Have any WR owners rode the KTM500?

[Summit]

Just curious if the KTM500 is all that. Keep hearing about what a monster it is but I haven't rode one. I have my ol 450 tuned and frankly I'd be pretty surprised if the 500 was noticeably more powerful.

[FORMA MOTO]

I had the 2012 500  XC-W, with extensive  suspension tuning, JD Jetting tuner box, and full ergo mods

 

It felt light, very 'quality' feel and damn sexy.  

 

...but the power, suspension, brakes, and ergos were just not up to par for me, so I sold it.

 

 

I replaced it with a 2008 WR450 that I modified with YZ parts.  Muuuuuuch better, but heavier.

 

If you like the cab forward mountain bike type handling, and power that comes on very soft (they call it 'smooth') then you might like one. 

[JVP]

I own both. Different bike for different needs. Because it is a Dual Sport, I am using the KTM far more than my WR. However, I love riding the WR on open Desert terrain. If I only had to keep one bike, it would be the KTM.

[GP1K]

My buddy has a 500 EXC and it's awesome. If I didn't already have my WR, I'd have one of those for sure. Bone stock the 500's power is a little soft (but then again so is the WR) and it's geared more for the Autobahn than trails. But my buddy has an FMF pipe and the 'magic mod' from BDSB.com and put 14/50 or something like that and it flat rips! More power than the WR, but the delivery is different. The WR is more snappy and revvy, where the 500 has more torque and a longer 'pull' feel to it. Probably the best wheelie bike I've ridden, it yanks up in 3rd or 4th off the throttle and you can just crank it up and go. It does feel a little lighter and agile vs the WR, but it's still a heavy bike for technical single track.

 

All in all it's a fantastic bike, and there's really nothing else out there like it. I may yet sell/trade my WR for one some day.

[SteveThe Snakes]

There are two in our group. Both guys complained about the suspension. One has racetech now and he seems happy.

Stock they are not hp monsters. The street version needs remapping and a tail section pipe. With a big rider it does okay but not great on the hp hills.

The non street version with a lighter rider aboard does well on the big hills but not as good as a built WR450. The big KTM is quite torquey.

I must say neither one has blown up yet. Think they are doing normal maintenance along with valve adjustments. The valve train will never be as strong as the WR IMO. Also there is a very little counter balancer on the KTM it does vibrate.

[GP1K]

^  Yeah I forgot to mention that... there is noticeably more vibration felt in the bars etc on the KTM then the WR. There are aftermarket solutions to mitigate that, but it's unnecessary on the WR.

[Hans Schmid]

I own a 500. I had a DNF on my 2t and because it was such a long haul for me to drive, the promoter lent me his 2012 WR. I never once felt the WR gave up anything against my 500. It definitely revved better, the FI was slightly better, the suspension was excellent too. My biggest complaint was the heavy engine braking (even with a Rekluse) and the front end felt a little heavy but the soft suspension contributed a lot to that too....

[KennyMc]

I own both. Different bike for different needs. Because it is a Dual Sport, I am using the KTM far more than my WR. However, I love riding the WR on open Desert terrain. If I only had to keep one bike, it would be the KTM.

What if you had a plate on the WR

[JVP]

What if you had a plate on the WR

Hard to say. I have a Red Sticker WR in California. I have tried to plate the bike in the past and couldn't get it done. That was one of main reasons I purchased the 500EXC. However, I am trying to plate the WR again. If I don't get it done in CA. I am going to plan "B" and plate the bike in NV or AZ.

 

I am very happy with the 13 500 EXC.  A new bike is always better than a old one.  But I still use my 04 WR and my 97 CR250.  It is kind'a like my kids and beer.  I love them equally, but for different reasons.

[KennyMc]

Hard to say. I have a Red Sticker WR in California. I have tried to plate the bike in the past and couldn't get it done. That was one of main reasons I purchased the 500EXC. However, I am trying to plate the WR again. If I don't get it done in CA. I am going to plan "B" and plate the bike in NV or AZ.

 

I am very happy with the 13 500 EXC.  A new bike is always better than a old one.  But I still use my 04 WR and my 97 CR250.  It is kind'a like my kids and beer.  I love them equally, but for different reasons.

Love my plated WR

[SoCalDirtRider67]

Hard to say. I have a Red Sticker WR in California. I have tried to plate the bike in the past and couldn't get it done. That was one of main reasons I purchased the 500EXC. However, I am trying to plate the WR again. If I don't get it done in CA. I am going to plan "B" and plate the bike in NV or AZ.

 

I am very happy with the 13 500 EXC.  A new bike is always better than a old one.  But I still use my 04 WR and my 97 CR250.  It is kind'a like my kids and beer.  I love them equally, but for different reasons.

I have my 2012 WR450 plated in CA. I can help.

 

I rode a ktm 350 dual sport and thought I liked it and considered getting one but then I got my WR plated and will never look back! I've got the YAMAHA Blues! 

[MANIAC998]

  It is kind'a like my kids and beer.  I love them equally, but for different reasons.

?

[KennyMc]

I have my 2012 WR450 plated in CA. I can help.

I rode a ktm 350 dual sport and thought I liked it and considered getting one but then I got my WR plated and will never look back! I've got the YAMAHA Blues!

Funny, I got a '14 350 EXC and find it much easier to ride than my WR. By easier, I mean less work as it is 30lbs lighter. It handles like a mtn bike with a motor. Have taken it to the Sierra's and Kennedy Meadows. It is much less work on my body to ride. Much less tired when I am done for the day. The 350 by no means has the torque of the 450 but I think that is what makes it easier to ride. I have no intentions of selling the WR as I need 2 plated bikes. It has just been an interesting comparison for me.

[SoCalDirtRider67]

Funny, I got a '14 350 EXC and find it much easier to ride than my WR. By easier, I mean less work as it is 30lbs lighter. It handles like a mtn bike with a motor. Have taken it to the Sierra's and Kennedy Meadows. It is much less work on my body to ride. Much less tired when I am done for the day. The 350 by no means has the torque of the 450 but I think that is what makes it easier to ride. I have no intentions of selling the WR as I need 2 plated bikes. It has just been an interesting comparison for me.

 

I do agree with you about the KTM 350. It felt light and nimble and was smooth and quick. But, good luck finding a used one in SoCal and there is no way I was going to pay 11k for a dirbike.

[KennyMc]

I do agree with you about the KTM 350. It felt light and nimble and was smooth and quick. But, good luck finding a used one in SoCal and there is no way I was going to pay 11k for a dirbike.

$10K OTD with a $200 store credit towards parts.

 

BUT, that is still the most I have EVER paid for a dirt bike.

[FORMA MOTO]

8k out the door for 350 XCF

8.4k out the door for 350 XCF-W

9k out the door for 350 EXC-F....from my research

 

Even had a guy offering me this:

 

350 XCF-W for 7699.00 OTD, if I bought 2,000.00 worth of parts or store credit. Now that's a deal!   

[KennyMc]

9k out the door for 350 EXC-F....from my research

 

"Research"?  Care to elaborate?

[FORMA MOTO]

"Research"?  Care to elaborate?

 

Driving calling grinding dealing wheeling more dealing...but no buying.......yet

[KennyMc]

Driving calling grinding dealing wheeling more dealing...but no buying.......yet

And someone quoted you $9K OTD for a '14 350 EXC?  I wouldn't hold my breathe.....but if you can get it, ?

[FORMA MOTO]

And someone quoted you $9K OTD for a '14 350 EXC?  I wouldn't hold my breathe.....but if you can get it, ?

 

I have to see, and I'd rather go with the XCF-W and plate it myself....