2008 KTM 530 XC-W (R) Preview

Introduction

2008 KTM XC-W (R)

First presented as a 2008 model year the KTM 530 XC-W(R) is a truly capable enduro motorcycle that plans to vanish the competition with the help of a completely overhauled chassis on which the new XC4 engine is fitted. The bike was designed to see its way through any kind of terrain, especially off-road, so engineers were dedicated on creating unique frame, bodywork and ergonomics.

Its centerpiece, the 510 cc single-cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves engine, is among the most successful that KTM produces as it is also fitted on the beloved 530 EXC-R and 450 EXC-R models that sell successfully.

Competition

2008 Honda CRF450X

Offered for fewer bucks ($7,399) and featuring more grunt is the 2008 Honda CRF450X which is powered by a fine-tuned 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder Unicam four-stroke engine. A radical upgrade for this dual sport motorcycle is the newly-added Honda Progressive Steering Damper and the slimmer tank. This allows the rider to control better the bike on those trouble-giving trails.

2008 Husqvarna TE510

KTM’s most powerful competitor, Husqvarna, markets the TE510 for the MSRP of $7,898, 100 bucks less that the model we’re taking a first look at today, the 530 XC-W(R). This enduro is powered by a 510cc four-stroke, 4 valves, DOHC, liquid cooled single cylinder and manages to give the KTM a very hard time as it also delivers low end grunt, just like KTM owners prefer.

2008 Yamaha WR450F

Among the favorites of this class can be also found the Yamaha WR450F; a legend of the trails and the choice of riders who feel like exploiting the hell out of a dual sport motorcycle. They rely on the 449cc liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke engine fitted with five titanium valves, but the fact that it is also the cheapest meaning that it has the best bang for the buck sure helps a lot. MSRP for the Yammie is $7,199.

2008 Kawasaki KLX450R

The new for 2008 Kawasaki KLX450R is practically a motocross ride designed to look like an off-roader. Dragging its roots on the KX450F, it features a 449 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled engine. The largest dual sport Kawasaki motorcycle is being sold for an MSRP of $7,299.

Exterior

2008 KTM XC-W (R)

A veritable motocross look is what designers aimed for and succeeded on creating in the case of the KTM 530 XC-W(R). It is fitted with large 18 inch wheels and off-road tires which give a first clue that this bike will most likely be seen on a motocross track rather than in the woods.

The front end is dominated by the high-mounted fender and mudguards covering the lower end of the massive fork and supporting the high handlebars. Further studying the bike, we cannot miss the unique side panels featuring a white “KTM” writing. The shape of the side plastics is meant to follow the front fender’s shape and give an equilibrated look of these defining exterior elements.

 The black seat isn’t sharp styled like on those KTM Supermoto models, but perfectly blended in with the fuel tank and rear end of the bike. The exhaust exits on the right side.

You can have a KTM painted either Orange or Orange as long as it is Orange. In this case the manufacturer makes no exception, but implements more black into it and a little bit of white on each side.

Price

Not only competitive thanks to its reliable engine, bulletproof chassis and comfy ergonomics, but thanks to its $7,998 MSRP also, the 2008 KTM 530 XC-W (R) establishes itself as one of the most competitive dual sports on the market today.

Conclusion

For riders who couldn’t decide on each Japanese motorcycle to put their money down, the Austrian manufacturer, KTM, presented an incredible versatile motorcycle that looks good and it is marketed at a fair price.

Being a true testimony of KTM’s dedication to bulletproof built motorcycles that go like no others, the brand new 530 XC-W (R) promises to take a big cut of the Japanese’s share of the market.

 ----

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Engine type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves

Displacement: 510.35 cc

Bore x stroke: 95 x 72 mm (3.74 x 2.83")

Compression ratio: 11.9:1

Starter / Battery: Kickstarter/E-Starter / 4 Ah

Transmission: 6 gears wide-ratio

Carburetor: Keihin MX FCR 39

Control: 4 V / OHC with roller rocker levers

Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps

Engine lubrication: 10W50

Primary drive: 33:76

Final drive: 14:50

Cooling: Liquid cooled

Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically

Ignition: Kokusan digital 4K-3B
 

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4

Subframe: Aluminium, removable

Handlebar: Magura Aluminium Ø 28/22 mm (1.10/0.87")

Front suspension: WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")

Rear suspension: WP monoshock PDS

Suspension travel front / rear: 300 / 335 mm (11.81 / 13.19")

Front brake: 260mm (10.24") disc, Brembo double piston

Rear brake: 220mm (8.66") disc, Brembo single piston

Rims, front / rear: 1.60 x 21"; 2.15 x 18"

Tires, front / rear: 80/90-21"; 110/100-18"

Chain: X-ring chain 5/8 x 1/4"

Main silencer: Aluminium w/USFS spark arrestor

Steering head angle: 63.5°

Trail: Adjustable

Wheel base: 1481±10 mm (58.31±0.39")

Ground clearance (unloaded): 380 mm (15")

Seat height: 925 mm (36.42")

Fuel capacity: approx. 9.2 liters (2.43 gal)

Weight (no fuel): approx. 112.2 kg (247.36 lbs)