The 500 EXC Six Days is "READY TO RACE " for the world's largest enduro competition, the "International Six Days Enduro". Six days in succession, over a thousand offroad kilometres, 40 hours in the saddle - a gruelling test, not only for the rider. A whole package of high-quality special options makes the KTM 500 EXC Six Days fit for this ruthless contest, in which more than half the starters bank on KTM every year. No other brand is anywhere near as strong and successful in offroad sport.

In 2013 the fastest rider overall was once again on a KTM. The Six Days will take place in Argentina in 2014 and the KTM model range has been updated accordingly to be equipped for everything that the South American terrain has to offer. In the form of the new Six Days models, KTM offers well-proven, robust machines that fully satisfy the high demands of this extraordinarily tough competition.

Continue reading for more information on the KTM 500 EXC SIX DAYS.

2015 KTM 500 EXC SIX DAYS Features and Benefits:

Superior Chassis:

Individual Suspension Setting

Each EXC model has its own individual suspension settings, optimally tuned to weight and engine. At the rear, a PDS shock absorber from WP Suspension works with a direct linkage to the upper side of the swingarm. The PDS shock absorber has been updated with a new Monoseal gasket for MY 2015, for improved sealing and easier maintenance. The wide range of setting options for rebound damping and high- and low-speed compression damping are standard on KTM bikes.

Telescopic Fork

The KTM Six Days models are equipped with a 48 mm 4CS closed-cartridge fork from WP Suspension. The 4-chamber technology (4CS) patented by WP not only provides a key benefit in terms of responsiveness and consistent damping characteristics, it is also lighter and oil services prove to be far simpler than on the conventional closed-cartridge versions. Naturally, the setting can easily be adapted to track and rider in a matter of a few clicks at the top of the fork: compression damping on the left-hand shaft, rebound damping on the right - another advantage of the 4CS technology.

Frame

The modern frame design of the 500 EXC Six Days, comprising lightweight, high strength, chrome-molybdenum steel section tubes, combines maximum longitudinal stiffness with optimum torsional stiffness. It guarantees easy handling and precise steering behaviour, as well as excellent ride stability. The frame clearly represents the benchmark in terms of weight and stability.

Swingarm

The cast aluminium swingarm has been developed with state-of-the-art calculation and simulation software and constructed, in terms of design and wall thickness, for minimum weight with optimum stiffness and precisely defined flexibility.

Triple Clamp

Meticulously finished triple clamps, machined from a solid block: Not only do they look classy in anodised orange; they are also designed in such a way that they support the responsiveness and sliding behaviour of the new fork with their special shaping.

High Quality Wheels

The high-quality alloy wheels from GIANT made of extremely stable 7050 aluminium, featuring exclusive Six Days lettering and CNC-machined hubs, are standard on all KTM Six Days models. Developed in cooperation with KTM, the Metzeler tyres provide excellent traction, very precise directional control and a long service life. An additional Six Days standard feature: the Supersprox 2-piece rear sprocket with steel outer ring and aluminium star.

Brakes

High-tech brakes from Brembo have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad bikes and, together with the floating front brake disc new for 2015 and the solid rear brake disc, they are the measure of all things in terms of brake technology. The new front brake disc guard ensures that it stays this way.

With Exclusive Optional Equipment:

Six Days Equipment

• 4CS closed-cartridge fork from WP Suspension for optimum damping and high reserves against bottoming out

• Camel seat for improved long-distance comfort

• Skid plate for effective frame and engine protection

• Milled, orange anodised triple clamps for extremely precise fork clamping and optimum fork function

• Orange frame

• Supersprox Stealth 2-component rear sprocket with an aluminium inner ring and steel outer ring for maximum durability

• Solid rear brake disc (no slots/holes) for improved heat resistance and reduced brake pad wear

• New floating front brake disc for consistent braking performance in extreme conditions

• New front brake disc guard for optimum protection from stone impact

• New, light and sturdy racing mirror

• New Metzeler tyres developed in cooperation with KTM for outstanding grip and traction

• Radiator guard for effective radiator protection

• Radiator fan for all 4-stroke models to optimise temperature management in extreme conditions

