SEPTEMBER 26, 2007
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Racer X Canada Tested Presented by KTM Canada |
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KTM actually didn't just have their SX-F models on hand at Sand Del Lee, they also brought in their off-road models and ATVs for the magazine dudes and eastern customers to ride. |
Report by Jason Moore
Photos by Eric Simoneau
With KTM Canada finishing a respectable fourth overall in the MX1 class (Marco Dube), fifth overall in the MX2 West (Eric Nye), second overall in the MX2 East (Tim Tremblay), second and third overall in the East/ West Shootout (Michael Willard and Mason Phillips)—oh, and winning the MX2 East Championship with Willard (twice)—it’s hard to deny KTM’s strength on the starting line. Since KTM introduced the ultra-fast 250 SX-F and they stepped up their motocross program at the Canadian Nationals, it’s been a sea of orange at every round.
To get people excited about their 2008 motorcycles—and ATVs—KTM Canada loaded up a semi with more bikes than we knew what to do with, scheduled a private riding day on one of Canada’s finest outdoor motocross facilities, Sand Del Lee, and let us reek havoc on their equipment all day long. In 2007, KTM built their own motor and it made a fast revving 250 even faster. Now that the new generation engine is getting dialed in even further for `08. KTM is last of the big five to use aluminum frames. The chrome moly frame on the orange bikes gives it a sleeker, more aggressive feel.
Motor:
As in the past, the motors were exceptionally strong. They are even stronger in `08 with re-designed camshafts in both the 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F. They have also increased the size of the exhaust cam lobe, which makes the engine pull hard all the way to the top RPM’s (the 250 SX-F is the highest revving engine in its class). To compliment this modification, KTM installed stronger valve springs to maximize the reliability of the top end.
A unique feature offered on KTMs is the ability to modify the power output and characteristics with an ignition system that allows you to change the curve in a matter of minutes. You simply re-plug the ignition into a separate outlet that allows the motor to have better response at lower RPM’s.
The 450 SX-F also has a new crankshaft drive with improved central mass. This helps reduce engine vibration and improves the handling of the machine, which were concerns in the past.
Once again, the 450 is equipped with the electric start (still the only competition bike with electric start). It is extremely convenient, however, it just doesn’t feel the same not kick starting your machine before pounding out a moto. [Ed note: Apparently, Jason has not raced and stalled the bike in a real race to appreciate the e-starter.]
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Plenty of anxious riders showed up to try out the new bikes at one of Canada's best tracks, Sand Del Lee. |
Chassis:
With comparison to other brands, one of the main differences with the KTMs is the ergonomics and general feel of the bike when you sit on it. It feels very slim versus the common twin-spare aluminum frames on other brands. KTM opts to use an oversized tubular chrome-moly frame which helps reduce weight and give it that “two-stroke feel” we all long to rekindle. I personally like this style of frame compared to what I typically ride, it felt as though I could maneuver the bike around choppy breaking/acceleration bumps with ease.
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For once someone other than Danny Brault got to have a "fun day" at work. RXC's young Scott Wallenberg, Jay Moore, burned tons of fuel threw the 250 and 450 SX-F, and also the 250 two-stroke. |
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KTM offers the best controls in the business, with a smooth and consistent hydraulic clutch, strong front brake, quality levers, Renthal FatBars, CNC machined triple clamps with various off-sets, and it's all complimented by a slim and comfortable riding area. |
Controls:
Another typical trait for KTM (in both classes, MX1/MX2) is their use of hydraulic clutch systems. Although the 250 uses a Brembo system and the 450 uses a Magura system, both are equally as enjoyable to feather when desired. The hydraulic system feels like a knife in butter but the one downfall to that was, I found myself taking advantage of it a little too much … probably because arm pump took longer to set in.
KTM was the brand that started the trend of equipping stock bikes with oversized bars from the get go. They have even gone one step further and designed a top triple clamp that can be adjusted to accommodate the rider’s comfort level even more with three settings.
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For having not spent much time on the bike in the last month, Moore sure looked at home on the orange bikes. |
This demo day was just a small glimpse into the commitment and devotion the KTM brand has towards the motocross market, and it was very encouraging to witness first hand. Over the years, they have been striving to not only better their product on the track, but to solidify themselves as a premier brand off the track. KTM has kick started many young riders racing dreams with the help of their Junior Supercross Challenge at the AMA supercross events, but also the KTM Mini-Stars program at Canadian events (which debuts in Montreal on September 29th and will continue until 2009). Watch to see how the `08 KTM 250 and 450 SX-F fare against the 2008 Japanese bikes in the Racer X Canada Shootout this October.
