The Weapons: 2008 KTM 200 XC-W, 250 XC-W, 300 XC-W, 450 XC-W, and 530 XC-W

Online: www.ktmcanada.com

Test Location: Harrison, Michigan AMA National Enduro


One of my goals this summer was to race an off-road event, whether it was an enduro, harescramble or the Erzberg Rodeo (okay, maybe scratch off that last one). My original plan was to race a harescramble at RJ Motorsport Park earlier in the year, but that was shot down after I sprained my ankle riding ten feet into the trails at Gopher Dunes. Yes, I have some impressive off-road riding skills, to say the least.

Fortunately, I was given a second chance when KTM Canada’s marketing coordinator, Florian Burguet, invited me along to Michigan to try out the 2008 KTM XC-W models and, if I had the nerve, to race the AMA National Enduro the following day. There was no way I could turn down this opportunity, especially since it wouldn’t be my bike that I was crashing through the woods with!

 

All `08 KTM models feature fully wrapped fork guards for added protection.

First Impressions:

The KTM media team welcomed us to a full fleet of `08 XC-W models: a 200 XC-W, two 250 XC-Ws, two 300 XC-Ws, two 450 XC-Ws, and one big, burly 520 XC-W. Orange was everywhere. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden a two-stroke, so I instantly claimed the 250 for the morning.

The enduro officials granted us access to the first loop of the trail, which begun with a 30-second motocross style track across a field. That helped me ease into the revvy 250 before I was in second gear and bouncing off trees in the single- track trail. Right away, I noticed the power of the 250; even though off-road bikes tend to be a little mellower, the 250 XC-W had good snap off the bottom and seemed to pull hard to the top. Once in the woods, the bike handled perfectly. It nipped and tucked its way through the trees without any effort and the suspension absorbed the bumps, rocks, and fallen trees without any harshness. It definitely made my first “real” trip through the woods less painful.

After a few loops on the 250, I climbed onto a vacant 300. It’s only 50cc’s bigger, but just starting up the 300, you can actually feel the additional torque and power. On the brief motocross sections throughout the trail, you could really notice the extra meat of the 300. It felt similar to a four-stroke, where you could lug it in a higher gear if you wished.

In the woods, I found the bigger bike a little more effort; it was slightly heavier and I found myself switching gears more often in the tighter spots. On the 250, I could pretty much carry second through even the tightest turns, but with the 300, you sometimes had to shift down to first.

The 2008 KTM 300 XC-W

The `08 250 and 300 two-strokes come equipped with electric start (and a kick starter).

I had the opportunity to test the 300 in real race conditions when I signed up for the Open B class on Sunday. My 300 and I spent five hours together on trails throughout the town of Harrison, MI. We rode through way too much single-track trail (in my opinion), raced across empty pastures, over rocks, mud, and basically every other kind of obstacle you might encounter in an off-road event. The 300 seemed to handle everything and ask for more. Together, we finished the race with no mechanical problems. In fact, I even felt like I had something left when I crossed the finish—that is, until I woke up Monday morning.

While I didn’t use the e-start too often on Saturday’s demo ride, I sure took advantage of the magic button on Sunday. The smooth pull of the hydraulic clutch made things a little more comfortable for the five-hour ride as well.

 

This is what happens when you try showing off for the camera ...

... the new KTMs aren't lacking any power!

Fortunately, I saved it before it turned into "It's not my fault!"

Most of my time was spent on the two-strokes (all of the other magazine guys’ were hogging the other bikes and the 200), but I did get in a few loops and photos on the 450 XC-W. Since I’ve been riding a `07 KTM 450 SX-F all summer, the XC-W version felt comfortable right away. While it didn’t have quite as hard of a hit, it pulled along smoothly. The six-speed gearbox always kept me in the appropriate gear and, for a big four-stroke, the 450 moved through the thick woods easily. Like the 250 and 300, the 450’s suspension traversed over logs and rocks softly, without any kicks or bucks.

Below is a complete list of the updates and changes to the XC-W models ...


What’s New:

2008 KTM 200, 250 and 300 XC-W
The biggest update to the 250 and 300 models is the addition of electric start. I believe these are the first off-road two-strokes equipped with electric and kick start. The e-starter is installed on the shift lever side of the motor and KTM says the bike is actually lighter than last year’s model due to other changes to remove weight.

All three bikes have a reduced intake track volume and new centre case shape, which increases throttle response, airflow and ultimately, power.

By unplugging the CDI, you can take advantage of two different power delivery curves. Unplugged, the bikes have a harder hit, opposed to the more usable, smoother power curve that comes stock.

250 and 300 have a lighter connecting rod for reduced vibration and better lubrication to the top end bearing.

The 300 receives a smaller head and head like the 250, saving 500 grams of weight. It also has a new power valve style.

 

2008 KTM 450 and 530 XC-W

The 450 receives an all-new engine and chassis for `07. The wew engine simplifies maintenance, increases reliability, lowers oil temperatures (separate engine and transmission oil systems), lighter weight, and includes electric and kick-start.

A six-speed gearbox is utilized for off-road riding conditions.

Changes and updates to all bikes for `08:
New Chrome-Moly frame with oversized oval lateral tubes and subframe is made from rigid aluminum; new cast swing arm with a more progressive and repositioned shock geometry which allows more flex for improved comfort.

New WP PDS shock with high-low speed adjuster. It has 10 mm more stroke due to new PDS geometry and an aluminum shock body for less weight; 48 mm open cartridge front forks with off-road setting.

New enclosed fork guards that offer better protection for dirt, rocks, trees and debris.

Additional features:
Airbox has increased capacity. Even with the battery in the airbox, it’s still easy to remove the air filter—no tools are required; Brembo brakes and ultra-light wave rotors; CNC machined triple clamps with two off-sets; maintenance free hydraulic clutch; new silencer profiles for four-strokes which are quieter and power maximizing; Neken tapered handlebar and triple clamp bar mounts with four positions

http://www.ktmcanada.com/250-XC-W-e.186.4.html

http://www.ktmcanada.com/300-XC-W-e.189.4.html

http://www.ktmcanada.com/250-XCF-W.187.4.html

http://www.ktmcanada.com/450-XC-W-R.100151.4.html

http://www.ktmcanada.com/530-XC-W-R.100152.4.html
 

The big, bad 530 XC-W

 

 

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