2020 KTM 500 EXC-F Specifications

Name: 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F
Brand: KTM

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

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2020 KTM 500 EXC-F Overview

For 2020, KTM offers the 500 EXC-F as an enduro / off-road motorcycle with 510.4 cc on tap. The 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F is built around a Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11.9:1. In everyday use, the 2020 500 EXC-F tips the scales at 106.5 kg, carries an 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 63 kg lighter than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F spec sheet below.

2020 KTM 500 EXC-F compared with other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category

Measured against other bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category in our database (up to 1146 models, one entry per model), the 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F comes out as follows.

With 106.5 kg, the 500 EXC-F has the 80th lightest wet weight of 774 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category, 37% below the category average of 169.5 kg.
Seat height of 960 mm is taller than that of 984 of the other 1145 bikes in the Enduro / Off-Road category.
Narrowing the field to the 311 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 106.5 kg is lighter than that of 274 of the other 310.

Versus the 2018 model

The figures we track are unchanged from the 2018 model: wet weight, displacement and seat height all match.

2020 500 EXC-F - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong front braking: The disc front brake bites hard and stays consistent - a solid foundation whether it's stock or upgraded with braided lines.

Considerations

Tall seat height: A 960 mm . 37.7 in seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
Modest fuel capacity: An 8.5-litre tank keeps things light but means budgeting for more frequent fuel stops on any longer ride.
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Cooling system servicing

With Liquid cooled, thermal management is largely automatic, but the coolant has a service life of its own - replace it on the manufacturer's interval to protect the water passages and thermostat.

Brake disc and pad wear

Single 260 mm disc up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by WP Performance Systems MXMA 4860 upside down up front and WP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCC at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Chain final drive on the 500 EXC-F means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.

Frame & chassis check

The Central double-cradle type 25CrMo4 chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

Low-speed handling

The 500 EXC-F's 106.5 kg kerb weight makes low-speed control noticeably less effort than on a heavier machine.

500 EXC-F - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F with its 510.4 cc enduro / off-road should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs chain final drive, so check chain slack and sprocket tooth profile specifically - a worn sprocket is a cheaper fix now than after it's chewed up the next chain. Now 6 years old, this enduro / off-road is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept 500 EXC-F settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the 500 EXC-F's 510.4 cc four stroke, single cylinder, sohc, 4 valves per cylinder - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. With an 11.9:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

A 500 EXC-F that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

2020 KTM 500 EXC-F - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F have?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F weigh?

The 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F weighs 106.5 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F?

The 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F has an 8.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 141-170 km between stops.

Is the 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F suitable for shorter riders?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F have?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F use?

The 2020 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 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F have?

The 2020 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 recorded

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

106.5 kg / 234.7 lbs

Fuel Capacity

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

Full 2020 KTM 500 EXC-F Specifications

Year 2019 - 20

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.