We drove: KTM EXC 2017
More than meets the eye! When was the last time I was in the Austrian hotel Mattig-
hofnu, the new development department was still under construction. The company is growing so fast that the needs almost never catch up, and development is one of the main foundations on which the whole story of rebirth and success is based.
Product Manager Joachim Sauer briefly summarized why off-road bikes are so important to KTM: “Enduro and motocross were, are and will be key activities, these are our roots, we draw ideas, develop from these bikes, this is our philosophy. that he remains 'ready to race' and is a part of every KTM that leaves the factory. "
It's no secret that they're at the pinnacle of off-road motorsport, with Husqvarna cutting off the biggest piece of the pie. However, since you can't rest on your laurels, they've been hard at work developing in recent years and have all-new EXC labeled enduro models ready for the 2017 season - machines for serious recreation or competition. There are eight of them, more precisely four models with two-stroke engines and the names 125 XC-W, 150 XC-W, 250 EXC, 300 EXC and four with four-stroke engines, 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F, 450 EXC-F, 500 EXC- F.
I can say very categorically that they have taken the frame, motors, gearboxes and above all a bunch of ideas from the current motocross lineup i.e. the models they introduced last year and have the year 2016. The suspension is still meant to be used in the enduro, so the air did not displace the oil and springs. The front legs of the WP Xplor 48 forks are different, one has a damping function, the other has a return damper. This reduced weight and ensured even more front wheel compliance and more ground contact time. The rear suspension remained the same, ie. the PDS system is mounted directly on the rear swingarm. This is a new generation of WP XPlor shocks with new geometry and lighter weight. Also completely new are the plastic and the seat (in some places lower by 10 millimeters) and the battery. The old, heavy one has been replaced by a new ultra-light lithium-ion one that weighs only 495 grams and has a large capacity. Compared to the old generation, the bike is 90 percent new.
On a private estate near Barcelona, I had a full set and eight 45-minute rides on a beautiful enduro loop where KTM riders train for the world enduro, extreme enduro and rally championships. The 12-kilometer track had several fast, narrow gravel roads, some trails where there was only one rudder width, some difficult and, above all, long climbs and descents, as well as a huge number of rocks and cliffs. After all eight laps, I felt as if I had been riding a motorcycle through the woods all day, but also very happy.
I have felt the weight reduction on just about every bike as they have also centralized mass, which is not immediately felt on the ground. There are fewer inertial masses that want to put the bike in a vertical position, throwing left and right is even easier, so the turn becomes more accurate and faster. Lightness is indeed one of the qualities that is firmly etched in my memory and is the common denominator of all new KTMs for enduro. The suspension is competitively tuned, which means there is no rest, but there is more reliability when you need it. You can make a turn with surgical precision and attack a log or rock with confidence and determination. I also liked that the forks can be adjusted on the fly without tools, although I always left them in stock settings, which in principle completely satisfied my desires and approached my driving style. There was no time to play with the settings, I preferred to devote myself to trying out all the models. In fact, I only released the 125 and 150 XC-W, which are also the only models without registration options.
Euro 4 regulations have done their job, and until KTM has direct fuel and oil injection, this homologation will not be possible. However, twice I have chosen the EXC 350, which in my opinion is the most versatile and useful enduro for most riders. Once with the original exhaust and once with the full Akrapovic exhaust which proved to be the perfect upgrade as it added some power, more flexibility and even better throttle response. The perfect combination for me! I did the same comparison with the 250 EXC and was impressed with how easy this machine is to drive. It's perfect for boys who know how to keep the throttle open even when the terrain is tough and there are a lot of slides i.e. for everyone who has motocross experience, and at the same time it is most suitable for beginners, since the engine is not brutal. So the 350 EXC is the most versatile, light and powerful enough with the torque you can diligently use when accelerating from corners and climbing hills, while the 450 is a machine for anyone who is also physically ready to ride an enduro engine. There is always enough power, it is surprisingly light and, above all, very fast. However, the most powerful model, the 500 EXC, is not for everyone. With 63 "horses" of power - it's always too much! Complaining about the lack of power means you can sign up for a factory KTM team for an enduro, rally or doctor visit. The pleasure of riding slopes and high-speed gravel roads is breathtaking!
And when it comes to extremes, I also come across two that are made for just that, extreme enduro! The two-stroke 250 and 300 EXC mostly use a completely new engine. This one is more compact, lightweight, with significantly less vibration. However, they have always delighted me with their explosive ability, lightning-fast throttle response and well-distributed power curve that doesn't tire the driver or put him in a quandary. Thanks to its light weight and the electric starter, which is now finally integrated into the motor housing, this is a great machine for tough conditions. The thought of cheap maintenance and easy maintenance is fascinating as well.
When my enduro comrades ask me if there is a big difference between the old models, let me answer you with one phrase that I have just gotten used to: “Yes, the difference is big, they are lighter, the engines are powerful, with a lot of power. useful power curves, suspension. It works great, the old generation was great, but with the new models it’s clear the leap is so big that the 2017 KTM enduro is a whole new story.”
text: Peter Kavcic, photo: Marco Campelli, Sebas Romero, KTM
