I love my 500 EXC-f. I plan on riding it until I can’t ride anymore. Resale price doesn’t bite you too hard if you don’t plan on re-selling it.

@Aengen

2 жыл бұрын

Same here!

@scottyd2262

2 жыл бұрын

Same as my 22 FE501.... I'll never sell it !

@Aengen

2 жыл бұрын

@@D73GT Well, nothing lasts forever. But if I service it well and don’t thrash it I am sure it will survive even me. And yes, I am counting on doing a top and lower rebuild of the engine somewhere along the way. People do ride these bikes ATW, and that says something about the reliability. But of course, I will have to maintain, take good care of it and do an engine rebuild somewhere around 50-70k km.

@lemoffitt

2 жыл бұрын

@@D73GT I’m 49 years old and I’m not riding motocross, doing big jumps, or riding like I’m in my 20’s. If I do the maintenance my bike will last quite awhile. I bought it for me to use, not because of a potential investment.

@Aengen

2 жыл бұрын

@@D73GT I have a friend who has ridden his -15 over 1200 hours and 40,000 miles. He changed cylinder and piston at 950 hours. Minimal wear on both of them and the mechanic even jokingly told him he could just replace the rings and keep on riding. The bike was used for gravel roads, long trips through Europe, road book rallying and pure enduro riding. And yes, I know the guy. So it’s not just a tale I’ve heard from someone else. It’s a modern four stroke engine. Built for extreme thrashing. I have no doubt it will hold up very well with an average Joe like me behind the bars. Especially since I love to pamper it with love and service. If it breaks down I’ll be sure to let you know here in the comments. I promise 🤗

I agree with everything you just said, except one. I have so much fun riding and scratching up my 500 that I don’t even think a second about the depreciation value. Mainly that is because I have zero plans on selling the bike, ever…

@ogasi1798

Жыл бұрын

here they hold the value very well...resale shemesale hahahahaaaa

@probuilder961

Жыл бұрын

You got that right! I'm picking up a new 350 EXC-F on Sat. and will hopefully have many years of fun on it, regardless of aesthetic damage.

You motivated me to buy a DRZ. Worked well for ADV but definitely not the best woods or single track bike. Hence, I also made the move to a 2020 Six Days. Paid “only” $10k for a used bike with 20 hours on it a year or so ago. It also included stabilizer, rekluse, tubliss and gummies. I thought it was a pretty good deal. I added a tidy tail, enduro plate, lhrb, trail tech, and seat concepts XL. Just like you, my confidence is 2x in the tough stuff on the KTM. Losing >75lbs really helps. Unicorns are not cheap, but damn they are worth it.

@whatsit2ya247

2 жыл бұрын

I also went from a Drz to KTM, but I only paid $2500 three years ago (06 450exc) original piston and valves, has perfect compression still running strong! Honesty I think I liked the Drz better on the street but the dirt, forget about it!

@JohnSmith-ws1dp

2 жыл бұрын

If you had a drz E you would’ve thought different mines is brilliant off road

@whatsit2ya247

2 жыл бұрын

@@JohnSmith-ws1dp So happens I had the E, pretty decent bike, but not for the trails here in Idaho's mountains, I still stand on original statement, when was the last time you rode an EXC off road?

@trueauthority3489

Жыл бұрын

Only? ten grand 😆

@k0d0kan

Жыл бұрын

@@JohnSmith-ws1dp Absolutly. He says his only issue was the weight. Well, you can EASILY drop POUNDS off of a DRZ and get close to that lower weight. Pay half the price for the bike initially and half or even less than half on parts and service over the years. KTM = hype-train to me, that's all. I've ridden MANY and they are NOT worth double the price... Just my opinion...

70,000 km 2000 hrs on my stock 13 KTM 500 xcw ,Best bike I've ever owned. Had two drz400's before that, combined 140,000kms on them. They had big bore kits, hotcams, fcr carb, yosh exhaust. Bullet proof bikes but the stock KTM 500 does everything better.

@8.dayweek

10 ай бұрын

@bilw1960 I’m catching up. 19,500km on a 14 500EXC. After 3 DRZ’s, two DR650’s & an 02 KTM 400 EXC that started it all, it’s the best bike I’ve ever owned.

@misterchuck6866

7 ай бұрын

is it better on the road than the DRZ as well?

@bilw1960

7 ай бұрын

@@misterchuck6866 The KTM500 vibrates more than the DRZ so the DRZ wins on that. However it has a 6th gear and the stock 57hp to pull it, which the DRZ does not. Offroad the vibes arent noticeable.

@rileyvosper411

4 ай бұрын

@@bilw1960I find it unbelievable that the drz400 and ktm500 are compared, I have a drz and my dad has a 500, completely different, 500 is better in every way but price and service intervals.

Man! You are STILL the king of dual sport videos! I started watching this on my phone and decided to wait to watch it on a larger screen because your photography is stellar, as always!! Much love to you!

The flipside of the depreciation coin is that this is one of the most sought after bikes on the market. Good luck even finding one for sale used - most owners love them too much to let go. And of course, the limited supply means the price goes up. Most of the money you lose on the bike will actually be in the upgrades you do for it.

