Things are finally falling in place with the motorcycle. With over a month left for the Raid de Himalaya 2013, all I need are a few mods on the motorcycle like setting up a GPS mount and rally computer, new tires + mousse, tc.
What I find interesting is the concept of buying a stock motorcycle that the factory says is Ready to Race, and then modify it to meet your requirements. Here are some modifications that I made to the KTM 500 EXC for this raid. I sold my KTM 530 EXCR this year to get the KTM 500 EXC because the 500 has a fuel injection system whereas 530 had a carburator. On higher altitudes the level of oxygen decreases which throws off the mixture settings of carburators and makes the engine gasp for air. All that does not exist for fuel injection systems, hence my decision to upgrade.
With over 500 cubic capacity and close to 50 horse power the 500 EXC is a suitable motorcycle (nor overly heavy for quick mountain terrains, nor too light to not have enough power to climb passes over 18,000 feet above sea level).
However, for me to take the 500, it needed some modifications. Here's a list of things I added (or replaced on the stock motorcycle).
KTM 500 EXC Upgrades
Here are the details about the products that helped me take this motorcycle on the Himalayas and have a beautiful ride over one of the most extreme terrains:
1. Acerbis Disc Brake Plastic Guard (Orange)
The disc prake guard was great help while driving through a dried up river bed stage where my front wheel was hitting those big round boulders a few times. The guard took impact and protected the discs from being scratched or bent.
During another competitive stage, we rode through thick woods, where it protected the discs from any damage while the front wheel constantly struggled with fallen trees and tree branches.
The plastic is heavy duty and very easy to install. Took me around 10 minutes to get this up despite the fact that I am not very good with the mechanical works.
I did try another brand, but the plastic was very thin so after i saw the Acerbis on another bike at a local enduro, I knew I needed to get one of these immediately.
2. Skid Plates (Sump Guard)
Had it not been there, I would have packed right then and there as there was no way the chamber could have taken the impact. These are usually sold model specific, so here's a link to some Skid Plates on Amazon: Skid Plates on Amazon
3. Seat Concepts Seat and Rear Fender Rack
This is a light set that compliments your already existing headlights. Very powerful and gives you the extra coverage you need when riding through dark roads at night or early mornings. 
The headlight that the KTM 530 EXC came with didn't do much justice. I was very unhappy and after investing into the additional LED lights above, I decided to get the KTM X2 headlight as well.
