Racer X Tested: 2009 KTM Two-Strokes

September 10, 2008 12:43pm | by: David Pingree

We test the 2009 KTM two-stroke line-up

Hello, my name is David Pingree, and I am a two-stroke enthusiast. It’s been about four months since the last time I rode a bike that required pre-mix. Most days I do pretty well but occasionally I find myself making a “braaap!” sound as I climb stairs or hop over things. But I knew I was in trouble yesterday when I showed up at KTM’s introduction to their 2009 two-stroke models. They had three beautiful new bikes: a 125, a 150 and a 250, and all of them had reed valves and expansion chambers and they blew magnificent plumes of white smoke into the air as they were kicked to life (usually on the first kick).
The KTM 250SX has a new chromoly frame with wide oval lateral tubes to guarantee optimal flex at the lightest weight. It comes standard with frame guards and a built-in heat shield for the exhaust pipe. It also has fully adjustable WP 48mm closed cartridge forks with new bottoming cones and settings, black machined triple clamps with adjustable 18/20 offset, new inner and outer fork tubes with new coloring for reduced unsprung masses, redesigned PDS shock with new setting, piston, shims, piston holder, and needle to help with progression. There are also lightweight black Excel rims, new Brembo front brake system, high end Regina chain, and new shrouds and graphics.
The 125SX and 150SX have some changes too. The 125 has an all-new cylinder with optimized exhaust control for improved low end. The 150 has a new piston and reinforced exhaust port combined with a newly designed cylinder head for improved combustion and durability. It also has two new ignition curves that can be changed by simply unhooking one connection on the bike. Both bikes now have a new Keihin PWK 38 S AG carburetor with new intake manifold for improved throttle response and better power delivery.
As I sat there at Cahuilla Creek MX Park staring at the new bikes I knew I couldn’t break down and ride them. Years of overcoming my craving for the light, snappy machines would be lost as soon as I revved the throttle. So I sent my friend Tyler Kalisiak out instead while I diverted my attention by shooting pictures. Tyler was a very fast up-and-coming pro rider who now works for Truth Soul Armor clothing. He hadn’t been on a two-stroke in a long time and he was anxious to get out on the brand new layout at Cahuilla Creek.
“The 250 was a blast to ride again. It had been a while and I forgot how easy these bikes are to throw around. The power was amazing on the 250, too. You could almost ride it like a four stroke because it had so much power.”
“The 125 had so much top end I couldn’t believe it. You had to clutch the crap out of it to get to the power coming out of a corner but once you hit the right RPM that thing would just scream. Going from a 50t sprocket to a 51t would make a big difference on this bike, especially for a heavier guy like me.”
“The 150 was a really cool bike. It felt like the 125 but had way more torque. I didn’t have to clutch it as much coming out of the turns but it would still scream up top. If there were a class for just these bikes I would get one and race it. I had so much fun on this bike.”
“One of the best things about riding two-strokes again is how quickly they react. I could be on one side of the track and just flick it over to the other side, no problem. You can make these bikes go wherever you want to. It was cool to ride them again.”
KTM’s Tom Moen, Clint and Truth’s Tyler Kalisiak