Author Topic: Economically adventurizing a EXC 500 (Read 90912 times)

Damaraland · « **on:** January 10, 2018, 01:18:41 pm »

So, I'm biting the bullet and getting a 500 EXC to join my 990. Idea is to use the 500 for stuff like Kaokoland, Botswana cut lines and Angola. Tours will range from between 7 to 14 days and I want to be able to rough-camp where necessary.

I've decided not to sell my 990, as I'll keep that around for the odd longer gravel tour and because I just love it so much. As for the 500, that'll be trailered to the start of the interesting bits and then ridden from there, so no long gravel stretches of I can help it.

Now, seeing as I'm not selling the 990 I'm going to have to operate on as much of a budget as I can. This means that I'm looking for the items that are both indispensable for adventure riding on a 500 as well as the most economical in their class. Would prefer to buy from SA distributors if possible, but importing is also not a huge problem.

Essentials in my opinion (would love to hear from other riders also what they think is essential):
- Larger tank (need to cater for about 400km range)
- Bash plate
- Luggage rack
- Possibly touring screen

Looking forward to your input!

Edit:

This thread has grown so much and is difficult to search - here is a link to the post where I detail what we bought http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=219441.msg4038415#msg4038415

Xpat · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2018, 01:39:45 pm »

I'm assuming here you are talking already roadworthy bike - if not you will need roadworthy kit (ideally do not get mirrors on stalks but the ones that fold into handlebars)

Otherwise - Bashplate, bigger tank (get 19 litres) and handguards. If you plan Lesotho - hard rocks riding (which Kaokoland is not, unless you are going to go properly off) then I would recommend brake disk protectors.

What you do not need: screen (avoid at any cost - prevents airflow) and luggage rack - get backbone luggage like Giant Loop, Altrider or Mosko Moto. The best choice for luggage and no need for racks.

I've done so far 5,5k km on mine since April (minus 4 months between June and September when I was in Europe) - everything from Lesotho (http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=217872.0) to Bots cutlines (http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=218987.0) and you are not going to be disappointed! I suspect that your 990 will not get much mileage once you get 500 (my 690 has about 4.5 km this year - 500 5.5k km - and that was only because I had to take 690 to Bots along with 500 as I needed bike for my mate, otherwise the score would be 3k km vs 5.5km).

Heavy adventure bikes like 690 and 990 are so overrated

Ebredenhann · « **Reply #2 on:** January 10, 2018, 01:50:11 pm »

I will be watching this threat closely, as I am considering selling my 690 for a 500...

Damaraland, check the following 4 sites and video clips to make your mouth water...

• THE SPIRIT OF MOTONOMAD - KTM 500EXC: (

&feature=youtu.be)
• MOTONOMAD II - 1080H (

)
• Motonomad III - Riders of the Andes (

)
• http://therollinghobo.com/500exc

Damaraland · « **Reply #3 on:** January 10, 2018, 01:52:45 pm »

Good info thanks Xpat.

I'm buying new, will get the KTM roadworthy kit as well.

It was exactly my Kaokoland VZP Huanib Hoaruseb etc trip on my 990 that convinced me of the merits of smaller bikes for hardcore rides. Will do VZP on 500 again, didn't break the 990 there so should be OK on 500 without disk protectors.

Surprised that I do not need luggage racks, definitely need to sharpen my research there. Had a look at Mosko Moto previously, but it's too expensive for my budget now. Was very happy with my Giant Loop so will probably go that route again.

For bashplate & handguards did you go hardparts route or aftermarket? What brand fueltank?

Thanks again!

Damaraland · « **Reply #4 on:** January 10, 2018, 01:53:53 pm »

@Ebredenhann Motonomad videos played a big part in my decision

zebra - Flying Brick · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2018, 01:56:41 pm »

we can help you with quite a few of the accessories to 'adventurize' your KTM 500 (I 'adventurized' my own 450...).

- Larger tank (need to cater for about 400km range)
an inexpensive solution if you can fit it is a hard 5L fuel cell, they are around R400, take 5L, and we have fitted them to MANY smaller bikes going up Africa (see pics). Otherwise a foldable/soft 5L fuel cell, we stock two different models, also affordable... (R695 - R895)-
Bash plate
If you chat to Paul/PSP, he can sort you out - shout if you need the details, HYDE may also have a solution...-
Luggage rack
If you chat to Paul/PSP, he MIGHT be able to help you...- Possibly touring screen
we fit a lot of the GIVI/Kappa universal screens to all types of bikes - including the KTM 6-days (see pic), but also DR 650's, Honda 650L and R, basically any naked bike that needs a screen... worth noting, this screen IS EASILY removed, leaving BOTH the handlebar brackets in place, simply loose 2 bolts, remove the screen, go play in the dunes (or wherever) and refit the screen in under 1 minute...

