KTM: return of the 400
By TMX Archives on 9th Jul 08
Introducing new SX models for 07 and new EXC models for 08 its understandable that KTM doesnt have anything wildly new on offer for 09.
But that doesn't mean that their 200 strong R&D team hasn't been busy during the last 12 months. Although much of KTM's energy has been focused towards delivering 100 per cent new 50cc and 65cc minicycles, the 400EXC makes a welcome return to their now eight-bike strong enduro line-up, with the Austrian firm also set on producing some 2000 ‘Six Days' models for the coming year. As the only all-new model in the EXC range, KTM claim the 400 has been re-introduced simply because of demand. Intended to be the general all-rounder of the four EXC four-stroke models, and aimed at those not necessarily overly concerned with all-out competition, the bike features a bore and stroke of 95x55.5mm and features the new camshaft fitted to all EXC four strokes, which together KTM claims offers extremely gentle and energy-sparing power characteristics. For those that find the 450 EXC too much, and the 250 EXC not enough, the 400 EXC is intended to be the everyman's machine that mixes ease of use with a surprisingly plentiful spread of power.
KTM 400 EXC
THE new 400 EXC is a bike that KTM, as far as I'm concerned, should never have removed from their EXC line-up. In a nutshell, the bike is absolutely great fun to ride due to having a smooth, strong engine that is neither lacking, nor is it too powerful - as many people find the 450! It's a bike that anyone that decides they want a KTM four-stroke EXC, but doesn't know what capacity to go for, should try before making their mind up.
What makes the 400 EXC such a joy to ride is the fact that it has just the right amount of power - not too much, and not too little. Whereas the 250 EXC can be hard to ride at times, because the motor needs to be kept at higher rpms to ensure it performs at its best, the 400 has just enough additional power to ensure that less clutch work and gear shifting is needed. At the same time it doesn't have so much power that you have to constantly change gear early to calm the motor down.
On slower forest tracks and trails the 400 feels, unsurprisingly, like a very strong 250 EXC, which is essentially what it is. Every bit as manoeuvrable as the smaller 250, the smooth power delivery and useable bottom-end combine to produce a motor that is strong enough that the front wheel can be lifted easily with only a minimal amount of effort, but not so strong that riding the bike hard wears you out.
But it is when you increase your speed that the bike really comes into its own and the amount of power the bike possesses really shines. Requiring very little clutch work when exiting corners at pace, the engine allows its rider to roll the power on as you would on a 450 EXC. But instead of having to think about the fact that the bike is a 450, and that as such revving the motor hard isn't overly productive, the 400, like the 250 EXC, loves to be ridden hard. And the great thing is that when ridden hard it doesn't feel like a big bike that needs to constantly be respected
Over-rev the bike and the power drops off but revving the bike long into every gear isn't something to fear. The fact that the motor can be ridden like a 450 EXC down low and then like a 250 EXC at the top-end, the bike combines the best of both bikes into one extremely enjoyable package. With no hit to the motor's power, with no real weak area between bottom and mid-range the bike would easily put a smile on the faces of beginners and experienced enduro riders and racers alike.
KTM 400 EXC
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled DOHC single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement: 393.4cc
Bore/ stroke: 95/ 55.5mm
Compression ratio: 11.1:1
Carburettor: Keihin FCR-MX 39
Starter: Kickstart and electric starter/ 12V 4Ah
Gearbox: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 3 oil pumps
Primary drive: 33:76
Final drive: 15:45
Ignition: Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe: Aluminium
Handlebar: Neken, Aluminium 28/ 22mm
SUSPENSION
Front: WP-USD 48mm
Rear: WP-PDS shock absorber
Travel front/ rear: 300/ 335mm
BRAKES
Front/ rear: Disc brake 260/ 220mm
WHEELS
Front/ rear: Excel 1.60 x 21''; 2.15 x 18''
DIMENSIONS
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Wheelbase: 1,475mm
Ground clearance: 380mm
Seat height: 985mm
Fuel capacity: 9 litres
Weight (without fuel): 113.9kg
KTM 250 EXC-F
The 250 EXC is an easy bike to love and an easy bike to hate. A bike that has to be worked hard in order for the best to be extracted from its motor, the bike is again the most placid of the four four-stroke EXC models.
