Cool 🆒️ video 📹. My brother and I bought 500s in 2012. Tons of fun for a couple years..he bought another one in 2022. I'm thinking about getting a 2024.
First thing i got for my 24 6 days 500 was a seat concepts comfort XL. Second thing was double take mirrors. Third was an acerbis tank. Our bikes are unrestricted in Australia so no need to tune them. Enjoy. It's such a good upgrade from the old model. Especially the fork.
Already ordered that exact seat. Have an existing pair of Double Take mirrors that are going on. Debating on the tank, for my purposes I may not need it. I'll uncork it eventually but I'm pleasantly surprised that it runs well in stock form even with all our emissions BS. I plan to soften the clickers and see how it feels. I'm 260 lbs with gear and backpack on so I'm probably going to need springs. Ordered some Giant Loop Mojavi bags as well to get some weight out of my backpack. Also getting new tires, these stock tires feel great on the road but not so great off. Heavy duty tubes and rim locks going on as well. D606 rear and MT21 front.
Sounds like a good plan. Mine came with Metzler 6 days extreme tyres and rimlocks installed. Check your rider sag but I suspect you will need to go up a spring in the rear. I've run mt21/d606 on my wr for maybe 10 years. Good combo. I'm going to try motoz enduro IT next.
Congrats on the new bike Mike looks a beauty hopefully its not as vibey on the road as I remember your old KTM was and as for the seat I ended up getting mine reofamed at a local upholsterers made the ride far more enjoyable looking forward to seeing what mods you get up to in the future. Have a great Christmas best wishes for the new year from the UK Martin
Happy holidays! New seat and a skid plate already ordered. Trying to keep the mods minimal. Don't think it needs much honestly, runs really well stock and I don't need more power at this time. It does vibe a bit through the footpegs, just like the last one, but doesn't seem quite as bad. Maybe that's the new frame or maybe I'm just used to it.
Just watched your video with the section on "The Struggle" and man can I relate, been there. That looked steep even on camera so I know it was really steep. Good work. I had a really nicely setup DR650 that is one bike I regret selling.
I thought the stock seat on the Norden was pretty good. My dad and brother didn't agree. I ordered a Seat Concepts Comfort XL for this bike as soon as I got home from that ride.
You would think they would put a more comfortable seat on a $14,000 dual sport that’s a big concern for me because I really want that bike but I also don’t want a sore ass all day, i’ve been riding an XR 650 L since 2012 and that thing is a heavy pig. I really want something lighter and more nimble like the KTM I guess you can always get a seat concepts seat, but for that price, it should be plush because dual sports go for long rides not just on a motocross track! I’ve been wanting a KTM for a long time is it worth it?
If you want lightweight then yes. Even the Seat Concepts seat isn't going to be as comfortable as the XR650L. I test rode an XR650L about a year ago that I considered buying but I felt the seating position very uncomfortable for my height at 6'1". The rider triangle felt really cramped for me. The KTM will feel like a motorized mountain bike in comparison.
I've got three plated dirtbikes and all of them had Seat Concepts seats taken off and replaced with a Fisher Seats custom seats. Well worth the $ and the wait. My rides are never uncomfortable, even 8 hour rides. Some people aren't bothered by skinny seats but it you are, look up Fisher Seats and be patient. You can use a Seat Concepts while you wait on your Fisher and then ebay it.
On the fence on getting 24 exc 500 or killer deal on 23 beta 430 Rs. Almost 3k diff and the beta is uncorked with tires anD voyager. How do you like the ktm vs the beta? To uncork and get tires on comp level it will easily be a 5k diff. Apples to apples ktm but price justification is making me ponder the beta. I’ve been watching all your videos and gathering all the info possible.
I prefer the KTM but 5k is a lot of money. I also like to use it as a dual sport and I think the KTM is better in that capacity. The Beta is not as good on the road, imo. I go through a lot of bikes and my biggest criticism of Beta is their resale value, it's awful, at least in my area. They sit for sale for months at a big loss and still don't sell. My buddy is trying to sell his 430 RR-S for several thousand less than he paid and it's been months. You could pick up a used Beta for a steal. The KTMs hold their value and sell very quickly, at least in my area, but we also have a fantastic KTM dealer here. It's a tough call. They are more similar than they are different. If you plan to keep it a while it would be hard not to recommend the Beta for 5k less.
Gettin one this year. I also hate the seat. Why do they make them so damn hard and uncomfortable?! My 05 Honda crf 450 was probably one of the best performing dirt bikes of all time for MX and the seats were plush and comfortable and not hard in the least. Felt like a really squishy horse saddle. These new ones feel like a brick line. Literally like a stiff straight line like a wooden wall. Soooo weird. Whhyyyyyy KTM. Whyyyyy.
