2023 KTM 500 EXC-F Features and Specs

The 2019–2023 KTM 500 EXC-F has become well known for its torquey engine, balanced suspension setup, nimble chassis, and light weight.
The 500 EXC-F is KTM’s flagship street-legal dirt bike.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Orange frames are typically reserved for KTM’s Factory Editions and the final year of a model generation.
KTM is the only Austrian brand to spec Brembo brakes on its enduro and dual sport motorcycles.
Dash is straightforward with a speedometer, odometer, clock, and hourmeter.
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.
A license to ride on the road and, in the case of a dual sport, connect trails.
On the Dirt Rider automotive scales, the 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F weighs 255 pounds wet—same as the 2023 Husqvarna FE 350s.