KTM has taken the wraps off the 2014 model year of its 500 EXC. The bike comes with a few upgrades which make it better suited for the requirements of today’s off road riders.

The 500 EXC’s center piece continues to be the old 1-cylinder, SOHC 4-stroke, water-cooled, 510 cc engine which is carefully tweaked for tough enduro racing.

As far as style is concerned, the bike’s appearance has received a total makeover for 2014 and it comes with fresh shrouds, a new airbox cover, a modified front fender, a revised seat and a new headlight.

The suspensions were also revised for 2014, thus offering maximum traction and plenty of comfort. Needles to say that compression and rebound damping continue to remain adjustable according to the rider’s wishes.

All elements are mounted on a modern and light frame made of high-strength chromoly steel sections that now features thinner walled down tubes which makes it lighter than the old frame.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 KTM 500 EXC.

Overview

The Powerhouse! The 500 EXC is one of the most powerful enduro machines on the market. Combining low weight and high displacement, high-tech SOHC 4-stroke technology is the right choice for all who are looking for maximum performance, combined with playful handling.

Wheels

The wheels feature CNC-machined hubs, high-end Excel rims and black coated spokes with lightweight aluminium nipples, allowing the highest levels of stability to be achieved while keeping weight to a minimum. The fitted Maxxis enduro tyres have been specially developed for KTM and excel with perfect traction and outstanding performance.

Brakes

High-Tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad bikes, and combined with the lightweight Wave discs, they are the ultimate solution in braking technology. In 2014 the EXC models gain a new master cylinder with a new reservoir, a smaller piston diameter and a new lever with optimized kinematics. Combined with new sinter brake pads (Toyo B169), this makes for another perceptible improvement of front brake performance and action.

Engine

Developed for tough enduro racing, the SOHC engine with 510.4cc is distinguished by an extremely compact design, easy maintenance and an excellent durability at a minimal weight. Together with the Keihin EFI system, they provide unrivaled enduro specific performance and rideability.

Engine Management System (EMS)

The Engine Management System (EMS) by Keihin with electronic fuel injection and 42mm throttle body ensures a spontaneous response and maximum engine performance. An oil-cooled 196 W AC alternator provides sufficient energy for the fuel injection, lighting and other electrical loads. With an optional map-select switch from the KTM PowerParts program, EMS allows selecting different engine characteristics. In additon, the optional User-Setting Tool allows to readout engine data with a laptop and change the ignition and injection mappings with a few mouse clicks.

Bodywork

Shrouds, airbox cover, front fender, headlight fairing and the headlight have all been restyled for 2014. The KTM designer's focus was to achieve complete ergonomic harmony between rider and bike for a more stable ride and effortless movement on the bike. Adding to the improvements is a high-quality seat foam core to maximize comfort and durability. With the new front fender, the designers omitted ribbing on the inside to reduce mud and dirt buildup while increasing rigidity over the previous component by 50 percent.

Frame

The modern and lightweight frame design made of high-strength chromoly steel sections combines maximum longitudinal stiffness with optimum torsional ridigty. It guarantees easy handling and precise cornering, but also outstanding stability. In 2014, the frame of the 4-stroke weighs even less thanks to thinner walled down tubes. In addition, the braces that connect the cylinder head were optimized. This means all new frames not only have a striking new color but also set the clear benchmark with respect to weight and stability.

Suspension/damping

The first rate WP Suspension elements have been further improved for 2014. Specially designed for enduro riding and in some models with an optimized tuning, they ensure maximum traction and plenty of comfort. Of course, compression and rebound damping can be adjusted to the track conditions and the rider's preferences with a twist of the wrist - the rear monoshock has separate high and low speed adjustments.

Specifications

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