2018 Husqvarna FE 501 vs KTM 500 EXC-F | Ride Review
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- Eric Nelson, head of product development, tackles the challenge to ride the new 2018 Husqvarna FE 501 and KTM 500 EXC-F back to back along with Chance. Check out their evaluation of the strengths of each bike and see which bike they prefer.
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On my 2nd ktm 500. After you do all the Mods it unleash's the beast......! 62yrs old and still rippin.....!
Really good to see these back to back, seeing how each goes thru different terrain for behind, very cool and helpful - thanks for the excellent presentation!
Terrific video, and thanks for taking the time to make the comparison. Wasn't sure about which one to buy, as they're both great bikes, but you have settled it for me.
Great video. I live in North Western NV and know exactly what you mean by Hero dirt. Man when the dirt gets some moisture it makes the ride just that much sweeter. Keep up the great work Rocky Mountain.
Excellent riding and excellent honest review. They are both great bikes!
Great review! I am tempted by both!
I bought a wr250r as my first motorcycle. I've been drooling over the husky 501/701 ever since. :)
Love the bike reviews. Keep it up RMATVMC
Thanks *Andybj!*
That was brilliant. Reviewing while tearing along trails. Super
Once again a great video… Got me wanting to ride.
Probably going to be on a KTM 500 EXC-F 2022 in a couple of weeks. This looks like so much fun!
wOw! That looked like a lot of fun, nice review.
Really great review/video! I can’t wait to own an 701 Husky; is there a comparison vid on that vs. the 500 EXC-F or maybe the Husky vs 690 Enduro?
thank you for putting this together. very helpful.
Glad you liked it. Thanks for checking it out!
Made my first order ever using these guys. Bought MSR pants and jersey that were on closeout, got my items in 2 days! Crazy fast shipping, thank you guys!
thanks for trying us out! Hopefully you'll be back:)
WOW how in the world did you get such smooth video?
Great video and great riding!
You guys make it look so smooth. What about the brake and clutch feel?
Great to see a current review on these awesome bikes and segment of the market...no Beta RRS?
Love the colour of the Husky
I'm picking up brand new husky 501 tomorrow I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight but paying pretty penny
How much did u put down on it?
0 dollars down 200 a month love it unfortunately I just had surgery on my shoulder a week ago so I won't be able to ride it for a couple months
@@raybacon9319 why did they not have you put money down? Sucks that happened to your shoulder
Good credit
@@raybacon9319 right on man im planning on getting the exc-f once my m1 is finalized.
Nice review you kept my attention from start to stop.👍 How about a review on the Beta 500 RR-S(36.6" seat height) for us even more vertically challenged guys? 5'5" on a good day!😂
Incredible riding skills. You guys were COOKING!
No brainer, I don't need a extra 4lbs of linkage and bearings to maintain and dragged through the rocks. I also like the straighter handle bars on the ktm.
Every year it's the same exact review lol, all about the linkage but would be happy with the ktm as well". Love them both and great reviews thank you.
Great Review and vid. One question. Since I believe you said both bikes had Xplor forks, and the KTM has the Xplor shock, does the Husky have the Xplor shock since it has the linkage?
I know my 17 300 Six Days has the same Explor set-up as the 500 and it does seen like it's A lower quality suspension set-up made for enduro. I've had to have my suspension worked over pretty good since I'm no 160 LB stick! (LOL) If the rear shock isn't the Xplor on the Husky that might be a selling point for me.
Looks like an awesome place to ride
Great review, good to see big guys test the bikes... Im 5 10 239 with out gear. Thanks for the video
Wow, 239 without gear. I'm 5' 11.88" and 187.66 after a beer.
Do you guys feel and difference between the two bikes in the thickness of the radiator shrouds? I’ve heard that the huskys feel more wide than the ktms
I still have my Husqvarna 501fe 2018 I still love this bike and ride this bike all the time I'm just now finally getting used to all the power it has and now I ride this bike to its full potential I'm so glad I went with a 500 instead of a 250 when I bought my bike brand new the only thing I've replaced was the stock slave cylinder and I put all brand new plastic on my bike this winter
Nice, wondering what the new plastics look like
Link suspension will always give better small bump compliance and feel over a direct connect type setup.
Awesome video. I wonder if not having the sag set, and the settings in general dialed to your weight, worked against the PDS? Maybe it is more sensitive to being dialed in right. Just theorizing.
