KTM 350 vs 500 and Husqvarna FE501 mini-review

Swapping bikes with some friends during out first Midwestern ride of the season. It was fun to jump between my 2018 KTM 350 EXC-F and their 2020+ FE501's and see what those bikes were like and how they all compared.
In general the KTM / Husky 500 platform is amazingly capable. Tons of power and torque, but still feels very much like a light weight enduro bike. I was very impressed with it in the tight singletrack!
My only complaint is the vibration, which is apparently a common issue with the new 500s. If anyone knows of a solution to it, I'd love to hear it, as I can see one of these bikes in my garage sometime in the future.

[@marshallgerston4809]

Having owned and ridden both, I'd say your assessment is right on. I went with the 500 XCW for my latest bike which weighs an incredible 235 lbs. I use it for single track, dual sport, Baja, everything. I put a Mako 360 bar clamp which cut way down on the vibes.
But I'm thinking about getting a 350 agsin for single track and gnarlier type of rides.

[@DmitriyAdv]

They're both great machines! I just took the 350 for a ride this past weekend and still absolutely love the bike.

[@brianmartindale2221]

I'm between em both. The 350 fits the everyday and the 500 fits the long stuff. I'll go the "smaller" bike for now, but I sure do like the grunty feel of the 500. No matter, both are great bikes and are way, way, way better than when I started riding. Bultaco's a great name, but ...

[@DmitriyAdv]

There are soooo many awesome motorcycles these days. Pretty much anything from any major manufacturer is at least a "B"

[@karicallegra8194]

For what it's worth I have the Flexx Handlebars on my 2023 KTM EXC-F 500 and that has helped a lot with the felt vibrations to my hand/arms. It has also helped my arm pump. Additionally I have the Fastway Evolution EXT Footpegs which have seemed to dampen some of the vibration transmitted through my feet. Not sure if this is because the wider platform or the more pointy contact surfaces, but both of these things have helped reduce felt vibration IMO.

[@DmitriyAdv]

I had to do similar things on my 2014 690 Enduro R. Flexx bars helped a bit, but what actually made the most difference for me were foam grips like what is used on Dakar bikes. ProGrip makes them, give them a shot!

[@karicallegra8194]

@@DmitriyAdv Didn't consider that. I had some foam grips for my mountain bike. Currently have the ODI V2 Rougues on the KTM which are pretty cushy for non-foams. Def gonna have to order some now! Thanks!

[@DmitriyAdv]

@@karicallegra8194 right on! ProGrip 786 are the ones I used specifically, though they can be a little hard to find. ProGrip 714 are pretty good as well, not quite as grippy as foam, but they last a bit longer.

[@mikebishop6095]

Both stock engine ecu etc

[@DmitriyAdv]

The 350 EXC-F and the 501 FEs are both stock. The 501 FE (non-S, so not street legal from the factory) was modified. The later felt like a completely different motorcycle than the two stock ones. A lot more power, which can be good, but also actually made it a bit harder to ride in technical situations, much louder...etc.
I'm very happy with my stock EXC-F for what I use it for - which is loooong days on the trail at a medium pace. It runs awesome and doesn't wear me out. I've done two long 4+ day 1000+ mile trail rides on it since making this video and only thing I changed was adding a Seat Concepts seat.