It won't be much of an issue off-road and there's a gas station just outside my OHV area which is only 12 miles from my house, so it's not a huge issue for me. For dual sport use with lots of road miles, you'll have to plan ahead if you're getting low on the road or be able to wheelie to get that fuel to the pickup. I'm hoping Taco Moto or someone comes up with a solution.
You still happy with he bike. Im picking one up tomorrow. I have high hopes it doesn’t have any flame out issues. I have the crf450rl now and it flames out bad.
Yes, but I've had it less than 2 weeks and not even 100 miles on it yet. I will say I'm impressed at how well it runs stock. No flame outs, stalls, bogs, or flat spots. I had a '21 previously that had all those issues stock. This one runs great. I had a CRF450L previously and I couldn't stand the throttle on it. Had a Vortex and G2 throttle tamer and still hated the twitchiness.
@@chasingtrail On and off road, what are the differences between the 450rl and 500 excf? Considering buying one of those bikes as dual sport. Prefer lighter weight, but prefer abs... Live in the foothills of the sierras and typically ride for 30 mins to 90 mins in the twisties to get to off road fun.
@@ridemfast7625 You'll enjoy the 450RL more on the street and the 500 EXCF more off-road. Which one is more important? And are you talking buying new? I wouldn't get a new KTM 500 for that much street use. The fuel pump location is a problem if you're using it as a dual sport.
@@chasingtrail Thats what I have learned - compromises. The twisties are just as much fun as the dirt in this area. Would buy used for either bike and buy one with most/all of the expensive mods done. My "guess" is the 500 with things like an xc gear 360 bar mount and pegs to reduce vibes and install something like Motoz Rallz tires, seat.... would bring it closer to the 450 for road enjoyment? Dont need to ride often at hiway speeds, 60+mph, so the 450 weight advantage at those speeds would be minimal?
@@ridemfast7625 The 500 vibrates like a broken washing machine through the footpegs. There's nothing you're going to be able to do to eliminate that. I got used to it, but it is significant. You can find great deals on used CRF450RLs with all the farkles. If I were looking for as much fun on the street as the dirt, I'd get a good used DRZ400. It's fun on the street, it's fun in the dirt, it doesn't excel at either. It's a perfect 50/50 bike, and you can find them for half the price of what a KTM or 450RL are going to cost you.
Cool video and nice bike! Any commentary on how it rode on the street? Aside from the seat was it comfortable? Too much vibration? Think you could go 100 miles on the road with it?
I'll be doing another video on that soonish, my battery died on the way home from that ride. I just put on my Seat Concepts Comfort XL seat and it's a HUGE improvement. The main place you feel vibration is through the footpegs, and it is considerable. I've gotten used to from a previous KTM 500 but it's definitely noticeable. Other than that, I think the KTMs handle the best on the street of the lightweight dual sports I have ridden. This is also highly dependent on tires, tire pressure, etc., but it feels really good on the street with the stock TKC 80 tires @ 20 psi. None of these bikes are fun on the freeway, but highway would be fine. For 100 miles of road, I'd probably be looking at the 690/700/701 bikes. Those feel great on the road. My trails are within about 12 - 30 miles of my house depending on where I start, and this bike is perfect for that. There's a guy that's ridden his 500 around the world so it's all based on individual tolerance. A short test ride on the street will tell you what you need to know. For me personally, I'd be looking at the 690/700/701 for 100 miles of pavement.
Thank you for the detailed response! I agree the 690/700/701 seems like the logical decision but they are not quite what I am looking for off road. I suppose I need to decide how much I am willing to put up with in discomfort on road to get the 500 performance off road.@@chasingtrail
I was interested in the 2024 changes, KTM had an excellent financing promo, and my local KTM dealer is the best motorcycle dealer within a few hours radius of me, for any brand. I like giving them business and I know they will take care of any issues I might have. I also go through a lot of bikes, and the resale value on Betas is terrible. My buddy tried to sell his for months for a steal price and still couldn't find a buyer. If you want a Beta, buy a lightly used one for a huge discount.
@chasingtrail Thanks for the reply. I sold my 22 FE501S last year. I wanted to be my true dual sport, but the vibrations and road comfort was not there to be a tru 50/50 for my liking. This year I gave up on the one bike idea. I got a CRF300L for my light dual sport rides, but I want a dedicated plated dirtbike . I am looking to buy a 22 Beta 390 RR-S , the longer stroke sounds like my cup of tea. I would go with a 24 FE501S ,but can't justify the Cali OTD stealership prices
@@palpinter4204 Fair enough. I've ridden both and am not a good enough rider to appreciate the difference. My buddy Shane who's a much better rider than I am also prefers linkage.