@XxMilenkoxX1

2 жыл бұрын

yea i have this same bike and i love it its a ton of fun

@equakecs8119

Жыл бұрын

I think if you're lucky enough go ever get one brand new pulling all oem parts you upgrade off before using it is the best option you can have. Than reselling it the next ow er had the option to have it modded or have it original for show room. Just as the bike ain't too beat up I guess. But who the hell want to have one as a collector when they're so much fun to rip o

The true gold standard in narrating KZread videos! And that psychological thing is so true - I own a DRZ and a 701. Everytime I’m out on my brand new 701 and scratch it, I’m thinking to myself «oh I should have ridden the DRZ today», and when I ride my DRZ I’m completely worry-free.

@_-frosty-_

2 жыл бұрын

I had gone from a 2007 drz to a 2015 KTM 690 and I can echo what you said there for sure. The 690 was amazing but I didn't dare scratch it because it was expensive to replace anything on it, and it's hard to pick up on the trail. So I sold the 690 because I just wasn't riding it and bought a 2015 KTM 500. Every worry I had regarding dropping it or scratching it was gone. I took it home and kicked it over in the yard to get the first scratches in and ever since I have just ridden the snot out of it! When it's a dirt bike it is way easier to let go of those cares.

@JohannesDalen

Жыл бұрын

@@_-frosty-_ I'm back to rewatch this video because it's soooo good! Saw your comment now - I love my 701 (DRZ sold now), but the thought of a 500 is sweet. Too bad there's simply too much tarmac here in northern Europe. Safe rides Adam!

I'll never be good enough to out-skill what my Drz has to offer on any trail. If I can't get there on the Drz then odds are I can't get there. God bless Tyler, beautiful film as always, good to hear from you again.

@dualsportedc

2 жыл бұрын

The DRZ will do anything that KTM will. Hell, I’ve done everything on my KLR that my buddies do on their KTMs and had less mechanical issues doing it. Not to mention the 500 mile oil changes and 1000 mile valve checks

@danmanthe9335

2 жыл бұрын

Hear that with a couple exceptions. I have a DR350, have no friends with KTMs but I probably couldn't keep up with them on my KLR anyway

@dualsportedc

2 жыл бұрын

@Nathaniel Ojcius that’s what everyone has told me the whole time I’ve been riding but yet I continue to go everywhere KTMs go with no issues. I should probably mention that 1, I’m a fairly big guy so wrangling a bigger bike isn’t a huge deal and 2, I’m a former MX and hare scramble racer who nearly went pro (back injury screwed me) so I’m definitely not your typical rider

@mikemerrill175

2 жыл бұрын

I had a DRZ for 6 years & rode it off road, on back roads, and some light competition. I replaced it with a 450 KTM EXC with the RFS engine. It did everything better except for sounding cool.

@chrisvids1820

2 жыл бұрын

Out of all the bikes that I've ridden I've crashed the DRZ400 the most

Well said! Yes, the cost, at my age, is prohibitive (still like to ride one, lol). I have found my combo of DRZ400s & and my hair on fire BRP, XR600R, perfect for an old man (62) riding the desert of Calif and AZ. My boat is old my bikes are old and I'm old, but as I told my kids you can have your cake and eat it too if you're willing to compromise a Little and man I'm still smiling!! Great video and perspective!

If ya can't beat em, join em'. Score a used model for around 10K and ride off into the sunset on one of the best all around bikes in the world. Glad you are honest, it really just depends how much you love riding, what you are doing, and how much you want to go broke.

@user-lk7cv8vg7r

2 жыл бұрын

Sorry man, but there is no way I can justify 10K for a used dirt bike. It's insane. And I ride about 15-30 hours a week all year round, far more than the average weekend warrior. And I can't reward a company like KTM for giving people the shaft like that.

@homebug22

2 жыл бұрын

I literally just bought a 2019 for 10k and feel pretty good about it. Like some others have commented, if you don't plan on reselling this thing then it doesn't matter how much you scuff it up. This and my KLR are staying till they blow up or get totaled.

Love all of your brutally honest reviews!!!!

EVERYTHING you said I felt when buying my '22 exc-f! I currently have 4 bikes, and this is by far my favorite bike! By FAR! Didn't start out that way tho. It's very true you have to almost start over with just the frame and engine as I've replaced/upgraded/modded bars, grips, handguards, mirrors, seat, tires, fuel programmer, exhaust tip, pegs....on and on. I CAN'T KEEP MY HANDS OFF OF IT! Only regret is I wish I got one years ago but was scared away by the maintenance schedule. I don't mind it at all, great trade off for what it does.

That's a great review buddy! I had the chance to do a large group ride with 31 dual sports last weekend and one of the female riders had recently sold her DRZ400 in favor of a KTM 350 the way she talked you would think she died and went to heaven it was very rewarding to hear such a thing and awesome that companies like KTM make such light fast bikes there truly helping riders get better!

The only channel I always look forward to receiving a notification from. Love the new monster!

Glad to see u getting vids out again mate well done 👏

I have a plated, 86 Yamaha TT600 that I bought used, and fixed up for around $2500 total. Love it, no hemroid cream, and only 1 oil filter with two gaskets.

@5tr41ghtGuy

2 жыл бұрын

I have a plated, 2006 Honda crf450x that I bought used for $3200 back in 2013. This bike is awesome to ride, and I have no qualms about crashing it or putting on miles. If you are not rich, used bikes are totally the way to go.

