spend most of my rides exploring back country trails but if I need to do a ride on the freeway it's capable. Super fun bike!
I love KTM but I have been looking at these two bikes and honestly believe the Husky would be the better bike for me because of the added value and lower seat height.
No KTM dealer around me. I was going to get eh 501 on Husky's 1.99% financing. My credit score is over 700 but they wouldn't give me the best rate so I walked. Ironically I'm at my Harley dealership about a week later and I see a 501 on the floor, with 66 miles on it. They say some big guy didn't get on with it and they'll sell it to me for 11 OTD. I buy it. Brought it home yesterday. Like my 890 Adventure S model I think we are going to be best of friends. How I got a 2022 - 890 ADV S is another story, since that dealer is almost 500 miles from me. lol
@@yrngvng2215 It's a thing on the rear shock where the linkage moves faster at the end of it's stroke, therefore it stiffens in up more before the full travel is used up. KTM uses a type of shock where it's done with valving called PDS instead of a linkage. But not on all of their bikes.. It was used in 99-early 2000's on their MX bikes then they dropped it.. Not sure about the Enduro bikes though..
So what did you end up getting? I am torn myself. I already have a KTM 300XC and love it for single track. I am leaning towards the Husqvarna because I am 5'9" and think it would fit me better out of the box. Concerned about the height of the KTM500.
KTM just got mine both awesome bikes for sure but I liked the suspension on the KTM just a little bit more but you can not go wrong with either they are both awesome!!
Easy decision, ride the KTM in the terrain you intend to ride in, if the action of the PDS doesn't drive you insane buy it for the simplicity of suspension maintenance, otherwise get the 501 for the linkage. I can't stand PDS, but many love it or do not notice it.
@@da1stuna I love riding dirt bikes. And watching others doing the same. But everything is KTM or Husky. Even small companies like GasGas are bought up by KTM. I like to support the smaller co’sAll dirt bikes.
A good mate of mine is picking up his 2021 KTM500EXC tomorrow.. I haven't looked at the Husky yet until this video.. I just shared this video to him... Sorry Robbie D ... I'd choose the Husky.... The PDS reminds me of my 1999 KTM SX that l sold years ago... The last Husky that l had was an 82 WR430 2t weapon. I just like the Husky a little more after seeing this.. not much more though..
Does anyone know which one is better on the highway? Does the husky’s linkage make it sketchy at high speeds?? HELP!! Looking to get one for a supermoto commuter
Sorry if I missed it in the video or a comment down below but why did you ultimately choose the Husky over the KTM? I'm about 2 weeks out from pulling the trigger out on one of these as well. THanks!
There are quite a few differences between the two bikes. The brakes, clutch, slave cylinder, plastics, skid-plate, ecu mapping, handlebars, preload adjusters, composite subframe and wheels are just a few examples. Faster riders typically prefer the linkage suspension, guys who are a bit slower, typically prefer the PDS. The KTM is also noticeably taller than the Husqvarna because of the PDS suspension.
How do you know that it wouldn't have ended his ride on a KTM ? Going by your username , I'm not surprised that you said that you'd buy the KTM..LOL !! I'd love to own either tbh.. But I grabbed the Husky because of the linkage, that and I have 3 friends that all bought 21 KTM500's... My previous bike was a KTM , I do love them..
Yes, I test rode a 2019. Cool bike. Just a bit heavy. I ride more dirt than pavement and the Husky/KTM shine in the dirt quite a bit over the 450l in my opinion. If I were doing mainly street I think I would’ve bought the 450l
KTM because its lighter and doesn't have the potential for a composite sub-frame issue. I'm a little biased since I have a 2018 500, that I have ridden on most of your Taylor Park CO trails. Whichever you choose, immediately dump that rear tail light/blinker monstrosity for a Sicass rear replacement.
