2014 KTM 500 EXC (DUAL SPORT)
RIDING IMPRESSION
P70
upgraded front master cylinder
with a new reservoir, a smaller
piston diameter and a new le-
ver with optimized "kinematics."
There are even new sinter Toyo
B169 brake pads.
The 2014 EXC's 510cc
SOHC four-stroke motor hasn't
changed, though fuel mapping
has been tweaked a bit, and
the "quiet" screen at the tip of
the muffler can no longer be re-
moved. It's welded in there solid.
Unlike the original 500 EXC
that was fitted with Metzler DOT
tires, the 2014 version comes
with Maxxis Enduro DOT tires.
The 2014 500 EXC is still a
blast to ride. It still feels light and
agile and very narrow between
your legs. The bike is still incred-
ibly responsive and nimble, and
far more sensitive than you'd
think from a big 500cc dirt bike.
In fact, the bike almost feels small
in size, despite its somewhat tall
38-inch seat height.
As before, the new 500 EXC
is a jewel on the trail. It loves
tight and twisty single-track and
it soaks up the hard hits like a
serious dirt bike does, not like a
traditional overweight and under-
suspended dual sport bike from
Japan. We wouldn't hesitate
one bit removing the mirrors and
blinkers and riding it in a local
enduro; heck, we'd probably not
even bother taking the turn sig-
nals off!
Yet, as good as it is on the trail,
the KTM is remarkably comfortable
on the tarmac. Our last ride on the
EXC had us on the pavement for
30 or so miles before we hit dirt,
What the
2.2-gallon
tank might
lack in
capacity is
made up
for with its
translucent
and slim
construction.
Even on the
pavement, the
EXC is remarkably
compliant.
With the EXC, you
can do this as
soon as you ride
it off the show-
room floor.
