Adventurizing the KTM 500 EXC-F
What aftermarket motorcycle accessories would you need to turn two 2023 KTM 500 EXC-Fs into long-distance touring machines? I faced that puzzle ahead of an upcoming round-the-world trip. From bigger tanks to luggage systems and a rally tower with the latest navigation tech, we didn’t leave a bolt unscrewed when transforming the KTMs.
My partner on the road and in life, Jason, and I bid adieu to our trusty BMW GSs following our previous Argentina-to-Alaska ride. In its wake, we came to appreciate the mantra: "Less is more."
As we’re gearing up for another intercontinental joyride, keeping the motorcycles light and tight resonates strongly this time. After all, no one has ever wished their bike was heavier.
That’s why we picked the KTM 500 EXC-Fs. At a featherlight 255 pounds when wet, these beasts redefine agility. They are perfect for those tricky trails where every ounce counts.
The lightweight build isn't about showing off but control and responsiveness. Additionally, a crucial factor for any ride stretching beyond the horizon is fuel efficiency. The 500 EXC-F sips fuel strategically, meaning we’re unlikely to get stranded in the middle of nowhere.
And let's not forget the bike’s heritage. Born from the adrenaline-soaked world of enduro racing, this bike is a workhorse, ready to conquer diverse terrains with the grit of a seasoned warrior.
Building the Foundation
Building the foundation of our long-distance 500 EXC-Fs began with an IMS Products 4.5-gallon fuel tank. Crafted from cross-linked polyethylene, it's tougher than your morning coffee after a sleepless night. This bad boy will extend our riding distance and laugh in the face of off-road abuse.
Next up was the True North Motos XABR rear rack, a rugged platform for the serious adventurer. With a 3/16-inch aluminum top plate, this rack should handle every attachment we need. MIG-welded and powder-coated, it also protects the exhaust and side plastics.
A global adventure without the right luggage solution is like a sandwich without the filling. We opted for the Mosko Moto Reckless 80L (V3.0) Revolver system. It’s waterproof, tough as nails, and expandable to accommodate all our gear whims.
We also went with Mosko’s Gnome tankbag, as well. Mounted horizontally on the tank, it sports plenty of useful features, like a stealth passport sleeve and a fleece-lined sunglass pocket.
To round off the storage ensemble, we picked the Aerostich tank panniers—our "grocery getters." This utilitarian pair of bags will haul our cookware, food, and all the essentials of the off-road kitchen.
Enhancing Capability
When riding around the world, you need a steed that roars. Our all-terrain amendments came from Nomad-ADV, starting with the Nomad-ADV Tower equipped with Baja Designs headlights for piercing through the darkness.
To keep the underbelly of the bike battle-ready, we installed the Nomad-ADV skid plate with a built-in tool compartment. In addition to providing protection, it would help us mend any scars our bikes might receive along the way.
The Pro bar and GPS mounts, also from Nomad-ADV, facilitate simple navigation during our journey. Finally, Rhino clutch covers and MSC Moto steering dampers round off the ensemble.
For the round parts of the bikes, we selected Warp 9 Elite wheels with a cush drive hub, shod with Pirelli’s MT-21 Rallycross tires. With their reputation for being great off-road rubber pieces, we don’t expect to encounter problems plowing through mud, sand, or asphalt. It’s worth noting that these are off-road tires. They are not meant for the road.
Revamping our setup for a smoother ride, we threw in Doubletake Mirror adventure mirrors to improve visibility. Meanwhile, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC’s Tusk aftermarket parts beefed up our levers, brake pedals, footpegs, and guards for the journey ahead.
We also added kickstands from Trail Tech to make dismounting from the bikes easier. The stands are lightweight and compact, but—most importantly—they have a “Life of the Bike” warranty, which may come in handy over the miles.
Tech-Forward Touring
Now, onto the gadget game. As our navigators for the trip, we chose the Carpe Iter Tablet. It has a rugged, durable shell that should survive the bumps of the road, while the bright seven-inch screen stays readable even under a blazing sun.
Equipped with a SIM slot, the tablet will also help keep us connected. The good-quality rear and front cameras may be useful when we can’t pull our proper photo equipment out in time.
One of the bigger pluses of the tablet is the dual charging system, which allows the device to essentially plug into the bike’s battery to keep it juiced around the clock. Finally, the Carpe Iter Controllers let us control the tablet’s features without taking our hands off the grips.
While Carpe Iter’s lockable mount holds the tablet in place, Ram Mounts will serve as our regular tech butlers to hold our smartphones, GoPros, and Insta360 cameras.
Gear for the Long Haul
Hours in the saddle should be a joy, not a pain. The custom lowered seat for the 500 EXC-F from Seat Concepts should take care of that aspect. The seat was designed from the start to accommodate my inseam.
But we're not stopping there. We also pitched in for the Wild-Ass inflatable air cushion for enhanced comfort and pressure relief over the endless miles.
Moreover, the Atlas Throttle Lock joined the ride as a co-pilot. Consistent speed and reduced fatigue are ergonomic solutions for the long-haul adventurer. Even the mightiest steed needs a toolkit, and for that, we turned to the Motohansa KTM Pro Series and Compact Kits. These precision tools allowed us to comprehensively convert our bikes and some will come along for maintenance and roadside repairs.
From jack stands and lever wrenches to axle block chain tensioners, cylinder protectors, and a plethora of specialized tools like oil filler funnels, fuel filters, ratchet handles, socket adapters, and oil drain tool kits, Rolling Mavericks further ensured we were equipped for the metamorphosis. Also complemented by varying Tusk tools from Rocky Mountain ATV&MC, our toolkit became a precision force to unlock our bikes’ full potential for the forthcoming ride.
Ready to Roll
And there you have it—the remodeled 2023 KTM 500 EXC-Fs, ready to face the world. This journey will be about the engine roar, the crunch of tires on gravel, and the thrill of the unknown.
The build-out had its share of long nights and strategic pondering, but the process is often as much fun as the ride. Jason, ordering parts like a military commander strategizing battle plans at 3 a.m., knows it's all worth it.
The 500 EXC-Fs are both motorcycles and extensions of our souls. The road is calling and we’re ready to begin.