I put a deposit on a 2022 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAY. I wanted an orange frame like on my 2019 KTM 690 enduring R. Since my truck has orange racing stripes I have to stay with ktm. Https://ruclips.net/user/telerover . BTW, you didn't do elite power sports any favors by hottrodding around their neighborhood.
I just bought a 21 ktm 500 excf (this same bike) on the 14th and the only thing im mad about is its getting to cold to ride in New England. You cant really go wrong with either one. I have heard that the composite sub frame has cracked for some people on the husky which might have changed my mind had my dealer sold huskys too. Had they sold huskys aswell id probably be doing the same exact thing your doing. I do own a 15 factory 250 sxf, and as for the linkage vs pds shock i feel little to ZERO different between the pds shock on the 500 to the linkage on my 250.
![Summer Walker - Heart Of A Woman [Official Lyric Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SFddctbZzw8/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm 6'3" 250lbs and the 500EXC-F suited me perfect. I would opt for the Husqi for looks and color scheme, but the KTM is just ever somewhat simpler without the swing arm. KTM headlamps are nothing to write home about, but they get the job done. Never got to try a Husqi in the dark for comparison, but that's not something that is discussed pretty much ever...BD light kit and springs are in order regardless of which bike for a guy my size. They only seem to cater to 160lb high school kids out of the box, so clickers are essentially useless. But I digress. The FE and EXCs are top notch. I would probably have a tough time choosing as well. I'm just kind of surprised they let you take them both out like that.
KTM. Just picked up a 2020 a few months ago on sale and love it.
Same dilemma here. Looked at both again today and still can't decide. Husky dealer did offer me a better price by abot $750 tho.. And the Husky sho is purty...
I bought the KTM because I prefer the orange color. I’m not kidding. Having the time of my life with it too!
Awesome man glad you’re having a great time! Can’t go wrong with either 😁👍
I already have a 21 Husqvarna TE300I so I opted for the KTM 500 excf. Both are great.
I just got the KTM EXC 500f but I agree tough choices. Good thing there is not a wrong choice.
Definitely Husky brotha! Just bling it up and you’ll have a better bike.
Husky all the way.
It's shorter and I like linkage.
I bought the 2021 FE501S in July. Love it.
Congrats! Great bikes!! 👍
How are you liking your 2021 501? I’m about to buy one with 65 hours, vortex ECU, full FMF exhaust and upgraded suspension…not sure if I’m making a mistake not just getting a brand new 2024 or 2025 but not sure if there is even much difference between 2021 and 2024. Any advice is welcome brother!!…forgot to mention, the owner is a millionaire and only selling it for $7800 so it’s a smoking deal!
Got my 22 exc 500 couple a days ago ,swapped from my 501-19, both excellent,ktm little quicker steering and feels little more aggressive,husky linkage is good but pds feel good too,to early to say wish is better! New colour on ktm is cool! Here uncorked and no ignition key,pure race machines not street legal ,but cops dont mind to much if you drive with sense ,sober and insurand !
Is it straight forward fitting the indicators ? I seen a couple of enduros only with headlight and brake light no indicators
@@erikj6101 as I mentioned here used as purely race machines,you get blinkers in a box with mirrors! After 4 years when you need to visit the inspection you need to have those on! I would say the pds is as good as linkage coming from a lot of linkage bikes,no maintenance,better ground clearance,nothing that can get damaged! On the other hand linkage never gave me any problems but you have to take it apart and grease it
as you know! Ride safe!
Have a 2020 FE501 street legalized and tricked. Spend most of my rides exploring back country trails but if I need to do a ride on the freeway it's capable. Super fun bike!
Picked up a 2021 xcw. A do it all machine. Smooth and balanced, with gusto in the top revs. Amazing bike!
Nice! Congrats! 👊🏼
@@Ride_Tekhave you ever ridden a 701 enduro? I’m having a tough time choosing my dual sport or 501 😂
How did u get to test 2 new bikes? You can barely sit on them here in Ga, much less ride them.
