MotoSpecs

2020 KTM 500 EXC-F vs 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2020 KTM 500 EXC-F 2020 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
2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
216 kg / 476 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year2019 - 202017 - 18
Make ModelKTM 500 EXC-FSuzuki DL 650 V-Strom
Dimensions
Seat Height960 mm . 37.7 in830 mm / 32.7 in
Wheelbase1482 ± 10 mm1560 mm / 61.4 in
Ground Clearance355 mm / 13.9 in175 mm / 6.9 in
Height-1405mm / 55.3 in
Length-2275 mm / 89.5 in
Width-910 mm / 35.8 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 lbs216 kg / 476 lbs
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 down43mm Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension - RearWP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCCLink type, with adjustable rebound and spring preload
Rake-26°
Steering Head Angle63.5-
Trail-110 mm / 4.3 in
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear310 mm / 12.2 in160 mm / 6.3 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

Too close to call

The 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F and the 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2020 KTM 500 EXC-F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 355 mm vs 175 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 310 mm vs 160 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 150 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 830 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.

2020 KTM 500 EXC-F vs 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F and 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom?
The 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom is powered by Four stroke, 90°-V-twin, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F or the 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom?
The 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom has the lower seat at 830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2020 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 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F or the 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom?
Both are strong choices. The 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2018 Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom 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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