Traveled: KTM EXC and EXC-F 2014
Of course, we were happy to check these rumors and sent our test pilot Roman Jelena to Slovakia to present new products. Roman probably doesn't need much introduction as he is one of the most successful former pro motocross riders. But before you read first-hand impressions of the new products, let's take a quick look at the main innovations specific to the new KTM hard-enduro models.
The full range of EXC-F models, i.e. four-stroke models, have received a new, lighter frame and a lower lower fork mount, providing more precise handling and better support for the new front fender. The suspension is also completely new, the front forks can now be adjusted without the use of tools. The biggest novelty is the EXC-F 250 with a new engine. It is based on the SX-F engine that KTM has had success with in motocross in recent years. The new engine is more powerful, lighter and more responsive to gas additions.
The two-stroke models have received a bunch of smaller but still significant improvements for even more power and easier handling. But they all share a common new plastic to match the fashionable principles of off-road motorcycle, and a new mask with brighter headlights to get you home safely at night.
How new items are transferred from paper to the field, Roman Elena: “If I start with the smallest two-stroke EXC 125: it is very light and manageable, some problems only arise when climbing in the forest, when it ends. power in the lower rev range is normal for a 125cc engine. cm, so it should be constantly used at slightly higher rpms. I was very interested in the EXC 200, it's just an upgrade, so it looks like a 125, lightweight and manageable. I expected more net power, but the engine develops very quickly and aggressively in the middle and towards the top of the engine curve, so it's not nearly as undemanding to drive as I originally thought.
A pleasant surprise was the EXC 300, which, despite being the most powerful and largest two-stroke engine, is very lightweight and manageable. For a two-stroke engine, it has good torque at lower rpm. This is my first choice, the EXC 300 impressed me. It is also the best bike for, say, endurocross. I have also tested all four-stroke models. First of all, of course, the new EXC-F 250, which is super controllable and still powerful enough at low revs to make it easier to ride through forests, roots, rocks and similar more difficult terrain.
You can be very aggressive with him on speed tests or on "speed", because it is much softer than a motocross motorcycle. The suspension is good, but too soft for my taste for faster driving on the fast track or motocross track. It also depends on the speed of the driver, the suspension is likely to suit the average enduro driver. So the newbie did not disappoint! In doing so, the next scale model, the EXC-F 350, became a competitor at home. This gives a feeling of lightness and good handling while driving. The suspension is similar to the EXC-F 250.
It is a good climber in the forest (it is slightly ahead of the EXC-F 250 here) and has a good grip feel considering it is hydraulic. I also tried the special EXC-F 350 Sixdays series, which they produce in limited quantities for the most demanding. The motorcycle differs from the base one in a more advanced suspension, which was especially felt in the "gears". It is also equipped with an Akrapovic exhaust, so that the engine responds better to the addition of gas already in the lower rev range and slightly increases the gear ratios.
The EXC-F 450 is a very interesting bike in terms of power. We're not talking about aggression here, as is the case with the 450cc crossover bike, so this enduro is very manageable as it's not too heavy and despite being 450cc. See, still well maneuverable in the woods. The engine is truly capable of gauging over rough terrain and yet remains mellow with the addition of gas. The suspension is good for most terrain, only on the gears it is again too soft for me. The EXC-F 450 is my top pick for four-strokes.
In the end, I kept the most powerful one, the EXC-F 500, which actually has 510 cc. It's very interesting how those 60cc change the character of the engine as well as the character of the whole bike. It has tremendous torque and can also be handled in higher gears and tackle technical sections over roots and large rocks with greater ease. The only drawback is that it is the heaviest of all, which means that it is not suitable for every driver, but for the more experienced one. You will really like it,” our Roman Elen concludes his impressions of the new models. For the 2014 model year, KTM continues on its intended path and stays true to its tradition.
Text: Petr Kavchich and Roman Helen