@Chris-gi9ch

2 жыл бұрын

@@5tr41ghtGuy That's an outstanding price for that bike if it's in good condition. Here in California where conversions are outlawed, that thing would go for 6-7 grand.

This is the main reason I bought a CRF300L. Low entry cost for a new bike, a few mods later and it’s my go to bike (road or otherwise) and I never worry about abusing it.

@andrewanderson1988

2 жыл бұрын

I have a KLX300 and love it, but damn, I wish it was a 450/500 so I could have an easier time on the freeway

@chasp_0784

2 жыл бұрын

@@andrewanderson1988 500 bros do not like the highway. Hand and feet vibes are through the roof

@andrewanderson1988

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasp_0784 I am not expecting it to be an amazing freeway/highway ride. I just think it will be better than on my KLX300

@isaacgentz3319

2 жыл бұрын

Same! Picked up a crf300l a few weeks ago and love it

@bigmike9527

2 жыл бұрын

The suspension is garbage on the 300L unless you weigh under 110 pounds

Great to see this review...watched you from early on and always liked your perspectives. I've got a 990 and a WR250R as my dual sport stable but now need to condense down to one bike for the desert. However, with both bikes fully dialed in with upgraded suspensions and such, it is killing me to pull the trigger. You know, that irrational emotional attachment stuff we get for these dam things. I road the EXC in Moab a few years back loved it. It was kinda like a love child of my 2 bikes...but am still on the fence. Thanks for the perspectives, the good, the bad and the ugly. Looks like I might be putting a 2fer on the market this season....or maybe next season. Don't want to jump into these things. Appreciate your contributions.

Great review Tyler. In searching for a lighter, electric start replacement for my incredible XR400R, I first purchased the 2021 KLX300: very nice dual sport, but heavy and lacking that nice 400 power. I made the mistake of stopping by the local Tucson KTM dealer, man that weight, or lack there of in the 2022 KTM500 EXC-F! Like you, at first there was nothing but buyers remorse, I had never spent that much on a bike. Like you, I replaced all the plastics, seat, etc. anything that I didn't want to damage in OEM hardware. Then there's that viby thing you don't get in the Jap bikes, at least not at the level I feel in the KTM. At first I felt the pull to keep riding my 400, but now I just love riding the KTM! It is just an incredible all around bike, fun, powerful and light. Being 61 years old, I don't worry as much about resale as it could very well be the last bike I own. I'll probably keep the KLX300 as well, In fact I have it with me here in Moab this week, for its smooth pavement characteristics, and because it matches up better with my wife's KLX230 when we ride together like we are this week. When riding more challenging of road though, the KTM is my new favorite. In the end though, you'll know I'm absolutely committed to it when I finally sell my XR400R.

This video was a brilliant roller coaster of emotions xD One of the best reviews I've ever seen... dude!

10 minutes into the video - "It's the best Dual Sport I've ever owned - and best I've ever ridden". I totally agree. End of story.

@goneballistic

2 жыл бұрын

plot twist.....

@JohannesDalen

Жыл бұрын

Love me a good plot twist!

I had the 690 Enduro and went with the blacked out look like you did on the 500. it kills me that I let that bike go. Your video has me seriously thinking about getting a 500. The 690 was an awesome street biased dual sport, but that street legal moto-style 500 is so appealing.

Excellent video as always my friend. Thanks for taking the time to share this information with us. I hope you heal up nicely from the surgery. Keep up the fun videos and know what you do is appreciated. Thanks again and have a blessed weekend. Dale

The absolute best dual sport channel on the internet. Thank you so much.

I love that you went crazy with the FPV drone footage nearly hitting your buddy in the face with it lol! I also give mad respect to you for showing the footage of you hitting the deck with the drone behind the bike. I love drones and dirt bikes and this video has both. You got my like and sub!

Well wouldn't you know, Tyler, I recently ended up with one of these very Dorritos bikes to augment that 10% of trails (around here, maybe more than 10%) I and my DRZ will not be managing together. It's not the DRZ so much as it is me; I'm old and stuff doesn't heal like it once did. Excellent review as always with fun, insight, and unmatched production value in the genre. Carry on, lad.

Lots of respect for you for making this video and just saying it as you see it. I wish I could hit like at least a dozen times. Not because of what you said about the bike, but for being true to who you are and why and how you want to ride. Nice work!

I love the FPV shots, blending two hobbies together to create a master piece.

Hey, great video. I've spent most of my life riding dirt and road bikes and did enduros in my younger days etc., etc. I''ve been riding all kinds of bikes and then some over the years and always used to laugh at guys who seemed loyal to KTM. Well, I'm 64 now and just bought a 2016 KTM 450 EXC with 3000 easy kilometres. It was immaculate, a bargain and I just could not pass it by. .......God, I wish I'd have made that move years ago!!! All parts seem quality, durable yet light weight material purpose built with no shortcuts anywhere. Its light, yet strong. This KTM 450 is the best handling, most responsive, most fun to ride dirt bike I've ever ridden, period :-) The fact that I got it at a bargain price ($6.5K) has eliminated the dilemma you are having with resell value so I'm riding it like I stole it :-)

