The 500 EXC-F is KTM’s largest-displacement dual sport model. It’s no secret that we think highly of the 500 EXC-F for its powerful yet controllable engine character, well-rounded WP suspension, nimble handling, light weight, and top-shelf Brembo brakes. In the past 10 years, it has been named Cycle World’s Best Enduro/Dual Sport five times (2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2019).
The KTM 500 EXC-F won Cycle World’s 2019 Dual Sport Shootout, which took place in Moab, Utah. While we were riding the red rocks of Moab, we took the time to compare the 500 EXC-F to its smaller-displacement sibling, the 350 EXC-F as well. “The KTM 500 EXC-F is the dual sport to which all others are compared, with the broadest performance envelope,” Cycle World Senior Editor Justin Dawes wrote. “It really is the dual sport for anywhere and everywhere.” Yeah, exactly.
The 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F retails for $11,399. It costs $100 less than the 2020 Husqvarna FE 501s and $500 more than the 2020 Beta 500 RR-S.
The KTM 500 EXC-F was granted a multitude of changes for 2020. KTM also offers a 500 EXC-F Six Days edition, which is priced at $12,399 and features orange triple clamps, different colored plastics, and special graphics.