I have a 501 and 690. They are made to be used differently. The 690 isn’t made to excel on knarly rough terrain (but can do a damn good job at it). The 501 isn’t meant to cruise long distances at high speeds on roads. I use my bikes like you. I haul my 501 to regional areas for backcountry riding. I have no issue riding my 690 anywhere on roads. Plus, I can ride the 690 in almost any terrain. Just not nearly as easily as the 501 in rough terrain. The weight and suspension on the 501 makes all the difference. The power, serviceability, and handling of the 690 make all the difference where it excels. Also, the 690 is easy to haul to regional areas if you have a need to. It’s weight allows for that. If I had to choose one, it would be the bike I could roll out of my garage, leave, and go on an adventure for a month. Anywhere. The 690.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

Ай бұрын

Have a look at my 701 video. In total agreement.

Some similar experiences on the comments and feed back . Had the T7 for over 2years then moved on to the 23’890 r adv .. such a great well balanced bike and got me more deep into the off roading so much that I have traded in for the 701 . Having mid adv bikes for almost 20years now , moving lower in the weight category the difference is night and day from what I have been used too and comparing many tracks I have ridden before the 701 takes less energy out of me with less mental energy too . Definitely have to add a rally screen for the tarmac rides , but besides that I’m enjoying the move 👌

Great video! I am a core street rider who used to ride dual sport (XL200 and XL500) in the 80's in the Canadian Rockies and you have answered a lot of questions here. I have a Ducati fetish so I have ridden Monsters and now have a Street Fighter V2 for my speed fix and honestly was shopping for an ADV bike but couldn't get over the size of them. I have ridden logging roads and cut roads into the alpine and couldn't image a 1090 or 890 even weighing hundreds of pounds more than these bikes and with all that sh*t people load on them, I wonder if they are ever going back home. Haha. Dual sport when I was young was a tool kit, some beans and a sleeping bag with no tent. There were no phones, no electronics, no GPS...I wonder how people would survive today without a GPS? So long story short - a couple of my buddies with ADV bikes have 501's as their off road option like yours but they don't ride on the road. I went with the 700 GasGas - because it is red! The 700 because of the balance and road manners, but coming down from 155hp to 75 makes the ES700 feel well behaved relatively. And yes I added a USB for my Quadlock so I have maps, heated grips and a few other old guy tricks - not sure how I would survive without them now either. Cheers!

@BushmanCanuck

7 күн бұрын

Hey East Kootenays here 👋 Wow 700! Mostly back roads bike? I just moved here and want to get back into riding. A little worried the 501 would be a little big for the type of riding I want to do...my old buddy Dean at BFD in Calgary thinks it's the bike for me. Looking forward to exploring...not getting any younger!

If I could only own one bike it’d be the 501 and then likely the 701. Had to get a few different to cover all the bases but these will do it all really well! Thanks for the great content. 🏍️💨

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks mate.

Nice review.. I have owned both a Husky 501 and a KTM 500 EXC. Currently on a 2023 KTM 690r after trading in my KTM 890r. I completely agree with all your observations about both bikes. In the end it depends on how you use the bike. I carried my 501 around on a car to riding areas, but moved to a slightly more rural area with riding trails closer, so went with the 690r to ride to the dirt. Perfect choice for me as I also do not do much technical single track anymore. I did find that the suspension on my 690r is not terrible. No plans to upgrade it at this point. I added a Rade tank so range on the 690r is comparable to the 890r I had before. I found the 501/500 to be terrible on the highway whereas the 690r is good enough. Having both is ideal I guess:)

@maxflight777

2 ай бұрын

That’s my understanding.. the KTM EXC450 etc can only do 30 perhaps 50 miles on tarmac.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep same experience.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep that's why I keep the 701.

@anthonybaiocchi3028

2 ай бұрын

You can pry my old XR650R out of my cold dead hands 😉

Have both of these. Agree with Dave. The 701 is by far a better Adventure bike. The 501 is far more capable so has a huge advantage exploring unknown or difficult tracks. Dave, definitely do the 701 suspension. I did mine and on fast choppy terrain it's awesome. I have a 300TE with suspension done too. My 501 is stock, I forgot how ordinary Xplor forks are, it's on the list.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, I've got to get the 701 done. Apart from that it's such a great bike.

Im late 50s ,been a Honda rider my entire life and maybe im not a fan off change but this 98 XR600 has never ever let me down ,been round Australia 5 times ,rebulit top end twice and just common sense maintenance ,my question is i think 2024 fuel is not really designed for the older bike ,yes ive tried every addidtive availabe ,rejetted and swapped out different pipe also ,maybe its time for a change and the 701 will be my next bike ,XRs staying right here with me as i was highly offended at the $850 valuation from the local bike retailer

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I get it. Some are just keepers.

Husqvarna 501 front brakes, could go up in disc brake size and use caliper relocating bracket as well.

