2024 KTM 500 XW-F

Benchmark Lap

• SLEDGEHAMMER - ENGINE: ​Warp speed, engaged! The KTM 500 XW-F is an undeniable powerhouse. Weighing in at a mere 65 lb (29.5 kg), it's not only more powerful but lighter than the previous generation engine too. For 2024, it's been designed with mass centralization in mind, tilting the engine 2° backwards and repositioning the sprocket 3 mm lower. The result? An improved center of gravity, better handling, maneuverability, and anti-squat behavior.
• SMARTER ELECTRONICS - OFFROAD CONTROL UNIT: An all-new Offroad Control Unit - or OCU - under the seat replaces all the electronic fuses and relays. All outputs are switched depending on signals from the voltage regulator and the ECU continuously. In the event of over-current, outputs are deactivated individually. This makes for easy error detection as the status of each output is indicated by a red or green LED light. This means diagnosing an electrical issue out on the trail is as easy as lifting the seat, and there's no more need to carry fiddly fuses.
• LITHIUM POWERED - BATTERY & WIRING HARNESS: As with the rest of the KTM 4-stroke range, the KTM 500 XW-F is fitted with a proven, reliable electric start system. Powered by an ultra lightweight 2 Ah lithium-ion starter battery, it provides reliable starting time and time again, while the wiring harness has most of the electrical components carefully positioned under the seat for easy accessibility.
• FLUID RIDER MOTION - ERGONOMICS: The 2024 KTM XW-F range features a rider-focussed body-position triangle, providing improved knee contact - especially when standing on the pegs - with improved gripping surfaces all around. With the plastics working to expel mud buildup in wet, muddy conditions, a flat seat profile with a high grip seat cover providing exceptional rider movement and control, and a polyamide-reinforced aluminum subframe providing unmatched rider feel and feedback, your only concern is navigating the terrain ahead of you.
• UNMATCHED PERFORMANCE - EXHAUST: The exhaust system is designed to deliver hard-hitting performance at the lowest possible weight and noise. The 2-piece header pipe design is made to be as compact as possible, with the routing of the header pipe extremely close to the engine for maximum of mass centralization and minimum exposure to rocks. A short, compact silencer is crafted from lightweight aluminum and finished in a premium matt black coating, so it looks good while being a key component in making the new KTM 500 XW-F 50-state off-highway compliant.

Keeping You Going

• HOLD THE LINE - STABILITY: The 2024 KTM XW-F range remains rock-solid at any speed thanks to a repositioned and forged steering head connection and CNC-milled triple clamps. Made from high-grade aluminum, these feature optimally tuned steering stem stiffness, perfect alignment of the fork tubes, and precise geometry of the fork clamps to ensure highly responsive and smooth fork action - not to mention unwavering stability for those ultra-fast flat-out special stages. Newly designed, topology-optimized rubber-mounted bar mounts provide an increased grip surface for less handlebar twist. They come with a fixed mounting, providing the perfect amount of flex for the forged triple clamp setup.
• FIGHTING FATIQUE - ENERGY ABSORBTION: Besides the expertly crafted, hydro-formed, laser-cut, and robot-welded frame being engineered to provide exceptional rider feedback and straight-line stability, a number of components were specifically designed so the frame acts as a "shock absorber," resulting in less rider fatigue over many hard laps. A new shock mounting, no longer connected to the main tube, significantly improves the anti-squat of the chassis. Up front, a new, service-friendly one-piece steering head seal provides improved reliability. The closed-head tube design also provides a new routing for the fuel overflow.
• SEE INTO THE FUTURE - LED HEADLIGHT: Lighting the way forward, the 2024 KTM XW-F range features a completely new LED headlight unit and light mask. The mask itself features improved triple clamp protection against roost and does away with the rubber mounting straps for improved fitment. Most importantly, the LED lighting unit provides 300% more illumination, making riding in the dark a completely new experience.