So Tyler, I am the same guy- I've always bought used, always bought cheap, always kept costs as low as I can. I rode an XR650L for years and years, with an XR600R as my dirtbike. I finally upgraded to a 530 EXC last year and lost my mind at the difference, then shortly thereafter bought a 2016 Husky FE501S. It's unbelievable how much easier everything is- I didn't become a better rider, but my riding got much better instantaneously because the instrument was better, which gave me more confidence and has led to me becoming a better rider. The weight you mentioned is critical. A few things- the 39 hp you quoted is anemic, thank you EPA. Good news is, with an ECU and the endcap drilled out and a few other free mods, you've got yourself a nearly 60 whp bike. You cannot, absolutely cannot compare any DRZ, bored and stroked or anything, to a 500 running a GET ECU and pushing upwards of 60 hp at that rear wheel. KTM's service intervals are for race conditions only. I have 440 hours on my stock Husky piston and 340 on my stock 530 piston and they're healthy as can be. 40-50 hour oil change intervals if you're not racing are pretty normal, especially with the AKT filter for the 500. Upgrading the in-tank fuel filter is kinda a must, because many people have issues with the stock one splitting and losing fuel pressure. The suspension can't really be compared to the DRZ, because while the travel might be similar, the 500 is in a different world of suspension quality, especially with a good revalve. I know that ECU's aren't cheap, though you can get a cheap piggyback programmer to do a fairly good job, and a suspension revalve is $$$, but that's again why I buy used. These motors are incredibly stout. There's a guy who just finished a RTW on a 500 and he didn't do a top end until 40,000 miles and didn't do a full motor rebuild until over 80,000, and even then he said he didn't have to but was heading into the middle of nowhere and wanted the peace of mind. The electronics can give you issues, but mechanically the 500 motor is actually incredible for how light it is. I bought a DRZ400S a while ago as a flip project, put a DRZ400E motor/carb in it with a Yoshi full exhaust, and while it was interesting and had a lot more power than a stock DRZ-S, the suspension was harsher, it had no bottom end compared to my 530, and it was just overall worse in every aspect than my 530 or 501. That 500 will do everything the DRZ can do, but better, period.

@bmotomo421

2 жыл бұрын

"That 500 will do everything the DRZ will do, but better". Haha... I think you just wrote Suzuki's next advertisement. Sure, you could spend twice as much money for a bike that can do what ours already does. Or you could have two of ours... picture of father and son hitting the trail, together. Don't forget to ask Suzuki for your royalty money. It could help you pay for that KTM, that can do what a DRZ does.

@aTuWitty

2 жыл бұрын

@@bmotomo421 what you may not be aware of is that the 500 will also do a helluva lot more than the drz will do, and it will do it more easily. It's a better bike, full stop, and worth the money. I have a DRZ400E and an FE501S and the DRZ leaves me worn out after an hour on moderate trails, but I can go 6+ hours on the same trails with the Husqvarna before hitting the same level of fatigue. You should go ride one and see for yourself.

@bmotomo421

2 жыл бұрын

@@aTuWitty Don't get me wrong, I'm well aware the KTM is a bit more capable than the DRZ. But only in the hands of a rider who is capable of using to that potential. I can assure you, there are plenty of DRZ riders outriding guys on the latest and greatest new bikes, every day. If you can't learn to go fast on a bike, it's not the bikes fault. The DRZ is far more capable than probably 90% of the people who ride them. You and me included. Now, if you want to know how good the Suzuki really is, consider this... It was designed in the late nineties. Over the time between then and now, it has received little more than new colors and new graphics. Yet today, in the year 2022, over twenty years after its introduction. It has continued to be in the conversation with every new bike in its class, that has hit the market since its introduction. And, it's still a lot of bike, even if it did cost as much as your Husquvarna. Yet it doesn't. And here we are, comparing them. Just bold new graphics. Twenty-something years later. Cheers!

@aTuWitty

2 жыл бұрын

@@bmotomo421 you're right and you're wrong. An average rider WILL ride better on a 500 than they will on a DRZ. No question. The 500 is a better off-road machine. The "it's the rider not the bike" argument is not actually accurate. Manny Lettenbichler won the Erzberg this year, but if you put him on a Goldwing and me on a 300 2 stroke, I would smoke him in a hard Enduro race, despite him being thousands of light years ahead of me in skill. Riding a 500 off-road is MUCH easier than riding a DRZ off-road. I'm a decent rider, nothing amazing, but having ridden both extensively, the DRZ lacks suspension, power, and is heavy as hell compared to the 500. The 500 is much easier to maneuver and will wear you out less. Anyone will have an easier time riding it than they would a DRZ. And the whole "it's unchanged so it must be the best" thing is rather tired. My favorite bike I've ever owned was my 99 XR650L, which is still produced unchanged since 1993 and was designed in the 80s. Does that make it a better bike than the 500? The DRZ? No. It's a fine bike, better at some things, worse at others, but the reason the DRZ and DR650 and XR650L are unchanged is because they're grandfathered into the emissions laws and Honda and Suzuki CANNOT change anything on them or they would have to update them to be fully emissions compliant with every other new bike. The reason these bikes are still in the conversation is because they are reasonably capable at what they do, and they're CHEAP because the tooling was paid for years ago. All three are great bikes for people riding street and trails. I wouldn't take ANY of them out to ride hard Enduro. You know what I would take? My 501. My 530. My buddy's 350. A 300 2 stroke. Can Manny take a DRZ anywhere I can get my 501? Yep. No doubt. He's a godlike rider. But would he have an easier time on the 501, and would he be able to get the 501 places where he couldn't get the DRZ? Also no doubt. The 500 is a better off-road bike, period.

