It's May and it's already new-bike season? Apparently so, as KTM has previewed the 2018 lineup of SX motocross bikes, which includes an all-new 85cc machine, and small refinements to the rest of the line.
At this point you're probably salivating for those fuel-injected two strokes KTM teased a few weeks back, but those were announced only as enduro models, designed to meet public-land emissions requirements. We'll see where they slot into KTM's 2018 plans when the off-road model range is introduced.
But there should be something else big in store for the motocross folks. We think KTM might have some surprises in store later in the year. For now, this is the official press release from the brand on the 2018 SX line:
Murrieta, Calif. - KTM North America, Inc. is pleased to release a first-look at the 2018 lineup for its class-leading SX range, which includes a brand new KTM 85 SX machine for junior riders.
With its 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines, from the KTM 50 SX to the KTM 450 SX-F ultimate powerhouse, KTM offers high quality serial equipment in all of its motocross range. As developed for its factory racing teams, which have won numerous races and championships, including back-to-back AMA 450 Supercross titles with Ryan Dungey, as well as the FIM MX2 World Championship with Jeffrey Herlings, these KTM serial machines are renowned for being Ready to Race right out of the crate.
2018 KTM 85 SX HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW engine that is 0.69 kg lighter than the previous model.
- Improved power and rideability throughout the complete RPM range.
- Lighter chassis with a revised chro-moly steel frame as crafted by WP Performance Systems, as well as a lighter subframe.
- WP AER 43 forks and a specifically-developed WP Xplor progressive damping system (PDS) shock absorber, which provides excellent sensitivity and outstanding bottoming resistance with full adjustability.
In the adult range, the KTM 125 SX and KTM 150 SX now feature new aluminum head stays, as well as a new CDI control unit for improved starting performance. As with all of KTM serial equipment, the 4-stroke range, including the KTM 250 SX-F, KTM 350 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F, boasts high-quality, class-leading components from the all-important E-starter, to the WP suspension, traction control and map selection, and much more to compliment the super lightweight, yet powerful, championship-winning engines.
In addition, the complete model year 2018 SX range, including both 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines, features revised suspension settings in the WP AER 48 forks, along with a factory-looking orange frame and brand new graphics to finish the look.
“Once again our engineers in the KTM R&D department in Mattighofen, Austria have refined the very successful SX range. The adult bikes showcase a sportier look just like the factory bikes with their orange frames, while we’ve also spent some time working on the Mini range for the developing juniors and stars of tomorrow. In particular the incredibly successful KTM 85 SX has had a real overhaul with its new chassis, engine and suspension, which have been re-designed for improved rideability whatever the level of rider. As always these bikes are READY TO RACE right out of the crate and we look forward to releasing the SX model year 2018 range,” said Joachim Sauer, Product Marketing Offroad.
Model year 2018 KTM SX models will be arriving in North American dealerships beginning in mid-June. More information on the 2018 SX lineup will be released in the coming weeks.
