KTM 500 XCW vs EXC

[thejean]

Was thinking if getting a second bike (I currently have a 300 xcw with a track kit) but would like to stud that one for lower elevation winter riding. So thinking an EXC so in summer I can use it as a supermoto bike. Any issues with my plan? I realize I would need to uncork the EXC's exhaust and remove the lights in winter but other than that, any other reasons I should not go that route? Also curious about the compression and whether a 500 is a better candidate to accept a turbo than say a 450 SXF? Thanks, JC

 

[WASnowBiker]

I mounted my LT kit to my KTM 300 XCW late last season and kept my eyes open thru summer for a deal on larger 4 stroke - ended up with Husaberg 570. I've also owned a recent model KTM 450 and can confidently say the 500 would be the superior snowbike cause of superior torque - can't speak to turbo question. You'll be fine either way, but nothing beats more power on these geared down kits.

 

[retired motoman]

good question

Was thinking if getting a second bike (I currently have a 300 xcw with a track kit) but would like to stud that one for lower elevation winter riding. So thinking an EXC so in summer I can use it as a supermoto bike. Any issues with my plan? I realize I would need to uncork the EXC's exhaust and remove the lights in winter but other than that, any other reasons I should not go that route? Also curious about the compression and whether a 500 is a better candidate to accept a turbo than say a 450 SXF? Thanks, JC

From what I have seen....
The KX 450 has the most time with turbo and has the most Fi mapping to date (thanks to Allen)
Looks like the best bike to turbo this season is the KTM 500 (w/ mapping issues).
We will know in a few months if the turbo is the future or not?
I say most likely yes. On all bikes.

 

[thejean]

Why is the 500 the bike to turbo? Is it because of lower compression giving a bit more headroom for boost?

 

[retired motoman]

electric start

Why is the 500 the bike to turbo? Is it because of lower compression giving a bit more headroom for boost?

The KTM's have a higher build quality and electric start.
I have read that the people in the know, like the idea of a pressure fed plain bearing rod.
KTM have been making continual advancements in dirt bike technology while the Japanese bikes have stagnated some the fast few years.
I believe all the turbo bikes should have a new pistons for improved reliability and lower compression even though they seem to be working alright as they are.

 

[thejean]

I believe all the turbo bikes should have a new pistons for improved reliability and lower compression even though they seem to be working alright as they are.

I would agree with that but it does mean a lot more work to make the winter/summer switch.

 

[retired motoman]

summer/winter switch

For the last five years have done the summer/winter switch.
No more. Now have a full time snow bike. Not going back.

 

[Excalibur]

For the last five years have done the summer/winter switch.
No more. Now have a full time snow bike. Not going back.

What is your full time winter set up? Did Retired Motoman have a Motorcycle Business in Clarkston?

 

[retired motoman]

Kawasaki KX450 w/SX Mountain Horse

What is your full time winter set up? Did Retired Motoman have a Motorcycle Business in Clarkston?

Did the switch on a KTM 530 since '09 but because the Mountain Horse SX kit wont fit the 530 I now have a full time snow bike on a '10 KX 450.

Yes Excalibur my dealership was in Clarkston. I worked at Mac's Cycle for 30 years. Now live and ride in the Priest Lake area.

 

[swedenturbo]

For the last five years have done the summer/winter switch.
No more. Now have a full time snow bike. Not going back.

I´m also all year round snowbiker
The bike has never been on wheels since new.

 

[Excalibur]

Hey Motoman, I think we both lived on Linden Drive as young boys, (a few years ago!) In 2011 we rented sleds and got bit hard by this winter stuff. Enclosed trailer and 4 mountain sleds and one crossover (the wife's). It has been something we really enjoy as a family. Now these snow bikes have us all interested. Any reason you have the SX kit? Considering a 500 EXC, just not sure that it would not be best to just build a dedicated snow bike. Hope things are going well for you.

 

[Ak pro-x]

If you for sure think you need a 500EXC with signals, horn mirrors ect. do it if not pick the 500XC-W. Also the ECU is locked on the exc's and you have a bunch of other smog crap to take off as well as price being higher. I did an EXC and will never again do it as I don't road ride it enough to justify the price difference, Next time will go xc-w which I can plate here anyway. Food for thought. Also look on KTM talk about the 500's having a pretty severe vibration problem.

 

[mnsnowhawk]

Ecu is not locked on 500 exc and smog is easily removed.

 

[thejean]

Ecu is not locked on 500 exc and smog is easily removed.

Are you sure about this because this could be a deal breaker? I guess one could always swap with an XCW ecu for winter if it came down to it.

 

[retired motoman]

XCW an easer set up

After setting up EXC's, XCW's and SX's. The SX is much easer to make a snow bike. The EXC is the most difficult due to the smog and additional DOT hardware. So the XCW is in the middle and still has a kick start.
The 450XC-F might be the ticket because of the close ratio trany.
???

 

[mnsnowhawk]

Are you sure about this because this could be a deal breaker? I guess one could always swap with an XCW ecu for winter if it came down to it.

There is a huge thread on advrider about the 500 exc. Many have reprogrammed their ecu. I removed smog on mine and have a jd tuner. Thinking of getting a dobeck controller though.

 

[Ak pro-x]

There is a huge thread on advrider about the 500 exc. Many have reprogrammed their ecu. I removed smog on mine and have a jd tuner. Thinking of getting a dobeck controller though.

It is locked but can have a dealer load in the Euro (open) map. If you are caught in Cali with a Euro map it's a big deal as well.
JD tuner will help with fuel but does nothing for the US spec timing that is in place that is where the euro map is beneficial.

Quote from ADV: "The US model EXC are 'California Green Sticker Legal' which means they are closed maps, not open maps. You can replace the map with a Euro/Aust map which are Open Maps, also known as 'Un-Restricted Maps'. You can do this with the KTM XC1 tool, I don't know of any other software that can do this. Your dealer risks a $5000 fine if they do it. Somewhat dampens their enthusiasm.

I may not be up on the latest if an aftermarket company have Unleashed the stock ECU by now which is entirely possible.

Like I said personal preference. If you want/need all the legal DOT stuff then great this is your bike. It was a PITA to turn my '11 (carbed) 450 EXC into a XC-
W. Smog, jetting, gearing and cost extra money plus a higher MSRP on top of it. Same applies here as a ECU reflash or remap is not free.

ADV rider is a great site but needs to organize their forums better. Much easier to go on KTM talk than wade through 400 posts on one model in one thread.

 

[thnewell]

Try supermotojunkie.com much better site for info then any of the others, IMHO.

 

[thejean]

So how difficult is it to add the road worthy stuff to an XC-W? Or can that even be done due to having to register a vehicle which is considered strictly off road?

 

[Ak pro-x]

All KTM's here in Alaska can easily be plated not sure where you are how that works. Can add whatever street stuff you need through KTM or aftermarket.