KIWI RIDER 12 2018 VOL.2 | Page 29

It is surprisingly comfortable on the long stretches and exceptionally good fun in the twisties To try and retain as much of the bike’s performance as possible, the volume of gear I carry has been reduced to the bare minimum. While I still carry all of the key items for safety and practicality, this weight reduction means the bike whistles through technical terrain without really noticing the load being carried. There are a number of engine performance upgrade options for the bike, but I really don't have any interest in going down this path. With 63 horsepower pushing a 107kg bike, I think there's all the power any adventure rider could need, and then some. The power mixed with the bike's beautiful balance means that even at 100km/h it is easy to pick the front up and sit it on the back wheel. I've laughed to myself inside my helmet on a number of occasions as I pass my riding buddies on the back wheel and catch the look in their eyes as I fly past. This bike brings out the kid in me, and I absolutely love that. One question that comes up often when discussing the 500 is what it is like on the open road. Well, naturally, the ride is nowhere near as smooth as a placid single or a twin cylinder engine, however it would be wrong to make such a comparison as that’s not really comparing apples with apples. The 500 EXC-F Six Day is KTM’s flagship performance enduro bike. It is designed to race. However, my expectation that it would be vibey and unpleasant to ride on the open road was quickly dismissed. It is surprisingly comfortable on the long stretches and exceptionally good fun in the twisties. Riding sections of tarmac to link up the off-road tracks is simply a non-issue. I'm very happy with the 500 for the style of adventure riding I enjoy. It not only devours technical terrain with ease, it is actually a really good all round adventure bike. I believe KTM has produced a brilliant machine in the 500 EXC-F and it is easy to see why it is becoming so popular for adventure riding worldwide. KIWI RIDER 29