FE/FC Two 2010 KTMs versus 2015/16 FE501 - your input please

I have two KTMs that I'm considering selling both of to get one new 501. I'd love your input on whether you'd do it and it's a good idea.

Live in Utah, ride 90% just open desert and fast enduro style, and sometimes camp off the bikes. Big guy. Plans with the 501 would be to send off for respring likely to Kreft, and then a damper and maybe a seat concepts, and that's it...


The two KTMs I have are one very dialed 2010 that I've upgraded to 518cc and love, but I'm just sorta bored of and I also built it fat and heavy unfortunately - mostly with heavy duty wheels. Only thing wrong with it is the suspension is a little messed up and off for my type of enduro riding, so I'd have to send it off. I can't get it to turn right though no matter what I do also one more reason to send the suspension off, it's my #1 bike. I can probably get $5K+ for it. I'm mostly just down in it because the suspension is off.

I also have a new to me 2008 450 XCF non kickstart that is a rocket, needs carb work, springs for my weight, and is due for a piston but is otherwise awesome and psyched to try it, or get it back running with carb and just sell for maybe $3500 or $4000. These are only 240 lbs though and supposedly ride very light.

I've been mostly just been bored with my same old bike, and there are 2016 and an occasional 2015 model 501s out there. KTM/Husky will also likely finally be redoing the 500 / 501 basic chassis in 2017 similar to the FC and SX bike changes they did this year to both Husky and KTM models, so I'm not sure if I should get a 2015/16 or just wait one more year. Only difference between the 2015 and 2016 KTMs is they increased offset of the triple to 22mm and changed the trail of the front fork so it's basically a moot difference.


What would you do?

thanks

Sell the ktm's and go with a 501. As far as getting a 15', 16', or wait for 17', that's up to you. I prefer to buy leftover since I can usually get a good deal. I was kind of in the same boat. Had a 2011 ktm that was set up just right, but it was just "the same old". I don't regret my Husky purchase one bit!

Not much difference between the 518 and the 501 imho. I'd say refresh the ktm's and enjoy them. Good problem to have though

There's always going to be "something new" in the product pipeline a year or two down the road but if you're bored now, quit waiting and dump the KTM's for something you'll be excited to ride. Sure the '17 MIGHT be a little lighter, a little better, a little whatever...but will that be worth another year or so of riding bikes you're bored with? Unlikely.

And the 501 is an absolute rocketship...you won't get bored on it anytime soon.

my take on it- depends on how variable terrain/riding do you do? If you do what sounds like a big bore enduro(501) riding only, Id sell the two and get the 501 at a good price. For me, I had to have (convinced wife anyways) two different bikes. One for MX that I can keep in real good working order and dialed for MX, FC450, and then a real good enduro ,plated WR300, that I can thrash and do everything else. I tried the 1 bike plan for awhile but ended up going nuts swapping bars, hand guards, wheels, and gas tank every time I wanted to ride motocross or play in the desert. If you plan on doing any racing, the XCF is a good platform. Just my .02

Thanks guys. Put a deposit down on a '15 501 (not an S model). By the way if anyone is in the market, these guys were completely utterly awesome. Saved quite a bit of money versus local dealers even though the local dealers are actually pretty good.

Appalachian Offroad MC  
Motorcycle Dealer
Address: 4742 Washington St W, Charleston, WV 25313
Phone304) 932-0437
www.ktm-parts.com/
Mike is the man

The FE 501 with the linkage rear suspension is an awesome bike. Put a linkage skid set up of your choice on it and You won't regret it. Have the forks re-done and ride the hell out of it.

It's an absolute tractor down low and wrings out real well too, to the tune of 4th power wheelies easily on any hard pack where it doesn't light up the rear tire or easily on any pavement and 5th gear power wheelies at about 65 or 70 MPH or more off of the slightest little 3" bump.

Its an absolute beast!

If you don't have fun on it or get bored with it you are helpless.

Honestly I'm pretty hopeless then too because my 518 is f'g fun as hell too, all of that too. But this said I'm psyched for this new one. And to keep it light! No more bolting on of shit....

cheers, a

Light and the 501 don't belong in the same sentence... She's a bit porky. Fully fueled you're close to the 270 range. Still plenty capable regardless.

Hard to vote on this one! The FE501 is a magnificent bike BUT to get it there you need to get the suspension done properly too. So this puts you in the same boat as with your current bikes.
If you want something new, buy a 501 and get the suspension sorted before you sell the others!