Your 501 build inspired me to think of my KTM 500 excf in terms of a small ADV bike. Mine had a Rekluse CX clutch and Acerbis 15L tank on it when I got it so I was already halfway there. The Rekluse eliminated and flame out issues in the technical stuff and while I was sceptical at first, I am converted now as to its value in the tight stuff. I addressed the ergos (seat, pegs and grips) and added a USB for my phone GPS and presto. I threw over some light pannier bags and set off for an overnight bush camp wandering down some sketchy tracks. It handled the trip much better than expected. You are right, the vibes on road take a bit of getting used to but are fine on the dirt. Interestingly, I had an unavoidable 100km sealed highway stretch and between 95-110km/h the vibes went to more of a hum and was quite okay. I guess the bike found a bit of harmonic resonance with the 14/50 gearing. I have sold my 690 and also have a '23 890 AR so I reckon between the 2 I am pretty set.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

That's a great set up. Yeah an 890 and this is a great set up.

I’ve also built a full on adventure 501. Incredible bike and yours was an inspiration. The neutral thing was sorted with a very very slight twist of the idle knob (up). I also have a tall comfort seat concepts seat and it’s really comfortable. Having said that i still have a T7 and long range XR650r in the garage for other rides. Great vid.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Very cool! Great to hear.

After owning a DRZ400E for 6 years, I thought buying a Gas Gas 700 would be the one bike unicorn.. . But it's not as you already know. It's just a big heavy dirt bike. So, I decided to add a Beta 480 to the garage. Both bikes now have a specific purpose. If you have not ridden a Beta, you should. Very little engine vibration, no ECU upgrade required as it's already fuelled perfectly, and great suspension out of the box.

Nice to be able to have the two different bikes for sure! I am running a 2023 WR450F as my pissed off d/s bike. I love it so far. Only problem is fuel range, so I am currently using a fuel bladder. My other bike is a 2023 KLR. No comparison to the 701 but it does the job okay. I owned a 690 and I tended to ride it off road more. Did not enjoy it all that much on the slab. It was a 2017. I rode a newer 701 and that bike was smoother. Probably should have bought the 701. But for now I am pretty happy with the two bikes. Oh and I also have a 2 stroke! 😄 Thanks for the review I enjoy your content.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thank you.

I've put about 1500 miles on my new to me 701. I think the "best dualsport" is very subjective. But i think objectively the 701 is the dual sport that makes the least amount of compromises on both sides of the dual sport equation

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep, agree, that's why it's in the garage.

Light is right, Dave. Nice review 🤙Have you considered a Rekluse? I have one in my adventurised Beta 390 rr, and it truly is a game changer. Ignore the haters, the Rekluse is a crazy good mod on a ~500cc enduro bike. Set it up with a LHRB and you have a weapon that is unstallable and so easy to ride it should be criminalised. Happy trails, keep living the dream 😎🙏🏍

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I need to ride one.

@bigspy100

2 ай бұрын

I also have a Beta, a 390 RRS with a ReKluse and the factory 2 inch lowering kit. Worth every penny for both. I'm 61 and playing the long game. Cheers@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

Great video, i would put on flex Handelbars $$$ and a oil cooler the bloke on big rock moto uses them on most builds

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Great suggestion! Yeah, I thought about the flex handlebars. Not sure I need an oil cooler with the larger oil capacity, but worth thinking about.

I built my rally bike before u and mentioned getting the ecu flashed by rexy hes done all my ktms in my stable , glad your getting it done as it makes a big difference dave.🎉🎉🎉

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah looking forward to it.

Great vid. I’ve owned both too. With my 501 when I changed gearing from 14:50 to 13:50, I had a lot less flame outs or stalls. Can still do 100 kmh in 6th. If you mainly trailer the bike to the forest then the shorter gearing is much better IMO. Cheers

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info!

Hey Dave! Have been waiting for this since you announced the 501… 😊 (will watch a couple of times before comments/questions)

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks

Nice one Dave. I managed to get full bark busters working with my Adventure men cave tower on my 701. Had to cut about 15-20mm off the barkbusters it juuust misses but bump stops aren’t all the way in

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Good to know. Thanks!

Thank you so much Dave! Perfect timing for me really! I sold my Tenere 700 today and put a deposit for 501. It is exactly what I found when I tried 501 against T7. I'm planning pretty much the same build as you except the tower. I'm gonna figure some setup for my phone when I'm riding longer distances. You just confirmed my choice was good. Can you tell me what that car mount is? I really need to install one on my SUV.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, I would do an oem Husky screen like what is on my 701. I'm away from the rack, I think you'll see the name on the rack if you look on the video. Sorry about that, but I don't want to give you the wrong name.

Excellent vid Dave. 24 KTM 500 here that is not so vibey now it is run in..was quite harsh from new though. Did 1000km dirt the other weekend and no vibration issues from my tush, hands or elsewhere. Am using a Topline seat (made in AUS) in preference to the Seat Concepts and the Vortex ecu is excellent although flameout was not really an issue beforehand as the dealer had already remapped the stock ecu for free. Run stock wheels/motocross tyres for dirt (stock gearing) and cush drive/Pirellis for adventure (15/48)...15 minutes to change between the two setups...will sit on 120km/h all day but there's no fun in that. Am lucky because the dirt roads start 5 minutes from home. 65HP on 110kg on dirt = fun.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for your thoughts. Lots of ideas there.

