1990
KTM 500 MX - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 887800 |
|---|---|
| Category | Cross-motocross |
| Make | KTM |
| Model | 500 MX |
| Year | 1990 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frontbrakes | Single disc |
|---|---|
| Frontwheeltravel | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rearbrakes | Single disc |
| Rearsuspension | WP |
| Rearwheeltravel | 340 mm (13.4 inches) |
| Trail | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 89.0 x 80.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches) |
|---|---|
| Clutch | wet 9 plates |
| Coolingsystem | Liquid |
| Displacement | 498.00 ccm (30.39 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Single cylinder, two-stroke |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor. Dell´Orto VHSP 38 |
| Ignition | motoplat 176-1 |
| Power | 65.00 HP (47.4 kW)) @ 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 80.00 Nm (8.2 kgf-m or 59.0 ft.lbs) @ 2000 RPM |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Other Specifications
| Comments | available as 4/ 5 speed MX/ MXC |
|---|---|
| Modificationscomparedtopreviousmodel | bored by 2.5 mm, new multi adjustable fork |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 103.0 kg (227.1 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Fuelcapacity | 12.11 litres (3.20 gallons) |
| Groundclearance | 381 mm (15.0 inches) |
| Powerweightratio | 0.6311 HP/kg |
| Seatheight | 965 mm (38.0 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
About KTM
Country of Origin:
Austria
Founder:
Hans Trunkenpolz (later joined by Ernst Kronreif)
Best Known For:
Off-road/enduro supremacy, Dakar wins, Duke/RC streetbikes, and READY TO RACE ethos
Company History
KTM evolved from a postwar repair shop into a racing juggernaut by treating competition as R&D. Lightweight two-strokes made the brand a force in motocross and enduro; later four-strokes and advanced electronics cemented dominance. Dakar Rally victories showcased reliability under extreme conditions and fed the Adventure lineup—bikes that balance long-travel composure with startling pace. On the street, the Duke and RC families brought razor geometry and punchy singles/twins to license tiers worldwide, while the 1290 Super Duke and Adventure pushed the IMU-aided edge of performance. Corporate agility—acquisitions, platform sharing with Husqvarna/GASGAS—expanded reach without blurring identity. Historically, KTM changed expectations for chassis feedback and electronics integration in dirt and on road, proving that orange-painted ferocity could also be precise. The brand’s throughline is simple: build light, communicate grip, and let riders go fast safely. Few companies have turned a color and a slogan into such a reliable proxy for results.