@aTuWitty

2 жыл бұрын

@@bmotomo421 Keep in mind that I love my DRZ. I'm not hating on it at all. It's a fantastic bike, and I'll likely be riding it to Canada soon. I am being honest about the bike's abilities. The 500 is VASTLY more capable in the dirt, not just "a bit more capable". It's not even in the same universe. I love the DRZ, but you can love a bike without being delusional about its abilities. It's ok to recognize a shortcoming in a bike. The 500 and 501 have a number of electrical issues that pop up with some regularity, and they transmit bigger vibes into the bars and footpegs than the DRZ does (the DRZ is more buzzy, but the vibes are smaller in magnitude). The fuel pump is known to split open and leave you stranded, the injector can get clogged up, the PDS on the 500 doesn't track nearly as well as the linkage on the 501, the stock headlight and seat are terrible, and while the suspension is good, a revalving by a professional works wonders. It is not a perfect bike, but it's a far better dirtbike than the DRZ could ever hope to be.

As always, awesome! Love your final points, and something to consider for the Garrett "fleet"

The vibe and the videography are steller

I had some of the same issues during the break in period after bringing home a new 23 six days. As you also found out that the bike is so good that I will not ruin my rides with my perceived regret from the price tag. Quite the opposite really as I became a customer of TacoMoto and put one of his GET ecu's, a 4.1 fmf, gutted the airbox reeds and stripped every smog part. Worth every penny! First is still a crawler. Second is snappy but very usable. Third and forth gear are absolutely insane while at the same time no one could slap the smile off your face. Fifth and sixth are pavement cruisers but, at full power. I hope you had a change of heart and kept her. College is overrated anyways!

Stock skid plate is fine imo and solid. Idk why everyone says it need to be replaced. Also the factory wrap around handguard extentions are soooooooo much better then some metal ones😂 crash tested on dirt and pavement myself. 288 hours so far. Running great! Enjoy it man!

I love the content you put out and totally feel your point of view in my bones. I spent a bunch of money (to me) on my dual sport and feel guilty when I ride it. Then guilty when I don’t ride it cause all that money is just sitting in my garage. Get video as always!!!

Fantastic review!

Haven’t seen one of your videos in a while…just wanna says that your riding has gotten really great.

Brilliant review of the 500 exc-f. Am in the market for a bike of similar ilk, and so good to get a real world owners review by someone using it for more than a few hours / days. Great content, well written, shot and edited. Legend.

Love your reviews!

Great review and insight! I always enjoy your videos and production quality.

I’ve always wanted that bike but went with the drz for the maintenance, reliability, and price.

@yrngvng2215

2 жыл бұрын

You missed out , besides on the price factor

@ZebSmithulon

2 жыл бұрын

We used to have that. It was called a 625 sxc

@stevenniedermann3114

2 жыл бұрын

Thats a crf450rl my friend.

@user-lk7cv8vg7r

2 жыл бұрын

You made the better call IMO. It ain't fast, but it's a fair price.

@mxbadboy263

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. I've had a ktm 525 and a drz. It all comes down to what kind of riding you do. I want to ride to work, gym and ride offroad. For that I'd pick the drz all day. I will never spend $13,000 + out the door for the ktm. All I ever did to my drz was drop the countershaft sprocket down a tooth and change the tires.

Nice FPV drone work on the video. Good idea. Makes perfect sense.

Awesome video! 👍

My '13 500 XC-W cost $5600 because it was used but already tricked out. I love the bike and have had many great adventures on it, including staying at the Moto mansion with you and riding the Toquerville Twister trail to the falls shown on this video in your killer FPV shots. Great video and points made.

We visited those falls, we traveled from Michigan, my daughter was jumping into the lower pool, my wife slipped hit her head and we visited st george ER. We love Utah despite the accident. I was able to rent a bike in Hurricane for a day and ride, it was awesome! Great job on the video, your footage is so good!

I had lots of fun watching this video, thank you. You always keep my attention and take me on a rollercoaster 🎢

Great and honest video as always. I went from (All CA Plated) an XR400 to a 19' KTM 500 and then to a 98' Honda XR600. I still have my XR400. Learned enough from the KTM 500 that i have a 07' KTM 450 (Dirt) and 07' KTM 525 (Sumo) for less than a new KTM 500.

@purebloodheretic4682

Ай бұрын

How does the old 525 & 450 RFS compare to a '19 Kato 500? I have a low Milage 525exc that's a Keeper - Now I'm looking @ getting 450 RFS or a 2012-13 Injected 450 exc for off road only - there's no way I could justify buying a newer 500 even a 2nd hand one for +10k I think you have the right idea! - Cheers 👍🇦🇺

@cmbscx1084

Ай бұрын

@@purebloodheretic4682 For my riding style and skill level i found the 500 was too much like a 2T in it's power delivery. Both my 525 and 450 are tractors and the power curve is very linear. Short of fuel injection that sucks form the factory and needs more $$ to be right, to be honest there wasn't ever a time i said i should have kept my 500 vs my 525 or 450. If i were looking to add another KTM it would be the 14-16. Ive seen motors with good maintenance go well over 750hrs and 10-15k miles. Save your $$ and buy the best used one you can.

Great review dude! Man I miss hanging with you!