Great review. Thanks. I've a 690 in the garage and just started thinking about a 500exc in their too. Cheers

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Worth thinking about.

I was torn between my current 501 and jumping into a 701. This review confirmed my thoughts (for now) which is keep the 501. Answered a few of my concerns. Thank you!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Glad I could help

Great vid ! With the stalling/flameouts - check your idle is set per specs. It’s supposed to be a lot higher than we usually like. All the issues go away when that’s done.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tips!

Thanks Dave !

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Noodle. Appreciate your support. That will go to cameras!

I’m in this battle too!! Love it Dave!!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Ha ha, an interesting but great battle to be having.

My 2022 KTM 500EXC-F SixDays flames out also and I have hit the dirt myself during a slight let up in fuel then getting back on the throttle, even at moderate acceleration during technical maneuvers is sure to put the best riders on the ground.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

It's that fueling, not you!

The chode buzz is a real thing on these 500's, I have to stand when on the road every now and then to keeping the old frank and beans from losing feeling and going numb lol. I love my 500 and I will do my best to always keep it around. I've done 90% of the mods I deem necessary for it, the last thing is a tune and exhaust the larger front brake upgrade, they can definitely use some help there.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Tex.

Great video, thank you!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it Matteo.

Rex from Fuel Torque will sort the flame outs 100% Thanks for this video. I was torn between what way to go next 501 v 701. I've decided to go the 701 because of its better road manners for getting to the adventure, as I've generally got at least 300k minimum of bitumen before the fun begins. Cheers for sharing

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

As an all round adventure mount the 701 is the bees knees. Rex has been recommended to me by a number of people. Apparently he does a cracking job.

@stefanhansen5882

2 ай бұрын

What's the cost?

@glennaltschwager5234

2 ай бұрын

@stefanhansen5882 The last time I had one done it was $250 from memory. That was back in 2021

@stefanhansen5882

2 ай бұрын

@@glennaltschwager5234 Thanks. That is alright.

I love your honesty Dave, great video, I reckon the 701 gets my cash, more comfort for long distance work, longer service intervals, and, I'm familiar with the 701 as I have a Svartpilen 701.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep. for most stuff I do the 701 or the T700 do the trick

Cheers brother. I just finished an Aussie 22 model 501 build as it flamed out to much and I did not like the lack of 'chugability'...best mods were getting rid of ALL the pollution gear and putting on a mx style stubby fuel cap. Next, full length ktm 500 yoshimura exhaust system plus mapping. 3rd, the heaviest steel clutch end plate/flywheel wheight from Best Dual Sport Bikes in the USA....this stopped ALL vibration and jerkyness and made bike so much nicer to ride on road and off, even tamed that aggressive hit over logs etc...now I love the bike!! Prior to these mods I could not imaginge constant high speed adventure rides or the other extreme...extreme enduro...now its all up for grabs...are you listening Husqvarna??

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your build

I fully agree with your conclusions, and so happy to have replaced my 701E with a 500EXCF for my TransEuroTrail riding: there are not so many challenging gnarly paths on it, but when I face one my 500 allows me to pass , while I had serious troubles passing them with the 701. As you said 701 wants to go straight while 500 goes where you want , pardoning my poor skills. Weird thing is I have never stalled my 500: is the KTM EU model different from the AUS Husky model ( gearing 13x50 OEM for enduro, now with 14x50 for adv)

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Maybe fuel quality is better in Europe. I don't know.

Fantastic video as always Dave, excellent content. For your own coin starting a build in 2024 ... CRF450RL with similar upgrades (seat, ecu Athena GET not Vortex re fuel consumption, tank, AMC tower - they do one for the 450RL etc), already has great suspension, rear sub-frame, cush drive hub or go with the FE501/EXC-F500 with your mods? A big part of it is if you would rack the bike to the dirt (I do the same for my FE350) or if you are on the bike the whole time (my 901 Expedition). Thanks!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I like the Husky/KTM engine better. The 450 engine noise is loud and intrusive as you're riding at slower speeds.

@wesc23

Ай бұрын

450rl with stock pipe (or 450x) is very quiet.

Spot on Dave.. Horses for courses 😉👍 Thanks again for sharing

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks 👍

much love and support from Egypt

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thank you.

Good comparison Dave, also thanks for the disclaimer at the end, I am with you in so far as the parts you have selected you did so through choice, it is just fortunate for you that the companies provided them free, it is a perk of having the business you have. My guess is if they did not provide them free you would have purchased the same parts.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

Ай бұрын

That’s absolutely right. Part selection first. Then I reach out to see if they are interested. If not I’d buy them myself. As the channel has increased in popularity and I’ve built relationships with accessory stores this is less likely now

The vibration thing, I bought a 24 500 excf and was breaking it in. I got home and I had weird pain in my right hip basically where the taint is. I got a seat concepts and it still happened, I told my wife and she said get rid of it, which I did. I don’t know if it my age, I am 52, but I had a Beta 300rr race edition and it never did this. I also own a 701 and I wondered is it just something that will happen now as it is the end of winter here in Wyoming. Got on the 701 and no issues. You are spot on about that weirdness with the 500, I traded it in for a triumph street triple rs. They asked why I am trading this in with 31 miles, I told them and they were sort of puzzled. A younger guy at the shop bought it and I wonder if he will have issues and I plan on asking him when I go down there in 2 weeks.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

There you go!