With a host of top-end modifications carried out to the 250F, getting the right balance between a motor that is easy to use yet one that offers a competitive spread of power is obviously something KTM have worked hard to achieve. While the changes have made the bike more responsive it could be argued that they have also made it slightly harder to ride in certain conditions.
The thing that makes the 250F so enjoyable to ride is the exact same thing that ensures it requires a high level of rider input – a great bottom-end and a twin-cam top-end. When ridden
at little more than walking speed across rocks and tree roots the smoothness
and usability of the bottom-end power is amazing, with the gentleness of its delivery seemingly ensuring that the rear wheel sticks and drives across anything that the bike is directed at. But when on faster more open trails, or in particular slippery grass or greasy mud the mellow bottom-end makes the bike noticeably harder to ride than the bigger capacity four-stroke EXC models.
On faster trails the bike's bottom-end power isn't strong enough, when turning the throttle alone, to pull itself up into the mid-range and onto the top-end. Needing to ride the bike very much like a 125 - keeping the gears low to keep the revs up, to really get the bike singing in and out of corners, the bike seems to have a gap between its mellow bottom-end and the racier top-end. On harder, drier conditions it isn't too much of a problem but on slightly less grippy surfaces the rear wheel often steps sideways as the twin-cam motor lights up.
Riders used to smaller engines won't find it a problem, but those looking for a smoother acceleration curve might well find the bike a little harder to ride as constant gear shifting is essential to ensure the bike keeps revving.
KTM 250 EXC-F
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled DOHC single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement: 248.6cc
Bore/ stroke: 76/ 54.8mm
Compression ratio: 12.8:1
Carburettor: Keihin FCR-MX 39
Starter: Kickstart and electric starter/12V 4Ah
Gearbox: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 oil pumps
Primary drive: 22:68
Final drive: 14:38
Ignition: Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe: Aluminium
Handlebar: Neken, Aluminium 28/ 22mm
SUSPENSION
Front: WP-USD 48mm
Rear: WP-PDS shock absorber
Travel front/ rear: 300/ 335mm
BRAKES
Front/ rear: Disc brake 260/ 220mm
WHEELS
Front/ rear: Excel 1.60 x 21''; 2.15 x 18''
DIMENSIONS
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Wheelbase: 1,475mm
Ground clearance: 380mm
Seat height: 985mm
Fuel capacity: 9.2 litres
Weight (without fuel): 105.7kg
KTM 450
KTM's 450 EXC isn't the most powerful of mid-sized four-stroke enduro bikes due to the engine's SOHC design, but the bike is more than strong enough for most riders and delivers extremely tractable power. The engine that was introduced for '08 doesn't feel that much different for '09, which certainly isn't a bad thing, and offers strong but not too strong power characteristics.
The 450 EXC, although only 50cc bigger than the 400 EXC, is however a noticeably bigger bike to ride due to having just that little bit more power. Where as the 400 feels like a big 250, the 450 feels like a true mid-size four-stroke with the additional power making the bike a little less manoeuvrable. For those used to a 450 or looking for a motor that requires the rider to do little more than just turn the throttle and brake it's every bit as useable and enjoyable as when it was first released. But when you start to push the bike a little harder you have to remember that it is a 450, all be it a fairly mild 450, but compared to the 400 it needs to be respected due to its plentiful, and slightly stronger than in '08, supply of power.
KTM 530 EXC
The biggest capacity four stroke of KTM's enduro range isn't the bruising, arm-wrenching machine many might expect it to be. It is, as it was last year, a very rideable bike and remains enjoyable on all but the slowest technical terrain.
There's no getting away from the fact that the bike is a half litre thumper, but while the power it delivers is strong it is also amazingly friendly. When traction is limited getting the ‘big bike' to do and go where you want it isn't as easy as on the smaller four-stroke EXC models but the bike remains extremely manageable and surprisingly easy to ride.
