Cycle News - Archive Issues - 2000's

increased to 26mm (from 20), and both hubs are beefed up to boot. A Renthal bulge bar repl~ces the Magura unit, and there's a smaller-diameter piston in the rear brake (the 450 SX as a completely new rear caliper). All SX models over 125cc have new one-piece rear ends that integrate the side panels and feature quick-access airboxes, while the 125 gets a lower subframe. The WP PDS shock is modified considerably on all models. OFF·ROAD The enduro EXC and cross-country MXC models get many of the improvements lavished on the SX line. The 200 EXC receives tranny updates (though it retajns six gears) and shifting improvements, as well as a new crankshaft. The 250 and 300 EXC and MXC aren't completely redone like the SX model, but they get redesigned combustion chambers and exhaust-port shapes. There are now three bikes in the off-road thumper line, with the addition of the 250 EXC, a few of which were actually brought in this year. For 2003, it gets bigger ports, lighter valve springs and a 37mm Keihin FCR-MX carbo The 400 is now a 450, but in this case, it was the stroke that was increased (the SX has a quickrevving short-stroke design). All of the MXC and EXC models get the new WP fork, though it doesn't have the external preload adjuster for off-road. They don't get the new rear brake, integrated rear end, or different-offset triple clamp, though they do have the bigger hubs and front axle. The two-stroke offroaders get the Renthal handlebar, while a Magura bar is still used on the thumpers. The MXC and EXC models now get the wider footpegs of the SX. EXC models get a new SX-style tank with a new petcock, and their odometers are now digital. ~ at t~is nationaUy televised t?vent, as t~e stars of t~e AMA battle for the ational Championship during this Double Header season ~nale at the VIRginia International Raceway. FOR 11CKET INFORMATION: Visit the VIR website at www.virdub.com • Call 1-8ll8-RACE-099 or 1-434-822·7700 FREE WITH ADMISSION: 5pedaI parking for motorcycles • Paddock admission VIR is a family friendly facility • Children 12 & under free with paying adult AVAILABLE: TracIt Touring Sat. &SUn. with your motDrcycle on ourworid Class Road Course MINIS KTM has made some updates to its little-bike lineup, such as the .8mm increase in stroke on the 65 SX, giving it a displacement of 64.85cc. That bike also gets an aluminum ignition cover and kickstarter (instead of steel) with a new joint, and a digital ignition. KTM has a bunch of 50cc models, though it is dropping its 50 Junior Adventure for 2003. The popular, liquid-cooled Pro Senior LC will have its lO-inch rims replaced with 12-inchers and it and the 50 Pro Junior both get a revised' cylinder-head combustion chamber, transfer ducts and steering-head bearing (the Senior's is a tapered roller bearing). As for the air-cooled 50s, they get improved steering-head bearings and 14mm carburetors (they were 12mm units). The Mini Adventure also gets an external oil tank and pump. Now, KTM, what about that linecompleting 85 SX? _ • camping Fun, Fast, & World Class VIRgInia IntemaUooal Raceway cue I • n e _ S • JULY 17, 2002 39

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