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/128229
RIIIIRB={;::J Etl(= losophy that was intended to provide a more sensitive or cushy feel, but that didn't work out, so KTM went back to the single-rate, linear-wound spring design and searched for that cushy feel via modification to the PDS system, hence the longer needle and such. KTM also says the rear ends have much better bottoming resistance (which was hard to test at the nearly jumpless Cahuilla Creek track) due to the use of the linear-wound main spring. The stoppers are 'as good as ever. KTM added round holes to the front "~,_". discs in order to reduce weight and " operating temperature, and the rear brakes on all the SXs were brought up to 2003 250 SX-spec, with the integrated reservoir and the same brake caliper (26mm) as the middleweight two-stroke, New Excel rims are us,:d, front and back, on all of this year's bikes, and all of the SXs that didn't get the onepiece rear fender/side panel combo that the 250 SX and 450 SX had last year get it this year. KTM also finally lowered the subframe to further eliminate that stinkbug feeling of previous years' bikes - that was the first thing that most riders modified upon receipt of their KTMs until now, The Renthal Fatbars that come standard on all KTM SXs now feature .. ..a 12mm-higher bend than last year, . ~elping to stand the rider up, and "Renthal also provided custom-made gray/orange grips to all of this year's stockers, The bikes feature frame guards stock, and, last but certainly not least, the wood carving that KTM used to pass off as a seat (it was incredibly stiff, making riders not want to get on the KTM at all near the end of the day) has been replaced with a much softer (although not too soft) seat. Now, finally, every acceleration bump on the racetrack doesn't transfer directly up your spine. Actually, the seat likely helps a lot in the sensation that the shock is 2004 KTMSXs much better than last year's. Overall, if the day of riding the new Katooms at Cahuilla Creek is any indication, it seems likely that they'll be much closer to the top step of our shootout podium this year. The only KTM we didn't get to ride was the bike we wanted to ride the most - the SX 200. Teething problems and a crash put the bikes out of service for the day, but if it's anything like its siblings, it's probably pretty awesome, boasting the power of a 250 and the handling of a 125, KTMs have always been horsepower kings - after all, in just about every 125cc start photo at the Nationals, almost all you see at the front of the pack are YZ250Fs and KTM 125s - but now it seems their handling woes may be close to becoming a thing of the past, and that could very well be a dangerous combination. eN The other big four-stroke, the 250cc- ., legal 450 SX, also received a limited number of improvements. KTM was apparently concentrating most on its two-stroke lineup in a time when its Japanese counterparts seem to be doing the opposite. Although we didn't get to ride the 200 SX, KTM said it's gearing the machine for smaller Vet-class riders. Those who fit into that category would benefit from 250-like power in a 125-like handling package. 40 AUGUST 27, 2003' II: U II: I Ii! n e vv 50