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/128169
2003 KTM 125 SX Tech Ticker ENGINE In all the uproar over KTM's recent headlines, don't forget the company's already proven 125 motocrosser changes to the bike that made the podium in Cycle News' 2002 125cc By CHRIS JONNUM PHOTOS BY KIT PALMER MX Shootout. In that comparison, we raved about the Katoom's incredible motor (the thing is a holeshot collector of the highest order), but marked it down for its awkward chassis and 1M TM is certainly in the news these Wdays. What with seven-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath signing with the company; an aboutto-be-released all-new 250 SX (which has been campaigning the 2002 MX GP circuit); a new 450cc engine size coming very soon for the Austrian manufacturer's four-stroke MX lineup; and the forward-thinking twincylinder, four-stroke LC8 (fresh off a Dakar Rally win) due out later this year, there's plenty to talk about when it comes to KTM. Oddly, not much of that attention is being directed at what is arguably the most successful model in KTM's lineup - the incredible 125 SX. True, it may not be as changed as the aforementioned models, but KTM's motocross tiddler has proven itself, winning supercross races, National motocross rounds and World Motocross Championships. The 125 SX is the first motocrosser KTM is releasing for 2003, but the company has made some important flawed suspension. The new bike is visually similar to the '02 (apart from its newall-orange plastic - a good move), but KTM has addressed the very issues about which we (and everyone else) complained, leaving its potent motor pretty much unchanged (apart from the significant move of reducing the number of gears by one). Sounds simple, but it's amazing how many manufacturers especially European makers - seem to be incapable of doing this. With KTM making such wise moves with their existing models, adding exciting new bikes and signing the sport's most recognizable name, the future of motorcycling is beginning to take on a distinctly orange hue. eN INTRa INFO TRACK: Glen Helen Raceway; San Bernardino. California TRACK STYL.E: Outdoor: challenging. but no killer doubles CONDITIONS: ..A bit of everything: sand. hard-pack. rough. ruts' it's Glen Helen! 85· T. hot. dry. clear (not bad for Glen Helen In late Julyl) WEATtiER: TIME ON BIKE: 2 hours RIDER: ........••.•........•.........................2 Vet Intermediates SETUP: ...••..............••....Set 40mm of bike sag in shock (not rider sag) 54 AUGUST 28, 2002' eye I ... n eVIl'S • Transmission is now a 5-speed (was 6-speed), as on the GP bike, to save weight • Second gear is wider and more load-resistant • New aluminum gear-selector drum wi narrower shift grooves for smoother shifting • New 125-spec cases (formerly 125/200) reduce crankcase volume to increase torque SUSPENSION • New 48mm WP inverted fork wi external preload adjuster • Three bearings & bushings per fork tube for less binding & better compression performance • Fork's chromium leg-coating is improved to reduce fork "pump" • More progressive fork cartridges for less jarring on landings • Fork is 10mm longer • WP PDS shock gets larger oil volume & larger compensating tank to prevent premature fading • Shock has longer, larger reservoir, & passageway from main body to reservoir enlarged from 6 to 11 mm for more progression • Shock has top-out spring with 15mm negative travel @ rear axle CHASSIS • Triple clamp's fork offset reduced from 20-14mm to increase trail & reduce nervous handling entering tums • Front-axle diameter enlarged from 20 to 26mm & front hub changed in accordance • Rear-axle hub reinforced • Tapered Renthal handlebar replaces Magura bulge handlebar (bar bend is 10mm lower) • Subframe lowered 5mm (15mm at rear of bike) • Foot pegs moved up 3mm • Magura hydraulic clutch now uses braided-steel hose • Diameter of rear brake's caliper piston reduced from 28 to 26mm • Bridgestone 401/402 tires replace 77/78