I'm with you 100%. I have a 525EXC and it's been great. I've done 400 miles in a day, 700 mile camping trips and I'm changing oil every 1000 miles. I'm going to push that out to 1250 as it always looks fine. It's way more capable than me, and so reliable. When I was in Spain on my 690 I bumped into a father and son heading to Morocco from Manchester, and dad was on a 450, great machines!
over the years Ive had a 520 exc, a 450 exc, a 300 xcw (still have for single track) and now a 500 excf and all bikes have been reliable. KTM really knows how to build a great performing bike with top components. I agree, the main reason a KTM, or any bike really is reliable, is to stay on top of maintenance. Great video, thanks!
Good morning Proffessori, as you rightly say, if your racing you need to change the oil more regularly. I rode a Suzuki PE 400 and after a weekend of riding I used whip the top end off check piston and rings and change if required. Oil was changed evey day when hard riding. Easy on a smoker. Great video as always.
That's one thing I do like about the two-stroke the ease of ripping them apart without all the timing gears and chains and valves just piston rings port and polish the head if need b put in a racing read slap it back together good to go again, I miss my old two dirt bikes💯👍
i’ve ridden them on heaps of tours … Portugal and Morocco. Over the last years. I agree with you. They are very reliable, easy to ride. Your comments are spot on.
I’m shocked you can get camp gear on it !! I ride a 701 when I need take my camp gear. I’m curious about your baggage set up. (oh changing the oil… I quite like doing it! It’s a joy !) … I agree with your comments.
I think it depends on what you class as long distance and adventure touring. For me it’s going from Manchester up and around Scotland or down to Portsmouth and across to the Pyrenees and back up through France. The thought of doing that on an enduro bike isn’t appealing as there are inevitably long stretches of tarmac. Also the design of the engine on these enduros isn’t focused on longevity, the ring design for example isn’t great at preventing oil contamination unlike other big singles. There is always a compromise no matter what bike we ride and it comes down to personal preference.
I have 2017 ktm 500 exc-f with almost 600 hours, mostly off-road and love the bike. initially I had some problems with wiring which is the weakest point on these bikes but after I sorted it out bike never gave me any issue. I wouldn't call it good for long distance though but for few days trips it's perfect. BTW I read about the guy who actually took it around the world :)
I bought my KTM 450 in 2005 it as needed very little mechanical work and it is still going strong it still wheel stands in every gear no problem, I've adjust the valves twice, in 2021 I had the head rebuilt other than regular service I have no problem but like all machines some of them are just lemons does not matter what they are if you get a good one don't worry about criticism, because every bike every machine has its problems.
Hi i am considering buying the same bike .I have a 525exc which is pretty smooth on the road.How does the 450 feel .Is it always "hunting" on the EFI or pretty smooth(seat nonwithstanding!) cheers from Greece
With 8 or more years of ownership, can you please elaborate on parts of the engine that had to be replaced due to wear off the part, or maintenance schedule in this period. As far as I understand, the people that use these bikes what they are made for, racing not longevity, need to overhaul the complete engine (pistons, bearings....etc...) which could lead to a costly affair. I'm trying to get an idea how this changes, replacing parts and costs, when you don't stress the engine.
I’ve had 28,000km dual sport on mine. I just replaced the clutch rubber dampers and basket was still in great shape. Same with the countershaft. Engine runs fine as well, only chain and sprockets so far, standard wear and tear like plastics, seat cover, bulbs.
USA rider. I am debating KTM 500 EXC or now 450. So based on your real world riding and others, what in miles is your oil change interval and valve check? My buddy has a couple KTM 500. He has yet to do valve check in 113 hours. Apparently some feel doesn't need a check unless you start feeling engine run differently. Any thoughts? Thanks. Timely post.
Great video, I have a KTM 890 adventure R which is great for the most part but shows it’s weakness in tight technical spots. I am looking for a more uk trail friendly bike. Where is this trail? It’s stunning
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I'm with you 100%. I have a 525EXC and it's been great. I've done 400 miles in a day, 700 mile camping trips and I'm changing oil every 1000 miles. I'm going to push that out to 1250 as it always looks fine. It's way more capable than me, and so reliable. When I was in Spain on my 690 I bumped into a father and son heading to Morocco from Manchester, and dad was on a 450, great machines!
over the years Ive had a 520 exc, a 450 exc, a 300 xcw (still have for single track) and now a 500 excf and all bikes have been reliable. KTM really knows how to build a great performing bike with top components. I agree, the main reason a KTM, or any bike really is reliable, is to stay on top of maintenance. Great video, thanks!
