2018–2026 · Enduro · Buyer's Guide
500 EXC-F SIX DAYS (MY2018)
Six Days, Zero Compromises
The Machine's Character
The Six Days badge sits on top of KTM's most serious street-legal enduro package, and the numbers behind it are not shy: 511 cc, 58 hp, 36 lb-ft, all of it carried by a single liquid-cooled cylinder in a bike built to go where roads stop. Suspension travel runs 11.8 in (300 mm) front and 12.2 in (310 mm) rear, ground clearance is 14.0 in (355 mm), and the WP fork is fully adjustable at both ends. Traction control and ride modes are standard, which is what keeps that much torque usable instead of merely violent. LED headlight, 21-inch front, 18-inch rear, 6-speed box, chain drive.
Ridden hard, this is a race bike with a plate. Off-road ability and track capability are as high as I rate anything in this class, the chassis stays composed on rock and sand, and the aftermarket support means you can build it exactly the way your terrain demands. It ages well mechanically, though the plastics are the first casualty in rocky terrain: shrouds and number plates crack after impacts, and guards are worth budgeting for. The honest caveat is size and range. Seat height is 37.9 in (963 mm) and the tank holds 2.2 gal (8.5 L), so short riders and long days both need a plan.
Hard Numbers
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
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| Power | 58 hp (43 kW) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 36 lb-ft (49 Nm) |
| Displacement | 511 cc |
| Engine | Single-cylinder |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 260 mm |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 140/80-18 |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 in (1482 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 14.0 in (355 mm) |
| Front travel | 11.8 in (300 mm) |
| Rear travel | 12.2 in (310 mm) |
| Seat height | 37.9 in (963 mm) |
| Dry weight | 236 lb (107 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 2.2 gal (8.5 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
- Manually Adjustable Front Suspension Standard
- Manually Adjustable Rear Suspension Standard
Lighting
- LED Headlight Standard
Safety
- Ride Modes Standard
Known issues
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Clutch slippage
Worn clutch plates can lead to slippage and a loss of drive, particularly when ridden aggressively in demanding off-road conditions.
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Brake fade after prolonged hard use
The front brake can become spongy and lose effectiveness during extended off-road descents, likely due to fluid overheating. Regular brake fluid changes and high-performance pads mitigate the issue.
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Low-speed surging and stalling due to grounding issue
Some owners report the engine sputters, surges, or stalls when trying to maintain low speeds. A poor ground connection is often the culprit, and cleaning or upgrading the grounding points can resolve it.
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Engine hesitation and stalling
Riders have experienced engine hesitation or stalling during acceleration, often linked to a dirty air filter, clogged fuel injectors, or fuel system contamination.
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Plastic component cracking
The radiator shrouds and number plates can crack or break after impacts or falls, especially in rocky terrain. Aftermarket protective braces and guards are recommended.
The Numbers Compared
Compare the technical specifications of the KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS with other bikes in its class.
Head-to-head: KTM 500 EXC-F SIX DAYS vs. its rivals
Power
Torque
Displacement
Seat height
What's new versus the previous generation
If you're cross-shopping the older generation, here's what changed.
Previous generation · 2017–2025
KTM 500 EXC-F (MY2017)
Full-Attack Street-Legal Weapon
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