2021 KTM 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F Dual Sport Updates Announced
KTM’s street-legal dirt bikes get suspension tweaks and other refinements!
Whether for local competition use or the ultimate play bike, the KTM 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F have long been weapons of choice for the toughest trails — capable enough for extreme offroad riding with high-quality WP XPLOR suspension, powerful BREMBO brakes and a lightweight chromoly frame. And while the EXC-F 4-Stroke Enduros are ready to race, they still meet all the requirements to be 50-state street legal.
KTM continues to stay on the gas in its mission to make the best dual sport machines in the segment, and for 2021 they have implemented a series of improvements to their EXC-F lineup. The orange marque’s experience gained from a range of racing disciplines worldwide, including rounds at Red Bull Romaniacs and Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, has contributed to the ever-evolving shape of EXC-F models.
Back in 2017, the 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F models were overhauled with a new engine, frame and suspension. Incremental changes occurred in 2018 and 2019 included a new Li-ion battery and reworked fork and shock. Now for 2021, KTM’s competition dual sports get a fresh new graphic scheme with updated colors, while major improvements include changes to the suspension components and transmission.
Like all KTM enduro models in the 2021 lineup, the EXC-F dual sports benefit from a new external preload adjuster on the WP XPLOR fork that makes setting changes easier for varying track or trail conditions. In addition, the 500 EXC-F gets a new Shift Locker for improved transmission reliability. NEKEN handlebars, No-Dirt footpegs and CNC-milled hubs with GIANT rims are all fitted as standard equipment as well.
KTM Enduro models will begin arriving at US dealers this summer. Details for both 2021 EXC-F models will be available on the KTM website starting June 22nd. For more detailed information from KTM, read below:
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F Highlights
The success of the KTM 350 EXC-F has certainly made waves in the industry. Gaining instant recognition on its arrival in 2012, it has become a class-leading dual-sport model due to its 250-like agility and 450-like power. Ever since then, the 350 EXC-F has gained significantly in performance and torque, as well as handling and agility. This model delivers power even closer to a 450, while getting ever closer to the agility of a 250 – so, the basic idea of this bike is easy to see, and has been a recipe for success right from the start.
- New graphics with updated color scheme for a READY TO RACE appearance.
- Updated WP XPLOR forks now feature an external preload adjuster as standard, making spring preload adjustments for terrain and rider preference quick and easy.
- WP XPLOR rear shock with PDS (Progressive Damping System) technology features a second damping piston in combination with a closed cup towards the end of the stroke, supported by a progressive shock spring, to produce unmatched dual-sport performance.
- High-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame with carefully calculated flex parameters provides a great blend of comfort, stability and precision.
- Single-piece cast aluminum swingarm is manufactured using a gravity die-cast production process, offering exceptional strength at the lowest possible weight.
- Light engine cases with a centralized shaft configuration move the crankshaft closer to the bike’s center of gravity for light handling and quick responsiveness.
- Reinforced clutch cover for improved resistance against impacts in rocky terrain.
- 6-speed wide ratio transmission is perfectly suited for road and offroad duty.
- Bodywork features a slim design for excellent comfort and freedom of movement, putting the rider in complete control.
- Air box and air boot designed to provide maximum protection of the air filter against soiling and better airflow for increased performance. Air filter can be accessed without tools for quick servicing.
- Hydraulic Brembo clutch system offers highly controllable modulation of the clutch and light operation, minimizing fatigue on demanding rides.
- High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad machines and are combined with lightweight Wave discs to offer incredible braking power and feel.
- Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Giant rims and Continental TKC 80 tires provide excellent performance while reducing unsprung weight.
- Offroad specific features such as hand guards, a side stand and oversized tank ensure the 2021 KTM EXC-F machines are READY TO RACE.
2021 KTM 350 EXC-F Specs
Engine Type: | Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke |
Displacement: | 349.7 cc |
Bore/Stroke: | 88 / 57.5 mm |
Starter: | Electric, Lithium Ion 12 V 2 Ah |
Transmission: | 6 Gears, Wide Ratio |
Fuel System: | Keihin EFI, 42 mm |
Lubrication: | Pressure Lubrication with 2 Pumps |
Primary Ratio: | 24:73 |
Final Drive: | 14:48 |
Cooling: | Liquid Cooling |
Clutch: | Wet Multi-Disc DDS-Clutch, Brembo Hydraulics |
Ignition: | Keihin EMS |
Frame: | Central Double-Cradle Type 25CrMo4 Steel |
Subframe: | Aluminum |
Handlebar: | NEKEN, Aluminum Ø 28/22 mm |
Front Suspension: | WP XPLOR USD Ø 48 mm |
Rear Suspension: | WP XPLOR Shock with PDS |
Suspension Travel Front/Rear: | 300 mm / 11.8 in; 310 mm /12.2 in |
Front/Rear Brakes: | Disc Brake 260 mm / 220 mm |
Front/Rear Rims: | 1.60 x 21” / 2.15 x 18” Giant |
Front/Rear Tires: | 90/90-21” / 120/90-18” Continental TKC 80 |
Chain: | 5/8 x 1/4 in |
Silencer: | Aluminum |
Steering Head Angle: | 26.5º |
Triple Clamp Offset: | 22 mm |
Wheelbase: | 1,482 mm ± 10 mm / 58.3 ± 0.4 in |
Ground Clearance: | 355 mm / 14 in |
Seat Height: | 960 mm / 37.8 in |
Tank Capacity, Approx.: | 8.5 L / 2.25 gal |
Weight (without fuel), Approx.: | 107.8 kg / 237.6 lbs |
MSRP ($USD): | $11,199 |
2021 KTM 500 EXC-F Highlights
The latest generation KTM 500 EXC-F packs a thrilling 4-stroke punch while still delivering outstanding rideability. Thanks to its lightweight chassis and compact, high-tech engine, this awesome 510cc SOHC single-cylinder bombshell is surprisingly light with excellent agility. As a result, it has an incredible power-to-weight ratio and provides nothing less than the most dynamic riding experience available.
