KTM’s three-motorcycle dual-sport lineup returns unchanged, save new 1990s-inspired graphic treatments—including orange frames all around this year.
The 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F and 350 EXC-F share the same chassis, with the 500 weighing three more pounds than the 350. The two motorcycles have WP Xplor suspension, including a linkage-free shock with progressive damping. The 500 retains its SOHC 510cc motor, while the 350 has a DOHC valvetrain—both cylinder heads have four valves. Both models have a six-speed transmission with a hydraulically actuated DDS clutch. Brembo takes care of all the hydraulics.
The 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days ups the ante a bit, though we don’t have prices for any of the EXC-Fs. The Six Days has functional upgrades, including CNC triple clamps that are anodized orange, a skid plate, front axle puller, and rear brake safety wire. The graphics are all-new and quite striking, as they include red flames.
We reviewed the KTM 350 EXC-F last year, but we’re overdue on our testing of the 500 EXC-F. We will work to fix that for 2023. The 2023 KTM dual-sport lineup appears on dealers’ showroom floors in May.
2023 KTM 500 EXC-F (and 350 EXC-F) Specs
ENGINE
- Type:Â Single-cylinder 4-stroke
- Displacement: 510cc (350: 350cc)
- Bore x stroke: 95 x 72mm (350: 88 x 57.5mm)
- Valvetrain: SOHC; 4 valves (350: DOHC; 4 valves)
- Starting: Electric w/ lithium-ion 12-volt 2 Ah battery
- Lubrication: Pressure Lubrication with 2 Pumps
- Fueling: Keihin EFI w/ 42mm throttle body
- Transmission: Wide-ratio 6-speed
- Clutch: Wet multi-disc DDS clutch w/ Brembo hydraulics
- Final drive: 5/8” x ¼” chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Central double-cradle chromoly steel
- Subframe: Aluminum
- Handlebar: Neken tapered aluminum
- Front suspension: Fully adjustable WP Xplor inverted 48mm fork; 11.8 inches
- Rear suspension: Linkage-free fully adjustable WP Xplor shock w/ PDS; 12.2 inches
- Rims: Giant
- Front wheel: 21 x 1.60
- Rear wheel: 18 x 2.15
- Tires: Continental Twinduro TKC 80
- Front tire: 90/90 x 21
- Rear tire: 120/90 x 18
- Front brake: 260mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
- Rear brake: 220mm disc w/ Brembo caliper
- ABS: None
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
- Rake: 26.5 degrees
- Triple clamp offset: 22mm
- Seat height:Â 37.8 degrees
- Ground clearance: 14 inches
- Fuel capacity: 2.25 gallons
- Curb weight: 254 pounds (350: 251 pounds)
PRICES
- 2023 KTM 350 EXC-F Price: $TBA MSRP
- 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F Price: $TBA
- 2023 KTM 500 EXC-F Six Days: $TBA