2017 KTM 500 EXC-F Specifications

Name: 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F
Brand: KTM

Enduro / Off-Road • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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2017 KTM 500 EXC-F Overview

KTM 500 EXC-F is an enduro / off-road motorcycle, displacing 510.4 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.9:1. On the road, the 2017 500 EXC-F tips the scales at 106.5 kg, carries a 8.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 960 mm . 37.7 in and spans a 1482 ± 10 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 92.3 kg lighter than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. The full 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

2017 500 EXC-F - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Factory engineering: KTM built the 500 EXC-F around a straightforward, purposeful specification rather than chasing any single standout feature.

Considerations

Tall seat height: At 960 mm . 37.7 in, shorter riders will likely be on tiptoes at a standstill - worth sitting on one before you buy.
Modest fuel capacity: Range between stops is limited by the 8.5-litre tank - plan fuel stops accordingly on longer routes.
Chain final drive upkeep: Budget time for routine chain maintenance - it's cheap to replace but needs consistent attention to avoid premature sprocket wear.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

500 EXC-F's Liquid cooled setup is low-maintenance provided the coolant interval is kept - old, acidic coolant is the main cause of long-term corrosion in the water passages.

Brake disc and pad wear

Braking up front comes from Single 260 mm disc - solid stopping power, with disc and pad wear best checked on the same schedule as tyre changes.

Suspension condition on used examples

The 500 EXC-F's suspension runs WP Performance Systems MXMA 4860 upside down at the front. The rear uses WP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCC. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The 500 EXC-F uses chain final drive, which is cheap to replace but needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get a full service life out of the sprockets.

Frame & chassis check

Built around a Central double-cradle type 25CrMo4, the 500 EXC-F's chassis is straightforward to inspect: look for corrosion, cracks or repair welds around stress points like the head-stock and swingarm mounts.

Low-speed handling

106.5 kg keeps the 500 EXC-F easy to move around in tight spaces, car parks and on the stand alike.

500 EXC-F - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy 500 EXC-F should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects a 500 EXC-F's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored 500 EXC-F - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

2017 KTM 500 EXC-F - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F have?

The 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F uses a Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine with 510.4 cc of displacement. It is liquid cooled.

How much does the 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F weigh?

The 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F weighs 106.5 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F?

The 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F has a 8.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 141-170 km between stops.

Is the 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F suitable for shorter riders?

The 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F has a seat height of 960 mm . 37.7 in. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.

What brakes does the 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F have?

The 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F uses Single 260 mm disc at the front and Single 220 mm disc at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F use?

The 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F runs 90/90 - 21 front and 120/90 - 18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F have?

The 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F is fitted with a 6 Speed transmission.

KTM 500 EXC-F Spec Evolution

The KTM 500 EXC-F was produced across 3 model years (2018-2021). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification	2018	2020	2021
Suspension - Front	WP Performance Systems MXMA 4860 upside down	WP Performance Systems MXMA 4860 upside down	48mm WP XPLOR-USD forks
Suspension - Rear	WP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCC	WP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCC	WP Xplor PDS shock absorber

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Power

Not published by manufacturer

Torque

Not published by manufacturer

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

106.5 kg / 234.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity

8.5 Litres / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal

Full 2017 KTM 500 EXC-F Specifications

Year 2017 - 18

Make Model KTM 500 EXC-F

Seat Height 960 mm . 37.7 in

Wheelbase 1482 ± 10 mm

Ground Clearance 355 mm / 13.9 in

Fuel Capacity 8.5 Litres / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal

Wet Weight 106.5 kg / 234.7 lbs

Displacement 510.4 cc / 31.1 cu-in

Engine Detail Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder

Bore x Stroke 95 x 72 mm

Compression Ratio 11.9:1

Cooling System Liquid cooled

Fuel Induction Keihin MX FCR 39

Ignition Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan

Starter Electric

Clutch Multidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activated

Final Drive Chain 5/8 x 1/4"

Final Drive Ratio 13:50

Gear Ratios 1st 14:36 / 2nd 17:32 / 3rd 19:28 / 4th 22:26 / 5th 23:24 / 6th 26:21

Primary Drive Ratios 32:76

Transmission / Drive 6 Speed

Frame Type Central double-cradle type 25CrMo4

Suspension - Front WP Performance Systems MXMA 4860 upside down

Suspension - Rear WP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCC

Steering Head Angle 63.5

Wheel Travel - Front 300 mm / 11.8 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 310 mm / 12.2 in

Brakes - Front Single 260 mm disc

Brakes - Rear Single 220 mm disc

Tyres - Front 90/90 - 21

Tyres - Rear 120/90 - 18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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500 EXC-F Years

2020 2018

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2020 2018

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