The KTM EXC range features a rider-focused body-position triangle, providing improved knee contact – especially when standing on the pegs – with improved gripping surfaces all around.
Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2025 KTM 500 EXC-F: ENDURO ANYWHERE ANYTIME.
Introducing the 2025 KTM 500 EXC-F…
Heading off to explore an abandoned town? Done. Churning dirt in a forest? Easy. Charging through the deep sandy deserts? Let’s go! The 2025 KTM 500 EXC-F doesn’t shy away from anything. Churning out serious power, and built around a lightweight frame with best-in-class suspension, this large-displacement powerhouse is surprisingly usable, making the KTM 500 EXC-F the ultimate half-liter weapon in anyone’s dual-sport arsenal.
2025 KTM 500 EXC-F Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
HE 2025 KTM EXC CHAMPIONS EDITION RANGE IS MADE FOR THE TOP STEP
Like it says on the tin, the KTM EXC CHAMPIONS EDITION range celebrates KTM’s dominance in the FIM Hard Enduro and EnduroGP World Championships.
In 1974, Motocross racer Gennadij Moiseev won KTM’s first 250cc World Championship, setting the tone for what would become an unparalleled motorsports success story. In 1990, KTM won the first-ever Enduro World Championship with Paul Edmondson and Peter Hansson. Today, over 50 years and more than 340 world titles later, KTM presents the CHAMPIONS EDITION to honor the past and present KTM champions.
Setting the KTM EXC CHAMPIONS EDITION apart from the rest of the KTM Enduro range is a RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING graphics kit, poised to take its place between the standard KTM EXC and KTM EXC SIX DAYS range.
While featuring the same, proven race-winning parts package as the rest of the KTM Enduro arsenal, the KTM EXC CHAMPIONS EDITION adds the following to the mix:
- RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING GRAPHICS
- ORANGE FRAME
- FRAME PROTECTION SET
- GRAY, ODI LOCK-ON GRIPS
- ORANGE FACTORY RACING SEAT
- MAP-SELECT SWITCH
- ORANGE FRONT AXLE PULLER
- SEMI-FLOATING FRONT BRAKE DISC
- SUPERSPROX STEALTH REAR SPROCKET
- SKID PLATE
- RADIATOR FAN
- MICHELIN ENDURO TIRES
The 2025 KTM EXC CHAMPIONS EDITION lineup boasts several models, with the KTM 250 EXC CHAMPION EDITION and KTM 300 EXC CHAMPION EDITION leading the 2-stroke stables.
On the 4-stroke side of the pitlane, the ever-present KTM 250 EXC-F CHAMPION EDITION, KTM 350 EXC-F CHAMPION EDITION, KTM 450 EXC-F CHAMPION EDITION and KTM 500 EXC-F CHAMPION EDITION take the top position.
Who better to showcase the new models in a competition setting than three of KTM’s most renowned racers? Two-time world enduro champion Johnny Aubert will head to Galicia, Spain, in October this year to take on the iconic FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE). The Frenchman will be joined by Chris Birch – hard enduro star and three-time Roof of Africa winner – as well as Red Bull Erzbergrodeo victor (and Mani’s Dad) Andreas Lettenbichler. Together, the three legends of enduro will contest the ISDE’s Club Team class as the KTM ALL STAR TEAM – all riding KTM EXC CHAMPIONS EDITION machines.
2025 KTM 500 EXC-F Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENDURO ANYWHERE
Heading off to explore an abandoned town? Done. Churning dirt in a forest? Easy. Charging through the deep sandy deserts? Let’s go! The 2025 KTM 500 EXC-F doesn’t shy away from anything. Churning out serious power, and built around a lightweight frame with best-in-class suspension, this large-displacement powerhouse is surprisingly usable, making the KTM 500 EXC-F the ultimate half-liter weapon in anyone’s dual-sport arsenal.
SETTING THE SAG
Adjustability
Getting READY TO RACE has never been easier. The 2025 KTM EXC-F range boasts a tool-free suspension setup at both ends. At the rear, our legendary, race-winning PDS technology features hand-adjustable dual compression controls, allowing riders to adjust high- and low-speed settings in a matter of seconds. On the front, the forks are also easily adjusted thanks to hand-adjustable clickers on the bottom of the fork shoe and on the fork top cap, making changing settings on the fly as easy as twisting the throttle.
DEEP BREATH
Air filter box
The air filter box is designed to ensure maximum airflow with minimal water intrusion. Precision in how the inlet ducts are positioned is aimed at preventing air deformation and maintaining filter protection. An enduro-specific splash protector under the airbox prevents water or dirt from splashing up from the rear wheel, while the Twin Air filter and air filter support design features a simple fail-proof mounting system for a secure and accurate filter installation. All this ensures the air filter is easily accessed, without tools, for fast trail-side maintenance.
FULLY FUELED
Fuel Tank
The transparent, polythene (XPE) fuel tank is a signature element of the KTM Enduro lineup. Having undergone thorough race testing in everything from the GNCC to the hardest of FIM hard enduros, these tanks are built, well, like tanks! A one-piece fuel pump and filter manage fuel supply, while servicing is made extra simple with easy fuel filter access. What’s more, an updated fuel tank roll now holds the tank more firmly in place and protects the frame against scrubbing.
SWITCH IT UP
Switchgear
On the right side of the handlebar, you’ll find a new, sleeker start/stop switch that’s taken directly from our motocross machines.
SLEDGEHAMMER
Engine
Warp speed engaged! The SOHC engine in the KTM 500 EXC-F is an undeniable powerhouse. Weighing in at a mere 65 lb (29.5 kg), it’s remarkably lightweight for its power output. Designed with mass centralization in mind, this hard-hitting power factory features a low center of gravity, providing exceptional handling, maneuverability, and overall anti-squat behavior.