On The Charge

• BUILT TO BE THE BACKBONE - FRAME: Specifically engineered for longitudinal rigidity, the 2024 KTM XW-F range is engineered around an all-new black powder-coated frame providing exceptional rider feedback, energy absorption, and high-speed stability. This has been achieved by repositioning the rotating masses in the frame and the inclusion of a forged steering head connection. The footrest mounts have also been moved inwards, slimming things down for less risk of hooking up. And when the ride comes to an end, a completely redesigned forged one-piece side stand ensures your enduro weapon stands proud.
• MORE THAN A SUBFRAME - SUBFRAME: A new ultra-light lightweight subframe takes charge at the rear of the main frame, featuring a 2-part polyamide and reinforced aluminum construction. With the help of computational dynamics, a specific rigidity was engineered into the subframe, to deliver outstanding handling and rider feedback. The new subframe is also shorter, more compact, and more robust than the previous generation, with the ability to bend and flex in the event of a crash, rather than break. The subframe fully integrates the electronic components, without any extra need for brackets, holders, or unnecessary fixtures.
• UNFLAPPABLE FRONT END - WP XACT CLOSED-CARTIDGE FORK: An all-new 48 mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring fork finds its way into the KTM Enduro line-up for 2024. Providing fast and consistent damping, optimized oil flow, and a new hydro stop in the last 68 mm of the stroke, the forks ensure unmatched performance at any level. New fork protection rings also provide improved protection against dirt intrusion. Best of all, the new fork allows for full adjustment of compression and rebound without the need for any tools.
• GET THE POWER DOWN - WP XACT SHOCK: Remaining a hallmark of KTM Enduro weaponry, an updated PDS rear shock concept sees a new shock mount that significantly improves the anti-squat behavior of the chassis. This remains the most reliable and maintenance-friendly option for technical offroad riding. Moreover, an all-new WP XPLOR PDS rear shock now takes charge at the rear, weighing 380 g less than the previous generation unit. It features a new compact design, new bearings seals, and a new main piston for optimized oil flow, and improved, consistent damping, as well as providing full adjustability thanks to easy-to-use hand clickers for adjustments on the fly.
• WHERE RUBBER MEETS DIRT - WHEELS AND TIRES: The KTM 500 XW-F rolls on a set of high-strength GIANT alloy wheels coupled to CNC-machined hubs and aluminum nipples. These are wrapped in a Dunlop MX33 up front and a Dunlop AT 81 on the rear, providing exceptional traction in all conditions.

Preperation Makes Perfect

• SETTING THE SAG - ADJUSTABILITY: Getting READY TO RACE has never been easier. Thanks in part to its all-new suspension, the 2024 KTM XW-F range boasts totally tool-free suspension setup at both ends. At the rear, our legendary, race-winning PDS technology features an all-new shock absorber design with hand-adjustable dual compression controls. This allows riders to adjust high- and low-speed settings in a matter of seconds. On the front, the forks are also easily adjusted thanks to hand-adjustable clickers on the bottom of the fork shoe and on the fork top cap, making changing settings on the fly as easy as twisting the throttle.
• DEEP BREATH - AIR FILTER BOX: Maximum airflow with minimal water intrusion, a new air filter box is designed with precisely positioned inlet ducts aimed at preventing air deformation and maintaining filter protection. An enduro-specific splash protector under the airbox prevents water or dirt from splashing up from the rear wheel, while the Twin Air filter and air filter support design feature a simple fail-proof mounting system for secure and accurate filter installation, ensuring the air filter is easily accessed, without tools, for fast track-side maintenance.
• FULLY FUELED - FUEL TANK: The transparent, polythene (XPE) fuel tank is a signature element of the KTM Enduro lineup. Not only does this let you keep an eye on your fuel level with a quick glance, but years of development mean it's the strongest, most reliable fuel tank yet. For 2024, a one-piece fuel pump and filter improve the fuel supply allowing the tank to be emptied further at the low fuel level. And with 2.24 gallons of fuel at your disposal, you can hit the trail with utmost confidence.
• SWITCH IT UP - SWITCHGEAR: For 2024, the KTM 500 XW-F receives a new, easy-to-use start/stop switch on the right side of the handle bar which allows for a simple and intuitive start/stop of the engine.