We drove: KTM EXC 250 and 300 TPI with fuel injection, which we tested at Erzberg.

Fuel injection in two-stroke engines is a major revolution in the world of enduro. It sounds absurd, but the extreme loading of engines in the field has so far been an advantage for engines in which the mixture of air and fuel passes through the carburetor through a system of sipes. As an enduro superpower, KTM was the first in the world to introduce two-stroke fuel injection.

13 long years of waiting from the first prototype to the present day

The fuel injection project for KTM's two-stroke enduro motorcycles took 13 long years before they were able to go into series production. In the meantime, Japan decided not to believe in two-stroke engines anymore and stopped developing them. In the meantime, the crisis erupted, there was a boom in extreme enduros and market interest in two-stroke engines has sharply increased. Two-strokes are still alive!

It was here, in the most extreme conditions, that KTM underwent intensive testing last year. Andreas LettenbihlerThe factory racer and test pilot admitted that they were shocked that they did not need engine tuning for the Roof of Africa race, which takes place high in the mountains of South Africa: “We used to spend at least one day to get the optimal engine tuning for the race, which is very demanding in this area because the altitude differences are so great and poor alignment can lead not only to engine malfunction, but also to engine failure. The two-stroke engine also needs to receive some fuel during the descent to lubricate the engine, otherwise it may lock up. This time in the afternoon we drank beer in the shade outside the hotel. "

Erzberg, our proving ground for the KTM EXC 300 TPI and EXC 250 TPI

KTM is currently ranked # XNUMX in the world of off-road motorcycles, and they have no intention of giving up their dominance. So they worked hard and threw away at least three misconceptions that did not show up on the field (who knows how much they hid from us), but now they are very proud of what they have prepared. Fair!

At least from my first impression, I can say this is the best two-stroke enduro engine I've driven in my 20-year career as a journalist. How much they believe in the new models is attested to by the fact that we were taken to the infamous Erzberg mountain, where the KTM experienced extraordinary success, and after a day of torture in difficult and steep terrain, I can confess that I was more scared than ever. on an enduro motorcycle, but at the same time, I can only congratulate the developers who made the world's first two-stroke enduro engine with direct fuel injection. The two-stroke engine is powered by a 39mm Dell'Ort system with a mixture of gasoline and oil to lubricate the piston, cylinder and main shaft. The oil is poured into a separate container. (0,7 liters) and enough for 5 to 6 refillswhich accepts 9 liters of pure gasoline.

Motor electronics are the "brains" of the engine

The under-seat engine electronics is an extremely sophisticated system that determines ignition timing and fuel quantity based on information it receives from a pressure gauge, throttle lever position, and oil and coolant temperatures. Thus, the driver does not require adjustment, only the old one remains. cold start button... Depending on the engine load, the electronics constantly determine the mixture ratio, which in practice means that oil consumption is halved and fuel consumption even by 30 percent. During the day, when we usually stopped for photos and lunch, the KTM EXC 300 and 250 TPI consumed less than 9 liters of gasoline.

We drove through the sections from the Red Bull Hare Scramble race.

On the iron mountain, its dimensions are at first amazing, arouse respect, but, climbing the steep slopes, first of all, one wonders whether it is possible to drive here at all. But when you see that someone has already driven ahead of you on the same slope, you lie down, gather courage and turn on the gas. We drove along many narrow and very technical paths, where roots or even a piece of a forgotten iron pipe irritated, we had to be on the lookout all the time, because everything is very unpredictable and can wait for a hole or a steep descent or ascent around a bend.

Then there are stones, there really is no lack of that. Over huge cliffs in the cut 'Carl's Dinner' Fortunately, I passed only a flat part, and my colleague from Finland and I tried the ascent to loud applause from other, smarter journalists who watched everything safely from a distance, and each ended up with an inverted engine. Here I can praise the quality of the plastic and the new radiator protectors (new and more durable construction that does not require additional aluminum protection), since the motorcycle was not damaged. Above all, hydraulic clutch precision, useful power, light weight and excellent suspension came to the fore.

The EXC 300 TPI has 54 'horsepower and the EXC 250 TPI is extremely lightweight.

Maximum power and precision came to the fore, however, as I wound throttle in second or third gear on seemingly impossible climbs such as the infamous "pipeline." I will not lose words on the slopes, because they were the worst for me. Because once you get to the top of the 1.500 feet high mountain, you have to descend once, right? When you're at the top of a ledge and can't even see where you're going under you, you'll have to rummage in your pockets to find your “egg **” or courage. But I have found that both new enduro models offer more than I need, or rather, help me ride better in the field on my own.

Since the classic carb has said goodbye, air temperature and altitude no longer cause headaches, and as a result, both engines always perform optimally.

The power curve is extremely linear, and that two-stroke sudden bump that gave most regular drivers headaches or even frightened them is gone. The EXC 300 TPI does not hide its power in any way (KTM declares 54 'horses') at maximum speeds. You drive it effortlessly in third gear, and when it needs to be pulled out of a corner, it immediately responds to decisive acceleration. There is always enough power, and if you know, you can drive it very quickly. Perhaps more importantly, you can also go wrong on it at the bottom of the climb, as torque and power will save you if you don't have the knowledge of Master Johnny Walker.

The EXC 250 TPI is slightly weaker than the 250, but it shows this power difference the most when driving on the steepest slopes. Here's the difference: if you go wrong under a hill, it is much more difficult to gain the necessary speed and momentum to get you to the top. The slightly lower horsepower compared to the 300 is successfully compensated for by the lighter handling in more technically challenging terrain and in enduro tests on bends, as well as on narrow and twisty trails, where the effect of rotating masses in the engine is less noticeable. Easier to go from turn to turn or overcome obstacles with your hands.

Ergonomics, suspension, brakes and quality, both in design and in the components used, are top notch. Neken steering wheel, WP suspension, Odi levers with screw tightening system, Giant wheels with CNC milled hub, transparent fuel tank and built-in fuel pump and fuel gauge. Wrought iron crosses allow up to four steering positions. However, if all this is not enough for you, you have an improved version with additional equipment. Six days, which this time is depicted on the graph of the French flag, as the race will take place in the fall in France.

Therefore, I also somehow understand that the price of a good nine thousand is somehow justified, but on the other hand, this is a reflection of the market situation. KTM enduro two-strokes are traditionally the first sold out every year, and I'm afraid these orange enduro specials will sell like warm buns. They arrive at the salons in Koper and Grosupla at the end of June or at the latest at the beginning of July. The first small series has already been received by everyone who will participate in races in Romania and Erzberg.

Petr Kavchich

photo: Sebas Romero, Marko Kampelli, KTM

Technical information

Engine (EXC 250/300 TPI): single cylinder, two-stroke, liquid-cooled, 249 / 293,2 cc, fuel injection, electric and foot engine start.

Gearbox, drive: 6-speed gearbox, chain.

Frame: tubular, chromium-molybdenum 25CrMo4, double cage.

Brakes: front disc 260 mm, rear disc 220 mm.

Suspension: WP Xplor 48mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, 300mm travel, WP single adjustable rear shock, 310mm travel, PDS mount.

Gume: 90/90-21, 140/80-18.

Seat height (mm): 960 mm.

Fuel tank (l): 9 l.

Wheelbase (mm): 1.482 mm.

Tea (kg): 103 kg.

Sales: Axle Koper phone: [phone] Seles Moto Grosuplje phone: [phone]

Price: 250 EXC TPI – 9.329 euros; 300 EXC TPI – 9.589 euros