The 300 XC-W shares the nimble handling of the 250 with the added bonus of smoother and torquier power
We got our first taste of KTM's new XCs last month at the Washougal round or the WORCS series and we just received our test models. The entire13 model line of XC and XC-Ws consists of 13 models, that's a lot of bikes, so here's our first impression of the heavy hitters.
KTM made a multitude of improvements to the new XC line starting with an all new fork that has smaller cartridge-rods for increased suppleness and a decrease in weight. They beefed up the frame gusseting for a better feeling rear shock. The fork gets pre-load adjusters in the fork cap, machined triple clamps and dual compression adjusters on the rear shock just like the SX. Cosmetically the bikes get BNGs and black rims. New lighter weight wave brake rotors were added to the wheels that improve cleaning efficiency.
Rory Sullivan shows that the XCs are as at home on the track as they are in the woods.
The new for '07 250 XC-F is based on the SX model and it runs just as hard. It is evident that KTM made it to be a race machine. It has the stiffest suspension in the group; we took it to Perris Raceway and thought the new XC suspension was better on the track than last years SX! We didn't even notice the weight of the electric start. On the trails at Washougal the thing was a blast, and it runs hard enough to make a lot of guys on 450s look silly. The 250 two-stroke gets an all new motor with a much smaller and lighter cylinder. Paired with that is a new power-valve for better throttle response; and it shows! KTM revised the gear box and the new semi-wide ratios worked really well for the mixed terrain and speeds of the Washougal WORCS course. The improvements to the line also bolstered the performance of the 450 XC with crisper handling and smooth suspension action that is plusher than the 2006 model.
You owe it to yourself to try the new KTM XCs.
The days of KTMs with ill handling characteristics and bad suspension are long, long gone. Any naysayer is simply not letting go of that misconception which dates back to the stone ages. Our first impression of these bikes is that they are phenomenal! Their handling characteristics are razor sharp and the new WP suspension has taken another leap forward with added level of plushness and predictability. If you aren't pumped to ride one of these bikes you better get pumped `cause we can't wait to get more time on our test models. Watch for more thorough assessments in future issues of Dirt Rider.
Retail Price
250 XC-F $6798
250 XC $6498
450 XC $7448
Jon Erik Burleson blows up a loamy Washougal berm. | 
Russ Pearson gets an early look at the new '07 KTM. | 
Derek Steahly doing his best Pat Garrahan impression. Viewed at double speed it looks pretty good. |
The new WP suspension increases the bikes' precision in corners. | 
Brakes are typical KTM. Need we say more? | 
These bikes are more capable than even the best of riders. Rory Sullivan demonstrates. |