VOLUME 56 ISSUE 47 NOVEMBER 26, 2019 P99
This is a perfect example of
having the right tool for the job.
The WP XPLOR suspension com-
ponents are the open-cartridge
spring-fork style with the PDS (no
linkage) shock out back. This set-
up instantly gives the KTM a more
compliant and ground-hugging feel
to it. The bike just wants to stay
down in the dirt and is hunting and
shooting for slalom turns around
trees. But it can still take the errant
high-speed log in stride, as well.
The only place this would feel
unruly soft is if you had a series of
whoops or very big, high-speed
rough sections. Then, you're going
to want to go XC, at least.
Since this XC-W was actually
running quite a bit better (as a race
bike) than any TPI bike I've had
before, I wouldn't feel the need to
race an XC. Part of me still wants
the more aggressive setup of the
XC with its tighter transmission
and peppier motor/chassis pack-
age. But since the engines are
close (too close, in my opinion) in
performance now, the only thing
I'm really missing on the XC is the
The XC-W belongs in the woods.