- New shift locker provides increased durability.
- New graphics with updated color scheme for a READY TO RACE appearance.
- Updated WP XPLOR forks now feature an external preload adjuster as standard, making spring preload adjustments for terrain and rider preference quick and easy.
- WP XPLOR rear shock with PDS (Progressive Damping System) technology features a second damping piston in combination with a closed cup towards the end of the stroke, supported by a progressive shock spring, to produce unmatched dual-sport performance.
- High-tech, lightweight chrome-moly steel frame with carefully calculated flex parameters provides a great blend of comfort, stability and precision.
- Single-piece cast aluminum swingarm is manufactured using a gravity die-cast production process, offering exceptional strength at the lowest possible weight.
- Light engine cases with a centralized shaft configuration move the crankshaft closer to the bike’s center of gravity for light handling and quick responsiveness.
- Reinforced clutch cover for improved resistance against impacts in rocky terrain.
- 6-speed wide ratio transmission is perfectly suited for road and offroad duty.
- Bodywork features a slim design for excellent comfort and freedom of movement, putting the rider in complete control.
- Air box and air boot designed to provide maximum protection of the air filter against soiling and better airflow for increased performance. Air filter can be accessed without tools for quick servicing.
- Hydraulic Brembo clutch system offers highly controllable modulation of the clutch and light operation, minimizing fatigue on demanding rides.
- High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM offroad machines and are combined with lightweight Wave discs to offer incredible braking power and feel.
- Super lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC machined hubs, high-end Giant rims and Continental TKC 80 tires provide excellent performance while reducing unsprung weight.
- Offroad specific features such as hand guards, a side stand and oversized tank ensure the 2021 KTM EXC-F machines are READY TO RACE.
2021 KTM 500 EXC-F Specs
Engine Type: | Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke |
Displacement: | 510.9 cc |
Bore/Stroke: | 95 / 72 mm |
Starter : | Electric, Lithium Ion 12 V 2 Ah |
Transmission : | 6 Gears, Wide Ratio |
Fuel System : | Keihin EFI, 42 mm |
Lubrication : | Pressure Lubrication with 2 Pumps |
Primary Ratio : | 31:76 |
Final Drive : | 14:48 |
Cooling : | Liquid Cooling |
Clutch : | Wet Multi-Disc DDS-Clutch, Brembo Hydraulics |
Ignition : | Keihin EMS |
Frame : | Central Double-Cradle Type 25CrMo4 Steel |
Subframe : | Aluminum |
Handlebar : | NEKEN, Aluminum Ø 28/22 mm |
Front Suspension : | WP XPLOR USD Ø 48 mm |
Rear Suspension : | WP XPLOR Shock with PDS |
Suspension Travel Front/Rear : | 300 mm / 11.8 in; 310 mm / 12.2 in |
Front/Rear Brakes : | Disc Brake 260 mm / 220 mm |
Front/Rear Rims : | 1.60 x 21” / 2.15 x 18” Giant |
Front/Rear Tires : | 90/90-21” / 120/90-18” Continental TKC 80 |
Chain : | 5/8 x 1/4 in |
Silencer : | Aluminum |
Steering Head Angle : | 26.5º |
Triple Clamp Offset : | 22 mm |
Wheelbase : | 1,482 mm ± 10 mm / 58.3 ± 0.4 in |
Ground Clearance : | 355 mm / 14 in |
Seat Height : | 960 mm / 37.8 in |
Tank Capacity, Approx. : | 8.5 L / 2.25 gal |
Weight (without fuel), Approx. : | 109 kg / 240.3 lbs |
MSRP ($USD): | $11,599 |
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I’m probably a tiny minority, but it would be nice if you could get switchable abs on these bikes. I find dirt oriented tires can have inconsistent braking traction on road, especially in the rain.
Same as with Husky, itty bitty fuel tank syndrome.
They are basically the same bikes