Xpat · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2018, 01:59:02 pm »

Fuel tank is KTM powerparts - which is the Acerbis tank, just rebranded. So just see which one is cheaper and get that (if you are buying new, you might get deal from KTM with the tank).

Handguards I have are very expensive (I think is HDB) from Chris - Zebra, because they have those integrated mirrors that fold into the handguards. I prefer to ride without mirrors in the way so I paid the money. But you might get cheaper handguards and get one of those Harley mirrors that are under handlebars? Or just ride without mirrors...

You definitely do not need luggage racks - just get one of those backbone luggages (I would personally probably go for Alt Rider holster system - similar to MM - that Chris - Zebra sells), and pack heavy stuff to the bottom. And you might need bigger backpack to carry some stuff on you like thos Motonomad guys did (and me as well).

I'm sure you have seen this, but here is MaxThePanda doing Damaraland + Kaokoland on 500: http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=215299.0

Xpat · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:01:48 pm »

Quote from: zebra - Flying Brick on January 10, 2018, 01:56:41 pm

we can help you with quite a few of the accessories to 'adventurize' your KTM 500 (I 'adventurized' my own 450...).

- Larger tank (need to cater for about 400km range)
an inexpensive solution if you can fit it is a hard 5L fuel cell, they are around R400, take 5L, and we have fitted them to MANY smaller bikes going up Africa (see pics). Otherwise a foldable/soft 5L fuel cell, we stock two different models, also affordable... (R695 - R895)- Bash plate
If you chat to Paul/PSP, he can sort you out - shout if you need the details, HYDE may also have a solution...- Luggage rack
If you chat to Paul/PSP, he MIGHT be able to help you...- Possibly touring screen
we fit a lot of the GIVI/Kappa universal screens to all types of bikes - including the KTM 6-days (see pic), but also DR 650's, Honda 650L and R, basically any naked bike that needs a screen... worth noting, this screen IS EASILY removed, leaving BOTH the handlebar brackets in place, simply loose 2 bolts, remove the screen, go play in the dunes (or wherever) and refit the screen in under 1 minute...

Sorry Chris - but those racks and fuel cells are definitely no-go for 500 in my book. It just kills the purpose of really lightweight bike and makes it way too wide.

Edit: And you will definitely break subframe if try to put anything that heavy that far back on 500, and ride it as it was designed to ride. All those bikes in the picture have subframes designed for passengers - 500 has minimalist enduro subframe.

For my money - as I said, backbone luggage (I would go AltRider Hemisphere holster - considering how hard and expensive it is to get MM my first choice) without any racks and big tank is the way to go.

Xpat · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:06:12 pm »

Also - depending on how tall you are - you might consider getting 500 lowered (I did) as it is very tall. That makes a bit more stable as well. I had mine lowere by Hilton Hayward just by adjusting suspension (so no lowering links or such).

I know many who ride proper enduro/cross country will consider this a sacrilege, but for trips like Damaraland plans to do it makes bike much more friendly (stable and manageable in tricky terrain) and I haven't bottomed out yet, including riding whoops in DeWildt and juping rocks in Lesotho.

zebra - Flying Brick · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:12:32 pm »

Quote from: Xpat on Today at 02:01:48 pm

>Quote from: zebra - Flying Brick on Today at 01:56:41 pm>we can help you with quite a few of the accessories to 'adventurize' your KTM 500 (I 'adventurized' my own 450...).

- Larger tank (need to cater for about 400km range)
an inexpensive solution if you can fit it is a hard 5L fuel cell, they are around R400, take 5L, and we have fitted them to MANY smaller bikes going up Africa (see pics). Otherwise a foldable/soft 5L fuel cell, we stock two different models, also affordable... (R695 - R895)- Bash plate
If you chat to Paul/PSP, he can sort you out - shout if you need the details, HYDE may also have a solution...- Luggage rack
If you chat to Paul/PSP, he MIGHT be able to help you...- Possibly touring screen
we fit a lot of the GIVI/Kappa universal screens to all types of bikes - including the KTM 6-days (see pic), but also DR 650's, Honda 650L and R, basically any naked bike that needs a screen... worth noting, this screen IS EASILY removed, leaving BOTH the handlebar brackets in place, simply loose 2 bolts, remove the screen, go play in the dunes (or wherever) and refit the screen in under 1 minute...