KTM 450/530 EXC
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled DOHC single cylinder, 4-stroke
Displacement: 449.3cc/ 510.4cc
Bore/ stroke: 95/ 63.4mm/ 95/ 72mm
Compression ratio: 11.9:1
Carburettor: Keihin FCR-MX 39
Starter: Kick- and electric starter/12V 4Ah
Gearbox: Six-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 3 oil pumps
Primary drive: 33:76
Final drive: 15:45
Ignition: Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe: Aluminium
Handlebar: Neken, Aluminium 28/ 22mm
SUSPENSION
Front: WP-USD 48mm
Rear: WP-PDS shock absorber
Travel front/ rear: 300/ 335mm
BRAKES
Front/ rear: Disc brake 260/ 220mm
WHEELS
Front/ rear: Excel 1.60 x 21''; 2.15 x 18''
DIMENSIONS
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Wheelbase: 1,475mm
Ground clearance: 380mm
Seat height: 985mm
Fuel capacity: 9 litres
Weight (without fuel): 113.9kg
KTM 125
The changes made to the smallest EXC model in KTM's enduro range aren't immediately obvious when riding the bike. The 125 EXC is still very much a strong and capable eighth litre woods machine and as such requires a rider that is prepared to work it hard. You get out of the 125 EXC, like with all 125s, what you put into it when riding.
But that said the bike, despite it's engine size, is both enjoyable and extremely easy to use and weaved its way through the woods and around and over rocks and tree roots effortlessly. Light and easy to throw around the bike doesn't do anything it shouldn't and as far as 125cc two-stroke enduro bikes are concerned is still hard to beat.
Although not really that different to last year's bike in the way that it rides and the power it offers - it's still a very good 125 that riders of all abilities can enjoy riding.
KTM 200 EXC
Having changed little since it first arrived in the EXC line-up, the 200 now feels somewhat dated. Always a bike that some riders loved while others hated, due to its not-quite-a-125 and not-quite-a-250 power characteristics, the bike is still the same.
Personally, I have always struggled to get on with the 200 due to its strange personality and this year was no different. When I anticipated that the bike would react more like a 250 and offer strong bottom-end power it didn't, and when I wanted it to rev freely like a 125 it didn't and felt more like a 250.
If you liked it before you'll like it now, if you didn't you'll still find it a difficult bike to understand. And if you haven't tried it, make sure you do before you buy.
KTM 125/200 EXC
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement: 124.8cc/193cc
Bore/ stroke: 54/ 54.5mm/ 64/ 60mm
Carburetor: Keihin PWK 36 S AG
Starter: Kickstart
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Gearbox: Six-speed
Lubrication: Mixture oil lubrication 1:60
Primary drive: 23:73
Final drive: 14:42 (13:50)
Ignition: Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe: Aluminium
Handlebar: Neken, Aluminium 28/ 22mm
SUSPENSION
Front: WP-USD 48mm
Rear: WP-PDS shock absorber
Travel front/ rear: 300/ 335mm
BRAKES
Front/ rear: Disc brake 260/ 220mm
WHEELS
Front/ rear: Excel 1.60 x 21''; 2.15 x 18''
DIMENSIONS
Steering head angle: 63°
Wheelbase: 1,471mm
Ground clearance: 390mm
Seat height: 985mm
Fuel capacity: 9.5 litres
Weight (without fuel): 97kg
KTM 250 EXC
The 250 EXC is, for me, the real race bike of KTM's two-stroke enduro models. With the majority of their oil burners characteristically easy to ride, the 250 requires a more experienced rider to extract the best from the bike. Although generally easy to ride the motor is both strong and a little aggressive, due to a slight dip in power as you exit the bottom-end and rev the bike towards the mid-range.
Although certainly not a big hit of power the top-end performance is certainly lively, which can make the bike a little unpredictable when accelerating on slippery surfaces as the bike doesn't always drive smoothly. It's considerably easier to lose traction on the 250 than it is on the 300, but riders looking for a punchier motor will like it.
