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/128602
1I1111RIEC::J KTM Racin frame, meaning they do not have a dry sump. All of the oil is held inside the engine and is circulated through- ters and two oil strainers that are very out, via two complex oil pumps. The first pump draws oil from the gearbox and, after being filtered through two paper filters, is then pumped to the crankshaft, simultaneously lubricating the top end. The second oil pump returns oil from the crankcase to the transmission system. All of the oil lines, with the exception of one, are all four models. If the system sounds complex, well, that's because it is, but it contributes to the bike's lowweight. The system and the motors themselves also have a great track easy to get to, while changing the oil, which is a required frequent chore on record that was tested and proven last year by Shane King as he contested the 500cc World Motocross championship. The same goes for the integrated into the centercase. There E/XC models, which were put through hell and high water by Giovanni Sala on his way to the World Enduro Championship. If you haven't already figured it out, everything about the new E/XCs is a total of seven integrated lines, which KTM believes are less likely to be damaged than lines that come on dry sump-equipped motorcycles. The KTM system employees two paper fil- Out of the SX models, I liked the 400 the best. It had reaJly good power that liked to pull long and hard. It is not as snappy or' qUick as a YZ426F or the KTM 520 SX, but it works really well in the sandy conditions at MX Compound. It had smooth power delivery that was easily controlled in all conditions. The 520's motor was super-potent and superstrong, almost too strong. This bike flat out ripped and could pull any gear you put it in, anywhere. I ranked the bike second overall to the 400 just because of how powerful the motor was. I was slightly intimidated by the power and didn't feel confident enough to really get on the gas and throw the bike around. In contrast. I could really throw the 400 into turns, get on the gas hard and just really use the power. Both bikes have identical set-up and feel as far as riding position goes, which is nice. The hydraulic clutch is a must have, providing a smooth, easy pull. The Magura handlebar is really nice, as well. I also The E/XC models are definitely race-ready enduro machines. They offer a super-plush and comfortable ride, but could not handle the rough, fast paced track of MX Compound. Out of the two E/XC models, I liked the 520 the best. For enduro purposes the power is really good. Not quite as abrupt as the SX model, but strong, with a smooth, more controllable power band. The 400's motor shared the same characteristics, only less power. It (the 400 E/XC) has an all-around strong Fork Engine type Single-cylinder four· stroke Displacement 398cc/51 Occ Starting systam .,. . Kick/Electric Bore 89mm/95mm 64mm/72mm . 92+ U.S. Octane Four Pressure circulation lubrication with two-rotor pump Primary ratio .. : 33: 76 Clutch Multi-dlsc wet clutch, hydraulic actuated Transmission . 6-speed Ignition .Kokusan DC-COl Spertl: plug NGK CR8 EK Cooling _liquid-cooled with thermostat Carburetor Keihin MX fCR39"Frame Chrome-Molybdenum cue I Aluminum . .. .wp USD 43 Hsndlebar Magura aluminum tapered Suspension travel Stroke Fuel. . . . . . . . . . Valv Engine lubrication MARCH 1, 2000· E/XCMODELS Subfra.... . 408 f/XC/52. f/XC 38 like how there are four different positions for the bar clamps to be set at. Both bikes have a nice comfortable feel and set-up. The suspension on both bikes was surprisingly good. We didn't even set the sag or adjust any clickers and I felt the bike was really smooth and stable on the incredibly rough track. e frontIreer _.. 11.6/12.6 in. .wP.PDS Monoshock 260mm disc .220mm disc Metzeler 80/100-21 Metzeler 140/80-18 010 2.4 9al. Final drive .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. 14:50 Chain 520 S_ring head angle 63's" Wh_lbese 58.3 in. Seat height ........•......... 36.4 in. Ground clearance 15.0 in. Claimed dry weight 246.8 Ibs. Llst price $6698/$6948 Shock .. . Front brake Rear brake Front tire Rear tire Rims Fuel capacity ne""s motor that was qUick off the bottom and pulled through the gears really strong. For enduro purposes however, I think the 520 is better because of the stronger motor that could pull you through, or over, just about any offroad obstacle. Both bikes were set up with the same super plush suspension that was really nice and comfortable on the trails. Both bikes also had the same comfortable riding position as the SX models, including the Magura, Pro-Taper-type handlebar and hydraulic clutch. A big bonus on the E/XC models, though, is the electric starter. It was the best! All the new KTM racing four-strokes were fun and easy to ride and would be very competitive in their respective racing fields. 400 5X/520 5X Engine type Sin9Ie-cylinder four-stroke Displacement 398cc/51 Occ Starting system . . . . . . .Kick Bore _.89mm/95mm Stroke , 64mm/72mm Fuel 92+ U.S. Octane Velv Four . Engine lubrication Pressure • circulation lubrication with two-rotor pump Primary ratio 33:76 Clutch .... _.: Multi-disc wet clutch, hydraulic actuated Transmission Four-speed Ignition . .Kokusan DC-COl Spertl: plug NGK CR8 EK Cooling Liquid.cooled with thermostat Carburetor Keihin MX FCR39 Frame Chrome-Molybdenum SubfrBme Forti: _ Aluminum .wP USD 43 Magura aluminum tapered Handlebar Suspension travel front/reer 11.6/12.6 in. Shock .wP-PDS MOlno.hock Front brake 260mm disc Rear brake .220mm disc Front tire Bridgestone 80/100-21 Rear tire Bridgestone 110/90-19 Rims Excel Fuel capecity 2.0 gal. Fi_1 drive , 14:50/14:48 Chain......... . 520 S-ring heed angle . 63/63's" WheeIba_ 58.3 in. Seat height 36.4 in. Ground clearance 15.0 in. Claimed dry _Ight 235.8 Ibs. Llst price $6298/$6548