Sorry Chris - but those racks and fuel cells are definitely no-go for 500 in my book. It just kills the purpose of really lightweight bike and makes it way too wide.

Edit: And you will definitely break subframe if try to put anything that heavy that far back on 500, and ride it as it was designed to ride. All those bikes in the picture have subframes designed for passengers - 500 has minimalist enduro subframe.

Fair enough - I accept your knowledge !

For my money - as I said, backbone luggage (I would go AltRider Hemisphere holster - considering how hard and expensive it is to get MM my first choice) without any racks and big tank is the way to go.

ClimbingTurtle · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:16:54 pm »

Have you perhaps looked at the Husky 501? Comes standard with a roadworthy kit (fitted optionally at no extra charge) for around R126K new - I looked at one last month at Holeshot......

No idea on a long range tank for this tho.....

zebra - Flying Brick · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:42:57 pm »

screen fitted to a KTM 6-days: (GIVI/Kappa Universal...)

(also fit them to X Challenge, etc).

Chris & Team

Xpat · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:45:39 pm »

Here are some pictures of my luggage set-up from Botswana and Lesotho (each of them mutliday trips, including tools, spare tubes, full camping gear - in Bots that means tent, food, water, etc.):

Xpat · « **Reply #13 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:46:54 pm »

I've heard there are no KTM Power Parts tanks available yet for 2017 and onwards (mine is 2016). But Acerbis makes them - check with Runner if he might have Acerbis for newer model.

m0lt3n · « **Reply #14 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:48:55 pm »

following this closely...
so don't take shortcuts, I want good rigs

Offshore · « **Reply #15 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:54:22 pm »

Damaraland · « **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:54:28 pm »

Quote from: ClimbingTurtle on January 10, 2018, 02:16:54 pm

Have you perhaps looked at the Husky 501? Comes standard with a roadworthy kit (fitted optionally at no extra charge) for around R126K new - I looked at one last month at Holeshot......

No idea on a long range tank for this tho.....

No Husky dealer in Nam, also for once the KTM is cheaper:-) Can get it for about 103K ex Vat.

That said, those Husky's are pretty sweet

Damaraland · « **Reply #17 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:56:20 pm »

Quote from: Xpat on January 10, 2018, 02:46:54 pm

I've heard there are no KTM Power Parts tanks available yet for 2017 and onwards (mine is 2016). But Acerbis makes them - check with Runner if he might have Acerbis for newer model.

Awesome thanks, will pm Runner!

zebra - Flying Brick · « **Reply #18 on:** January 10, 2018, 02:56:48 pm »

...and here is a pic of the ALTRider Hemisphere bag fitted to my 450...

Damaraland · « **Reply #19 on:** January 10, 2018, 03:00:26 pm »

Quote from: Xpat on January 10, 2018, 01:59:02 pm

Fuel tank is KTM powerparts - which is the Acerbis tank, just rebranded. So just see which one is cheaper and get that (if you are buying new, you might get deal from KTM with the tank).

Handguards I have are very expensive (I think is HDB) from Chris - Zebra, because they have those integrated mirrors that fold into the handguards. I prefer to ride without mirrors in the way so I paid the money. But you might get cheaper handguards and get one of those Harley mirrors that are under handlebars? Or just ride without mirrors...

You definitely do not need luggage racks - just get one of those backbone luggages (I would personally probably go for Alt Rider holster system - similar to MM - that Chris - Zebra sells), and pack heavy stuff to the bottom. And you might need bigger backpack to carry some stuff on you like thos Motonomad guys did (and me as well).

I'm sure you have seen this, but here is MaxThePanda doing Damaraland + Kaokoland on 500: http://www.wilddog.za.net/forum/index.php?topic=215299.0

MTP did their Kaokoland trip about a week before us, so was really cool reading the report (helps that the oke can write as well

). The fun he had on his bike was a stark contrast to the hard work I had to put in on the 990.

Happy to hear that FB sells these, I am a happy customer of theirs. Will mail Chris and Co

Hopefully Chris remembers the "Economically" bit when he quotes me

Thanks Xpat, really appreciate you sharing your experience.