I love your attitude and motivation for us to get out and ride! Thanks! Did you change any internal parrts other than the clutch? Does the thin air in Colorado affect your fueling??
Hello: No internal motor mods. Removed the reeds, de-smogged, upgraded the ECU (I use Vortex and GET) and it has plenty of HP for me. I've lived at high elevation for 46 years so I'm well versed at fueling/jetting up here and yes adjustments need made for mountain riding.
@@slaverace1 thanks for the information, Jeff. I took notes through-out the video on things I would like to add to my Gas Gas EC300...hopefully not 21K worth! :)
Thanks for the video Jeff. Does Dirt Tricks make a Cam Chain Tensioner for the 2020 EXCF 500? I thought you were using the Tokyo Mods version, but the video does not show that anymore, so wondering if you changed it out?
Hello: DT does not make one but Toyko Mods does, slavensracing.com/shop/cam-chain-tensioner-for-ktm-husky-by-tokyo-mods/ . I had one on my `17 500EXC-F (sold) but my `20 500 XCF-W has not started ticking yet so I haven't changed it out.
Excellent Vid Jeff, thanks for sharing add-on tips. I would add one thing, the Scott's Steering Damper has stopped my bars from getting ripped out of my hands in big rocky sections. Life saver item.
Jeff can you discuss the thermostat delete with samco. I feel there is a lot of disinformation on the delete. I see the thermostat as a failure point and was going to delete. I'm building a Tour of Idaho 501. Thanks
Macnee Let's apply a little common sense to this topic. XC, XCF, SX, SXF models don't have a thermostat. Why? Better coolant flow for improved cooling and fewer parts to fail. The only benefit of a thermostat is the engine gets up to normal operating temps quicker, but not by a lot. I have handlebar mounted temp gauges on my 500 and 300 so I can easily monitor the temps and eliminating (bypass kit) the thermostat is NOT a problem and definitely has an upside. Also, the O.E.M. hoses are very basic butyl rubber and prone to fail. I've seen many failures (hoses split) in extreme conditions where the engine temps are maxed out. Another issue is the thermostat often rubs on the radiator fins and it pushes the hose against the cylinder (2 strokes only) and causes the hose to fail. This is well documented on the chit chat sites and some YT videos. Get rid of the thermo and clean up the engine compartment.
@@slaverace1 Thanks for the response. In the video you had very specific reasons for every piece that you added to the bike. I would be interested to know why front disc protection is unnecessary. Thanks again for the information.
What did you think of the stock AT81 tire? I have a '21 500 XCF-W, and I've been very impressed with it so far here in the PNW. Rocks, roots, mud, and hard pack, it seems to just grab everything.
For the conditions you listed, the AT81 is mediocre at best. To increase the fun factor, try a Shinko 520DC slavensracing.com/shop/r520dc-rear-tire-by-shinko/
I've used Scotts dampers for many years and am currently testing the Precision Parabolic damper on one of my 300s. So far so good. Stay tuned for an upcoming damper video.
Not Jeff, but the XCF-W doesn't have to comply with road going emissions standards and also doesn't have all the trappings of blinkers etc. Just a better platform if you don't need to be street legal.
In Colorado it is fairly easy to plate an XCF-W. EXC-F models are more expensive, come with a bunch of junk I would remove, crap tires, much leaner ECU settings, plugged up muffler, etc., etc.. In some states the EXC-F is a better choice but not in Colorado.
Great video Jefff...my 2020 500 EXC has a very similar setup and thank you for the many parts I got from you for it! I did lower my gearing as I felt the EXC stock setup was a little too high for me. Love this bike and use it as my all-arounder.
Great video. I love my 2020 500exc. Do you think that Bridgestone E50 rear tire will be good dual sport tire. Always looking for some options on the rear.
James, Dual sport varies a lot from state to state. Many parts of the country it is riding on pussy trails, so the E50 gummy would be fine. West of the Mississippi, dual sport involves easy trails, Jeep roads, dirt roads and some pavement and often high mileage days. For out here we need a decent handling tire with a fairly long service life for high mileage multi-day high rides. I'm mounting the E50 Gummy for trail testing but it is not a high mileage tire so probably not a good choice for most dual sport.
