KTM's 390 WR proves to be a hot option for 1981; useable power is its key. Barry Higginslleftl and Rod Bush stood by for the camera.
Strong components with clean lines make the 390 a potent woods and
cross country machine.
In open sections or handlebar tight woods. the 390 was up to the teak. It felt
like a 250 with an extra wallop.
Imp-ression: 1981 KTM 390 WR
power when needed.
No. KTM didn't forget that power
corrupts
and
many
potential
purchasers will want a bike which will
contest the cc war. For those persons
KTM will again offer the 420. last
year's big bore woods bike, and the new
and almighty 495 MX model--which
can be fitted with lights. Open class
beauty will definitely be in the eyes of
the beholder with three options
available from KTM.
What's new
The !l90 WR isn't really new.
Twenty-four of the !l90s came into the
U.S. last year in August, but because
of the scant number available KTM
America didn't promote the model.
as the initial 24 were presold from the
moment they were uncrated. The !l90
and its brother. the !l50--a !l90 with a
smaller bore, distributed in Europe--
KTM's mellovv Open
class ansvver
By Tom Mueller
Bigger is not always better, When cubic
centimeter levels began to climb higher each
season, useable power started to go away,
especially for the between-the-trees crowd.
12
KTM realized the problem and
created a 390cc woods/cross
country package that acts like a
250, but includes that punch of
proved their worth. An Italian rider
took a !l50cc KTM to the class win in
this year's ISDT in France.
For American riders. however, the
!l90 will offer changes from the 420,
from subtle to substantial. Suspension
travel remains the same as on the 420,
12 inches front and rear, but the job in
back will be performed by Moto·X Fox
Shox with remote reservoirs instead of
last year's Ohlins. Rod Bush, ISDT
rider and National Service Manager
for KTM in America. used Fox Shox
this year in the ISDT and found them
so easy to adjust and rebuild h~
requested them for the 1981 KTM
woods bikes. Many optional springs
are available to set the Fox Shox up for
riding conditions and rider weight.
Bumps and ruts are handled up
front by an A!lOO Marzocchi fork
assembly. The forks will be new to