• Carbon pipe guard on all 2-stroke models for effective expansion chamber protection

• Six Days silencer, anthracite anodised and with Six Days logo (except 125 EXC)

• Front axle puller for simple front wheel removal

• Orange radiator grille

• Orange chain guide

• Exclusive Six Days graphics, this year with a striking Argentinian design

Engine:

Engine

Developed for tough enduro conditions, the 510.4cc SOHC engine is characterised by an extremely compact design, very easy maintenance and outstanding robustness, with weight kept to a minimum. Together with the Keihin fuel injection system, this results in unrivalled performance and rideability - specially designed for enduro use.

Oil Circuit

The engine is equipped with two oil pumps and a common oil circuit. A pressure pump supplies reliable lubrication to the crankshaft, piston, balancer shaft and valve controls. It also ensures cooling of the ignition and lubrication of the clutch. A suction pump draws oil from the crankcase and uses it to lubricate the transmission.

Starter

The 500 EXC Six Days is equipped as standard with both kickstarter and electric starter. Positioned behind the cylinder, the electric starter is well protected.

Cylinder Head

The cylinder head is equipped with an overhead camshaft. This actuates two titanium intake valves plus two steel exhaust valves. The weight-optimised valve train ensures low friction and therefore both improved performance and reduced engine braking.

Piston

The lightweight, forged piston with a box-in-box design is equipped with the high-performance piston rings of the 450 SX‑F. The benefit is minimum oil consumption and top performance.

Crankshaft

The crankshaft with 72 mm stroke and ultra-light connecting rod is manufactured by Pankl from a special, high quality steel. As on the other 4-stroke models, it is equipped with a plain bearing in the lower conrod eye. Two press-fit bearing shells run directly on the crank pin. The engine's direct pressure lubrication system ensures the necessary oil supply for this bearing. This design improves the durability of the engine, thereby enabling an extension to the service intervals for the crankshaft, a benefit for the customer in terms of time, effort and cost.

Engine Management System (EMS)

The engine management system (EMS) from Keihin, with electronic fuel injection and 42 mm throttle body, ensures spontaneous responsiveness and maximum engine performance. An oil-cooled, 196 W alternator provides sufficient power for the fuel injection system, lights and other electrical loads. Various engine characteristics can be selected via the EMS, with a map-select switch available as a PowerPart. Furthermore, a user-setting tool (also available as an option) allows data to be read from the bike by laptop and the mapping, ignition and fuel injection to be modified in a matter of a few mouse clicks.

Balancer Shaft

To counterbalance the inertia forces, the engine has a balancer shaft that acts simultaneously as a drive for the water pump.

Transmission

The 6-speed transmission is designed specifically for the engine characteristics of the 500cc engine and for every type of enduro use. It excels with precise and easy shifting.

DDS Clutch

For MY 2015, the DDS clutch (Damped Diaphragm Steel) is equipped with a further refined, lighter, single-piece basket, which together with its integrated primary gear, is machined from a single solid billet of high-strength steel. This process guarantees unbeatable reliability and allows the engine to be extremely narrow thanks to the compact, rivetless design of the outer clutch hub. In addition, this design allows use of thin steel discs, which also contributes to the compact dimensions of the clutch. The diaphragm spring enables implementation of an additional hub damping mechanism - a benefit in terms of traction and gearbox wear. Finally, in conjunction with the diaphragm spring, the hydraulic clutch actuation system from Brembo ensures very smooth and very precise clutch control.

Slim Ergonomics For Perfect Control:

Bodywork

The KTM 500 EXC Six Days has bodywork with extremely slim ergonomics and excellent contact points between rider and machine. It provides unlimited freedom of movement. For MY 2015, the bike excels again with the graphics restyled in 2014 in the colours of the ISDE in Argentina.

Handlebar

The 500 EXC Six Days is equipped with a tapered Neken handlebar made from high-strength aluminium alloy. In accordance with the proven KTM standard, the handlebar can be fixed in a choice of four positions. The handguards are made from a new material in MY 2015 in order to achieve even greater impact resistance.

Specifications

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