I started riding again on a Honda 300L (After 30 years off bikes). Didn't take long to realize how Honda got clever with their dirt marketing of it (I value my safety). So, out the 300L went and I immediately bought a 22' 500exc-f, and never looked back. Got a second 14' 500 exc-f with euro mapping fueling and the difference is night and day power-delivery-wise, compared my corked up '22 (in USA), so now I need to ecu mod and desmog the 22. I have family who ride, so the 2nd 500 is always there for them. But, the 22' is leagues more nimble than the 14' - it's really remarkable what the engineers accomplished. My riding buddy who has a 701 just got a 23' 500 after riding my 22'. Conclusion - we looooove 500's for the western USA and I plan to go RTW with one. I value the lightness, power, and ability to put the bike exactly where I want it on technical terrain as a "feature" which keeps me on the seat and off the ground (out of the emergency room). I try to stay off the road for long stretches, but with an aftermarket seat, I still put plenty of road miles on it. It's mostly just not comfortable at 85mph on the highway because of how light the bikes are - they get blown around quite a bit, so it takes energy out of your daily riding budget.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your build experience.

A couple of points. I’ve had my 18 500 excf for 5 years, fully adventurised and a 22 690 coming up for 2 years. The 500 is at least 40 kg lighter than the 690 (106 vs 146 kg dry) but feels massively lighter. The front brake on the 500 is astonishingly good, the best dirt bike brake I’ve used, superb feel and modulation but has no electronics like the 690. Re vibes, the worst vibes are if you push down on the pegs at highway speed but you never do that. Bar vibes similar to the 690, nothing through the seat but I rebuilt mine. I don’t do any hard terrain and with 15/47 gearing it’s not terrible on the road but I’ve run 15/42 and it will do it if you only tackle easy stuff. High speed running and it will run out of fuel at around 300km, with the Acerbis 15 l tank. Rex Fuel Torque ecu for bottom/mid range power or whatever you desire, and he will modify it for you, really helpful chap. Getting into my late 60’s and trailering the bike, the 500 is the way to go. One question Dave, can you open the tailgate on the Subaru with bike on board. The Rack n Roll Looks to be an excellent lightweight bit of gear

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for that. Nope can't open the tail gate with bikes on board.

Mount a Rekluse clutch on your 501 and you will never stall again. I have one on my Husaberg 501-14 and it's almost to easy to ride the technical tracks now.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Everyone raves about them. I'll just keep with what I've got, but thanks for the tip.

690/701 every day. That power is addictive. It steers fast enough, it’s light enough and it’s quite comfortable on the road. It’s adventure riding not enduro. You’re usually loaded up on route to a destination, not cutting laps of a test track or doing hard enduro. I just finished 4 days in the high country on a 24 690 and it was brilliant. Charged up Billy goat hill with ease. When unloaded the suspension is firm enough to hit erosion mounds and still have fun. When loaded you can’t really go charging off jumps anyway. Another bonus is when adding extra fuel range via a rade front tank the bike stays nice and slim with a super flat seat.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, good points.

Both are tempting but the 701 would work for me with 3 grand in mods but it's so dang tall for my stubby legs and tall torso . Thanks for sharing your passion and knowledge in this endeavor , I learn a lot and can't wait to get my Tenere 700 out on the road etc .

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I still love my Tenere, don't you worry about that. Not the difficult stuff but it goes beautifully on the more open stuff, that really makes up about 98% of adventure tracks in Australia.

Enjoyed the video! What it comes down to is do ya want a 50/50 dual sport in the DR 650 / XR650L realm with more tech and power? Then get the 690 platform bike. If ya want a 90/10 street legal dirt bike get something like the 501, but realize it is very dirt oriented and a pretty terrible street bike. The 690 platform occupies an odd niche, as it is a 50/50 dual sport. Being a 50/50 bike means the 690 platform kinda sucks at everything equally, but it can reasonably do it all, up to a point anyway. Most riders want a bike biased more toward street like the 890 or even bigger ADV bikes, or dirt like the 501 here. Not sure how it is down under, but if looking at the 500 class, seriously consider the Beta 500 RR-S instead of KTM if in America, as the Beta's ECU and exhaust tuning are fine as delivered. Apparently the government goes easier on Beta's sound and emissions as they are smaller manufacturer. A friend has one, it is a sweet bike, it sounds good and runs perfect with no flame out issues like the KTM based bikes. As usual with these street legalized dirt bikes, the government mandated massive tail light assembly is trash and has to be replaced with a tidy before it falls off on it's own.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

Күн бұрын

Have you seen my video on my 701?

Good vibes from down under!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Ha ha yes!