@@chasingtrail I’m stuck between a new 350 or 500 . I’ve had a fe 350s but not sure how much more money I want to throw in when a 500 may just be ready to go no tune or exhaust needed
@@bodybycalithenics5198 Before I purchased this 500 I did a test ride on a lightly used 2022 FE350S the dealer had. The 350 had a Vortex ECU and FMF pipe, so it was already uncorked. The 350 would probably be great on the trail, but I missed the torque and grunt of the 500. It has plenty of power for me stock, and it runs well with no flame outs, bogging, or flat spots. I'll probably uncork it eventually, when and if my skills improve, but I'm impressed at how well it runs in stock form.
@@palpinter4204 Had to sell the Beta because I needed cash at the time. When it came time for another dual sport I was interested in the changes on the 2024 model and thought I'd give KTM another shot. I also just get bored quickly and go through a lot of bikes, don't read too much into it.
I’m the guy with the broken chain! What my buddy said thank you! Saved the day
Glad we were able to help out!
Haha I am the guy with the mullet definitely wanna say thank you for the tow!!!
Our pleasure!
hell yeah great to see you on another dual sport congrats my man
Cool 🆒️ video 📹.
My brother and I bought 500s in 2012. Tons of fun for a couple years..he bought another one in 2022. I'm thinking about getting a 2024.
Do it.
First thing i got for my 24 6 days 500 was a seat concepts comfort XL. Second thing was double take mirrors. Third was an acerbis tank. Our bikes are unrestricted in Australia so no need to tune them. Enjoy. It's such a good upgrade from the old model. Especially the fork.
Already ordered that exact seat. Have an existing pair of Double Take mirrors that are going on. Debating on the tank, for my purposes I may not need it. I'll uncork it eventually but I'm pleasantly surprised that it runs well in stock form even with all our emissions BS. I plan to soften the clickers and see how it feels. I'm 260 lbs with gear and backpack on so I'm probably going to need springs. Ordered some Giant Loop Mojavi bags as well to get some weight out of my backpack. Also getting new tires, these stock tires feel great on the road but not so great off. Heavy duty tubes and rim locks going on as well. D606 rear and MT21 front.
Sounds like a good plan. Mine came with Metzler 6 days extreme tyres and rimlocks installed. Check your rider sag but I suspect you will need to go up a spring in the rear. I've run mt21/d606 on my wr for maybe 10 years. Good combo. I'm going to try motoz enduro IT next.
Beautiful bike man, congrats 🍻 I’m hoping to get one of these soon. Enjoy the new ride 👌
Thank you!
Congrats on the new bike Mike looks a beauty hopefully its not as vibey on the road as I remember your old KTM was and as for the seat I ended up getting mine reofamed at a local upholsterers made the ride far more enjoyable looking forward to seeing what mods you get up to in the future.
Have a great Christmas best wishes for the new year from the UK
Martin
Happy holidays! New seat and a skid plate already ordered. Trying to keep the mods minimal. Don't think it needs much honestly, runs really well stock and I don't need more power at this time. It does vibe a bit through the footpegs, just like the last one, but doesn't seem quite as bad. Maybe that's the new frame or maybe I'm just used to it.
Congrats on the new bike!
Thank you!
Just watched your video with the section on "The Struggle" and man can I relate, been there. That looked steep even on camera so I know it was really steep. Good work. I had a really nicely setup DR650 that is one bike I regret selling.
Dang missing that Norden seat right away lol. Nice ride man and nice bike.
I thought the stock seat on the Norden was pretty good. My dad and brother didn't agree. I ordered a Seat Concepts Comfort XL for this bike as soon as I got home from that ride.
That seat is designed for how they think the 500 will be rode… balls out hanging off the back!! 😂
You would think they would put a more comfortable seat on a $14,000 dual sport that’s a big concern for me because I really want that bike but I also don’t want a sore ass all day, i’ve been riding an XR 650 L since 2012 and that thing is a heavy pig. I really want something lighter and more nimble like the KTM I guess you can always get a seat concepts seat, but for that price, it should be plush because dual sports go for long rides not just on a motocross track! I’ve been wanting a KTM for a long time is it worth it?
If you want lightweight then yes. Even the Seat Concepts seat isn't going to be as comfortable as the XR650L. I test rode an XR650L about a year ago that I considered buying but I felt the seating position very uncomfortable for my height at 6'1". The rider triangle felt really cramped for me. The KTM will feel like a motorized mountain bike in comparison.