Both amazing bikes ! I would go by the better deal if I had to choose one :) The game changer between these bikes and Japanese ones , atleast for me , is the hydraulic clutch. I can ride all day long in hard terrain using only 1 finger on the clutch and not get tired. On a yamaha for example I had to start using 2 fingers after 20min , because I started feeling pain in my index finger...
Yeah the hydraulic clutch on both are amazing, I've used maguro and brembo. Both amazing
I remember back in 2014 reading a statement on Husqvarna's website that said the Husqvarna was the next step up from the KTM.
Trying to decide between the two bikes to convert to supermoto. Anyone ever converted one of these bikes or recommend one over the other for 90% street riding purposes? I know they are both great, and im having trouble deciding. I currently have a wr250x and I would like something a bit bigger to goof around on.
Love my FE501 !!
So it’s safe to say they are probably pretty similar with service intervals?
the widepower works great as long as you dont take too heavy hits. it sometimes goes completely down even though i weigh only 70kg. and you cant adjust them that well.
Would love to see something on the beta 500 rr-s
ill go with the KTM 500 EXC-F 2018
Are the magura brakes the same power and feel as the brembos?
I think for the outlay, and the majority of people buying these being intermediate enduro riders, the Kato makes the most sense. In Australia your paying a $1000+ plus premium for the husky, and if you’ve got the coin, go nuts, but I can’t see an intermediate rider gaining anything from one to the other. Both great bikes. Pick your favourite colour or brand I guess ;)
Yeah its more or less the same. One of each! 300 2-stroke and a 500 or 501
Awesome bikes, I got the old dr350se which needs some work buy hey you gotta start somewhere
That's a great bike. I think you will be surprised how capable it is.
Great review! Looking to pick one of these up soon. Curious where you were riding?
Cherry Creek. Near Eureka utah
Great review. I have a beta 300rr with a plate and luv it but it sucks on the back roads to get where I want to go. I wonder how these 2 bikes compare to a beta rs500?
Probably the same in regards to riding on the road. I have a 17 250 exc - The stock tires started getting squirrely around 40mph. after I put some Dunlop 606's it was a big improvement, which I thought was funny, because there was no effort made to balance the tires at all! They know the first thing we'll do is change the tires!
Those are the kind of bike I need to complement with my R6, when I feel for off-road, without needs for a truck or trolley, and why not put little luggage on, for some longer trip.
Nice review! If the question is ever "Which tire should I get?" then the answer is never "TKC80"
Came with the bike got the good stuff on it now
can you daily the ktm? whats the service intervals like?
Great video, the only thing I could hear was the Husky was "lugging" much more then the KTM...seemed the same with both riders!!
would be really nice to see a TE 500 or a EXC 500 (2-strokes)
That's some pretty beautiful video. What camera and mount did you use?
Sony Action cam. great stabilization.
I've got a te511 from when life was simpler 😜
You boys can ride!! 😀👍
Where you guys riding. Is the ktm snappier in your opinion. I e heard that quiet a bit
Great Video. Are you guys riding outside of Payson?
Yes. Out by Cherry Creek/Little Sahara. Thanks for watching our video!
Wow great review, you using the Sony x3000 for the helmet footage? It's stablisised?
Yep, stabilization is built in. We've been really happy with it!
great thanks
What’s the throttle response feel like on the husqvarna compared to the ktm? Doesn’t the husky have a more restrictive air box?
You told everything about both of them. But what about HP and torque of both bikes. And also tell price of ktm 500 exc-f.
I gotta ask, where are you guys riding? Utah I'd think. But out by White Wash or somewhere else? It looks like a hoot!
Cherry Creek. Out by the little Sahara Sand Dunes in Utah.
those tyres that's an eye opener in AUS that come with maxxis fim on still rubbish though, good review
i own a 2018 ktm 500 i love it
Same!
Looking forward to seeing these as an adventure build. Please do it. I like the husky, but am concerned about limited luggage options with the composite frame.
Adam Niswonger I am most concerned with sustained hwy speeds. I would love to rpms etc at say 60-65. Would you kill it if during and adventure ride you need to hop on the freeway for 60mi
The 500’s easily cruise 65 mph or more. I do 150 mile days of mixed riding on my 501 and love it.
garth lundquist thanks. I plated my 2009 YZ450F. It's a 5 speed but I i gear it up and I can do 60 at 5500 rps but with the small skirt piston it's just too hard for the motor to maintain a constant fwy speed
OGPokey151 The KTM/Husqvarna 500/501 models have a great wide ratio 6 speed gearbox that makes all the difference when it comes to dual sport/ high speed work. I gear mine down to 14/50 and this is perfect for all round use. I can run tight single track, cruise easily at 60-65, and top out near 100. The sixth gear feels like an overdrive gear ( by design).