SMARTER ELECTRONICS
Offroad Control Unit
The Offroad Control Unit – or OCU – is located under the seat and replaces all the electronic fuses and relays. All outputs are switched depending on signals from the voltage regulator and the ECU continuously. In the event of over-current, outputs are deactivated individually. This makes for easy error detection as the status of each output is indicated by a red or green LED light. This means diagnosing an electrical issue out on the trail is as easy as lifting the seat, and there’s no more need to carry fiddly fuses.
LITHIUM POWERED
Battery & Wiring Harness
As with the rest of the KTM 4-stroke range, the KTM 500 EXC-F is fitted with a proven, reliable electric start system. Powered by an ultra lightweight 2 Ah lithium-ion starter battery, it provides reliable starting time and time again, while the wiring harness has most of the electrical components carefully positioned under the seat for easy accessibility.
FLUID RIDER MOTION
Ergonomics
The KTM EXC range features a rider-focussed body-position triangle, providing improved knee contact – especially when standing on the pegs – with improved gripping surfaces all around. With the plastics working to expel mud buildup in wet, muddy conditions, a flat seat profile with a high grip seat cover providing exceptional rider movement and control, and a polyamide-reinforced aluminum subframe providing unmatched rider feel and feedback, your only concern is navigating the terrain ahead of you.
UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE
Exhaust
The exhaust system is designed to deliver hard-hitting performance at the lowest possible weight and noise. The 2-piece header pipe design is made to be as compact as possible, with the routing of the header pipe extremely close to the engine for maximum of mass centralization and minimum exposure to rocks. A short, compact silencer is crafted from lightweight aluminum and finished in a premium matt black coating.
BUILT TO BE THE BACKBONE
Frame
Specifically engineered for longitudinal rigidity, the 2025 KTM EXC range is engineered around a black powder coated frame providing exceptional rider feedback, energy absorption, and high-speed stability. This is achieved by repositioning the rotating masses in the frame along with a forged steering head connection. The footrest mounts also feature a slim design for less risk of hooking up. And when the ride comes to an end, a forged one-piece side stand ensures your enduro weapon stands proud.
MORE THAN A SUBFRAME
Subframe
An ultra-light lightweight subframe takes charge at the rear of the main frame, featuring a 2-part polyamide and reinforced aluminum construction. With the help of computational dynamics, a specific rigidity was engineered into the subframe, to deliver outstanding handling and rider feedback. This compact subframe design also boasts the the ability to bend and flex in the event of a crash, rather than break, with the subframe fully integrating electronic components, without any extra need for brackets, holders, or unnecessary fixtures.
UNFLAPPABLE FRONT END
WP XACT Closed-cartidge Fork
A 48 mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring fork provides fast and consistent damping, with optimized oil flow. This means these forks ensure unmatched performance at every level. Fork protection rings also protect against dirt intrusion. But, best of all, the fork allows for full adjustment of compression and rebound without the need for any tools.
GET THE POWER DOWN
WP XPLOR Shock
Remaining a hallmark of KTM Enduro weaponry, a PDS rear shock concept improves the anti-squat behaviors of the chassis. This remains the most reliable and maintenance-friendly option for competitive enduro racing. Moreover, a lightweight WP XPLOR PDS rear shock takes charge at the rear. For 2025 the rear shock received updated settings, resulting in improved pressure balance within the shock. With consistent damping, as well as full adjustability thanks to easy-to-use hand clickers for adjustments on the fly, it remains the setup to beat.
WHERE RUBBER MEETS DIRT
Wheels and Tires
The KTM 500 EXC-F rolls on a set of high-strength GIANT alloy wheels coupled to CNC-machined hubs and aluminum nipples. These are wrapped in a set of ultra-grippy Continental TKC 80 tires, providing exceptional traction in all conditions.
HOLD THE LINE
Stability
The KTM EXC range maintains stability at any speed thanks to its forged steering head connection and triple clamps providing riders with a forgiving feeling. Crafted from high-grade aluminum, they offer a more flexible steering stem, precise alignment of fork tubes, and accurate geometry of fork clamps. This setup ensures highly responsive and smooth fork action, as well as unwavering stability during ultra-fast flat-out special stages.
SEE INTO THE FUTURE
LED headlight
Lighting the way forward, the KTM EXC range features an LED headlight unit and light mask. The mask itself features triple clamp protection against roost and does away with the rubber mounting straps for improved fitment. Most importantly, the LED lighting unit provides serious illumination, making riding in the dark a completely new experience.
2025 KTM 500 EXC-F – Totalmotorcycle.com International Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £11,499 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Primary drive 29:72
Transmission 6-speed
Secondary gear ratio 14:48
Starter Electric starter
Stroke 72mm
Bore 95mm
Clutch Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics
Compression ratio 12.75
Displacement 510.9cm³
EMS Keihin EMS
Design 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine
Fuel-mixture generation Keihin EFI, throttle body 42 mm
Chassis
Weight (without fuel) 115kg
Wheelbase 1.489mm
Front brake disc diameter 260mm
Rear brake disc diameter 220mm
Front brake Disc brake
Rear brake Disc brake
Chain 520 X-Ring
Frame design Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel
Front suspension WP XACT-USD, Ø 48 mm
Handlebar Neken, aluminium Ø 28/22 mm
Rear suspension WP XPLOR shock absorber with PDS
Silencer Aluminium
Steering head angle 63.9°
Rear subframe design Aluminum-reinforced polyamide
Tyre dimensions (front/rear) 90/90; 140/80
Wheels 21 x 1.60″; 18 x 2.15″
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