I've got three plated dirtbikes and all of them had Seat Concepts seats taken off and replaced with a Fisher Seats custom seats. Well worth the $ and the wait. My rides are never uncomfortable, even 8 hour rides. Some people aren't bothered by skinny seats but it you are, look up Fisher Seats and be patient. You can use a Seat Concepts while you wait on your Fisher and then ebay it.
@@Navaho66 Thanks for the feedback. I've heard nothing but great things about Fisher Seats.
On the fence on getting 24 exc 500 or killer deal on 23 beta 430 Rs. Almost 3k diff and the beta is uncorked with tires anD voyager. How do you like the ktm vs the beta? To uncork and get tires on comp level it will easily be a 5k diff. Apples to apples ktm but price justification is making me ponder the beta. I’ve been watching all your videos and gathering all the info possible.
I prefer the KTM but 5k is a lot of money. I also like to use it as a dual sport and I think the KTM is better in that capacity. The Beta is not as good on the road, imo. I go through a lot of bikes and my biggest criticism of Beta is their resale value, it's awful, at least in my area. They sit for sale for months at a big loss and still don't sell. My buddy is trying to sell his 430 RR-S for several thousand less than he paid and it's been months. You could pick up a used Beta for a steal. The KTMs hold their value and sell very quickly, at least in my area, but we also have a fantastic KTM dealer here.
It's a tough call. They are more similar than they are different. If you plan to keep it a while it would be hard not to recommend the Beta for 5k less.
You sell your Beta 430? If so, why? I may be getting one.
Nice bike!
Thanks! That DRZ running yet? Let's go ride.
@@chasingtrail got the wiring all straight and changed the oil after chasing down a filter. Just need to slap the carb back on tomorrow and pray lol
Gettin one this year. I also hate the seat. Why do they make them so damn hard and uncomfortable?! My 05 Honda crf 450 was probably one of the best performing dirt bikes of all time for MX and the seats were plush and comfortable and not hard in the least. Felt like a really squishy horse saddle. These new ones feel like a brick line. Literally like a stiff straight line like a wooden wall. Soooo weird. Whhyyyyyy KTM. Whyyyyy.
What are you doing about running out of fuel with a half tank left?
It won't be much of an issue off-road and there's a gas station just outside my OHV area which is only 12 miles from my house, so it's not a huge issue for me. For dual sport use with lots of road miles, you'll have to plan ahead if you're getting low on the road or be able to wheelie to get that fuel to the pickup. I'm hoping Taco Moto or someone comes up with a solution.
I wonder which is more comfy, guts or seat concepts 🧐🤔
Good question, I've always used Seat Concepts and been happy with them, not cheap though.
@@chasingtrail yea guts is costly too.
You still happy with he bike. Im picking one up tomorrow. I have high hopes it doesn’t have any flame out issues. I have the crf450rl now and it flames out bad.
Yes, but I've had it less than 2 weeks and not even 100 miles on it yet. I will say I'm impressed at how well it runs stock. No flame outs, stalls, bogs, or flat spots. I had a '21 previously that had all those issues stock. This one runs great.
I had a CRF450L previously and I couldn't stand the throttle on it. Had a Vortex and G2 throttle tamer and still hated the twitchiness.
@@chasingtrail On and off road, what are the differences between the 450rl and 500 excf? Considering buying one of those bikes as dual sport. Prefer lighter weight, but prefer abs... Live in the foothills of the sierras and typically ride for 30 mins to 90 mins in the twisties to get to off road fun.
@@ridemfast7625 You'll enjoy the 450RL more on the street and the 500 EXCF more off-road. Which one is more important? And are you talking buying new? I wouldn't get a new KTM 500 for that much street use. The fuel pump location is a problem if you're using it as a dual sport.
@@chasingtrail Thats what I have learned - compromises. The twisties are just as much fun as the dirt in this area. Would buy used for either bike and buy one with most/all of the expensive mods done. My "guess" is the 500 with things like an xc gear 360 bar mount and pegs to reduce vibes and install something like Motoz Rallz tires, seat.... would bring it closer to the 450 for road enjoyment? Dont need to ride often at hiway speeds, 60+mph, so the 450 weight advantage at those speeds would be minimal?
@@ridemfast7625 The 500 vibrates like a broken washing machine through the footpegs. There's nothing you're going to be able to do to eliminate that. I got used to it, but it is significant. You can find great deals on used CRF450RLs with all the farkles. If I were looking for as much fun on the street as the dirt, I'd get a good used DRZ400. It's fun on the street, it's fun in the dirt, it doesn't excel at either. It's a perfect 50/50 bike, and you can find them for half the price of what a KTM or 450RL are going to cost you.