Thanks Excellent video Dave, thank you. I'm on my Ls in Aus and the KTM 500 EXC-F is a LAMS bike but the 690 isn't. That's definitely influencing my decision making. While I grew up riding farm bikes, I'm new to ADV/dirt bike riding (MTB background). So I wonder if I'll get to the full potential of a 500. Wondering whether I should get something cheap and then get the 701/690 when I get my full license. Love your channel--happy subscriber and have learned heaps.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

12 күн бұрын

Wow Alex, thanks so much. Really appreciate your help. Your donation goes straight to camera gear.

Great no BS review. Is the 501 weight you quoted 141kgs with all your mods done? IMS tank, rally tower etc fitted?

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yes. They are 108 kg fuel empty standard.

Husky should give you commission! I purchased a 701 after watching your videos. It will sit nicely between my 2024 CRF450RX (red moto road legal ) and my 2024 R1300GS

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Definitely recommended.

Thank you for an amazing video. At this stage I be lucky enough to own a bike long term, at one point several years ago I had a few I from each category now I just have an Iron 883 2017 last of the Evolution. Would love a KTM 390 Adv but realistically not sure how much that will happen.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

You could get a good second hand one for a reasonable price.

@simob7862

2 ай бұрын

The KTM guys have put my name down. The BMW guys have also for the 310GS I have a suspicion that because I like the 390 better the BMW will say that they have an ex demo here with 2K on the clock. I just got a new Mazda CX3 for support work.

I currently have a plated 300 2 stroke. I am looking into something that can handle 100-150 mile radius asphalt trips to technical trails. Good vid.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep, 501 can do that.

I always thought having a 701 and a 501 was the perfect garage combination. For me, the 701 is perfect 70-80% of the time.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking at present.

Hey Dave I have got the 24 501 and the vibration is much better than the 23. No flame out either. Got 4K km of adventure riding on it so far and only issue is the gear shifter seal has leaked with multiple seals. I have the Yenkro adv lite tower mounted to the bars which I love and can run bark busters. I find the very little wind buffering. Clubby got some pictures of it at the mosko moto dinner the other night. The 690 I have with Rade garage tower gives me heaps of buffering. I’m at the same point which do I keep? Spend another few grand on suspension for the 690 to get it close to the 501. Parts are the biggest issue so far with no racks or tanks yet. First world problems!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks. Clubby didn't tell me he was on a piss up with Mosko Moto! :)

Thanks so much for doing this comparison video Dave, another excellent video and I suspect the only decent 501/701 comparison out there. I've definitely learned a lot from your videos and advice as from others and employed many ideas on my 701. Yes I've done a lot more customisation and I'm extremely happy with every mod done, as I'm sure you will if you got down that path. Mate where can I get KTECH suspension upgrades for my 701 done? Is it a matter of knowing what I want or probably best in person loaded up? I feel the suspension needs some work as good as it is I have to agree. I change my engine oil every 5000kms even though it could do 10,000kms between services, and the dealer will do my 10,000km service now it's due. 👍👌😎🇦🇺

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I would think good suspension specialists all over the place could fit the KTECH ORVS system. Clive Ward of MotorcycleBiz in Raymond Terrace, just north of Newcastle did mine. I have no doubt they'd fix those forks.

@ScottSillis

2 ай бұрын

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV too easy thanks Dave, I've got a mate that does suspension and still races and coaches so I'll see what he can do, he may enjoy the challenge 👍😁🇦🇺

Great video. So you think the Rex ECU is the way to go instead of a GET? Also, you would go for KTech on the 701 instead of the WP 6500 kit? Cheers

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Rex ECU is good value. I'm not going to fiddle. I'm happy to have two settings. A couple have said the WP6500 is a similar improvement to the KTech. I don't know I haven't experienced the 6500.

Bonjour à tous les Mad Men de France. Je vous suis depuis longtemps et vous remercie pour vos essais, conseils et belle vidéo d’aventure moto. Je me suis préparé un 501 TE avec réservoir Acerbis 15l, tour Rade , jantes Hann/Excel, porte bagages made in Australia, carter moteur grande capacité et tout cela avec vos conseils…👍😎. Je me prépare maintenant une 700 Ténéré World Rallye spéciale désert. Merci pour vos vidéo de l’autre côté de la Terre.✌️✌️✌️

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Merci pour vos aimables commentaires. Je suis très heureux que vous ayez regardé les hommes de MAD du monde entier.

@alainbarbe5489

Ай бұрын

Bonjour, comment vous envoyer des photos de mes machines. J’en possède plus de 40 et certaines très sympa. Merci pour vos vidéo et conseils. Amitiés de France.

I was the owner of a 2018 KTM 500. I did more than 32,000km in 3 years, oil changes every 2000/3000km and not a single problem. I changed it for a KTM 790 ADV, and sometimes I regret it.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

that's interesting in two ways.

I’ve always been an advocate for hauling a dual sport to the riding location. Highway miles suck for you and the bike on real dual sports, and if you ride in the rough tough stuff it’s nice to have another vehicle to help get you home.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I've only done it once, to the Victorian High Country and it worked really well.

great video 👏🏽👏🏽, forgive the language, from Spain 🤗, what rear grill do you use on the 501, make model??? thank you so much. a lover of your channel.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

True North Motos, the link is in the description of this video.