Excellent review.

Great review! Loved the shots and the analysis. Keep up the good work, and hope to see you down in St. George some winter.

Another great video and review. Thanks for all the time and effort you put into producing these. Also…. dirt bikes may have become a better investment than sending your kids to college these days. Just say’n

The lack of resale regrets is exactly why DRZ’s are the perfect dual sport bikes for guys like me. Bravo for an outstanding review!

Not only an excellent review, but I love the Utah riding! I also noticed you actually went through Vernal, an extremely underrated, hidden gem. Thanks for all the awesome info!

I found a 2015 KTM XCF-W 350 with only 5 hours on it last year and bought it and converted it to be street legal and couldn’t be happier. Only 7k all in and all the capability off road of the 500 and 90% of its on road manners.

This vid was brilliant 😎👌 Welldone 😊👍

Nice review I think I will keep riding my DRZ400S. Enjoy.

I remember following my dad through the six days events back in late 2000s. I had never even heard of this model, lol. Bring a Michigan local I didn't really realize the significance of the event. Most of the six days guys back then were rocking clapped out old dual sports from the 90s.

You look really comfortable on that ride. Awesome review. Cheers from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Thanks again Tyler for another epic video .. I have owned a 1999 Yamaha WR-400F now since 2004 and have 3 friends who went out and bought KTM’’s , A 400 , 510 and 640 ( all over the course of past 18 years). My Yamaha has NEVER been rebuilt engine wise , still runs like a top , and has only cost me around $5600 so far . I’m admittedly a cheap bastard , and while I cannot justify forking over “ My kids college funds “ for a new off road machine , I still would love the opportunity to do so . My WR is a lot like your old DRZ, comfortable, superbly capable , but just a tad on the porky side . But I’ll trade a small amount of “ Extra beef” for the reliability of the engine in this thing any day. A lighter bike may be “ Easier to push home “ after breaking down out in who knows where , but a reliable one means you NEVER have to worry about that day. Enjoyed your video as always , and some day this 62 year old would love to come to your neck of the woods & go on a group ride with you and some buddies 👍. Until then , keep “Em rubber side down”. 🤞. C-ya.

I felt the same way when I picked up my 2015 Tiger Explorer from the original owner. It was/is a spotless garage kept gem. I still keep it in a garage. It took me MONTHS to actually take it off of a paved road.... and I babied it. However. The first time I disabled the traction control and rear ABS... ooooooohhhhh yes. Too heavy to really beat on. While its no dual sport, bit has gotten pretty dirty and I now have zero shame. Still cleans up pretty nicely.

I love my 2019 450 EXC-F Six Days. I did the same as you Tyler, swapped all the body panels to "preserve" the originals. I also have a DRZ, which is much more comfortable on all day rides on forest service roads. If I ever can make it to one of your rallies, I'd probably bring both bikes.

I have a KTM 450 EXC Factory Edition from 2015 and I am loving it. Never had a problem, more torque and power I can handle. Obviously got rid of the emission stuff, so it pull about 50 Horse Powers. Only put in moose, so I dont have to bother about flats.

@mjnienkemper3699

2 жыл бұрын

How do you take out the “emissions stuff”??

@TheKmpec

2 жыл бұрын

@@mjnienkemper3699 there is an air restrictor and a metal swamp like thing which is like a catalyst. Important thing is though the air restrictor, since that takes away like 50% of the possible power.

@mjnienkemper3699

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheKmpec thank you🔥💯

@BlessureK

2 жыл бұрын

@@TheKmpec I hope you tuned it lol. otherwise your engine is going to hate you

Another amazing review, and video. There are no KZreadrs I trust more than you. For me the DRZ400, as old and unmodern as it may be, is still the king of dual sports. Affordable, loses next to no value over time, more reliable than the earth's orbit around the sun and a million billion cheap accessories, parts and mods readily available and almost as many tutorials, videos and forums dedicated to it. I might not be able to do those super fun extra 10% I could on the 500 Six Days, but for half the price plus all the other perks listed above I don't even care.

@nf4833

2 жыл бұрын

My drz400sm took a crap it’s at 12k miles used it only as my commuter I exited off the highway and heard some extra loud rattling more then usual coming from the engine it still rode home and will start but with all that extra racket something is def wrong valves are in spec timing chain is good noise is coming from the inside the lower somewhere

@bmotomo421

2 жыл бұрын

The DRZ is a way better bike than most people think it is. And a lot more capable than most expect it to be. So to spend four time the money, just because you think it will do just 10% more terrain seem pretty silly to me, too. Why not just improve your riding skills by 10 or 20%? That's almost free! And I'm sure there are plenty of riders who could ride a DRZ over that extra 10%. Don't get me wrong, I know the KTM is a more capable bike than a DRZ. But, Only with a rider who can ride it to its capabilities. Riding motorcycles has been and will always be, 90% rider, 10% bike. No up, no extras. That last thing that will make you a better rider is buying a bike that far exceeds your skill level.

@jdwojda

Жыл бұрын

Drz is now over $7k new. Not the.value it used to be.

Your drone shots look amazing! For that reason alone, I thought that it was worth a comment. :-)

Great review! I’m in St.George also and have the 450sixdays. I 100% agree it is the best bike I have ever owned. The part that hard me is running up the hour because I know I’ll need to do the major maintenance. But it’s totally worth it!

