When it comes to motocross bikes, KTM offers a full breadth of some of the most powerful bikes on the market, including the spectacular KTM 450 SX-F.
The 450 SX-F’s high-quality chassis allows advanced riders to convert the brutal power of the brand’s innovative DOHC four-stroke engine into controllable traction, even on the toughest MX tracks. Add that to a newly-developed clutch and a robust steel cage, and you have a motocross bike that’s truly the class of the field. Especially when you throw in the transmission-friendly back-damping that makes use of a spring washer for the first time instead of the customary conical springs, substantially reducing the operating force.
Adding to the bike’s unbridled versatility and all-around functionality is a new technology for the exhaust. In conjunction with the innovative HPRS (Header Pipe Resonator System) and large-diameter silencer, the 450 SX-F’s super-light titanium exhaust manifold ensures plenty of power at low noise levels.
In terms of its design, the 450 SX-F was built to compete, featuring a state-of-the-art frame that’s made from high-quality chrome-molybdenum steel. The bike’s bodywork is extremely slim, making for a dynamic ride that’s characterized by a particularly balanced geometry that combines easy handling with razor-sharp precision.
Handling and ride ability are always chief requirements for world-class motocross riders. On both those fronts, the KTM 450 SX-F is in a true class of its own, making it an ideal choice for riders looking to make a name for themselves in the motocross world.
Find out more about the KTM 450 SX-F after the jump.
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Enduro bikes are incredibly versatile, offering an impressive mix of ultra-easy handling, minimal weight, and low costs. That’s why when you’re looking for an ideal enduro to compete in E1 class racing, the KTM 125 EXC is a certainl fit for your budget.
The 125 EXC boasts many qualities that enduro riders want on their bikes. The 125 EXC’s new bodywork comes with a slim seat and spoiler lines, plus excellent contact points, making for an ideal ergonomic set-up and allowing for better overall handling. Meanwhile, the longer rear fender protects the rider and the redesigned kickstarter makes it easier to start the engine. A completely revamped frame made from high-quality chrome-molybdenum steel is characterized by even greater lateral stiffness.
The 125 EXC also boasts of a free-revving and lively 125cc two-stroke engine, considered the most powerful of its type in the market today. On top of that, the 125 EXC’s completely revamped chassis comes with a new frame, ensuring that the lightest and most flexible enduro on the market retains the kind of characteristics that have made it into a true favorite.
The redesigned airbox on the 125 EXC and the flow-optimized intake flange between the airbox and the carburetor ensure better charging with fresh gas, resulting in even freer revving and more power in all rev ranges for the liquid-cooled, two-stroke machine. Likewise, the 125 EXC is equipped with the latest WP upside-down fork with wider adjustment ranges and a new setting. The sensitive responsiveness and outstanding damping of the open-cartridge fork with 48 mm (1.89 in) outer tubes are a perfect complement for the 125 EXC’s playful handling and precision.
Find out more about the KTM 125 EXC after the jump.
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Just like its twin brother, the Off-Road TT-R230, the 2012 TT-R230 is a serious trail bike that is accessible to a wide range of riders, especially beginners. It’s got a Yamaha YZ-inspired design that features a low seat height, and a simple and easy-to-read instrumentation panel.
The bike also has a simple engine set-up that features a stout 223cc air-cooled, SOHC four-stroke engine that produces predictable, broadband power, making it the perfect choice for both beginner and intermediate riders.
As far as the chassis and suspension of the bike are concerned, the TT-R230 has a steel frame with a compact wheelbase and low seat height that combines accessibility to new or smaller riders while also being set up as having superb maneuverability and super-responsive handling. A 36mm front fork with 9.5" of wheel travel provides plush, confidence-inspiring control over rough terrain while the 11.6" of ground clearance should be enough to deal with almost any trail. Rounding out the set-up for the bike are 21" front aluminum wheels and 18" aluminum wheels with 220mm front disc brakes and 130mm rear drum brakes for powerful, confident stops.
Find out more about the Yamaha TT-R230 after the jump.
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BMW Motorrad has just revealed the new G 650 GS, a new single-cylinder enduro that adds a cheeky, light, and adventurous figure. The G650 GS is powered by a 652 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine with a double overhead camshafts engine that develops 48 HP at 6500 rpm and 60 Nm at 5000 rpm. BMW is also offering a detuned version that develops only 34 HP at 6500 rpm and 47 Nm at 4500 rpm.