Hi Dave great show you have. Have owned both bikes but orange in colour and I think that you have nailed what each bike is capable of. It all depends on what your rear end is telling you 😂 Just wondering what bike rack your using on the car cheers

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Someone else asked me. It's not with me right now, I've stored it. I think you can work it out from the video on the left hand side.

I've never owned a 701 but having had the 501 for a year and a 890 Adventure S in the garage my observations are that if you want to go down to one bike (and you do some pretty long highway miles) get the 701. Like Dave said the 501 is buzzy on the road and it will take frequent maintenance compared to the 701. Financially I'd have been better off with just a 701/690/700 over the two bikes but capability wise I'm better off with the 501/890 combo. I've finally ordered a Cush drive rear wheel from Warp9 and I'll eventually upgrade the ECU but just opening up the OEM exhaust with the kit from Taco Moto helped the low speed flame out on my 501. Dave, which floppy mirrors do you use? I've already installed Double Takes on my 501 but for my next foray into modifying a dual-sport bike I'd like to try those out.

@dewimtbmoto7586

2 ай бұрын

They are a genuine accessory. I use the same. I don't like the bulky ball joints on double takes.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yes they are genuine and reasonably priced. They just work so much better than ball joints.

@pinkiewerewolf

2 ай бұрын

@@dewimtbmoto7586 Thanks, I’ll have to look them up. 👍

Woukd love to try a 701 enfuro, my father has the 701 vitpilen and we both love it but think it needs a flywheel weight, cant find one for it anywhere, woukd have thought they'd have made then for the adventure riders 🤷‍♂️

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

The 701 is excellent. I don't think it need a bigger fly wheel. You're the first person to say that.

On my 2022 KTM 500 I fitted Fastway internal bar end weights and Foam Rally grips ,nearly all vibration through the bars has gone.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the information.

Many video's are talking about shaving of a few kilograms here or there (another bike / $$$ exhaust saves 1,234 kg / $$$ lithium battery that saves 0,5 kg / ...) Most don't mention ourselves ; (financially well off) middle age riders often 10 or +20kg overweight and a bit of a coach potato in between rides... Let's save some weight there? 😁 Let's face it; together with our gear (boots/helmet/...) we weigh sometimes more than our bikes!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah the middle aged weight thing is a valid point. I'm currently 9 kgs over normal weight. Loosing weight is the best modification you can make.

Good comparo dave!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks

Curious what your thoughts are after the remap. For me it made a bike that I thought was un rideable, into something that makes me smile

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, looking forward to it.

Your comments on the 701 match my experience with the 690... Front suspension is to harsh in the beginning of the stroke particularly on high speed impacts (rocky areas at speed for example). Also seems very top heavy which surprised me. Other then this I need to setup mine with more wind protection but that is it 👍

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep, I agree.

get the standard KTM/Husky wraparound handguards if space is an issue as they do not fasten down the bar near the dip, the only issue i have with them is they also connect to the lever assembly - basically the angle of the lever dictates the angle of the handguard, arguably that makes perfect sense but i like my levers quite low which means my knuckles are exposed to weather and also impacts - eh oh, give n take. FWIW you can pry my k-tech equipped exc500 from my dead hands and not before, killer platform - replace your brakes with the KTM brembo as i believe you do not have brembo on the husky ?

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Agree. Definitely needs that Brembo!

Hi Dave, great video. Have you ever considered a 450, how would that compare with 501

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I've ridden 450. They're great. It should work out fine. You may be able to pick them up for slightly cheaper price second hand than the popular 500s.

6:44 go one tooth bigger on the back sprocket and one bigger on the front ,don't ask me why but it changes the chain pitch and chain lag and stops the stalling oh and kick stand dongle a must ,I think they got them on there ye Dave 👋🤠👍

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Cliff

Once again (in my opinion), weight is key. There's no getting around the conundrum, pick the bike that suits the bulk of your riding. I'd choose a 701 over a GS but I'd pick a 501 over a 701 for the adventures which I feel are most important. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

That's the solution.

Could you have increased the idle rpm to help prevent the flame out?

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

From what I've been told there is a lot more to it than that.

I had a te510 years ago, got a tr650 for a bit of fun. Why do husky big singles love to flame out? Bad tuning to meet emissions? Also all those years have passed and a new motor. Yet they still cant balance a motor. I loved my te510 but it was a vibration machine.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

It's still a sweet engine.

Dave what brand are the flip mirrors? I got some folding mirrors for my 501 but they come loose. Maybe I just need to tighten the crap out of them. 😆

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

They're KTM / Husky things, I occasionally tighten them up. They're so better than ram mounts I reckon and I have RAM on my 690.

How would you compare an adventurised crf450rl to the 2 Huskies? I am looking for something more capable than my T7 wr.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

CRF450rl does up well. We have a recent video that goes into details.

I love my 701 - best bike in the world!!

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, the are the Swiss Army knife.

I love your content! I have a 701 with all the upgrades, I am thinking about selling it for a 501. If your could only have one, which would you chose 701 or 501?

