Pro Bike: Joakim Ljunggren’s 2016 KTM 500 EXC

Joakim Ljunggren made a welcome return to the EnduroGP paddock in 2016 with a wildcard ride at the Swedish GP onboard his own-spec KTM 500 EXC-F. 

Always a fan of the big four-stroke, Swedish enduro legend Joakim Ljunggren decided the KTM 500 EXC-F was the better option for his wildcard ride at the 2016 Enduro GP of Sweden – Joakim at the time raced the Swedish National series on a 450 EXC-F.

Kitted out in the distinctive gold coloured Öhlins suspension front and rear, Ljunggren’s bike sure is pleasant on the eye. 

Joakim ran Enduro21 through his KTM 500 EXC set-up for Swedish GP…

“The biggest change about the bike is Öhlins suspension front and rear. As a Swedish rider, it’s nice to be supported by a Swedish brand like Öhlins. I’ve been on the factory equipment from WP in the past and have found the move to Öhlins not so big of a change. The main difference is that Öhlins is more sensitive to smaller changes and feels softer. They don’t have the traction system of WP in the rear but I like it a lot.” 

“Normally I ride the 450 in Swedish championships but have decided to ride the 500 EXC-F for the Swedish GP. The engine is standard. I prefer standard engines. In comparison to the 450 it has a lot more power in the bottom but actually less top end. It doesn’t rev as hard as the 450 but rides smoother.” 

“Normally I ride the 450 because tracks are rougher for the Swedish National Championships but they’ve cleaned these tests a lot, so it’s not as hard, so even though I’m on a bigger bike it’s working just as well.”

“Other than the suspension the only major changes are regards personal setups. I’m a tall rider at 1.91m so I use a higher seat, rise the handlebar clamps and run a 998 bend. The titanium foot pegs are also set lower too.”

“Other details include removing the kickstart and running a lighter battery to save weight, a solid rear disc plus some cooling modifications on the rear calliper prevent it overheating on the longer tests.”

 Photo Credit: Enduro21