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/128376
KTM 125 sx CHASSIS/SUSPENSION MOTOR Key Features: Hydraulic clutch Five-speed transmission The KTM can be summed up in just one word: fast. Once again, the KTM is the horsepower king, at least that's the way it feels on the track. And this makes sense since KTM made no significant changes to the motor over last year's rocket ship. Once again, the little KTM is strong from bottom to top (mainly from low to mid, though), and it is relatively easy to manage despite being so incredibly powerful. If it falls off the pipe, the bike has so much bottom end that a quick tap of the hydraulic clutch brings the KTM right back to life. Some of our testers definitely felt that the KTM is as fast as the 2S0cc four-strokes through the gears, but it's Key Features: PDS linkage-less rear suspension Adjustable triple clamps WP suspension components Tapered aluminum handlebars Chromium-moly steel frame In the past, handling and suspension have been the KTM's Achilles' heal. So it makes sense that KTM focused on the SX's chassis in 'OS. Both the WP fork and shock - which, of course, rely on its unique linkage-less suspension system - got reworked, as did the triple clamp. And the frame took on many changes, as well, to enhance flex characteristics designed to help make the bike turn better and to make it more stable overall. Did these changes work? Yes, but only to a point. The KTM has a more balanced feel than it did before and, as a whole, handles quite well, but it still just does not feel quite as polished or as confident-inspiring as the others. Our testers felt that the shock was a little soft for hard-core, aggressive riding, and that the fork, although good, just didn't feel quite as sharp as the other forks. Some of our testers commented that the from end felt a little busy down the fast straights but did soak up the hard landings quite well. Getting the KTM in and out of the turns falls within accept- the lack of torque and tractability that kills the KTM (and all 12Scc two- able limits, but it just doesn't carve it up on the inside or in the strokes, for that matter) when you compare it to the four-bangers. But against one another, two-stroke vs. shine in the wide, sweeping turns - could be the best here. two-stroke, the KTM has the motor of systems. And they never seem to fade. this group when it comes to sheer excitement. As far as ergos, the KTM definitely feels a bit more different than the others. It has a superflat layout, the front end feels Shifting the KTM is a breeze, and no one seemed [0 mind the SX's five- speed (rather than the more traditional six-speed) tranny. ruts as good as say the Suzuki or the Yamaha. It does, however, Bringing the KTM to a stop is not an issue. The Brembo brakes are strong. if not the strongest of the other four braking tall, and it's quite narrow. We can no longer complain about the KTM's seat, but some of our testers felt that the radiator shrouds hinder movement a bit. Simply put, the KTM ergos take some getting used to. CYCLE NEWS • MAY 4,2005 37