We drove KTM EXC 2012: easier for the hard
This time, KTM presented the "off-road" line separately for the first time: especially motocross and especially enduro motorcycles. To be able to test the orange SUVs really well, the entire EXC range was brought to Tuscany, in particular in center Il Cioccowhere one of the toughest enduro races takes place in February and where Fabio Fasola has an off-road driving school. When I first saw the rocks that athletes climbed (and broke plastic) in 2006, I could not imagine that one day I would run over myself ... Yes, the enduro tracks are becoming more and more difficult, and accordingly the Austrians have radically renewed. EXC line.
What's the news? Big! All models have been redesigned, from the noisy EXC 125 to the EXC-F 500 bomber, where the 500 mark is just a mark - bore and stroke are the same as this year's model. The star (but not just the evening) comes from the winning motocross car, of course. EXC-F 350... This is supposed to have the perfect combination of power and agility, which is why with this machine, David Knight and Johnny Obert, they also attacked in the Enduro World Championship.
Three hundred and fifty rides really great: Just the right soft-responsive engine delivers enough power and torque, and at the same time, thanks to its 3,5kg lighter weight than the 450cc model. see, he is ready to quickly change direction. Is it better than the EXC 450? This may be true, but tastes are too different to be sure that only 350 cubes is the right amount. We tested eight different bikes, and when I asked other journalists who convinced them the most after the test rides, the answers were completely different. If everyone could take one home, there would probably only be a 200cc two-stroke. cc and 250 cc four-stroke engine. See depending on personal taste and locality: in mountainous Italy, the EXC 125 has been the best seller for many years, while in the flat and sandy Netherlands, the EXC 300 and 530.
They all have a new frame and plastic, new (useful!) Plastic handles that don't get dirty after riding in the mud, the EXC-F 450 and 500 now have a fan as standard and a smaller and lighter engine with a single lubrication system. (the oil in the transmission and the engine is no longer separate), the aluminum wheels are silvery, the material of the suspension oil seals is more durable ... What else? Instead of carburetors, all four-stroke engines are now equipped with electronics! The first impression is very good, as the engines react softer, less rumble, so you can climb at a lower rpm. The most obvious change is in the EXC 500: anyone who appreciates the brutality of the EXC 530 may be disappointed. The engine still rubs against the bolt, but reacts to the addition of gas no more than a gun.
Unlike the motocross models, the EXC's rear suspension will remain the same. clamped directly on the pendulum, and not through the "scales". The reason is said to be easier and cheaper to maintain, less risk of overcoming obstacles and less weight. Here's the name: KTM has created lighter bikes for rough terrain.
text: Matevž Hribar, photo: Francesco Montero, Marko Kampelli
How much have they saved?
Rear swing 300 g
Engine (450/500) 2.500 g
Frame 2.500 g
Chain tensioner (4 teeth) 400 g
Wheels 400 g
Anti-vibration shaft (4 teeth) 500 g
Leg starter (EXC 125/250) 80 g
First impression
Appearance 4
The look of the MX quickly gets used to the eye, we don't just love the Six Days graphics.
Motor 5
The complete range is represented by four two- and four four-stroke engines. Fuel injection works very well after the first few kilometers.
Driving performance, ergonomics 5
Improved contact with the bike, movement is completely unrestricted.
Sena 0
The exact prices are currently unknown, but we can expect a three percent increase over the current supply. The EXC-F 350 is expected to stay below nine thousand.
First class 5
Competitions may start scratching behind the ears.
Technical data: EXC 125/200/250/300
Engine: single cylinder, two-stroke, 124,8 / 193/249 / 293,2 cc, Keihin PWK 3S AG carburetor, foot starter (electric option for EXC 36/250).
Maximum power: for example
Maximum torque: for example
Transmission: 6-speed, chain.
Frame: tubular, chromium-molybdenum 25CrMo4, double cage.
Brakes: front disc 260 mm, rear disc 220 mm.
Suspension: WP 48mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, 300mm travel, WP single adjustable rear damper, 335mm travel, PDS mount.
Tires: 90 / 90-21, rear 120 / 90-18 oz. 140 / 80-18 for EXC 250 and 300.
Seat height from the ground: 960 mm.
Fuel tank: 9,5 l.
Wheelbase: 1.471 mm or 1.482 mm for EXC 250 and 300
Weight: 94 / 96 / 102,9 / 103,1 kg.
Sales: Axle Koper, Motocentr Laba Litija.
Technical data: EXC-F 250/350/450/500
Engine: single cylinder, four stroke, liquid cooled, 248,6 / 349,7 / 449,3 / 510,4 cc, Keihin EFI fuel injection, electric and foot start.
Maximum power: np / 35,4 kW (46 hp) / 39 kW (53 hp) / 42,6 kW (58 hp)
Maximum torque: np / 37,5 Nm / 48 Nm / 52 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain
Frame: tubular, chromium-molybdenum 25CrMo4, double cage.
Brakes: front disc 260 mm, rear disc 220 mm.
Suspension: WP 48mm front adjustable inverted telescopic fork, 300mm travel, WP single adjustable rear damper, 335mm travel, PDS mount.
Gume: 90/90-21, 140/80-18.
Seat height from the ground: 970 mm.
Fuel tank: 9,5 l.
Wheelbase: 1.482 mm.
Weight: 105,7 / 107,5 / 111 / 111,5 kg.
Sales: Axle Koper, Motocentr Laba Litija.