Thx for your reply. I’m from western pa. So only roads we ride is to get to the trail. Any for distances we will truck them. I had the Arena hybrid gummy on before and absolutely loved it. But as expected it wore out fast. Maybe I’ll try the normal arena hybrid next time. When I went out to san Juan’s in Colorado I needed something that lasted long an ran the mountain hybrid. It was alright. But it worked.
Jeff, I see you running tubliss constantly, do you like having the ability to adjust the outer pressure whenever, or are you like me and just hate putting on Bibs?
Can't say I enjoy doing anything involving changing tires but I'm not a mousse guy. They definitely have their place but I prefer to adjust the pressure.
The chain guides really get clacky when the center section wears down thus allowing the links to contact the guide. Most people don’t realize that this is a wear item and should be replaced before that happens. Excellent content as always, Jeff! Thank you.
James: ALL Rekluse clutches work very well. I have several bikes and have the 3.0, X and CX. I enjoy all of them and they all work the same. The CX has a little stronger engagement but unless you are a top level racer dude, I doubt you could feel the difference. The 3.0 can be easily upgraded to the X or CX if later on you wanted to do that. I would start with the 3.0, slavensracing.com/shop/rekluse-exp-3-0-auto-clutch-for-ktm/ and change the springs to all silver, slavensracing.com/shop/mule-clutch-tuning-kit-rekluse-3-0-slavens/ and you will be a happy camper.
Did u drill out the screens on the exhaust? Or does this one not come with it like the exc f? I’m your opinion which ecu offers more bang for buck.....vortex or get?
The XCF-W muffler does not have a restrictor plate and the internal screen is the spark arrestor which is in tact. The ECU question is tough. I'll post a video on this soon. They are both great and work very well.
Cool 500. I’ll have to show this to all my KTM buddies that keep telling me that I don’t need anything larger than a 350 (ironically my CRF450R converted for trails is still lighter than their 350s AND more HP and much better suspension 😉). KTM sure did a Great job of brainwashing everyone into thinking only 350 and the Japanese finished it off by refusing to lighten the newer bikes.
I may be able to have a 20,000.00 dirt bike in my next life. I'm still tying to get a 10,000 dirt bike in this life. I should say 15,000 cause after you fix or add the parts you need it would be 15,000.00 Just being real.
I built this bike for me and was not aware I need to be concerned about your self esteem. Been doing this for almost 50 years and am way past riding a boring stock bike. I don't know when my number will be up so I'm maximizing my fun while I'm still above dirt. Up your game! Improve your bike a little and get out and ride. Throttle therapy will keep you on track.
@@slaverace1 Up your ass. Don't be some show boat. I'm 58 years old, I started out with a DR 350 back in "95 and it was $4,200. Came around 2002 and I got a used 2001 KTM EXC 400 for $5,000. I still have the bike. This is why there's nothing but grey heads at dual sports.By the way your bike is immaculate, are you sure you ride that thing in the woods?
People if you need help with a KTM Mr. Slavens is the man to talk to
Thank you.
Yes Sir
I love your attitude and motivation for us to get out and ride! Thanks! Did you change any internal parrts other than the clutch? Does the thin air in Colorado affect your fueling??
Hello: No internal motor mods. Removed the reeds, de-smogged, upgraded the ECU (I use Vortex and GET) and it has plenty of HP for me.
I've lived at high elevation for 46 years so I'm well versed at fueling/jetting up here and yes adjustments need made for mountain riding.
@@slaverace1 thanks for the information, Jeff. I took notes through-out the video on things I would like to add to my Gas Gas EC300...hopefully not 21K worth! :)
I would love to figure out the typical added weight to a bike when you put all the guards an bashing attire on it.
I spy spoke weights that weren't mentioned. Have them on my dual sport setup as well, much better than a bunch of lead stickies. Awesome build!
Thanks for the video Jeff. Does Dirt Tricks make a Cam Chain Tensioner for the 2020 EXCF 500? I thought you were using the Tokyo Mods version, but the video does not show that anymore, so wondering if you changed it out?
Hello: DT does not make one but Toyko Mods does, slavensracing.com/shop/cam-chain-tensioner-for-ktm-husky-by-tokyo-mods/ . I had one on my `17 500EXC-F (sold) but my `20 500 XCF-W has not started ticking yet so I haven't changed it out.
Excellent Vid Jeff, thanks for sharing add-on tips. I would add one thing, the Scott's Steering Damper has stopped my bars from getting ripped out of my hands in big rocky sections. Life saver item.
