Best Dual-Sport/Enduro: KTM 500 EXC

We can’t remember the last time an enduro machine created such a buzz. Or was that a bang? From the moment we threw a leg over KTM’s latest Open-class beast, it was true love. We even dared to say, “KTM’s completely revised 2012 500 EXC is the best street-legal enduro ever.” Months and months after that statement was made, we absolutely stand by it. Bottomless power yanks the bike out of deep sand like an offshore race boat jumping on plane, while its 5.5-pound lighter weight makes the EXC more nimble and better handling. Great suspension at both ends sweetens the deal. Best ever? Nothing else comes close.