I enjoy seeing all the comments about high hours on 500s ridden hard but with care and love with no problems. Thanks for making great vids but also, thank you to all who are sharing the true experience in long term. 300 hours isn’t the doom and gloom time to rebuild the top let alone bottom end. It could be if ridden pegged every time you turn on the ignition, but in reality people are riding these bikes pretty “normally” for enduro / easy off road / dirt road / asphalt mix for huge hours no problem.

Man I love my ktm exc-f 500 2021. It is an amazing bike. My brother in law has a DRZ400. It's just an ok bike honestly. Heavy and under powered. There just not in the same park.

@davidnobular9220

Жыл бұрын

But the DR-Z will still be going after you've rebuilt the engine 5 times on the KTM....

@berube361

Жыл бұрын

@@davidnobular9220 Yeah going slow and can't get out of its own way lol. They are absolute dogs without a number of upgrades.

@davidnobular9220

Жыл бұрын

@@berube361 I guess it comes down to how much you value longevity and reliability over performance. Sure it's fun to get on a bike that has the specific power output of a Saturn 5 rocket, and enough suspension to jump into the Grand Canyon without bottoming, but as a True Povo (particularly living where I do, where every second man and his dog is on $150-300/hr) it's longevity and reliability for me......

Congrats enjoy you new bike ride safely! Have same 22 not 6 days here uncorked without mirrors,blinkers, torque monster Greetings from Sweden

Great video! Except for the toe fungus commercial in the middle almost threw up! Lol

Intriguing take on the whole ktm vs drz value debate!

I bought the most expensive dual sport in the world. Was it worth it? "NO" i can give u the answer instantly... lol and now i enjoy your wonderfull video like every time i do 🙂

"And I knew I had to have it .... .... because I needed something street legal with decent range and there was literally nothing else." Great review :)

I had the exact same relationship with my KTM 1090r. Best bike I've ever owned but was always nervous about breaking something.

Always so excited to get a notification from this channel! You talk me into opening my wallet, then reel me back in. probably a good thing, but tell me the 350 is a better buy. I feel like its barely cheaper, but cheaper just the same. My DR200 can't do much of anything in your area, and I'd love to come spend a week when the season is right. ❤

You are 100% right on the $price$!!! I had a very hard time beating on my KTM 500 because the thought of it just like you said at the end of the video!

Thank you for this. The penny pinching, overthinker in me appreciates it. I feel like I lucked out in my entry to dualsport. I bought a 2010 690 with enough mileage on it that it was mostly depreciated. I feel like it gives me all I can handle and more. Me being a fairly tall rider, the size and weight of it doesn't bother me too much. all that said I have had to get my fingers greasy a good couple of times keeping it alive. I do circle back though an start wondering would an XR not have been a better choice.

@GEAR12117

2 жыл бұрын

Same! Got a 08 690 and man I love this bike, also had to do a few repairs when I got it but it can do dirt, highway, wheelies, trails if you are willing to put the effort, long trips, etc..

I love the 2T that's why I stick with Sherco, carbureted, oil-mixed, and so essential.

I don't even own a bike, but I love watch all of this dude's videos. He just comes across as a cool guy you'd like to have a beer or a cup of coffee with. Then I remembered he's LDS, so in lieu of alcohol & caffeine, I'll just watch all the ads and click the like button.

@j.g.7864

2 жыл бұрын

Ty is definitely a guy you'd like to have a coffee with...even if he isn't drinking!

Bought one in 2015 and only just traded it in this summer. All original motor at 400 hours and pulled harder than a 2019 model I rode when I was looking for a 2T. Issues with the bike in the years of ownership none. Great bike and bit sad I let it go but now there's an 890 Adv R keeping the 300 company. Time will come for another 500 I'm sure.

I contend that the 500exc is the best bike of all time! It’s not particularly good at any one thing, but brilliant at every kind of riding you want to do, on and off road! I’ve put over 10,000 miles on mine without issue. The motor is untouched, aside from valve checks every 5000 miles. I changed oil every 2000 miles. I also have a 690 and a 990 for the longer than 2000 miles or mostly on asphalt. Otherwise, the 500 is the go to bike!

Excellent video! Superb narration, I wish I could speak as well & edit such videos. Bravo.

'20 500 EXC-F 6days - I hear you on the price. def a kick to 'inseam valley', but after the necessary mods, this is the only dual sport that I can take to 13,000 ft in Colorado, over gnarly rocky scree and not be afraid to do it solo. After the mods (emissions, pwr cmdr, exhaust) and a motoz desert HT, this bike will go anywhere and faster than any other bike on the market. Hands down, the single best dual sport a person can own (so long as they have good credit). From the LAB2V to 13k ft...this bike is stunning....just stunning. you should consider un-braking up. we all make mistakes. :)

I remember when can-am introduced their four-stroke bike. Dirt Bike removed the counterbalancer and put on a smaller chain. It still had a lot of flywheel.

I haven't had a drz400 in a decade, I've covered MANY miles on a DRZ, great bikes. I've been riding lots of the KTM 500s (525, 530, 500 and the 501), love them. I'm more into plush suspension with good bottom resistance now a days, so a Good tuned suspension on a 501 is how I roll now(from Dicks or Stillwell). I'm to cheap to buy new, lol. I buy 3 year old bikes, put 4000 to 6000 T1 miles on them and sell, then repeat(was harder during covid), it still cost $$s to ride, but I avoid rebuilds, and I'm always setting up a bike to ride(which is GOOD garage time). Thanks for the video, and I think I'm always looking for a unicorn lightly used E model DRZ400 :) Currently have a KTM 350xcf dual sport too, different but fun, 450 exc or xc-w works for me too.

