As off-road competition continues to gravitate toward GNCC-, WORCS- and hare scrambles-type events, KTM has aimed its off-road line toward that growth without ignoring more traditional forms like enduro and desert. The result of this retargeting are the XC models. XCs are essentially do-it-all bikes with a visual motocross style that are nearly as capable on outdoor-style MX tracks as they are on a trail. XC-W versions have the same minimalist moto look but with more traditional off-road suspension, engine and transmission character. KTM seems to be addressing the current riding habits of more and more dirt riders. As watered and prepped tracks become more commonplace, even die-hard off-road guys are enticed by the convenience. Our everyday lives have grown more frenetic, and a ride requiring only hours is tempting when compared with off-road outings that often consume a day or more.
So how do these retargeted off-road weapons work? KTM pushes the point that its products are ready to race, and the company showed confidence in the new machines by introducing them at the Washougal WORCS round. The WORCS crew uses every foot of the available area to ensure a true off-road challenge, so the only way to test the bikes was to enter a race! The bikes weren't totally stock: KTM had added hand guards and bar pads. Stock gearing, tubes, tires, jetting and exhaust systems were all considered race-capable. KTM could have chosen a groomed riding area for the introduction, but instead, the company simply turned us loose on a rough, rocky and challenging off-road track in full-race conditions.
The freshest models are based on an off-road-converted 250 SX-F motocrosser, but the most important news overall is that all the bikes have new fork internals with a smaller cartridge rod. What you get is a fork that is much more easily tuned and adjusted. The result is far better handling and suspension action across the line. Look for more exhaustive tests with a wider range of conditions to come!
What's New
All XC, XC-F and XC-W models
New fork internals with the cartridge rod reduced from 14 to 12mm. The 12mm rod displaces less oil, so all models are 0.2kg/mm stiffer and have more valving, yet the bikes still work better in roots and rocks.All XC-W models have plush off-road suspension, and all XC models feature stiffer GP/moto/off-road suspension settings.Black rims now standard for XC models as well as motocrossers.Brake discs have a new shape for better self-cleaning and lighter weight.Frame gusseting revised at the shock mount for improved rear shock feel.XCs have kickstands for 2007.Billet triple clamps with two offset options for XCs, cast clamps for XC-Ws for a more forgiving feel in roots and rocks.Tapered steering stem (2mm narrower at taper) for better feel off-road.XCs have a high-speed compression adjustment on the shock and externally adjustable fork spring preload.