These motors are very durable. I have 200 hrs/ 4000 miles on mine and it runs as new. I expect 500 hrs or more. I don’t know anyone who has replaced a piston yet on the 500’s. Racers will of course need more frequent engine work.
Is this Bike open? Which country? In switzerland the most of FE/EXC/WR habe less than 14kw
How can you judge the forks if you did not set the sag?
Let's see that 450L reviewed with an open mind. Just like this video. Great riders and quality assertions.
*Skyler's Vidz* you can plan on it! If we get our hands on one be sure to look out for a video. Thanks for watching
@@rmatvmc I don't think you followed through with my suggestion ;) Can we get this video with Honda photoshopped in? Lol
Great video. Which bike do you think would be better for a supermoto conversion?
Kind of a waste of money, isnt it? The expensive suspension and overbuild wheels for example.
Would the linkage be benificial for supermoto or not?
Great video! What camera was this filmed with?
sony action cam. they have great stabilization!
nice bike
Great job guys. However, can you (or someone that knows) please tell me the area you guys are riding at? Very nice trails wherever it is. keep up the great work guys.
Out by the little Sahara Sand Dunes in Utah. It's called Cherry Creek. Awesome place to ride if you like sandy trails and there's also some good rocky trails, too. Thanks for watching!
They are riding the area of the LIttle Sahara sand dunes of SouthWestern Utah, an extremely popular ATV/Dune Buggy/Motorcycle location. Or it could be the Cheery Creek area also, which is nearby. Here's a link to the Sand dunes. www.duneguide.com/sand_dune_guide_little_sahara.htm
ALOT of people are recreating in this area especially on the weekends and there are always several deaths every year.
I would like to know the difference, especially long term reliability, between the Magura equipment and the Brembo. My experience with Magura is imediate leaks. This is enough to make me buy a KTM despite the fact that I like every other part on the Husky better. Hopefully you have no issue with the Magura.
They covered the magura on mine under warranty. The newer design holds fine
You forgot to mention they make PERFECT supermotos. The power is unreal, the gearing is more than wide enough for street use, and they weigh 80lbs less than the ever popular DRZ boat anchor. Plus EFI helps with gas mileage. Going to replace my WR426 with one in a couple years, I'm so excited
Very cool point made *Nick Childs.* Thanks for sharing with us all.
Nick Childs , yes but boat anchors cost a lot less with less maintenance. I don't own a DRZ, just sayin' is all.
Are they plugged up and too high geared for Enduro racing
Man I am so tempted to go searchin for a Husky dealer (the LINKAGE if you are wondering)...I do like the color orange better ...oh well on that insignificant thing...
If you pick one up, you'll have to let us know how you like it! I'm sure you'll love it. Thanks for watching. Good luck!
I'd take either one.
Can you guys do a top speed test on the ktm please as well as a 0-60 and 1/4 mile run
How often do these bikes need an engine total rebuild? What disevantages do these bikes have compared to a non street legal enduro bike? Any information will help . . Thanks
*real rider* A rebuild depends on several factors including how it is ridden and maintained. Refer to each bikes owner’s manual for general guidelines. Disadvantages are the extra weight from the street legal stuff and they are really plugged up for emissions reasons.
I'm deciding on my next purchase between these 2 bikes and a WR450F but am leaning towards the Husky!!
How do the Giant brand wheels on the ktm compare to a set of Warp 9 hoops? My 16 500exc came with the spare set of warp 9's and they just sit there. Wondering if I sold either set, which would be most valuable.
sell the warp 9s, you could easily get $300 for a used pair.
ok, the warp 9 hoops are on a set of billet hubs (not sure of the brand), has a 48 tooth supersprox sprocket, plust brake rotors and tires. You think I can get 600 for the set. The wheels look nearly new.