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

701

Where do u put your T7 in that mix? has to still be the best value. If u could only have one at a time.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Let's be clear, I still love my T700, but its for more open trails.

@Michael_Shay

2 ай бұрын

I have to disagree. I think the 701 is absolutely the best value if you can only have one.

I fought the flameouts for way too long, Tacomoto fixed mine with the tuner! 🤘

@stefanhansen5882

2 ай бұрын

How much for that?

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

A new tuner is a solution. I've gone down the less expensive path just getting mine changed.

@dan950se9

2 ай бұрын

I went from a mapped 500 exc to a fe450 and found it was really lacking power when geared for adv riding. I had Rex from Fuel torque in Brisbane Re map I and it was night and day difference and is now similar in performance to my old 500. It was between $300 and $350 about a year ago. My mate rode it a while back vs his ktm 450 and reckoned you wouldn't know they were essentially the same bike. Rex maps a bunch of the Finke desert race bikes for those that don't know who he is, so he know his stuff and can load different maps for different applications or dyno if required.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Rex has an awesome reputation. @@dan950se9

@dan950se9

2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the quick reply. Also for everyone's benefit out there, if your bike has the usual mods or is stock, you can call him for a chat with what you want out of it and then mail your ecu to him to re map and then he will send it back to you.

My perfect combo is the Husqvarna 701 & KTM 300XC. I think the 300 is much better than the 501 on the tough off road stuff. Of course the 501 will have much better range. I run the 701 for my multiple day adventures and the 300 for off road only days 🤙. I appreciate your content from the pacific northwest 👊

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I agree with you on the 300. I recently sold mine because I wasn't using it.

I'd think about a 501 but since I just bought a 701 last fall my wife would make sure I didn't sleep in my comfy bed at home and I like my comfy bed so I'll stick with the 701 for now.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Have a comfy bed. I love my 701 as I can ride it out of the garage, go on an adventure and ride it back to the garage.

I was torn between these 2 machines when purchasing a new bike last year. I already had a heavy ish bike in an old xr650l that I have single tracked along side new euro machines of all sizes. So i wanted lighter. If i had the money i would have both of these.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I'm very fortunate to be in that position.

1:27 tell em what you get is 200 cc more and the biggest smile on your face you've ever had 👋🤠👍

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

OK, good point :)

get your ECU retuned/ remapped by Rex on the Coast Qld. Did my KTM 500 2020 huge diff!! for less than half the price of GET or Vortex ECU

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Jeremy, did you watch the video? That's where it's been sent! :).

It would be very interesting to see you test the latest 2024 version of the AJP PR7, I have a feeling it might prove to be a perfect in between combo of the 501 and 701.

@fretstain

2 ай бұрын

hmm I'm curious about this now (I'd never heard of AJP before) following this now haha.

@nostalgicbaainaar6384

2 ай бұрын

The PR7 comes standard with a 17ltr tank, rally screen, comfy seat and cush drive and it's cheaper than the stock 501.

@jamesfairmind2247

2 ай бұрын

@@nostalgicbaainaar6384 Well worth checking out now AJP have upgraded to a ECU that fuels well and other upgrades.

@adamniswonger8015

2 ай бұрын

and now the Kove 450

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I'm sorry I'm not interested in the AJP

Installed most of these mods on my 501 a year ago. I do a lot of tight single track and I strongly suggest wacking a 48 tooth rear sprocket on. Absolute game changer! It makes the first few gears actually usable and makes the whole riding experience more enjoyable. The engine is more than still not enough for it.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, I've heard a couple of people do this.

I have a TE300 and a 701. Next year's plan is to switch them both out for a FE501. Always in search of the illustrious Husky Unicorn hybrid.

@dewimtbmoto7586

2 ай бұрын

I have all 3. The 501 is in between but it will never replace the 300 for singletrack.

@LeighTheHuman

2 ай бұрын

@@dewimtbmoto7586 I think your right the 2-stroke is the best for tight gnarly stuff. As I get older, both me and the bike will be less inclined for it though I think. Never gonna find that unicorn. 🦄

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I sold my 300 about 3 years ago.

@LeighTheHuman

2 ай бұрын

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV Does the 501 do ‘almost’ all the tight stuff the 300 did? I’m 50, still do enduro, but not too crazy anymore.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeah it does, not too crazy but will do it better when mapped. @@LeighTheHuman

Reckon you could save a bit on the remap and use your clutch a bit more, i mean they struggle to run at 500 rpm Dave.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yeeaaahhh. Coulda, shoulda, Naaa. That down hill flame out said it all. The other 4 I didn't film.

Cheers About buy a 701 . Miles and miles of epic riding to be done in the South Island of NZ . Want a new do everything bike , but no way do I want the wieght of a newday adventure bike. Those 220kg machines make me cringe. Love your channel and hints and advice

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I've ridden your country many times with some guys from Alexander. Have a look at the videos on this channel. The 701 is ideal for that sought of stuff, but would go even better on that rocky shalely stuff with improved front suspension.

