Dirt Bikes

2023 KTM 500 EXC-F Technical Information

Features and specifications of KTM’s 500 road-legal dirt bike.

May 24, 2023

When the subject of street-legal dirt bikes gets brought up, chances are KTM’s 500 EXC-F becomes a topic of conversation. In its first year of the current model generation, the orange machine took the victory in our 2019 450 Dual Sport Shootout. Now at the end of its production cycle in MY23, it’s as refined as ever. Test rider Evan Allen has put the 500 EXC-F through its paces around SoCal, and before we publish his test, let’s run through some of the features and specifications of the Austrian manufacturer’s 511cc street-legal off-road motorcycle.

The 500 EXC-F is KTM’s flagship street-legal dirt bike.Jeff Allen

Updates for 2023 are cosmetic with an orange frame and purple in the radiator shroud graphics paying homage to the color scheme of enduro models from the 1990s.Jeff Allen

The fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 511cc engine churns out 40.5 hp at 8,200 rpm and 28.6 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,000 rpm on our in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer.Jeff Allen

An O2 sensor connected to the header pipe and United States Forest Service (USFS)-approved spark arrestor in the muffler end cap are a couple of extras on the 500 EXC-F’s exhaust system versus the 450 XCF-W enduro model’s.Jeff Allen

There’s no shortage of tunability with the WP Xplor 48mm open-cartridge coil-spring fork. It’s adjustable for compression and rebound damping, as well as spring preload.Mark Kariya

WP’s Xplor PDS (Progressive Damping System) shock is exclusive to KTM’s enduro and dual sport models. No linkage allows for more ground clearance, which helps riders get over obstacles, and decreases the amount of required maintenance with less bearings to grease.Jeff Allen

Orange frames are typically reserved for KTM’s Factory Editions and the final year of a model generation.Jeff Allen

KTM is the only Austrian brand to spec Brembo brakes on its enduro and dual sport motorcycles.Jeff Allen

Dash is straightforward with a speedometer, odometer, clock, and hourmeter.Jeff Allen

Within thumb’s reach on the left side of the Neken handlebar is a low- and high-beam light switch, turn signals, and horn button.Jeff Allen

A license to ride on the road and, in the case of a dual sport, connect trails.Jeff Allen

On the Dirt Rider automotive scales, the 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F weighs 255 pounds wet—same as the 2023 Husqvarna FE 350s.Jeff Allen

2023 KTM 500 EXC-F Specs

MSRP:	$12,549
Engine:	SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement:	511cc
Bore x Stroke:	95.0 x 72.0mm
Compression Ratio:	12.75:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	40.5 hp @ 8,200 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	28.6 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel System:	EFI w/ 42mm throttle body
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate Damped Diaphragm Steel (DDS); hydraulic actuation
Frame:	Central double-cradle chromoly steel
Front Suspension:	WP Xplor 48mm coil-spring fork, spring preload, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	WP Xplor PDS (Progressive Damping System) shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Front Brake:	Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:	Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	Continental TKC 80; 90/90-21 / 120/90-18
Rake/Trail:	26.5°/NA
Wheelbase:	58.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	14.0 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	37.8 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.25 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	255 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	ktm.com