I like dampers and I'm currently testing the Precision Parabolic slavensracing.com/shop/parabolic-damper-mount-kit-for-ktm-08-14/
Jeff can you discuss the thermostat delete with samco. I feel there is a lot of disinformation on the delete. I see the thermostat as a failure point and was going to delete. I'm building a Tour of Idaho 501. Thanks
Macnee
Let's apply a little common sense to this topic. XC, XCF, SX, SXF models don't have a thermostat. Why? Better coolant flow for improved cooling and fewer parts to fail. The only benefit of a thermostat is the engine gets up to normal operating temps quicker, but not by a lot. I have handlebar mounted temp gauges on my 500 and 300 so I can easily monitor the temps and eliminating (bypass kit) the thermostat is NOT a problem and definitely has an upside.
Also, the O.E.M. hoses are very basic butyl rubber and prone to fail. I've seen many failures (hoses split) in extreme conditions where the engine temps are maxed out. Another issue is the thermostat often rubs on the radiator fins and it pushes the hose against the cylinder (2 strokes only) and causes the hose to fail. This is well documented on the chit chat sites and some YT videos. Get rid of the thermo and clean up the engine compartment.
@@slaverace1 thank Jeff
Great video and a very nice machine. Do you run a front disc cover on your bikes?
No.
@@slaverace1 Thanks for the response. In the video you had very specific reasons for every piece that you added to the bike. I would be interested to know why front disc protection is unnecessary. Thanks again for the information.
What did you think of the stock AT81 tire? I have a '21 500 XCF-W, and I've been very impressed with it so far here in the PNW. Rocks, roots, mud, and hard pack, it seems to just grab everything.
For the conditions you listed, the AT81 is mediocre at best. To increase the fun factor, try a Shinko 520DC slavensracing.com/shop/r520dc-rear-tire-by-shinko/
@@slaverace1 Thanks! Appreciate the response!
Jeff, nice build thanks! what are your thought reasoning on using a steering stabilizer? I noticed they are not on your bikes.
I've used Scotts dampers for many years and am currently testing the Precision Parabolic damper on one of my 300s. So far so good. Stay tuned for an upcoming damper video.
slavensracing.com/shop/parabolic-damper-mount-kit-for-ktm-08-14/
Hi Jeff, would you share why you chose the XCF-W instead of the EXC?
Not Jeff, but the XCF-W doesn't have to comply with road going emissions standards and also doesn't have all the trappings of blinkers etc. Just a better platform if you don't need to be street legal.
In Colorado it is fairly easy to plate an XCF-W. EXC-F models are more expensive, come with a bunch of junk I would remove, crap tires, much leaner ECU settings, plugged up muffler, etc., etc.. In some states the EXC-F is a better choice but not in Colorado.
“I wouldn’t worry too much about your junk, I’d worry the landing.” LMAO
Great video Jefff...my 2020 500 EXC has a very similar setup and thank you for the many parts I got from you for it! I did lower my gearing as I felt the EXC stock setup was a little too high for me. Love this bike and use it as my all-arounder.
Thank you for buying from us. We appreciate it!
Great video. I love my 2020 500exc. Do you think that Bridgestone E50 rear tire will be good dual sport tire. Always looking for some options on the rear.
James, Dual sport varies a lot from state to state. Many parts of the country it is riding on pussy trails, so the E50 gummy would be fine. West of the Mississippi, dual sport involves easy trails, Jeep roads, dirt roads and some pavement and often high mileage days. For out here we need a decent handling tire with a fairly long service life for high mileage multi-day high rides.
I'm mounting the E50 Gummy for trail testing but it is not a high mileage tire so probably not a good choice for most dual sport.
Thx for your reply. I’m from western pa. So only roads we ride is to get to the trail. Any for distances we will truck them. I had the Arena hybrid gummy on before and absolutely loved it. But as expected it wore out fast. Maybe I’ll try the normal arena hybrid next time. When I went out to san Juan’s in Colorado I needed something that lasted long an ran the mountain hybrid. It was alright. But it worked.
I see you've changed out the stock muffler for a Graves. Testing that one out?
Done testing. Works very well. Already posted 3 videos about the Graves.