@nevillebroadbent1601

2 ай бұрын

Cheers I have enjoyed your videos. Maybe we will see you out on the trails here someday again soon. Love your work

Bottom line, you obviously treasure each one. Both serve a purpose and you’re happy. Win, win, win, simple math.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep

Thanks mate. I've been waiting for this video since seeing the 501 build series and knowing how much you like the 701. In the end the wife and I got the same '23 501s that we've been adventurizing very similar to yours (not sure about the tower yet). Regarding your flameouts - I'm curious if you futzed with the idle much? As soon as I adjusted the idle slightly higher the flamout/stalling issues on our bikes disappeared. It was really just a couple clicks and done.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yes, I've heard of that remedy. I'd leave the tower alone unless you going to use a gps at speed. It adds weight over the front of a well balanced bike.

Well, I have the KTM 500, same same, and as the years go by, it's all about the weight. You fall off it, have a laugh and just oh so casually pick it up. By yourself. I went for the Adventure Spec mini fairing, has the correct mount for my GPS and room for a few other bits, as well as the wind of your chest. Proper Barkbusters. Raise the idle a notch, that fixes most issues. Fit a 130 tyre, it makes the turn in so much more responsive. My theory is if the bike is truly going to be used off road, then you buy a bike that leans hard that way. A little bit vibey on the highway, who cares, once you get to the dirt you leave everybody else behind. Or go back and give them a hand to pick up their fat bikes which they can't raise themselves.....

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Good points Dave. Yeah the smaller tyre size is noted.

6:44 if same as 701 kick stand if they bounce up and down it cuts engine out 👋🤠👍

@dewimtbmoto7586

2 ай бұрын

No cutout switch on 501. They have the auto retract spring on the sidestand (which I hate and change the bolt to a normal setup every time)

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

I leave the auto spring retract.

"The 501 Taint Tickler". 🤘😁

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Ha ha Yes!

10:59 Dave great review mate but i disagree with your verdict ,you steer the husky 7/1 with the back wheel 👋🤠👍 keep on keepin on dave mate ,take care 👋🤠👍

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Ha ha Cliff good point.

If you're transporting your bike on the back of a car it's not an adventure bike,it's an off road bike with a big tank. The whole idea of an adventure bike is to be able to ride it from home in comfort and be able to tackle some trails in your travels. I've nothing against your 501,I have a 500ktm myself which I cart around which is great for gnarly tracks but I also have vstrom 800 which I can ride in comfort for 600km and ride some back roads and forest trails along the way. For me that is an adventure bike,I don't want to cart my bike around on a ute,that is not an adventure

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Well that's become a bit of controversy! :)

@adub59

Ай бұрын

In the purest sense, I agree. “ADV bikes” traditionally have been bigger bikes you can knock highway miles out on and then ride the odd docile trail or two track. That is why they are more road oriented. In recent years manufacturers have been trying to make smaller ADV bike in the hope they get lighter and more dirt worthy. Bottom line, there is no “unicorn” bike out there where you can comfortably ride a 300+ mile day, at speed not getting blown off the road by wind or the odd 18 wheeler that you can also go aggressively ride single track. That said, I know people who trailer their more dirt oriented bikes to other states here in the US then ride out shorter road distances camping or staying in motels for multiple days. They have some great adventures. In the end, I guess “adventure” is in the eye of the beholder.

@Gen-X.Adventures

24 күн бұрын

To each their own. I have a FE450 I haul with my truck to the trails and single-track for the day and a Tenere 700 I drive from home for trails and moto camping. They are both adventures to me.

@lukefish7562

24 күн бұрын

@@adub59🏅

@lukefish7562

24 күн бұрын

@@Gen-X.Adventures🏅

Those flame out crashes, I was doing that awfully bad on my 890 a few weeks ago. Put the thottlemap into a lower power mode (rally>offroad), never happened again. It seems ktm's don't like to be lugged around on trails.

@houjous5131

2 ай бұрын

Followup, instead of getting a bar raiser. Look up renthal Ricky Carmichael High Bend bars. They are lovely.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Ah, thanks for the tip.

9:03 Power sports i think they call rap around handguards they a bit smaller than husky one and should fit dave. 👋🤠👍 not sure of the name tho ,acerbes or cycra ones 👋🤠👍

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Ah yes, good point. We used them on the crf300 build.

Another great video. These are true middleweight adv bikes. Ktm 890, t7 and all others around 200k are light heavy bike. Can we stop calling the others as middleweights?

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Maybe middle capacity.

@jimmcgarvie1483

2 ай бұрын

@@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV a better term to describe but manufacturers spinning this shit is starting to get annoying. I’m looking at a ES700 which is a true middleweight in my eyes.

Great video Dave. What about value for money? I picked up a 2015 501 for 8 grand and that left a lot of cash on the table for very nice mods! If you ever did decide to change the gearing, 15/48 really picks up 5th and 6th gear with little change to the crawlers. Its what rtwpaul uses and since changing ive loved it.

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Both Mark and Nugget picked them up second hand at a very good price, I think that's a great way to go.

4:04 er Dave your sat on the 501 ye 👋🤠👍

@MotorcycleAdventureDirtbikeTV

2 ай бұрын

Yep!