I love KTM but I have been looking at these two bikes and honestly believe the Husky would be the better bike for me because of the added value and lower seat height.
No KTM dealer around me. I was going to get eh 501 on Husky's 1.99% financing. My credit score is over 700 but they wouldn't give me the best rate so I walked. Ironically I'm at my Harley dealership about a week later and I see a 501 on the floor, with 66 miles on it. They say some big guy didn't get on with it and they'll sell it to me for 11 OTD.
I buy it. Brought it home yesterday. Like my 890 Adventure S model I think we are going to be best of friends.
How I got a 2022 - 890 ADV S is another story, since that dealer is almost 500 miles from me. lol
1.9% interest rate? Was that Husqvarna that was offering that or a local credit union? Smoking deal.
@@DesertVetRider That was Husqvarna.
Sherco sef500 factory..KYB suspension..linkage..brembo brakes..akropovic exhaust..9.7lt fuel..solid rear disc..
Husky for me because I'm a linkage guy. 😉
What’s linkage exactly
@@yrngvng2215 It's a thing on the rear shock where the linkage moves faster at the end of it's stroke, therefore it stiffens in up more before the full travel is used up. KTM uses a type of shock where it's done with valving called PDS instead of a linkage. But not on all of their bikes..
It was used in 99-early 2000's on their MX bikes then they dropped it.. Not sure about the Enduro bikes though..
So what did you end up getting? I am torn myself. I already have a KTM 300XC and love it for single track. I am leaning towards the Husqvarna because I am 5'9" and think it would fit me better out of the box. Concerned about the height of the KTM500.
KTM just got mine both awesome bikes for sure but I liked the suspension on the KTM just a little bit more but you can not go wrong with either they are both awesome!!
I searched for both and found an ‘18 FE501 with 20hrs on it for $9K. Don’t get screwed at the dealership.
First world problems, as they're both great - no wrong choice. However, since I'm a Swede, the Husky is the obvious choice for me, lol
I just picked up a 2021 ktm 500 excf six days 2 weeks ago and I love it.
lol no shit me too. on the 16th. dam this thing sits high!!
Easy decision, ride the KTM in the terrain you intend to ride in, if the action of the PDS doesn't drive you insane buy it for the simplicity of suspension maintenance, otherwise get the 501 for the linkage. I can't stand PDS, but many love it or do not notice it.
I'm in the same dilemma haven't ridden either bike yet but was leaning towards the KTM. rode my buddys 16 xcw 450 and loved it.
I just picked up the ktm 2021 500 exc-f about a month ago......so freakin fun bad to the bone
Awesome man! Incredible bikes! 👍
My girlfriend buy the 501 and i buy the exc500. I like Ktm better because its fit me better. In europe the husky 501 comes with map switch also.
Husqvarna but there is no wrong choice here.
Love elite, great dealer. I’ll be buy the 501 here soon from them.
My problem is there's not dirt within 1 hour of my house, and I love DualSporting, but usually end up 90-95% on pavement :( I want to move
Such a hard choice!!! I feel your pain!!!! Lol
Think I’d go with the ktm!!!!
Haha... yes, hard choice. Both incredible bikes! 👍
I went a different direction... BETA 500RR-S
Why are you watching this video?
@@da1stuna why do you care?
@@jeffelmore7250 Curiosity. So what’s the answer?
@@da1stuna I love riding dirt bikes. And watching others doing the same. But everything is KTM or Husky. Even small companies like GasGas are bought up by KTM. I like to support the smaller co’sAll dirt bikes.
Beta's are better looking, but what about dealer support availability?
A good mate of mine is picking up his 2021 KTM500EXC tomorrow.. I haven't looked at the Husky yet until this video.. I just shared this video to him...
Sorry Robbie D ... I'd choose the Husky.... The PDS reminds me of my 1999 KTM SX that l sold years ago... The last Husky that l had was an 82 WR430 2t weapon.
