Moto blog
US-Spec 2014 KTM Off-Road Models Revealed
Thu, 23 May 2013A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about KTM‘s 2014 off-road lineup for Europe highlighted by an updated 250 EXC-F and other updates across the model lineup. KTM has now released information about its U.S.-spec models which include the same updates while keeping some differences from the European versions. For off-road riders in the U.S., KTM is offering the street-legal four-stroke 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC and their solely off-road XCF-W and XC-W, the four-stroke 250 XCF-W and the two-stroke 200, 250, 300 and 450 XC-W models.
Under the Skin of a KTM RC8 R-Powered Sidecar Racer
Thu, 23 May 2013If you’ve never seen a sidecar race, you’d be amazed at how different it is from motorcycle racing. Not only do you have some entirely different physics at work with the third wheel, you also have a passenger sprawled over the chassis behind the rider, sticking his body out to either side at lean angles that would make Marc Marquez break a sweat. Check out the video after the jump to see for yourself.
Buying countless tatty bikes. And that Marquez fella
Fri, 10 May 2013A South African friend of mine called Trevor Binder told me last weekend I’m quite obviously in the advanced stages of a terrible disease. He recognises the affliction because he admits to suffering from the same condition for many years and so far hasn’t found a cure. He says he can’t stop collecting bikes and while I didn’t think I had a problem, last weekend he pointed out I should be careful as I’m starting to acquire bikes at an alarming rate. I wasn’t really worried about spending a modest amount of cash an old KTM 125 race bike, a 350 LC and a Fizzy over the past six months but Trevor says I’m on a slippery slope. He says it always starts with bikes that have some sentimental value but then swiftly moves on to buying any old tat. Trevor is a wealthy man with dozens of nice bikes in his collection but more recently has been on Gumtree bidding for £150 Solex front wheel drive step - thrus, and doesn’t know why. Closer to home, James Whitham has recently confirmed he may also have these symptoms and is actively seeking therapy. I’ll be monitoring the situation from now on but in the meantime if anyone hears of a reasonably priced Raleigh Wisp for sale please let me know.
2014 KTM EXC and SX Lineup Revealed
Thu, 09 May 2013KTM has revealed its European-spec 2014 EXC enduro and SX motocross lineup. The U.S.-spec versions have yet to be announced and there will be some differences, such as a five-speed transmission instead of a four-speed transmission for the KTM 450 SX-F. Otherwise, the U.S.
2013 AMA Supercross Salt Lake City Race Report
Mon, 29 Apr 2013Monster Energy Kawasaki racer Ryan Villopoto demonstrated once again he is a the top of his sport, clinching his third-consecutive AMA Supercross championship. Villopoto cemented his title with a win in front of 43,149 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, his ninth main event victory of the season and 33rd in his career. Though he led every lap, Villopoto didn’t have as easy a time in Salt Lake City as he has had in some races this season.
2013 KTM Two-Stroke Off-Road Models Recalled for Throttle Defect
Tue, 23 Apr 2013KTM has initiated a recall on 2013 two-stroke off-road motorcycles because of a problem with the throttle cable. The models affected are the 125 EXC, 125 EXC Six Days, 125 SX, 150 SX, 150, XC, 200 EXC, 200 XC-W, 250 EXC, 250 EXC Six Days, 250 SX, 250 XC, 250 XC-W, 300 EXC, 300 EXC Six Days, 300 XC, 300 XC-W, 85 SX, and 85 SXS. According to KTM, the throttle cable on affected models can get pinched between the throttle cable wheel and the top of the throttle housing assembly. This flaw may result in the loss of throttle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
KTM E-Speed Electric Scooter Headed for Production
Tue, 23 Apr 2013KTM announced it will bring its E-Speed electric scooter to production, with plans to introduce it to he European market in 2015. Originally unveiled last month at the 2013 Tokyo Motorcycle Show, the E-Speed made its European debut at this past weekend’s Bike Austria show where KTM officially announced the scooter will enter production. The E-Speed will follow the Freeride E as the second electric model offered by KTM.
Spy Photos Capture Near-Production KTM 1290 Super Duke
Mon, 22 Apr 2013Spy photographers have snapped shots of what appears to be a near-production prototype of the KTM 1290 Super Duke. The test mule in the pictures show some differences from the 1290 Super Duke R prototype revealed at the 2012 EICMA show. The spy pictures reveal a stacked headlight design similar to the component used on KTM‘s smaller naked models such as the 390 Duke.
2013 AMA Supercross Minneapolis Race Report
Mon, 15 Apr 2013Hometown hero Ryan Dungey put a stop to Ryan Villopoto‘s winning streak, taking the victory before 48,846 supportive fans at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn. The Red Bull KTM rider from nearby Belle Plaine, Minn., stalked Monster Energy Kawasaki‘s Villopoto for most of the race before taking the lead and winning the 20-lap race by just 0.903 seconds. The win put Dungey into second place in the standings ahead of Rockstar Suzuki‘s Davi Millsaps and perhaps more importantly, cut away at Villopoto’s points lead.
AMA Pro Racing Announces Basic Twins Flat Track Class for 2014 Season
Fri, 12 Apr 2013AMA Pro Racing announced a new class for Flat Track racing designed to provide a new stepping stone for up-and-coming Pro-licensed racers, replacing the Pro Singles class in 2014. The new class, to be called Basic Twins, is more or less a revival of the Basic Expert Twins division that ran during the 2007 and 2008 seasons, but dropped when the Pro Singles class was introduced for 2009. The new class will give young racers a chance to showcase their skills on Twins, easing their transition to eventually enter the Grand National Expert Twins class.