2012 KTM XC Line Enduro Review



KTM has the widest range and endurance of the most diverse in the industry and will be further strengthened in 2012. Four-stroke models XCF are available in 250, 350, 450 and 500cc versions, while KTM continues to serve two die-hard time with the fans 150, 200, 250 and 300cc models XC. And most of the engines can be paired with a transmission ratio scale, identified by "W" designation.

KTM presented the enduro 2012 AMA National Enduro Inyan Kara Upton, Wyoming. And when we had the opportunity to make a quick assessment of the different models, we were able to choose our favorite KTM enduro race in the next day. Fun? Certainly!

All the wheels of the car is new and stronger hand guards, as well as a new project without the airbox intake facing forward, which promise to be water-resistant than previous models. Excel rims are used, are wrapped in Dunlop tires. WP forks have new seals to reduce stiction and improve the performance of small effects.


The 250cc and 300cc two-stroke XC get a new frame and swingarm, with a new non-linked PDS shock. The two birds also have a redesigned intake valve to boost torque and smooth power curve. The 300 also receives a new cylinder, and the two bikes share a new fuel tank 2.7 liters and more reliable electric starter

The XCFs four times received the most updates, 2012, from a new frame, swingarm and the link does not shock PDS with a revised rate increase. New cast iron clamps with 22 mm offset triple improve handling characteristics and flexion of the new image. All cases had four new engines that are more flexible than previous offerings, which means to give a little on impact rather than crack. The cooling system has been improved, with routing built into the chassis and new connectors. The 450 and 500 also come with electric fans.

The fuel injection is provided by the latest 42mm Keihin throttle bodies with an automatic temperature and altitude compensation.

The 250XCF receives a new engine specially adapted for traceability. The generator is now more powerful, and a new muffler and spark arresters keep the bike quiet and legally. The 350XCF get an Enduro engine-listening, and with a lower compression (13.5:1 vs. 12.3) than the motocross version to smooth the power band. It will also get a new brand new clutch diaphragm spring with adjustable spring preload, which is shared with the 450 and 500

Like the 250, was an improvement of 196 watts of electrical system and new fuel tank 2.5 liters. The new engine is supposed to 350F weighs only 62.8 pounds, including the kick starter and the exhaust flange! With improvements in the butt, size 350 to the revolution, the rev limiter set at 12 000 rpm. The six-speed transmission is "semi-close relationship," without large gaps that allow the seamless delivery of power. Valves of the new features guides the cam chain and chain tensioner waters simple ratchet system.

The new 500XCF are large, with a new SOHC engine, cast iron pan, multifunction balance shaft, in light of the stem Pankl. The engine 500 was designed to be reliable and easy to maintain, with the lowest possible weight and size.

All four-stroke engine XCF-W models California green sticker legal, and have forged a special equipment emissions. Closed-course racing, an authorized KTM dealer can make tuning changes.

It is the scoop of high technology. But what are they like to drive? Before going too far, I should mention that I'm 165 pounds with riding equipment, and the region we have done our pre-test was a combination of gravel soils and relatively rigid way and two-way broadband . Some things were consistent across the line, and excellent ergonomics, best-in-the-brakes business and a solid feel stronger together. All bikes have exhaust silencers, two traits do not come with a spark arrester and sold as "closed system" machines.

The 250XC-W twice feels exceptionally light and agile, especially if they are accustomed to riding a four-stroke. The gear ratios, clutch change and it worked very well as a fork. The rear suspension is appropriate, and the new framework in 2012 makes it a little better than last KTM stable. It was very fun to drive, and twice as fast power curve quickly made us and reminded us how fun it is to mount a smoker.

But the feeling quickly and fast, are too different things, and although the 250XC-W was smooth and pulled hard, yet he did it in a much shorter interval than the four-stroke engine. You are always aware of the fat in a two-stroke expansion chamber protrudes into the wind begging to get drunk. But is the life of a two-stroke. A narrow path with a strong rider 250XC-W flies, and it feels so light you just want to skip the logs and look for jumps. But to get sloppy and tired, and soon followed by the lazy four-stroke riders with envy.

The 300XC-W is the bike of the most popular line of KTM Canada, and for good reasons. Nothing makes the time in low-end torque of 300 - or even a four-stroke. It takes strong, too, and while the power curve is short compared with a kicker, the gear ratios and brightness of 300 to be a racing bike very well. You can be the most effective and versatile two-stroke ever built. Both KTM two strokes to thrive in "tug of war" situations in which its high stopping power, agility and quick bursts of acceleration when cornering really worthwhile. One thing is certain, the KTM two stone axes are reliable and have a loyal clientele.

The 250XCF-W was a mixed bag for us. It feels lighter, handles better at speed than the two shots, yet the suspension feels more solid and controlled. It can be chalked up to the silky smooth power band, which allows entire chassis relax instead of skitter around like a two-stroke. He shoots well, but not as hard as KTM motocross 250F or 250F MXer you have mounted in recent times.

In the tight, slippery conditions, 250XC-W would be ideal, but on a lot faster, you must work hard to keep your momentum. The clutch and gearbox is excellent, which is good because to maintain speed in the open sections, you will have to ride this bike very aggressive. We liked and it would be a good choice for smooth singletrack East, but the tracks fast and loose with our test site in Wyoming, it just make us work too hard.

The W-450XCF surprised us with a sense almost as agile as the W-250XCF. It is a good power, smooth, it never feels heavy or intimidation, and refers to loss or extinction of the flame. It was to inspire the confidence to travel, but the rear suspension feels a bit under-damped compared to the lighter, slower 250XCF-W. Like the rest of the KTM 2012, the WP fork is excellent. We really liked this bike, motorcycle and was the favorite until the time of day.

The 500XCF-W was a big improvement from the old 530. It feels smaller and lighter than its predecessor, with high torque that makes it easy to fly in the open sections or in the woods. This bike would play murderer! However, as a race bike that feels a little uncomfortable in the forest, and no rear suspension feels too soft for speeds this bike is capable of. We love walking all day, but the race? Perhaps if there had been six inches taller and gained 40 pounds. The W-cycle 500XCF was too little old for this writer.

We were able to ride all the races, "W" wide ratio transmission models with the exception of 150XC and 200XC-W, so the impressions that they have to wait until late.

That leaves us with ...

It 350XCF KTM-W. We have all read about the 350th We have heard people say that it was a slow 450, 250F or a cheater. Well, it's a bit of both of these things. It is physically easier than the 450 by just a few pounds. We set up slightly tuned 250F motocross that can work with him. The suspension is excellent and the average first place in the back. It's not exactly sound like a winning combination, but trust us, in the real world it is.

Of all the new KTM we go in Wyoming, the 350 is the one we like to have in our garage. It has become the benchmark for the rest of KTM for us, and we ended up asking for us is the KTM race the next day. But that's another story, so stay tuned for the complete test 350XCF 2012-W KTM race!

2012 KTM manufacturers suggested retail price of retail, the United States


Two-time

150XC *: $ 6,999

* 200XC-W: $ 7099

* 250XC: $ 7999

* 250XC-W: $ 7999

* 300XC : $ 8,099

* 300XC-W: $ 8099

Four-time

250XCF *: $ 8,299

* 250XCF-W: $ 8299

* 350XCF : $ 8,999

* 350XCF-W: $ 8999

* 450XCF-W: $ 9199

* 500XCF-W $ 9,399