KTM 420 1979/80
KTM 495 1981
KTM 495 1982
KTM 495 1983
KTM 495 1984
KTM 500 1985
KTM 500 1986
KTM 500 1987
KTM 500 1988
KTM 500 1989

Identifing an air cooled combine-harvester machine

How to tell the year of a KTM by the 17 digit vin (frame number)

KTM production for the next model year would start at the earliest in late August (08) but usually in early September (09) just after their summer holiday factory shutdown. So if the frame number at the steering head reads 8208######, 8209#####, 8210#####, 8211#####, 8212#####, 8301##### these would all be 1983 models meaning they were built from August of 1982 to January 1983 (and so on) as 1983 model year KTM's.
This is true for the mono shockers manufactured from 1982 and up. For stereo shockers (up to 1982) they used an other system: In the early days they stamped only the last digit of the year in to the frame: 9=1979, 0=1980, 1= 1981. The two following digits is the production month: 05=May. So if your frame number starts with 002 ######: It's built in February 1980.

The motor number and engine type

The motor number would also reflect the year of assembly (not the model year sometimes) as 2*563*######, or 3*563*###### this would indicate that the year (2=1982, 3=1983) and the Engine Typ (563=495ccm, 560=420ccm, 561=350ccm and 562=390ccm) of the motor you have. This format is still used on current engine production coding. But beware: only because you have an engine typ 563, it does not mean that you realy have a 495. Because all cylinders without reedvalve from the engine typ 56# (= 350ccm to 495ccm) are interchangable!

The displacement of your engine

Since the engine number doesn't reflect, in every case the size of your engine, it's best to check the spare part number molded on the top right fin of the cylinder head.

In general: If it's a dual plug head, it's in either case a 495! If it has a reed valve intake, it's as well always a 495, manufactured from 1982 to 1984. Note: onto a reed valve based lower end it's not possible to install a cylinder without reed valve.

The production carried into the early 90's. There came a 550 version designed for desert racing. The engine itself lived on as a stroked and bored powerplant in sidecar motocross.