KTM - Sunny Delights!
Published: 12th July 2007
Author: Words by Tony Marshall Photos by Redeye
Tiny terror Tony Marshall checks out the full range of super-sweet 2008 KTMs in searing Spain.
If there's one thing KTM enjoy - even more than the colour orange - it's getting next year's race bikes ready to rip and out on showroom floors sometime before September. I mean, we're barely halfway through the 2007 racing season and here we are in sunny Spain testing the 2008 range of motocross models - madness!
And with 125, 144 and 250cc two-strokes to test as well as the all-conquering 250 and electric-start 450 four-stroke models to go at our tony test pilot Tiny Marshall is in for a busy couple of days...
For 2008 the SX range has come in for more of a tickle and tweak rather than an all-out revamp. And after a very successful 2007 - so far at least - who can blame KTM? Aside from the obligatory BNGs the only visible changes are a new bend of Renthal bar (996 no less), works style wraparound fork guards and a strengthened front fender. But deep inside where the naked eye can't see there are a few more mods...
While most manufacturers have given up on their two-stroke motocross bikes KTM have not. The 125 has got a remodeled piston, modified engine cases and a freshly tweaked ignition curve while the 250 has an enlarged induction area and lighter conrod that in theory will improve throttle response.
The pair of four-poppers have had their engine internals massaged too. The 250F gets a new exhaust cam, valve springs, pipe and silencer which should help improve low-end power but unlike its big bro there's still no electric start system for '08.
The all-new for '07 450 has a little weight shaved from the motor for '08 with a lighter crank and counterbalance shafts installed. The hydraulic clutch is improved while reprofiled exhaust cam lobes and updated timing will work together with a new quieter silencer to deliver the 450's power more efficiently.
Fine-tuning of the range's WP forks should mean the forks slide more smoothly through their stroke and be much less likely to blow seals (cue Eskimo joke). And updated valving and stiffer spring rates for all bikes bar the 125 should help overcome any harsh feeling of bottoming out the '07 and earlier models experienced.
While it's all very well letting you know that this is new and that is modified we're sure it's rider reaction you're really interested in so without further ado here are our top test pilot and ex GP racer Tony Marshall's views on the '08 KTMs.
Full report and pictures in Dirtbike Rider Magazine, issue August, 2007. Subscribe here