I just like the Husky a little more after seeing this.. not much more though..
Both!
Does anyone know which one is better on the highway? Does the husky’s linkage make it sketchy at high speeds?? HELP!! Looking to get one for a supermoto commuter
Husky better linkage it can handle a mx track better orif you wanna jump alot
Husky any day week 👍
Sorry if I missed it in the video or a comment down below but why did you ultimately choose the Husky over the KTM? I'm about 2 weeks out from pulling the trigger out on one of these as well. THanks!
I really prefer the linkage over the PDS suspension.
@@Ride_Tek thanks for the reply!
Chick is so interested in your internal struggle.
Which one you like better he ask his wife ? Which one is the cheapest ? She's thinking I'm buying a new car if he's getting this shit .
have 2020 ktm it can do it all
It's the same bike however I like KTM's suspension system over the Husky
There are quite a few differences between the two bikes. The brakes, clutch, slave cylinder, plastics, skid-plate, ecu mapping, handlebars, preload adjusters, composite subframe and wheels are just a few examples. Faster riders typically prefer the linkage suspension, guys who are a bit slower, typically prefer the PDS. The KTM is also noticeably taller than the Husqvarna because of the PDS suspension.
Husky forever!
KTM. I have a friend who snapped his composite frame on his new 350 Husky. Ended his ride at Moab. Would not have happened with KTM.
Stfu
Bummer. I've never had or heard of composite subframe failure
How do you know that it wouldn't have ended his ride on a KTM ?
Going by your username , I'm not surprised that you said that you'd buy the KTM..LOL !!
I'd love to own either tbh.. But I grabbed the Husky because of the linkage, that and I have 3 friends that all bought 21 KTM500's...
My previous bike was a KTM , I do love them..
KTM no doubt.
did you consider the 2021 crf450RL ?
Yes, I test rode a 2019. Cool bike. Just a bit heavy. I ride more dirt than pavement and the Husky/KTM shine in the dirt quite a bit over the 450l in my opinion. If I were doing mainly street I think I would’ve bought the 450l
I'd probably go with Husky.
Did you just call your woman "dude"?
she looks like a full babe too… he’s so stoked he lost his mind 😂
Fico com a KTM. 👍🇧🇷
I got the Husky
Awesome! Congrats! Love our Husky!! 👍
KTM because its lighter and doesn't have the potential for a composite sub-frame issue. I'm a little biased since I have a 2018 500, that I have ridden on most of your Taylor Park CO trails. Whichever you choose, immediately dump that rear tail light/blinker monstrosity for a Sicass rear replacement.
The weight of the bike it's not relevant when it's not running they are cheaply made as where Husqvarna offers more quality
Ktm aluminum subframe and no linkage to maintain
BUY THE HUSKY,YOU WONT GO WRONG
I put a deposit on a 2022 KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAY. I wanted an orange frame like on my 2019 KTM 690 enduring R. Since my truck has orange racing stripes I have to stay with ktm. Https://ruclips.net/user/telerover . BTW, you didn't do elite power sports any favors by hottrodding around their neighborhood.
Take the Husqvarna, it just looks better.
Beta 500 rr-s
Husky
I got a 2020 ktm 6days check it out on utube tricked out ktm 👍
I just bought a 21 ktm 500 excf (this same bike) on the 14th and the only thing im mad about is its getting to cold to ride in New England. You cant really go wrong with either one. I have heard that the composite sub frame has cracked for some people on the husky which might have changed my mind had my dealer sold huskys too. Had they sold huskys aswell id probably be doing the same exact thing your doing. I do own a 15 factory 250 sxf, and as for the linkage vs pds shock i feel little to ZERO different between the pds shock on the 500 to the linkage on my 250.
im thinking maybe if he dialed the KTM suspension in to his liking, it would feel just as good as the husky
Cool bike and a great vid!