MotoSpecs

2018 KTM 500 EXC-F vs 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 KTM 500 EXC-F 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
106.5 kg / 234.7 lbs
2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
49 kW / 66.6 hp @ 8800 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
214 kg / 472 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2017 - 182014 - 16
Make ModelKTM 500 EXC-FSuzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS
Dimensions
Seat Height960 mm . 37.7 in835 mm / 32.9 in
Wheelbase1482 ± 10 mm1560 mm / 61.4 in
Ground Clearance355 mm / 13.9 in175 mm / 6.9 in
Height-1405mm / 55.3 in
Length-2290 mm / 90.2 in
Width-835 mm / 32.9 in
Weights & Capacities
Fuel Capacity8.5 Litres / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal20 Litres / 5.2 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-3.0 L (3.2 / 2.6 US / Imp qt)
Wet Weight106.5 kg / 234.7 lbs214 kg / 472 lbs
Performance
Max Power-49 kW / 66.6 hp @ 8800 rpm
Max Torque-60 Nm / 6.12 kgf-m / 44.3 lb-ft @ 6400 rpm
Engine
Displacement510.4 cc / 31.1 cu-in645 cc / 39.4 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke95 x 72 mm81 x 62.6 mm
Compression Ratio11.9:111.2:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Fuel InductionKeihin MX FCR 39Fuel Injection
IgnitionContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type KokusanElectronic Ignition
Lubrication-Wet sump
StarterElectricElectric
Drivetrain
ClutchMultidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activatedWet, multiple discs, cable operated
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4"Chain, DID525V8, 118 links
Final Drive Ratio13:503.133 (47 / 15)
Gear Ratios1st 14:36 / 2nd 17:32 / 3rd 19:28 / 4th 22:26 / 5th 23:24 / 6th 26:21-
Primary Drive Ratios32:762.088 (71 / 34)
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeCentral double-cradle type 25CrMo4Aluminium, twin spar
Suspension - FrontWP Performance Systems MXMA 4860 upside downTelescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension - RearWP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCCLink type, coil spring, oil damped
Rake-26°
Steering Head Angle63.5-
Trail-110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in-
Wheel Travel - Rear310 mm / 12.2 in-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 260 mm disc2 x 310 mm disc, 2 piston calipers, ABS
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm discSingle 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper, ABS
Tyres - Front90/90 - 21110/80R19M/C 59H
Tyres - Rear120/90 - 18150/70R17M/C 69H

Verdict

Winner on specs

2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS

The 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS edges out the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F thanks to its lower seat height, fuel injection and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2018 KTM 500 EXC-F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 355 mm vs 175 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 835 mm vs 960 mm . 37.7 in - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2018 KTM 500 EXC-F vs 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F and 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS?
The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS is powered by Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F or the 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS?
The 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS has the lower seat at 835 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F sits higher at 960 mm . 37.7 in. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F or the 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2016 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom / ABS stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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