KTM 500 EXC F Six Days [2012-2016]: A Test Rider’s Perspective on the Ultimate Enduro Weapon

When KTM unleashed the 500 EXC F Six Days between 2012 and 2016, it wasn’t just launching a motorcycle—it was dropping a gauntlet in the dirt bike world. Designed for riders who demand relentless performance in the most punishing environments, this machine blends Austrian engineering precision with a wild, off-road soul. After throwing a leg over a well-maintained 2014 model, it’s clear why this bike remains a benchmark for hardcore enduro enthusiasts. Let’s dissect what makes this orange beast tick.

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Engine Performance: Controlled Fury in Single-Cylinder Form

At the heart of the 500 EXC F Six Days lies a 510.4cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. With a bore and stroke of 95mm x 72mm (3.7” x 2.8”) and an 11.8:1 compression ratio, this powerplant is a masterclass in balancing explosive energy with tractable delivery.

Throttle Response: The Keihin EFI system (standard on most model years) serves up crisp fueling. Crack the throttle, and the bike surges forward with a linear, almost electric-like urgency—no carbureted lag here. Riders accustomed to two-stroke snap might need a moment to adjust, but the four-stroke’s meaty midrange torque (estimated 50+ Nm) quickly becomes addictive. It’ll loft the front wheel in third gear without drama, yet it’s docile enough to crawl through technical rock gardens.

Gearbox & Clutch: The 6-speed transmission is a revelation. Shifts click into place with rifle-bolt precision, whether you’re short-shifting through tight woods or chasing fifth gear on a desert plateau. The hydraulically actuated Brembo clutch (DDS multidisc on later models) offers buttery modulation, a lifesaver during hour-long battles in clutch-abusing terrain.

Sound & Vibration: Don’t expect a whisper-quiet ride—the bark from the aluminum exhaust is raw and purposeful. Vibration is present but never numbing, a reminder that you’re piloting a no-compromise thumper. At highway speeds (where legal), the engine hums comfortably at 110 km/h (68 mph), though it’s clearly happiest off-road.

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Chassis & Handling: Precision Meets Brutality

KTM’s chrome-molybdenum steel frame is the backbone of this bike’s razor-sharp handling. Paired with a bolt-on aluminum subframe, it strikes a perfect balance between rigidity and flex.

Suspension: The WP-USD 48mm forks (300mm/11.8” travel) and WP-PDS rear shock (330-335mm/13.0-13.2” travel) are plush yet progressive. Over square-edged roots at speed, the front end stays planted, while the rear soaks up log hits without kicking. For aggressive riders, stiffening the compression damping (easily adjustable via hand knobs) transforms the bike into a motocrosser’s delight. The 26.5° rake keeps steering quick without sacrificing stability at speed.

Weight Distribution: At 111.5-112.5 kg (245-248 lbs) dry, the 500 EXC F feels shockingly light when moving. The centralized mass—aided by the compact engine layout—lets you pivot between berms and ruts like a trials bike. Stand-up riding is intuitive, with the 970mm (38.2”) seat height (non-adjustable) accommodating taller riders while remaining manageable for average heights.

Brakes: Single 220mm (8.7”) discs front and rear, clamped by Brembo calipers, offer stellar stopping power. The front lever has a wooden initial bite compared to MX bikes, but this modulation prevents endos in slippery conditions.

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Off-Road Prowess: Where the Six Days Earns Its Name

This isn’t a bike that “handles” off-road—it devours it.

Technical Terrain: The 345mm (13.6”) ground clearance laughs at rock ledges. On steep, greasy climbs, the torquey engine and 140/80-18 rear tire hook up relentlessly. When things get vertical, the bike’s light feel allows last-second line corrections that heavier 450s would punish.

High-Speed Sections: Open up the throttle in fifth gear, and the 500 transforms. Sand whoops disappear under the suspension’s stroke, while the narrow bodywork slices through brush. At 130 km/h (80 mph), the bike remains stable—a testament to the balanced chassis.

Enduro Agility: The 1482mm (58.3”) wheelbase and 21”/18” Excel wheels make tight single-track manageable. Flicking between trees requires commitment (this is still a 500cc bike), but the responsive steering rewards aggressive input.

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On-Road Manners: A Brief Affair

Let’s be clear: this is a race bike with a license plate. The seat is a thinly padded perch, and vibrations intensify above 90 km/h (56 mph). That said, the fuel injection ensures smooth throttle transitions on pavement, and the 9-9.5L (2.4-2.5 gal) tank provides decent range for connecting trails. Just don’t expect to tour on it—your spine will protest.

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Competition: How the KTM Stacks Up

The 500 EXC F Six Days didn’t exist in a vacuum. Here’s how it fared against rivals:

1. Honda CRF450X: Lighter at 121 kg (267 lbs) wet, but down on torque. Honda’s reliability is legendary, but the CRF feels softer in suspension and less urgent in power delivery.
2. Yamaha WR450F: Softer low-end grunt and a 5-speed gearbox left Yamaha playing catch-up in technical terrain. The WR’s steel frame is durable but less nimble.
3. Husqvarna FE 501: Essentially a white KTM with minor geometry tweaks. The Husky’s composite subframe saves weight but lacks the KTM’s aftermarket support.
4. Beta 500 RR-S: A smoother, trail-friendly alternative with Sachs suspension. Beta’s lower seat height appeals to shorter riders but sacrifices the KTM’s race-edge sharpness.

The Six Days’ trump card? Weight. At nearly 10 kg (22 lbs) lighter than some rivals, it dances where others bulldoze.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Orange Beast Alive

Owners praise the 500 EXC F’s reliability, but neglect is a one-way ticket to rebuild city. Here’s your survival guide:

1. Oil Changes: The twin oil pumps demand fresh lubricant every 15-20 hours. Use Motorex 10W-50 Synthetic—cheap oils can’t handle the engine’s heat.
2. Air Filter: Service after every dusty ride. Upgrade to a Twin Air filter with grease-sealed edges for better particle defense.
3. Valve Checks: Every 30 hours. Shim-under-bucket design is stable but requires patience.
4. Suspension: Rebuild WP forks annually if ridden hard. Consider MOTOPARTS.store’s SKF seal kit for longer service intervals.
5. Chain & Sprockets: The 14:50 (or 13:50) gearing wears fast in mud. Swap to a DID ERT2 chain and hardened steel sprockets.
6. Upgrades Worth Considering:
7. Skid Plate: The stock aluminum unit is sturdy, but a composite model reduces noise.
8. Handguards: Barkbusters save levers in crashes.
9. Seat: A Seat Concepts foam pad adds comfort for marathon rides.

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Conclusion: The Unapologetic Enduro King

The KTM 500 EXC F Six Days isn’t for everyone—it’s a high-strung race machine that demands respect and mechanical sympathy. But for riders who crave a bike that’s equally at home winning hare scrambles and conquering backcountry trails, few machines offer this blend of lightweight agility and arm-straightening torque. It’s a reminder that in the dirt, less weight and more power (when properly harnessed) is a recipe for immortality.

Whether you’re rebuilding a well-loved 2012 model or upgrading your 2016 with modern accessories, MOTOPARTS.store has the gear to keep your Six Days dominating trails for another decade. Now, go get dirty.

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Specifications sheet

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