$600 is pushing it, maybe you can, but you can almost get a brand new set for that much. $500 is a good bet
Just picked up a new FE501 a month ago in Kamloops, BC Canada. Had it for six days. Did the 1 hour service and at 5hrs the engine started making a terrible screeching noise. Its been at a warranty approved shop now for 25 days and they are still waiting for Husqvarna to make up their mind regarding changing all the moving internal parts or ship a new engine from Austria or simply put it together and let me ride it till it leaves me stranded. The shop cannot find the source of the noise however the mechanic and Husqvarna rep agree something is seriously wrong. Also being that this bike is street legal I have paid for a month of insurance I haven't been able to use. Additionally I have essentially missed out on the best time of year to ride. I guess my philosophy of saving to 'buy the best and cry once' hasnt held true this time. Luckily my 2006 RMZ 450 hasn't sold and is still going strong.
Well, you should have bought a Japanese bike instead of that Euro piece of shit. Lesson learned, eh?
6'1", 220 pounds, 7 years mx and enduro experience. Looking for something highly reliable that I can ride to work every day but also has enough brap for me to have fun on when I hit the trail. My two previous bikes were a DRZ400SM and a KLR650 (which I rode across the rubicon trail twice). What bike would you suggest?
*Woodland Tactical* We love our KLR's but when it comes to more of those tighter trails the DRZ400 performed great. Light and nimble. We think you'd love it! Check out our DRZ400 Bike Build we did: czcams.com/video/almo8OnD8UE/video.html
These bikes are in a totally different league than the DRZ & KLR, waay better in the dirt, but not such good road bikes, which is important. My FE501S is ok on the roads, definitely not real smooth, and a bit too high strung. Sooo, I'm actually thinking about getting either a DRZ or KLR for just riding around on the streets, gravel & dirt roads, which is mostly where I've been riding the Husky (which is now on semi-permanent loan to my oldest son because it sat too much in my garage), looking for something smoother more relaxed on the street, with less maintenance intervals. I just talked my street riding buddy into getting a used KLR, he couldn't be happier. I'm 64, & 6'-2" 225 lbs
How good are these bikes on the street? I commuted to work on the coast from Escondido thru paved back roads, 21 miles each way. I rode my street bike the whole tear and a half that I worked there, but did consider riding the Husky 501 once, but realized that I would do that once, and never again...lol
I do give sport bikes a good run on Mount Palomar though, on dual sport tires too. They are always shocked when I pull up and they see it's a full dirt bike with knobby tires...lol
It's fine for riding around town though, on the freeway, its blown around a lot and revved out too much, you wont do that very often though, you will learn real quick, it doesn't really belong on a freeway.
Any tire that works off road is rough riding (bumpy) on the street, even with adding wheel balance weights (a must on these for the street). I went to more street oriented tires, but thinking about getting a separate set of supermoto wheels for the street, and going to real dirt tires on the stock wheels for when I go dirt riding.
With oil changes scheduled every 15 hours (and it needs it with the small oil capacity) you'll be changing the oil and filters a lot. I've done my own valve adjustments, not a real easy task, def requires excellent mechanical experience and skills and a great deal of time, plan on a day or two depending on how fast and hard you want to work, I know there are mechanics out there that can do it faster, but you really have to turn too and pay attention, as it's easy to get something wrong, or forget something with the level of complication involved..
Riding into the Mordor! I swear I saw Golum behind a trunk!
so I am looking for a bike to do forest runs and somewhat technical trails. but also able to hit highway speeds to get back to my truck and trail hop. sometimes I need to hit 70 - 75mph. Unless a FE350 can do it. I was looking at the 701, but but its too heavy
nvm just heard it has wide gear ratio and has top speed 100mph stock. figured 70MPH then is nothing esp if I up the gearing
I want one a epic adventure bike!
I Pick a KTM 500 EXC-f
Which one is easier to lower?
That ktm looks like a bengal tiger 👍🏻, wich i like better , also the headlight on the ktm look a little more aggressive, but the Husqvarna is also good looking , i already took the ktm
WHERE were you riding?!... (State, County, etc.) It looks like a GREAT riding location!!!
This is in Cherry Creek, Utah. Located right next to Little Sahara sand dunes state park.
Pick the one with the best dealer nearby.
Dealer has both!! And Leftover '17 models at a discount. 350's, 500/501 and 690/701!!! Tough call.
Then take the one you think is the best looking
Jimo368 rrirjjdjdjj
I would imgane they would each service the other...i guess not for a warranty repair....but just for service? why not? same motor!
@@dougiequick1 My KTM saw the dealer at the 1hrs free first service and its never been back. 400+ hours on it. Maintenance is shit simple and I do it all myself, though that has been limited to oil and filter changes and the occasional valve check. Everything else like is just wear items like brakes, chain and a couple wheel bearings. Original motor, top end and all including the clutch.