Jeff,
Could you please provide more details on the RAM mount (specifically how it's mounted) that you are using to attach your Garmin Rugged Mount?
Jeff,
I see you running tubliss constantly, do you like having the ability to adjust the outer pressure whenever, or are you like me and just hate putting on Bibs?
Can't say I enjoy doing anything involving changing tires but I'm not a mousse guy. They definitely have their place but I prefer to adjust the pressure.
The chain guides really get clacky when the center section wears down thus allowing the links to contact the guide. Most people don’t realize that this is a wear item and should be replaced before that happens.
Excellent content as always, Jeff! Thank you.
Im going to start buying everything thru you ! Luv your videos etc, Keep it going brother !!!
I appreciate that
Would you be concerned about deleting the thermostat in colder climates? Stock hoses are getting thin and thinking about some Samcos.
No. I live in a 4 season state.
Looking to do a rekluse on my 500. This will be my first one. Any reason your using the 3.0 vs the new Cx?
James: ALL Rekluse clutches work very well. I have several bikes and have the 3.0, X and CX. I enjoy all of them and they all work the same. The CX has a little stronger engagement but unless you are a top level racer dude, I doubt you could feel the difference. The 3.0 can be easily upgraded to the X or CX if later on you wanted to do that. I would start with the 3.0, slavensracing.com/shop/rekluse-exp-3-0-auto-clutch-for-ktm/ and change the springs to all silver, slavensracing.com/shop/mule-clutch-tuning-kit-rekluse-3-0-slavens/ and you will be a happy camper.
I love it when Jeff gets pissed at people. Love these vids
Very nice bike and build , thanks for sharing A plus advise and info
You're welcome.
Do you have a weight comparison now with all the extra stuff added?
Sorry, I do not.
Is that a new version of flexx bars? They look more streamlined.
Yes. Prototypes.
Do you use dirt tricks dome washer on your 2020 XCF-W 500 Tks
No
A god amongst men. Slavens for trail prez
Just an old dude that likes to ride. Thank you.
Did u drill out the screens on the exhaust? Or does this one not come with it like the exc f? I’m your opinion which ecu offers more bang for buck.....vortex or get?
The XCF-W muffler does not have a restrictor plate and the internal screen is the spark arrestor which is in tact.
The ECU question is tough. I'll post a video on this soon. They are both great and work very well.
where did you relocate your ignition key switch?
XCF-Ws don't have a key.
What? No billet gas cap? LOL. Nice bike
Once my luckys and national come in I won’t be far behind that.
I'm hoping I can afford a bike like this when I grow up!
Problem is I'm hitting 60 this year. 😥
You're just a kid. I'll be 68 in June.
@@slaverace1 well, I guess I still have a couple of years to figure out what the hell I'm doing wrong! 😉
Nice job jeff I hope you gave yourself a good discount on the parts lol
ROCK STAR!!
There is no way you get 250 miles on that tank!!! That 64 miles per gallon. With a GET.......NO WAY
Sorry to burst your bubble but I've gone past 250 several times on easy rides, primarily on dirt roads and 2 track easy stuff.
Cool 500. I’ll have to show this to all my KTM buddies that keep telling me that I don’t need anything larger than a 350 (ironically my CRF450R converted for trails is still lighter than their 350s AND more HP and much better suspension 😉). KTM sure did a Great job of brainwashing everyone into thinking only 350 and the Japanese finished it off by refusing to lighten the newer bikes.
I may be able to have a 20,000.00 dirt bike in my next life. I'm still tying to get a 10,000 dirt bike in this life.
I should say 15,000 cause after you fix or add the parts you need it would be 15,000.00 Just being real.
$21,000 for a trail bike? Is this supposed to make me feel good about myself?
I built this bike for me and was not aware I need to be concerned about your self esteem. Been doing this for almost 50 years and am way past riding a boring stock bike. I don't know when my number will be up so I'm maximizing my fun while I'm still above dirt.
Up your game! Improve your bike a little and get out and ride. Throttle therapy will keep you on track.
@@slaverace1 Up your ass. Don't be some show boat. I'm 58 years old, I started out with a DR 350 back in "95 and it was $4,200. Came around 2002 and I got a used 2001 KTM EXC 400 for $5,000. I still have the bike. This is why there's nothing but grey heads at dual sports.By the way your bike is immaculate, are you sure you ride that thing in the woods?