Charge of the light brigade
By TMX Archives on 19th May 11
For 2012 KTM decided that their model range was due an update. For the last few years, there is no doubt they have been at the top of the game in every class.
For the last few years, there is no doubt they have been at the top of the game in every class.
But they're not a company to rest on their laurels and big changes have been implemented.
One of the biggest changes is to the frame. It is still steel, but has completely revised geometry and like most of the changes in 2012, is lighter too.
The swingarm has been revised as well, making it another 300 grams lighter.
High strength aluminium spoke nipples are also used on new Excel A7 rims, reducing each wheel's weight by another 200 grams.
WP suspension is still the staple of the range, with revised 48mm forks and a new longer shock, mounted on a flatter angle, intended to make the shock more progressive.
The PDS linkless shock design also remains despite the motocross range swapping to a link.
The 2012 range has also brought Electronic Fuel Injection and in conjunction with a handlebar switch (that can be bought from the powerparts catalogue) all the bikes have the ability to change the mapping to either a torque or power setting.
All the models except the 125/200 feature a new clutch design too, with a ‘diaphragm spring' instead of the traditional coil springs and a completely new steel basket design.
CONCLUSION
KTM have put together a collection of bikes where pretty much everything works from new.
The brakes are superb, strong but not too aggressive, they really are as good as anything out there. The ergos are really comfy, at six foot two I never felt too cramped, it's a good set-up. The suspension on all the bikes was pretty damn good too.
They all felt plush but not super soft. I am a big guy, so they were a little under sprung but still held up well with big hits.
The only downside for me are the handlebars, they are a strange and dreadful bend. The grips are equally terrible and hard – between the two they are a recipe for odd-placed blisters, but this is an easy thing to fix.
I also feel the seat is on the soft side. It's great for the trail rider as it's super comfy, but for a heavier rider, you can feel the seat plastic through it.
Every single one of these bikes is really good but for me – almost everyone would go fastest on the 350, it responded well to being ridden harder and is a superb all-round bike.
It would be the bike I'd choose to go and race but my actual favourite was the 2t 250 for the smile it brings. It was a perfect mixture of speed and two-stroke joy, a truly fantastic bike.
FOR FULL REPORT AND PICTURES SEE T+MX MAY 20