The body of the new G 650 GS was completely redesigned. The front section, in particular, makes the single-cylinder enduro light, sporty, and dynamic. The asymmetrical headlamp and the self steering front wheel cover give the G 650 GS its look of absolute independence.
A clear design of lines, the targeted use of colored areas and all black plastic parts uphold the visual impression of a robust enduro outfit. The overall impression of sportiness is boosted further by the engine, exhaust covers, frame, swinging arm, and slide tubes, which are all black, contrasting with the plain colors of aura white and orange-red as well as the matching two-tone seats.
Press release after the jump.
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KTM is set to unveil at this year’s EICMA Show a new motorcycle that will confirm the German maker’s domination at "The Dakar rally". Called 990 Adventure Dakar the new motorcycle is not however a replacement for the current KTM 450 Rally and will not be raced in Argentina and Chile, but it does show that KTM is indeed a maker that can do amazing things.
The 990 Adventure Dakar will feature a blue and orange paint, Dakar graphics, standard engine protection bars and much more. We do not have any details on the bike’s specifications yet, but considering the new Dakar rally regulation require a 450cc engine, expect nothing else from KTM.
Stay with us, we’ll have full details for you next week when EICMA Show begins. KTM announced a few other goodies for this year show, including the 450 Rally that will indeed compete in both Argentina and Chile rally.
Updated 11/03/2010: KTM has revealed today the official images on the new 990 Adventure Dakar. The 2011 limited edition Adventure “Dakar” breathes the spirit of the greatest raids of all times. Authentic, “cigarette blue” plastic parts with the Bedouine graphics of KTM’s factory racers cover the orange frame. A high-quality suedelook seat cover looks good and prevents slippage even on extreme tracks. At the same time, the “Dakar” combines popular features of both the other models – while the Adventure donates the suspension with 210 mm of travel as well as the sensitive Bosch ABS, the engine is that of the Adventure R with 115 bhp.
Husqvarna has always strived to innovate and bring new ideas to the world of off road motorcycles. Now, as always, the motorcycle brand with the longest tradition in the world in the Off Road sector is fully committed to the ongoing research and development of the perfect off road bike: easy to use, ready to race and easy to maintain.
The design of the new 449/511 range outstrips that of other off road models and stands out immediately for its looks, exclusive layout and cutting-edge technology. A range of Husqvarna Special Parts will be available, developed by Husqvarna to provide the best combination of lightness, durability and performance to allow Husqvarna fans to personalise their bikes and offer them the ingredients for racing success.
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After the launch of the all-new
Suzuki DR-Z70 back in 2008, the Japanese manufacturer carries on producing this model with little changes, something that makes us suspect that youngsters won’t be seeing this exercise applied on Suzuki’s small off-road model pretty soon. Not only the bike is a favorite in its category and there’s no reason to change something that isn’t wrong, but we also have the example of the bike’s bigger siblings, the
DR-Z125/L.
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An unbeatable combination of style and performance is what characterizes the two bikes that got on our hands recently, Suzuki’s DR-Z125 and DR-Z125L. The same engine and chassis is used on both bikes, but the “L” model features bigger wheels, seat height and ground clearance and so it addresses to the taller crowd, while the simple model is what average sized riders would like to ride.
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Not quite your everyday enduro motorcycle and not a dirt bike either, the WR250R is Yamaha’s most versatile two-wheeled machine, one that can take you off-road and on pavement with great ease thanks to a highly evolved and easily adaptive chassis and a potent quarter-liter engine. As you probably already infer, the best thing about it is that it can actually go on public roads, so it qualifies as a commuter too.
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California residents with a soft spot for electric motorcycles are now offered the possibility to buy the Zero DS and Zero S bikes at the special price of $7,495. That’s $1,500 less than what residents in the other 49 states will pay for the same bikes and it is all made possible through the California Clean Vehicle Program rebate and ten percent federal tax credit.
Zero Motorcycles will start a "Discover the Experience Tour" in order to popularize their 2010 product lineup – which is actually made of four electric models – and the $1,500 rebate applicable for their two bikes with the most chances to sell. Read the full press release after the jump.
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