What is the camera?
i feel like the fe501 or 450 are the answers to my drz400 issue. I want a bike lighter than my drz that can handle decent technical and moderate single track yet hit highway speeds when I need to.
question is, ive heard the 501 is easier to use on the throttle vs the 450 on technical trails since the 450 is very snappy like a 2 stroke
If you want a light bike 501 or 450 is not the answer. I’ve tested all husqvarna enduro lineup (from 150 to 501) and for me, 250 2 stroke was the best, I didn’t feel much power difference from the 250 and the 300 yet the 250 feels almost as light as the 150, I ride a lot of enduro in tight forest and sometimes on motor cross tracks, the 250 is my favorite of all, it’s got really good torque too. The 501 did not feel very agile and good in the forest but on motorcross tracks it was so fun because of both the power and sound!
@@ool3062 ya I ended up getting a te250i 2 stroke. love how light it is. at first I wanted to dualsport, but seems I mostly ride single track now. you didnt notice much difference on the 300 2 stroke vs 250 2 stroke?
RideWithWill Yeah, the 300 has a little more torque and little more power but it’s not much at all, I myself ride a 2019 KTM 250 EXC-f and I love it!
Can see in the footage the suspension on the Husqvarna is much smoother, never liked that PDS type suspension, I'd much prefer linkage. its a shame KTM didn't offer the linkage. I won't buy one because of it. I like the extra's husqvarna offers, wish more of the FE501's were out there used and more dealers, really blows wein
I love my pds, but that's on my 300 xcw. I've softened it up a little and I enjoy it much more
Both bikes are pretty. Starting to think dual sport as I get older. Where is this trail? What's the name?
We locally call the area Cherry Creek. It is near the Little Sahara Rec area in Utah.
Would the stock suspension be good enough for someone who weighs 185 with full gear on?
Why wouldn't it be?
Which DOT approved tires would you use in this situation? The terrain is similar to what I'm riding and I'm looking for new tires
d606 If you are getting close to 50/50.
I run both the Motoz Mountain Hybrid and the Pirelli MT43 on my 501 with good all round results. Either rear tire goes about 2000 miles for mixed d/s riding and both are DOT legal.
Do you have any opinions about the Michelin AC-10?
Manuel Xavier The AC- is a great tire. Probably the best of the DOT knobby type. Expensive, but you get what you pay for. I always balance my wheels too. Especially important with KTM/ Husky bikes because of where the rim lock is mounted in regards to the valve stem. I can also recommend TuBliss, especially in the rear.
I own a Honda XR400R, not KTM or Husky, yet! :D
8:25 I feel like there might have been some sign language involved....
Whats the maintenance intervals like on these bikes?
Frequent!
GREAT BIKES
Do they both have similar after market support?
Yes, they both pretty much are offered the same aftermarket parts. You can use our parts finder to see everything that is offered for each bike.
Be nice to see a 701 vs. 690
MrK2zeplin the 690 is about to be done with, ktms pushing the 790 enduro now. There’s great rebates and other deals on the 690s now though.
Conner White your actually wrong, ktm is working on a new 690 that will be relesed this year, god knows why..
Erez M that’s dumb on their part, I know they said they are planning on doing away the 690 within so many years they said at their dealer meeting. I know the 701 is a lot better running and looking bike they should just stop the 690 asap. Our dealership is having a lot of trouble selling the 690s but the 701 are flying off the shelves. I’m excited to see the 790 adventure though.
Conner White yeah man who knows whats the point. You can see it here - www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-bikes/2018/january/ktm-690-enduro-supermoto/
Yes I would love to see their thoughts on these.
Loving my 2018 Beta 500rrs. Tired of all that dang orange everywhere.
*Joshua Parra* haha. Beta's are very good looking. Expecially with their candy red plastics.
The Beta is a great bike too. I saw an article where the testers preferred the Beta 500 to the Husky 501.
I've had a Beta and they are great, but the reality is that when it comes to resale, the KTM is easier to sell and holds it value much better.
In SoCal I have yet to see any dealers. Would love to see more dirt bike and dual sport manufacturers.
I think it's all just a matter of time for Beta to really catch on, especially in the states. I have a 500exc and was looking at the Beta 500 primarily because of the lower seat height
The emissions controls and engineered lean condition from factory is horrible .... and needs to be corrected as soon as you bring it home... I had all my stuff ordered 30 min after bringing home