Once upon a time, we had dreams of being world-class motocross riders and if fate hadn’t lead us in another direction, we’d be achieving those dreams with a high-caliber motocross bike that has earned the distinction of the best in the market today, the KTM 350 SX-F.
The initial idea behind this bike was to line up at the MX1 World Championship with something that features reduced displacement, but also comes with all the advantages of a lighter bike. The final result was the birth of the 350 SX-F and foundations of a world title run in its first season. For the 2012 model, the 350 SX-F comes back bigger, better, and a whole lot meaner than ever before.
The 350 SX-F’s title-winning, state-of-the-art DOHC four-stroke engine features an electronic fuel injection and a balancer shaft that excels with an extremely wide usable rev range, highly efficient rideability, and performance capabilities that practically match that of its big brother, the 450.
Adding to its already impressive engine credentials, the 350 also features a cylinder head with two overhead camshafts, four titanium valves that are actuated by extremely lightweight, and carbon-coated cam levers. The 350 SX-F’s state-of-the-art frame is made from high-quality chrome-molybdenum stew, a material that’s not only extremely light but is also torsion-resistant, a critical combination that makes for excellent ride ability and world-class performance.
Find out more about the KTM 350 SX-F after the jump.
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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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Dirtbikes need not be built on the most expensive of materials. After all, it’s main purpose is to get down and dirty, right?
In essence, that’s what the Kawasaki KLX 140L provides you; a fun and exciting bike that allows kids and adults alike to enjoy the thrills of off-road riding. More specifically, the KLX 140L will appeal greatly to taller riders because it incorporates all of the virtues of the standard 140, including an engine that provides a steady flow of power that new and seasoned riders will enjoy. The 140L model is equipped with a more performance-oriented, reservoir-equipped shock, because it’s popular with a larger, more experienced crowd. The main difference between the 140L and the 140 is that the former features taller wheels - 19" on the front and 16" on the back - as compared to the specs - 17"/14" - of the 140.
Other unique features of the KLX 140L include an internal LED to remind riders when the ignition is on and prevent dead batteries. The KLX 140L also features a powerful 144cc engine that’s both easy to manage via a manual clutch and a five-speed, close ratio transmission. It is also powerful enough to let younger and beginning riders get the hang of shifting and clutch use without having to worry about any sophisticated machinery. The bike’s progressive nature also means half-clutch can be used at extremely low speeds.
The KLX 140L is a bike that’s been built for use at a quicker pace. That’s why it features a rear shock with a piggyback reservoir fully adjustable spring preload, 4-way compression damping and 22-way rebound damping. It also has a 33mm telescopic fork assembly with spring rates and damping settings specific to the 140L, making for a seamless and easy-to-handle bike that kids and adults will come to enjoy.
Find out more about the Kawasaki KLX 140L after the jump.
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The 2012 Suzuki DR-Z125 is a motocross bike that upstart riders can get into without having to worry about the complicated mechanisms of some of the more powerful models in the market.
It’s not enough to have a bike that offers good looks, especially for novices looking to learn the ropes; you need one that has matching performance and handling credentials, two characteristics that Suzuki pays full attention to.
Aggressive bodywork, complete with a two-tone seat cover, a rear fender, graphics, and number plates, makes the DR-Z125 a complete, stylistic replica of the championship-winning RM-Z machines.
The DR-Z125 offers a compact 124cc 4-stroke, SOHC, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that has been designed for ease-of operation and low maintenance, perfect for upstart riders looking to break into the world of motocross. The engine also has a digital-type CDI ignition system with timing set to enhance the engine’s low-rpm power characteristics while a five-speed transmission with a link-type gearshift system offers precise operation and positive feel for complete control of the bike.
In addition to its sublime powertrain, the DR-Z125 also comes with precise and agile handling characteristics, featuring a long-travel, oil damped front fork and a link-type rear suspension that provides a smooth, compliant ride. A lightweight and durable steel frame and swingarm, as well as equally lightweight aluminum rims reduce the bike’s weight while providing agile handling and improved suspension performance.
Find out more about the Suzuki DR-Z125 after the jump.
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