KTM presents its Model Year 2014 Offroad range!

KTM continues to set the benchmark in the development of offroad motorcycles with the presentation of its Model Year 2014 range. A stand-out example of the company’s dedication to ongoing research and development is the star attraction in the Enduro range, the brand new 250 EXC-F, featuring a completely new engine based on the very successful 350 EXC-F.

The Austrian manufacturer has 50 percent of the Enduro market share but its dedication to R&D was evident right across the new models as it continues to deliver the best in terms of performance, ride-ability and reliability. The star attraction KTM 250 EXC-F also features many improvements over last year’s model, including an all new high tech race proven engine.

Cutting-edge developments in Enduro and Motocross bikes were presented to 70 journalists from 19 countries, including from as far afield as Australia, Japan, Israel and Malaysia on the Italian island of Sardinia, location for the much-awaited 2013 International Six days Enduro. And as KTM and its factory riders continue to dominate many of the world’s most prestigious motocross competitions, the presence of Tony Cairoli, Ken de Dycker, Jeffrey Herlings and Jordi Tixier of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team added to the media interest.

By choosing Sardinia for the launch KTM pays tribute to the centenary edition of the International Six Days Enduro by presenting the limited edition, KTM Six Days models, complete with Sardinian flag and colors. The ISDE, the oldest offroad event on the International Motorcycle Federation’s (FIM’s) calendar will be held in Sardinia from September 30 to October 9, 2013.

KTM’s 2014 MY Offroad range starts with the three sport minicycles, the 50 SX, 65 SX and 85 SX, the starter bikes for tomorrow’s factory rider heroes. The Enduro lineup offers eight different models: the 125 EXC, 200 EXCc, 250 EXC and 300 EXC two-stroke bikes and the 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F, 450 EXC and 500 EXC in four-stroke. The limited edition Six Days is available in all models except the 200 cc and features special graphics dedicated to the Sardinia 2013 ISDE. The 2014 MY offer is crowned by KTM’s title-winning Motocross range of bikes in six models: 125 SX, 150 SX and 250 SX two-stroke and 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F and 450 SX-F four-stroke bikes.

Model upgrades continue to set industry standards in Enduro and Motocross
Comprehensive improvements to the MY 2014 range include, for the 250 EXC-F, a new frame and suspension setting, both identical to the 350 EXC-F model; new intake snorkel to increase power, header pipe and silencer, enlarged intake valves, new camshafts, new cylinder with larger bore and new piston, new crankshaft with shortened stroke, new crankcase design and new clutch DDS.

Improved new features for the 2014 Enduro model range include: Lighter frame for the four-stroke models; new lower triple clamp; new engine, ECU, and exhaust system for the 250 EXC-F; revised bodywork; new graphics and color; new headlight.

New features for the Motocross range include: For the 250 SX-F - new gear box with five instead of six gears to achieve a better ration and reduce weight by 250 grams; newly designed water pump cover with new gasket (also for the 350 SX-F); optimized starter freewheel assembly for better durability and reliability; new Brembo master clutch cylinder (also for the 350 SX-F) and revised wire harness. In addition, all motocross models feature a new Brembo front brake, revised chain guide, re-tuned suspensions, bodyworks, a new fuel tank and ergonomics.

Improvement to the 450 SX-F include: new exhaust system, new three layer head gasket, lighter camshaft and a crank case with the kick starter dome removed to reduce weight by 300 grams. Major improvements have also been made to the 250 SX-F two-stroke bikes.

KTM’s Model Year 2014 Offroad range will be available from June 2013 at KTM dealerships.

- Marcia Hill (KTM)