Please help me get up to speed on new 500 XCW

[kerr63]

In February I decided to race in the NORRA Mexican 1000, so I went out and bought a 2013 WR 450f.  Well This past weekend I took it out for a final shakedown and it was stolen on Easter morning.  I had planned on getting another WR450 since I knew what prep/parts i needed but my buddy suggested I try a KTM and yesterday I picked up a leftover 2013 500xcw. At the end of the day it was only $1,000 more than a 2013 WR450.

 

Because I no NOTHING about KTM's other than my ridding buddy swears by them,  (but he has only 2 stroke) I would like to get some input on the most important upgrades/areas of concern that I need to address before the race, which is in 2 weeks.  Unfortunately, I don't have much  time before I head to BAJA , So I will only have time to do the essentials. 

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

john

[RRM707]

Wow. Where to start. I actually have a WR and an XCW as well.

 

Skid Plate    I have the TMD plastic one. Great coverage.

Real handguards. I have Highway Dirt Bike guards. 

Radiator Braces. I have Enduro Engineering.

Soft Seat.  Enduro Engineering

Rear Disc Guard    EE as well

Case guard  I bought a KTM unit

Original tires will be fine, just get new tubes.

I use Michelin Ultra Duty, they are the thickest.

 

I would order these(or equivalents) ASAP, to make sure you get them on time.

Also, take time now to set up the suspension to your liking,

and also break in the engine, & do a few oil changes.

Buy the oil & filters locally, so you can be sure to have them.

Also, if it's a brand new bike, go over it & check & make sure all

nuts & bolts all over the bike are tight. I've seen some on mine

that were not as tight as they should have been.   Don't need to get stuck  in the middle

of nowhere because something fell out.

 

Good luck!

Edited April 25, 2014 by RRM707

[kerr63]

Thanks, didn't think about case saver.  i have read somewhere about fuel line bursting ... is that still an issue?.  Also, do i need a remap of the ecu ?.  Is that a dealer only mod?

 

thanks

 

john

 

of course i DID insure this one

[RRM707]

I never saw anything about fuel line problems. I will find out.

 

I think only EXCs benefit from a reflash. I still have stock pipe,

 

so I never l looked into it for mine.

[sirthumpalot]

Maybe get a fuel filter. I read here somewhere that the 2013 tend to clog easily because they are super fine.

[RRM707]

I just picked up a fuel sock, easy install. Will look into the good inline one eventually.

 

Did some reading on the fuel line burst problem......WOW! I never saw that before.

 

Just ordered some FI fuel line & clamps. Will keep it in my pack, just in case.

[bincs]

Depending on your height. Your may want to go with seat concepts low seat. Lowers seat height by 15mm.

Check the fork bolts with torque wrench. And every other bolt.

I put dielectric grease in every electrical connection and electrical tape sealed them.

Check your valves after the break in. You may want to find someone local who carrys shims for it.just in case.

Handgaurds.

Skidplate. At the minimum for protection.

[bincs]

Grab an o-ring or 2 for your quick disconnect on your fuel line. These can be damaged if your not careful.mine came from the dealer a bit chewed up.

Edited April 26, 2014 by bincs

[kerr63]

 The dielectric grease is a great idea, never thought of that before...thx.  Also, just ordered some fuel line and filter.

[bincs]

Another thing you may want.

Extra air filter. In the enduro race I took my 500 in it was super dusty with all the riders around. A spare pre-oil wouldn't hurt half way through.

[JVP]

I never saw anything about fuel line problems. I will find out.

 

I think only EXCs benefit from a reflash. I still have stock pipe,

 

so I never l looked into it for mine.

Some 2013 EXC had bad fuel lines.  KTM did a recall and fixed the problem.  As long they are not lot #40W13 you are good to go.