2014 KTM EXC and SX Lineup Revealed

KTM 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. models will be mostly the same, though model and engine displacement selection may vary.

All 2014 EXC models receive new airbox covers, hand guards, headlights, fuel tanks and front fenders. The new fender received particular attention, with a new shape that reduces mud build-up. According to KTM, the new shape combined with the modified attachment to the lower triple clamp make the fender 50% stiffer than the previous component.

The SX models also get the new fender as well as the new fuel tanks. The four-stroke SX-F models also get the same fuel pump system as the EXC models, so owners can install the larger EXC fuel tanks from the KTM’s PowerParts catalog.

Two-stroke EXC and SX models get a redesigned reed valve housing and Boyeson reeds replacing the V-Force reeds. The 250 SX, 250 EXC and 300 EXC also get new cylinder heads with an improved combustion chamber and a more powerful battery.

The four-stroke EXC-F models also receive engine updates including redesigned cylinder heads. The 450 and 500 EXC-F models get a new overhead camshaft said to be 10% lighter the previous part, while the valve springs are said to be 40% lighter. The engine management system offers selectable preset engine maps as well as a customizable tool to modify the ignition and fuel injection settings.

The 250 EXC-F engine has been heavily revised, sharing more characteristics with the 350 version. The new engine case is produced in a pressure die-casting process to reduce the wall thicknesses, while a new balancer shaft pulls triple duty, also driving the timing chain and the water pump. For the 250 and 350 EXC-F, KTM used a heavier crankshaft than the SX-F versions to increase gyrating mass for more uniform power development and to improve traction.

The 2014 450 SX-F gets a lighter camshaft and a lighter engine case along with a more durable piston. The 250 SX-F also gets a new transmission with five gears instead of six, which should make it lighter than last year’s gearbox.

The Damped Diaphragm Steel clutch is now available for all four-stroke SX and EXC models as well as the 250 SX.

KTM also updated the molybdenum steel frame for the EXC models. The new frame has thinner-walled down tubes to reduce weight while the engine braces have been modified for the updated engine.

Suspension is again comprised of a WP upside-down fork and PDS rear shocks, but the fork oil and seal rings have been updated for more constant damping. The suspension is adjustable for rebound and compression damping, while the rear shock can be adjusted separately for high- and low-speed use. KTM also modified the chain guide on the swingarms to improve reliability while also reducing weight.

Brembo supplies the front and rear disc brakes while updating the remote reservoir and brake lever and employing a smaller-diameter brake piston.

The SX models also get the modified swingarm design but closed-cartrdige upside-down forks and linked rear suspension.

KTM will also offer Six Days edition versions of the EXC models in recognition of the brand’s success in the International Six Days Enduro. The Six Days versions feature:

[Source: KTM]

By Dennis Chung