The KTM 500 MX motorcycle specifications include a 498 cc (30.39 cu in) engine and a listed weight of 103 kg (227.1 lb).
Key specifications
How the KTM 500 MX compares
This compares the motorcycle with all KTM models in this specifications database. The blue marker is this model and the grey line is the KTM database average.
About 12% higher than the KTM database average. Around the 64th percentile across KTM models.
About 8% taller than the KTM database average. Around the 85th percentile across KTM models.
About 15% larger than the KTM database average. Around the 75th percentile across KTM models.
KTM database percentile rankings
Percentiles show where this motorcycle sits across the KTM specifications database. They are descriptive database rankings, not performance ratings.
498 cc — larger displacement than about 64% of KTM models.
965 mm — taller than about 85% of KTM models.
12.1 L — larger than about 75% of KTM fuel tanks in this database.
Dimensions compared with KTM average
Each measurement is compared with the average value across KTM models where that dimension is available.
965
895
8% above average.
381
304
25% above average.
Mechanical overview
Additional useful specifications
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.11:1 (Oversquare) |
|---|
Model information
| Year released | 1990 |
|---|---|
| Category | Cross / motocross |
Engine specifications
| Engine type | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc (30.39 cu in) |
| Torque | 80.0 Nm (8.2 kgf-m or 59.0 ft.lbs) @ 2,000 rpm |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 x 80 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
| Cooling system | Liquid |
| Fuel system | Carburettor. Dell´Orto VHSP 38 |
| Ignition | motoplat 176-1 |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Final drive | Chain (final drive) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | Wet 9 plates |
Chassis and suspension
| Rear suspension | WP |
|---|---|
| Front wheel travel | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rear wheel travel | 340 mm (13.4 inches) |
| Trail | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
Brakes, wheels and tires
| Front brakes | Single disc |
|---|---|
| Rear brakes | Single disc |
Dimensions and weight
| Dry weight | 103 kg (227.1 lb) |
|---|---|
| Seat height | 965 mm (38.0 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 381 mm (15.0 inches) |
Fuel and emissions
| Fuel capacity | 12.11 L (3.20 US gal) |
|---|
Performance
| Power/weight ratio | 0.6311 hp/kg |
|---|
Other specifications
| Comments | Available as 4/5 speed MX/ MXC |
|---|
Disclaimer: Specifications may vary by market, trim, production date and optional equipment, and scraped or historical data can contain errors. Comparison and percentile values are calculated from KTM models in this specifications database. Always double-check important specifications against the motorcycle owner’s/service manual and official KTM information before relying on them. Visit the official KTM website.