Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/821592
2017 KTM 250, 350 AND 500 EXC-F FIRST RIDE P108 extremely lean mapping and popping on decel. Those issues are gone for 2017 and in bone- stock trim all three of the EXC-Fs run extremely well. We rode the three bikes from sea level up to 4000 feet without any issues. 500 EXC-F The 2017 500 EXC-F is an all-around great bike that runs amazingly well, even with all of the emissions equipment and sound restrictions in place. Previous-generation 500 EXCs have had lean mapping that made the bike prone to stalling and backfiring. These aren't issues anymore with the new- generation 500 EXC-F; instead, throttling is spot-on, clean and consistent. The 500 EXC-F engine, how- ever, isn't for the faint of heart. hand in combination with smooth clutch work. A Rekluse auto clutch is an addition that would make rocky and technical riding pure bliss on the 500 EXC-F. As the power gets into the middle and higher revs, it's smooth and plentiful, but not as arm- stretching as the KTM competi- if they are aggressive. In tighter single-track and technical riding, it works well for a wide range of weights and abilities, provid- ing great traction and comfort. The new-generation EXC-Fs have a lower seat height that enhances the overall feel and comfort of the better-balanced It provides a ton of power and it does it immediately off idle. The response from the 42mm throttle body is instantaneous, and if you aren't smooth with the throttle, the 500 EXC-F can feel very jerky and jumpy when transition- ing from deceleration to accel- eration. Modulating rear-wheel traction in tight conditions re- quires a very calculated throttle tion (XC) models. That's fine, this isn't a race bike and that is quite clear by the ultra-quiet nature of the bike. Its stealth-like exhaust note is deceiving. Trust us, this engine, in stock trim, offers up plenty of wheelie power! The Xplor suspension is ultra- comfortable on the 500 EXC-F. For riders over 180 pounds, it borders on too plush, especially suspension. In the past, the 500 EXC suffered from overly soft forks and excessive diving was an issue. That is thankfully not a concern anymore because of stiffer springs and damping changes in the 500's forks, and this also contributes to the bike's improved balance. Even so, the 500 EXC-F isn't a whoop- smashing bike in stock form, the LIKE THE MOTOCROSS VERSION, THE DUAL OVERHEAD CAM 350 EXC-F ENGINE IS HAPPY TO BE RIDDEN HOWEVER YOU CHOOSE.