Is the KTM EXC and good as a long distance ADV bike?

I've been trail riding on my KTM EXC450 for 7 years now. I get many comments that it is not a suitable bike for long distance adventure touring because it is unreliable and high maintenance. Yet here I am, enjoying the trails and wild camping.

[ktmtravels]

I'm with you 100%. I have a 525EXC and it's been great. I've done 400 miles in a day, 700 mile camping trips and I'm changing oil every 1000 miles. I'm going to push that out to 1250 as it always looks fine. It's way more capable than me, and so reliable. When I was in Spain on my 690 I bumped into a father and son heading to Morocco from Manchester, and dad was on a 450, great machines!

[jimmccloud]

over the years Ive had a 520 exc, a 450 exc, a 300 xcw (still have for single track) and now a 500 excf and all bikes have been reliable. KTM really knows how to build a great performing bike with top components. I agree, the main reason a KTM, or any bike really is reliable, is to stay on top of maintenance. Great video, thanks!

[colindowd]

Good morning Proffessori, as you rightly say, if your racing you need to change the oil more regularly. I rode a Suzuki PE 400 and after a weekend of riding I used whip the top end off check piston and rings and change if required. Oil was changed evey day when hard riding. Easy on a smoker. Great video as always.

[bigals.ktms.]

I have had every model of exc 4stroke since the 520, they are bullet proof, the only issue I have come across is in the fuel pump motors on the injected ones, on my rally 450 I always take a spare fuel pump motor.
As for oil changes this on goes for TOURING, it's been tested in a lab that 3000kms and 1000kms there was no real degradation of oil .
But racing my 350exc I change after every race .

[maxflight]

i’ve ridden them on heaps of tours … Portugal and Morocco. Over the last years.

I agree with you. They are very reliable, easy to ride.

Your comments are spot on.

[Bokst]

I bought my KTM 450 in 2005 it as needed very little mechanical work and it is still going strong it still wheel stands in every gear no problem, I've adjust the valves twice, in 2021 I had the head rebuilt other than regular service I have no problem but like all machines some of them are just lemons does not matter what they are if you get a good one don't worry about criticism, because every bike every machine has its problems.

[maxflight]

I’m shocked you can get camp gear on it !!
I ride a 701 when I need take my camp gear.

I’m curious about your baggage set up.

(oh changing the oil… I quite like doing it! It’s a joy !) … I agree with your comments.

[Throttle.Monkey]

I think it depends on what you class as long distance and adventure touring. For me it’s going from Manchester up and around Scotland or down to Portsmouth and across to the Pyrenees and back up through France. The thought of doing that on an enduro bike isn’t appealing as there are inevitably long stretches of tarmac. Also the design of the engine on these enduros isn’t focused on longevity, the ring design for example isn’t great at preventing oil contamination unlike other big singles. There is always a compromise no matter what bike we ride and it comes down to personal preference.

[leatt]

I agree 100%, I have the same bike and love it!

[andrewsoldan]

I have 2017 ktm 500 exc-f with almost 600 hours, mostly off-road and love the bike. initially I had some problems with wiring which is the weakest point on these bikes but after I sorted it out bike never gave me any issue. I wouldn't call it good for long distance though but for few days trips it's perfect. BTW I read about the guy who actually took it around the world :)

[SKLSNAPS]

With 8 or more years of ownership, can you please elaborate on parts of the engine that had to be replaced due to wear off the part, or maintenance schedule in this period. As far as I understand, the people that use these bikes what they are made for, racing not longevity, need to overhaul the complete engine (pistons, bearings....etc...) which could lead to a costly affair. I'm trying to get an idea how this changes, replacing parts and costs, when you don't stress the engine.

[Juku]

Great video, I have a KTM 890 adventure R which is great for the most part but shows it’s weakness in tight technical spots. I am looking for a more uk trail friendly bike.

Where is this trail? It’s stunning

[banarne]

Great informative video. How did you do with the service during your Swedish TeT? Did you bring a LOT of oil?

[jeffreystivala]

Hi, great videos. Is there a reason why you chose the 450 instead of the 500 ? Thanks

[franknunez]

I'm wondering what kinds of patterns of problems you've seen with the KTM's (assuming 500's/350's/450s are what you refer to) that are arguably greater than the normal for other bikes out there? I have (2) 500's and even after one of the engines blew up, I am having a hell of a time finding patterns of engine problems with them in this regard anywhere online, and I've got a lot of reasons to want to find a pattern out there before I stick with the platform and get stranded 100 miles out alone in the boonies. Aside from fuel pumps and grounding cable issues, what are the big problems in your mind that put this bike on the map (before you bought it as you suggest in the video) for problems? For reference, I think I'm referring to bikes around 2013-2023, before the big redesign, and after they got kinds out of the sub 2013-ish bikes.

[SuperMarktastic]

Hi, I have thought about getting the same bike for this purpose but I think the issue is getting the bike to the trails, what’s your thoughts do you live near trails, what is the bike like on the road ?

[greatfallskam]

USA rider. I am debating KTM 500 EXC or now 450. So based on your real world riding and others, what in miles is your oil change interval and valve check?

My buddy has a couple KTM 500. He has yet to do valve check in 113 hours. Apparently some feel doesn't need a check unless you start feeling engine run differently. Any thoughts?

Thanks. Timely post.

[nickg]

Hi i am considering buying the same bike .I have a 525exc which is pretty smooth on the road.How does the 450 feel .Is it always "hunting" on the EFI or pretty smooth(seat nonwithstanding!) cheers from Greece

[JIMWSMITH]

What sort of mileage, hours do these need a piston and rings ?

[AlicanteRetired]

There's a video where a chap took a 500EXC around the World.