Cool video and nice bike! Any commentary on how it rode on the street? Aside from the seat was it comfortable? Too much vibration? Think you could go 100 miles on the road with it?
I'll be doing another video on that soonish, my battery died on the way home from that ride. I just put on my Seat Concepts Comfort XL seat and it's a HUGE improvement. The main place you feel vibration is through the footpegs, and it is considerable. I've gotten used to from a previous KTM 500 but it's definitely noticeable. Other than that, I think the KTMs handle the best on the street of the lightweight dual sports I have ridden. This is also highly dependent on tires, tire pressure, etc., but it feels really good on the street with the stock TKC 80 tires @ 20 psi. None of these bikes are fun on the freeway, but highway would be fine.
For 100 miles of road, I'd probably be looking at the 690/700/701 bikes. Those feel great on the road. My trails are within about 12 - 30 miles of my house depending on where I start, and this bike is perfect for that. There's a guy that's ridden his 500 around the world so it's all based on individual tolerance. A short test ride on the street will tell you what you need to know. For me personally, I'd be looking at the 690/700/701 for 100 miles of pavement.
Thank you for the detailed response! I agree the 690/700/701 seems like the logical decision but they are not quite what I am looking for off road. I suppose I need to decide how much I am willing to put up with in discomfort on road to get the 500 performance off road.@@chasingtrail
@@chasingtrail how on earth did your battery die after being charged during that long ride?
@@daleadmire1451 My GoPro battery.
@@chasingtrail oh, duh, I thought it was your motorcycle battery! thank God it wasn’t that would be a whole new problem.
1st ride 2024.... hello from the future!
Don't sit down if you're if you're not sure!
Seat Concepts Comfort Seat XL.......... your'e welcome
Yep, that's what I went with, very happy with it.
Can you tell why did you went back to KTM 500 after the Beta 430?
I was interested in the 2024 changes, KTM had an excellent financing promo, and my local KTM dealer is the best motorcycle dealer within a few hours radius of me, for any brand. I like giving them business and I know they will take care of any issues I might have. I also go through a lot of bikes, and the resale value on Betas is terrible. My buddy tried to sell his for months for a steal price and still couldn't find a buyer. If you want a Beta, buy a lightly used one for a huge discount.
@chasingtrail Thanks for the reply. I sold my 22 FE501S last year. I wanted to be my true dual sport, but the vibrations and road comfort was not there to be a tru 50/50 for my liking. This year I gave up on the one bike idea. I got a CRF300L for my light dual sport rides, but I want a dedicated plated dirtbike . I am looking to buy a 22 Beta 390 RR-S , the longer stroke sounds like my cup of tea. I would go with a 24 FE501S ,but can't justify the Cali OTD stealership prices
@@palpinter4204 Buy this one, I'll give you a better deal than any stealership.
@@chasingtrail Hmmmm. I like white KTMs , I have a thing for linkage
@@palpinter4204 Fair enough. I've ridden both and am not a good enough rider to appreciate the difference. My buddy Shane who's a much better rider than I am also prefers linkage.
What tires do you have and what are his?
Mine are the stock tires, I think they are TKC 80. He is running pure dirt tires, Michelin Star Cross 6 rear and Star Cross 5 front.
Does 24 feel lighter than previous generation or heavier
I would have to ride them back-to-back but I doubt there's any appreciable difference in perceived weight.
@@chasingtrail I’m stuck between a new 350 or 500 . I’ve had a fe 350s but not sure how much more money I want to throw in when a 500 may just be ready to go no tune or exhaust needed
@@bodybycalithenics5198 Before I purchased this 500 I did a test ride on a lightly used 2022 FE350S the dealer had. The 350 had a Vortex ECU and FMF pipe, so it was already uncorked. The 350 would probably be great on the trail, but I missed the torque and grunt of the 500. It has plenty of power for me stock, and it runs well with no flame outs, bogging, or flat spots. I'll probably uncork it eventually, when and if my skills improve, but I'm impressed at how well it runs in stock form.
Fuckin mirror
ua-cam.com/video/VYrFnW8jpWA/v-deo.html
Did you sell the 430rrs?
Yes.
@@chasingtrail Why? And went back to the KTM500?
@@palpinter4204 Had to sell the Beta because I needed cash at the time. When it came time for another dual sport I was interested in the changes on the 2024 model and thought I'd give KTM another shot. I also just get bored quickly and go through a lot of bikes, don't read too much into it.
Where is this ride located?
Chappie Shasta OHV near Redding, CA
Thanks !@@chasingtrail
Guess I'm going to Ace
LOL