Killian recently built out his 2024 500 EXC-F with a Baja bike-inspired direction. The bike's navigation and protection-centric components pull inspiration from Baja race bikes and make it ready to stand up to the tests of the Mexican terrain.

At the center of the build is the Baja-style 5,000 lumen dual 50W headlight, with fork-mounted crash protection frame. Built by Holy Moly Motorcycles of Portugal, the light features two high-output LED arrays with one white lens and one yellow lens option for riding in dust and fog. The fork-mounted frame, built from die-bent aluminum tube welded with laser-cut aluminum plate, provides the lighting with protection from crash or impact damage, while avoiding the “steer with the rear” headlight aiming of frame-mounted lighting. 

The Holy Moly kit also includes direct mounting for a navigation tablet–Killian elected to run a HugeRock X70 Nav tablet, putting high-resolution maps in a bright display with stout build, front and center on the bars. A URSAE roadbook controller and tablet support on the left handlebar provides the rider with GPS control without having to remove a hand. 

Another big performance upgrade on this bike is the suspension: WP XACT Cone Valve forks and Super Trax shock, known for giving better straight-line stability and more consistent handling in chatter, in a much more adjustable package with lots of fine-tuning available through the clickers. The Cone Valve and Super Trax combo is the go-to choice for Baja race teams running the big-displacement KTM thumpers in Baja races.

While KTM gave the 2024 500 motor some sauce from the 2022 factory edition SX bikes, the EXC-F is still an emissions-compliant bike, meaning it's clean and quiet. This motor realizes its potential with the help of an FMF 4.1 slip-on and Get SX1 Pro 4T ECU, giving it the bark that we all secretly wish manufacturers could provide from the factory. Fuel range is extended from stock with the addition of an IMS 3.5-gallon tank. 

Power is put down through 14-48 gearing, shifting a little of the top speed down a touch, in favor of a little more torque. The Finke Desert Race-proven Motoz Outback Race front and rear tires are running Michelin Rally Mousses for flat protection in desert rocks. 

A carbon fiber skidplate, front and rear disc guards, and headlight trim–all from P3 Carbon–add impact protection, and Outback Motortek radiator guards keep the cooling system out of reach from damaging debris. Additional mods include a Renthal Fatbar 827 mounted via progressive handlebar damping, Barkbuster hand guards, IMS foot pegs, and Doubletake mirrors. 

The clean and functional build combines classic Baja bike styling with practical upgrades for lighting and protection, plus modern rally tech navigation. The motor and chassis upgrades let the bike carry speed, take hits, and stay planted in rough terrain. It’s a purpose-built Baja bike that fits Killian’s aggressive, stylish, motocross-influenced dual-sport riding.