I just picked up a slightly used and nicely upgraded (Scott's steering damper, Pirelli tires, full hand guards, more power) 2021 Husqvarna FE501s, the slightly heavier but trickier suspension wielding KTM 500 cousin. The couple of rides I've been on have blown my mind, so much better than the WR250R that I really enjoyed that I have a hard time believing it. And this is even before I've set it up for me... Once I get it dialed, I can't imagine a better machine for going out exploring and ripping the trails. Oh, and surprisingly good ripping the twisty paved roads, even with those knobs.

So excited for this review. Can you please compare it to a 701 or 690?

I've been waiting for your reveal of this bike for months! I did some careful sleuthing on one of your videos early this year - I spotted this KTM in some FPV drone footage. I have a 2019 450 EXC-F. Yep, it was a nearly as expensive a dual sport as your 2022 500. I'm not selling my DRZ though. It's a workhorse for all the long rides I do scouting routes for a dual sport even in WA.

Outstanding video, and a big pound of THANK YOU! The audio to music ratio, I thought, was off by quite a bit. Perhaps reduce the music volume by 50% or so? Tough to hear your voice with loud music. Best regards.

This video is so good I just: - read comments for 10 minutes. - consumed 20 minutes of sleep I needed and woke up pooped. - decided on the DRZ - subscribed Thanks for posting this!!

I added a Rekluse clutch, 4 gallon tank and a Seat Concepts XL seat and I could not be happier with my 500 EXC

On your recommendation I had heavily advised my uncle to buy a drz400,now that he has passed on I'm gonna end up with it if the stars align.i rode his after we rode 45 miles of mountain trails ( me on the klr650) and almost dumped it on the first turn due to not being used to how much lighter it is in comparison the the klr, I totally get your plight on the weight, totally get your point on cost. The drz seems to be the jack of all trades if dual sports (real dual sports which the klr Is not really). P.s I also made my final decision on my klr on your recommendation as it suits my normal riding requirements but I have lately been yearning that single track life! The klr is a Cadillac in a dog house in comparison.

I still have my 2019 KTM 350 EXC-F I brought to your rally in fall/2020. Have had no issues with it since buying it new.

I am so glad I bought a 2022 DRZ400S! I am new to the sport and I have friends that ride 6Days and they love them. . but. . I feel like experience is a huge factor in the decision to spend that much on a bike. Especially one that requires 10 times the maintenance and twice the skill/experience to notice the difference in rideability. The weight difference is obvious but the DRZ is manageable. As a beginner I drop the bike alot so by the end of a long day, I am worked. Luckily with buddies there to help when I get tired, it still is the best time I've ever had in any sport! As I get better at riding I am sure that weight factor will become less of a concern.

Awesome video! I have an old KTM air - cooled 1980s motorcycle. I still ride a 1989 CR250R.

That license plate, L O L. Great video and review :D

I bought a 2016 500 EXC as a college graduation gift to myself. It was the very first new vehicle of any kind I'd ever purchased. Within 3 minutes of taking ownership of it from the dealer and riding it home I turned onto a power line trail, blasted through a 2ft deep mud puddle, and wiped out. Nothing but a smile on my face because I'd told myself from the beginning that I was buying a dirt bike to use it as a dirt bike. 300 hours and 10k miles later and I've never once worried about hurting it. That thing will take more of a beating than I could ever give it.

Haha man first half you had me thinking this dudes just mad he spent more money than he’s comfortable with. But that’s a good honest review.

@everide You know I started with a WR250R that was a fantastic first bike. I rode the crap out of it for 3 years and 18,500 miles of exploring and learning. I then upgraded to a Husky FE350S and it truly is a remarkable bike. The weight is amazing, the power is constant and it's made my riding improve far faster than I would have otherwise. that being said I never worried about putting hours/miles on the WR250R, but with the Husky I am always thinking about the future motor rebuild that I really don't have the finances for. That being said, in the almost 5 years I have had the Husky I've ridden over 9k miles and 350 hours on the motor without even a valve adjustment. "knock on wood". I hope it last a little longer. Who knows maybe when the motor goes I'll swap in a WR250R motor just because.

@tieoneon1614

2 жыл бұрын

Iv said the same thing. I bought the camo KLX250 when it came out in '18, and it was my first small dual sport. Iv since had 7 different enduro and race bikes since, but I never had as much fun as I did the first 2 years on that bike...not caring about anything. It looked awesome, got u where every U wanted. Im actually considering getting rid of my single track bikes and just going back to one of those bikes just cuz of the simple joy of exploring with a dual sport

Great video! You summarize the same problem I have at the end of your video. If something is TOO NICE I just can't enjoy it because I know I'm reducing its value and that's all I can think about. I'd almost rather have a clunker that I've rebuilt than a pristine thing of beauty, especially when I'm riding Moab or some place where damage WILL happen. :/

I had a 2017 500 and bar none was my favorite dirt bike ever. Powerful, light and never had 1 single issue with it. Now I ride a Husky FE 450.