Orange march
By Martin Craven on 14th Sep 12
FOLLOWING the successful launch of the new 2013 MX (motocross) and EXC (enduro) KTM ranges earlier in the year you might think that the brainiacs at KTM HQ would sit back, put down their spanners and chill out.
But no! They have moved straight on to their unique XC (cross country) and the phone call came the TMX to shift my butt to the test of the first, exclusive, orange XC beasts.
In fact the models are so exclusive that the UK is the only country in Europe to distribute them.
So, always one to do as I'm told, I trotted off down to the fabulous enduro park at Adstone, Northamptonshire, to blast around on the seven, yes SEVEN, new offerings from KTM.
The range includes 125, 150, 250 and 300 two-strokes and 250, 350 and 450 four-strokes.
So what is a KTM XC?
Well, basically, you take the best bits from the MX range and the best bits from the EXC range – and build a
bike.
An awesome idea!
The Adstone venue was in good shape with dry weather and plenty of exposed tree roots in the woods plus a good extreme test so I was excited to ride. Read on....
250-300 two-stroke
Straight away you could tell the US influence – as in reality all the XC range featured completely new settings that have been developed and tested across the pond, America being the only country, apart from the UK, to sell the XC models.
The Yanks predominantly race XC in Hare and Hound events, so the suspension settings are significantly stiffer, with less rebound for fast forest tracks.
Unlike the good people of the old US of A, us little Brits prefer our two-strokes. There's no real explanation to this, it's a bit like wearing a lot of corduroy – nobody knows why we do, we just do...
Anyway, I do know why people ride the KTM 300XC.
It has the super-torquey EXC motor coupled with the cartridge forks from the MX range,
making it a dream in the woods, pretty much like its little brother the 250.
To be honest, there wasn't a vast difference in actual riding style between the two models – but you wouldn't be disappointed with either of them.
Along with electric start (it's so good if you stall in an awkward situation – not that I ever do that) all models come with the new 827 Renthal Fat Bar which provides additional height but with a flatter bend for improved ergonomics.
Also, all models continue to feature the four-position handlebar adjustability as standard equipment.
The woods were just tacky enough to ride them at pace and there were some lovely exposed tree roots to attack and both the 250 and 300 coped incredibly well in these situations.
They never stop gripping, especially the 300 and it just fills you with confidence.
New for 2013, the models come standard with the new Dunlop Gromax MX51 tyres, which were giving excellent traction.
What I do like about these two bikes is being able to pull high gears in any part of the track.
Even in really tight spots second and third
FOR FULL TEST AND PICTURES SEE TMX NEWS SEPTEMBER 14