KTM 250 EXC
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled single cylinder, 2-stroke
Displacement: 249cc
Bore/ stroke: 66.4/ 72mm
Carburettor: Keihin PWK 36 S AG
Starter: Kickstart
Gearbox: Five-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Lubrication: Mixture oil lubrication 1:60
Primary drive: 26:72
Final drive: 13:40
Ignition: Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe: Aluminium
Handlebar: Neken, Aluminium 28/ 22mm
SUSPENSION
Front: WP-USD 48mm
Rear: WP-PDS shock absorber
Travel front/ rear: 300/ 335mm
BRAKES
Front/ rear: Disc brake 260/ 220mm
WHEELS
Front/ rear: Excel 1.60 x 21''; 2.15 x 18''
DIMENSIONS
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Wheelbase: 1,475mm
Ground clearance: 385mm
Seat height: 985mm
Fuel capacity: 9.5 litres
Weight (without fuel): 100.8kg
KTM 300 EXC
While the 300 EXC is the biggest capacity two-stroke on offer from KTM it's still also one of the easiest bikes to ride. With the 250 feeling noticeably more lively when ridden hard due to a slight empty spot between the bottom-end and the mid range, the 300 has no hit to its power delivery and the incredibly smooth power results in a bike that can be ridden hard, with no need to worry about the bike biting back.
Although the '09 model isn't that different to ride in comparison to the '08 machine the bike is still a fantastic workhorse and a machine that, despite its large displacement, gives an enjoyable riding experience. No matter if you rev the motor in lower gears or labour it in higher gears the bike's tracks manors remain extremely mild and predictable.
KTM 300 EXC
ENGINE
Type: Single cylinder, 2-stroke
Displacement: 293.2cc
Bore/ stroke: 72/ 72mm
Carburettor: Keihin PWK 36 S AG
Starter: Kickstart and electric starter/12V 3Ah
Gearbox: Five-speed
Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, hydraulically operated
Lubrication: Mixture oil lubrication 1:60
Primary drive: 26:72
Final drive: 13:40
Ignition: Kokusan
CHASSIS
Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4
Subframe: Aluminium
Aluminium: Neken, Aluminium 28/ 22mm
SUSPENSION
Front: WP-USD 48mm
Rear: WP-PDS shock absorber
Travel front/ rear: 300/ 335mm
BRAKES
Front/ rear: Disc brake 260/ 220mm
WHEELS
Front/ rear: Excel 1.60 x 21''; 2.15 x 18''
DIMENSIONS
Steering head angle: 63.5°
Wheelbase: 1,475mm
Ground clearance: 385mm
Seat height: 985mm
Fuel capacity: 9.5 litres
Weight (without fuel): 103.1kg
Six Days models for all
It wasn't all that long ago that if you wanted a KTM Six Days model EXC you had no option but to compete in an ISDE. But in recent years small numbers of the ‘really ready to race' machines have found there way into dealers showrooms, quickly to be snapped up by a lucky few. Now, for the first time, KTM is making the much sought-after Six Days models readily available with a total of 2000 125 EXC, 250 EXC, 300 EXC, 250 EXC-F, 450 EXC and 530 EXC models being built.
As well as featuring graphics that clearly announce the bike as being a Six Days model, each of the machines will feature a number of upgrades over a standard model EXC. At the head of the list of changes is a transparent fuel tank, which allows quick and easy viewing of fuel levels. In addition all four-stroke models will feature an aluminium engine guard and all two-stroke models an aluminium engine guard.
Also fitted to the Six Days models is a seat cover that includes a time card holder, a steel and aluminium rear sprocket, machined triple clamps, PHDS damped handlebar mountings, MX Handguards, frame guards, a front spindle removal grab bar and an SX-style front brake set-up. Just like the re-introduced 400 EXC, the increase in the number of Six Days models being produced is simply because of the high demand for the bikes in past years.
