 |
|
Washougal MX Park played host to the 2007 KTM XC launch.
Photo: Billy Ursic | | |
On June 10-11, KTM USA held their 2007 XC model-line launch in conjunction with round seven of the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC WORCS series at the famed
Washougal Motocross Park in Washington. The weather was perfect, not only for racing, but also for evaluating this new line of these cross-country-ready machines. And holding the introduction on this weekend enabled us magazine editors to put the bikes through the real-life rigors of an actual off-road race to see if the KTM slogan “Ready to Race” holds true.
What interested me most was the release of the all-new KTM 250XC-F, which is basically a KTM 250SX-F with a small number of changes to adapt it to off-road competition. The changes include a bigger fuel tank (2.64 gallons), an 18” rear wheel, machined triple clamps, high output ignition, modified cam shafts, off-road-tuned exhaust, and an electric starter. Although these may not seem like much, they all add up to a serious and competitive off-road motorcycle right off the showroom floor.
 |
|
The new KTM250XC-F
Photo: Courtesy of KTM | | |
But that’s not all KTM has to offer in their 2007 line of XC motorcycles. Their model line is the most extensive of any manufacturer, as they literally have a model to suit everyone, no matter if you prefer two-strokes or four-strokes. Their cross-country pre-mixers include the 200XC, 200XC-W, 250XC, 250XC-W, 300XC, and 300XC-W. (The “W” on the end stands for a wide-ratio transmission.)
As for their popular four-stroke cross-country motorcycles, the models are as follows: the 250XC-F-W, 250XC-F, 400XC-W, 450XC, 450XC-W and 525XC-WLMNOP. (Just kidding.)
 |
|
KTM's Patrick Garrahan raced a box-stock KTM250XC to 10th overall in the pro class
Photo: Billy Ursic | | |
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get down to the nuts and bolts: the performance. I split time between the 250XC and the 250XC-F-W. Both motorcycles performed great, but I really took a liking to the two-stroke 250XC. Although the bike was brand new, I felt great on it. The suspension broke in nicely after a few laps on the
Washougal course, and the Brembo hydraulic clutch was a dream to my blistered hands near the end of the race. It felt light, yet the engine just kept on pulling, especially up Horsepower Hill. In fact, the day after I tested it, KTM’s Patrick Garrahan slapped some numbers on the same bike and raced it to 10th overall in the Pro class against an experienced field of off-road talent. If that’s not a testament to the off-road capabilities of these bikes, I don’t know what is. (Well, maybe take a look at the resume of Juha Salminen or David Knight.)
The 2007 KTM 250XC’s MSRP is $6,498. The KTM 250XC-F-W’s MSRP is $6,798. For more information, check out www.ktmusa.com or visit your local KTM dealer.