Good morning Proffessori, as you rightly say, if your racing you need to change the oil more regularly. I rode a Suzuki PE 400 and after a weekend of riding I used whip the top end off check piston and rings and change if required. Oil was changed evey day when hard riding. Easy on a smoker. Great video as always.
That's one thing I do like about the two-stroke the ease of ripping them apart without all the timing gears and chains and valves just piston rings port and polish the head if need b put in a racing read slap it back together good to go again, I miss my old two dirt bikes💯👍
i’ve ridden them on heaps of tours … Portugal and Morocco. Over the last years.
I agree with you. They are very reliable, easy to ride.
Your comments are spot on.
Able to do the long distances on roads?
I’m shocked you can get camp gear on it !!
I ride a 701 when I need take my camp gear.
I’m curious about your baggage set up.
(oh changing the oil… I quite like doing it! It’s a joy !) … I agree with your comments.
I think it depends on what you class as long distance and adventure touring. For me it’s going from Manchester up and around Scotland or down to Portsmouth and across to the Pyrenees and back up through France. The thought of doing that on an enduro bike isn’t appealing as there are inevitably long stretches of tarmac. Also the design of the engine on these enduros isn’t focused on longevity, the ring design for example isn’t great at preventing oil contamination unlike other big singles. There is always a compromise no matter what bike we ride and it comes down to personal preference.
You need a 701 for the type of riding you are doing !
I have 2017 ktm 500 exc-f with almost 600 hours, mostly off-road and love the bike. initially I had some problems with wiring which is the weakest point on these bikes but after I sorted it out bike never gave me any issue. I wouldn't call it good for long distance though but for few days trips it's perfect. BTW I read about the guy who actually took it around the world :)
10,000 miles on mine and still going strong.
@@offthetarmac4884 isn't that 450 too aggressive? I heard it's much more wild then 500 exc. :)
I bought my KTM 450 in 2005 it as needed very little mechanical work and it is still going strong it still wheel stands in every gear no problem, I've adjust the valves twice, in 2021 I had the head rebuilt other than regular service I have no problem but like all machines some of them are just lemons does not matter what they are if you get a good one don't worry about criticism, because every bike every machine has its problems.
Hi i am considering buying the same bike .I have a 525exc which is pretty smooth on the road.How does the 450 feel .Is it always "hunting" on the EFI or pretty smooth(seat nonwithstanding!) cheers from Greece
Great informative video. How did you do with the service during your Swedish TeT? Did you bring a LOT of oil?
No. 2,400 miles. Changes the oil and it came out very clean. Bimbling along gravel roads, not racing.
With 8 or more years of ownership, can you please elaborate on parts of the engine that had to be replaced due to wear off the part, or maintenance schedule in this period. As far as I understand, the people that use these bikes what they are made for, racing not longevity, need to overhaul the complete engine (pistons, bearings....etc...) which could lead to a costly affair. I'm trying to get an idea how this changes, replacing parts and costs, when you don't stress the engine.
I’ve had 28,000km dual sport on mine. I just replaced the clutch rubber dampers and basket was still in great shape. Same with the countershaft. Engine runs fine as well, only chain and sprockets so far, standard wear and tear like plastics, seat cover, bulbs.
USA rider. I am debating KTM 500 EXC or now 450. So based on your real world riding and others, what in miles is your oil change interval and valve check?
My buddy has a couple KTM 500. He has yet to do valve check in 113 hours. Apparently some feel doesn't need a check unless you start feeling engine run differently. Any thoughts?
Thanks. Timely post.
Great video, I have a KTM 890 adventure R which is great for the most part but shows it’s weakness in tight technical spots. I am looking for a more uk trail friendly bike.
Where is this trail? It’s stunning
Horses for courses. For most of my riding, a 890 is just way too heavy. I recorded this video in my native Northumberland.
Good video. Where were the trails?
I recorded this video in the Ingram valley, UK.
Hi , great videos. Is there a reason why you chose the 450 instead of the 500 ? Thanks
the 450 is very popular in the UK, but hardly anyone rides a 500 here.
@@offthetarmac4884 ah ok. Thanks 😊
Dahlia Burgs