Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127567
eNEWMODELS m KTM 400 & 600cc LC4 E1XC 'snew our-stro earrives (Top) The all-new 400 LC4 ElXC features the same bore as the 600, but uses a shorter stroke. Claimed weight is 255 lbs.. (Left) Updates to the 600 include triple clamps with a reduced trail, wider footpegs, chrome-plated header pipes and purple graphics. By Chris Jonnum ™ unveiled their all-new four-stroke models at the Cologne Motorcycle Show in Germany last October, but production of the all-new and in-demand two-stroke line caused a two-month delay in the introduction of the fourstrokes in the U.S. Finally, at a recent press conference '!t the Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas in late February, KTM introduced their all-new 400 LC4 E/XC and their updated 600 LC4 E/XC. In the past, KTM four-stroke customers have only had the choice of a big-bore machine, but that has all changed with the introduction of the new 400. The bike is designed for riders who don't require the relatively hard-to-handle power of a 600, and it features the same bore as its big brother, but uses a shorter stroke. Though most manufacturers choose to go with a 350cc engine in their midsized four-strokes, KTM felt that a 400 was more practical. "We have been known for creating bikes that are extremely popular, whether they fit into a certain class Qr not," said KTM's Scot Harden. "Our 300cc two-stroke didn't fit directly into any class, but it was our best-selling model We think that riders will prefer the added power of a 400." K 22 KTM is considering importing 350cc kits for riders who want to enter the 350cc Fow:-Stroke class in lSDE qualifiers. Unfortunately, neither of the models feature the sleek, two-stroke style bodywod that graced the bikes in Germany. According to Harden, the new plasticonly mounts on European dual-sport motorcycles, wouldn't be street legal in the U.S. "We felt that American customers would prefer a competition-ready bike, so we chose to update last year's chassis rather than sell a noncompetitive bike that wouldn't be street legal," said Harden. Though they appear similar to last year's 600, the four-strokes have several new features, including triple clamps with a reduced trail, wider footpegs, chrome-plated header pipes, stronger odometer drives, less crankcase pres- sure to help starting and revability, revised transmission oiling system, new rear hub cush drive and purple graphics. In addition, KTM has dropped the lightweight air fork that was featured for the last two years, in favor of the heavier, but easier-to-tune WP 4057 hydraulic inverted fork. The 600 LC4 also has a boosted power output and new closer-ratio transmission. Other features include an aluminum subframe, WP 4681 shock, Nikasil-eoated cylinder, Metzeler Unicross tires, Magura controls, Brembo brakes and DJ.D. alloy rims. The 400 model weighs a claimed 255 Ibs. and carries a suggested retail price of $5429, while the 256pound 600 sells for $5549. m