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
INJURIES and SXs are new. Nothing from the old LC4 model was spared. However, KTM did not totally abandon every aspect of their other current models when developing the new fourstrokes. Remember earlier when we mentioned that their aim was to stick to a two-stroke ergo and handling feel? Well, they did partly by employing all of the plastic and some of the ergonomics of their SX and E/XC two-stroke line-up. Fenders, side panels, number plates, radiator shrouds, fork guards, etc. were all utilized in development and production making parts hunting very easy. Of course, all the important functional aspects of the other KTMs were salvaged as well, including the Magura hydraulic clutch, the entire braking system, adjustable handlebar clamps and the new swingarm and linkless suspension. The controls on the racing four-strokes work just as well as they do on all their other machines. They're top notch, and KTM is famous for them. The four-strokes also include a Pro-Taper-like Magura handlebar that the two-strokes don't include. The differences between the SX and E/XC four-stroke models are as wide in comparison as the terrain the bikes are intended for. For starters, the E/XC's are electric and they also include an easy to use kick-starter. The electric starter is remarkably light and weighs in at .088 kg, in addition to the unknown weight of the battery which is located above the air filter box. If, for some reason, you're a sicko and you object to starting your motorcycle by pushing a button, or you're riding the SX model, then you can use the kick-starter. The kick-starter is assisted by an automatic decompression or a manual decompression system, the latter of which is activated by a hand lever. Nevertheless, they're all easy to start however you approach it. Once you get the SX models started and running, one of the first things you'll notice is that the transmission is a four-speed, which is geared and suited for nearly any motocross or even supercross track imaginable. The E/XCs are six-speeds to help tackle the wide variety of conditions that you encounter in off-road racing. They all share the same fork and shock, only the internal valving and spring rates are different, again to meet the required conditions. Because the E and XC in E/XC stand for Enduro/Cross Country, head and tail lights, a spark arrestor and a digital odometer come standard on the off-road models. To KTM, we say mission accomplished, and for many reasons. Some reasons are obvious, some aren't until you experience the racing fourstrokes first hand, and some can best be summed up by our personal opinions listed within this article. CN PAIN and Slowing you down? 911 Joint Rescue ..rebu.ilds cartilage and puts moisture back into your abused and injured joints "naturally" with glucosamine, chondroitin, and manganese! Your body needs maintenance too! ...... "My doctor recommended that I take these supplements for my knee and ankle injuries"..... ..... Pro Motocrosser, Dennis Stapleton ...... "1 feel better than I have in a long time" Donnie "Holeshot" Hansen '82 SX and MX National Champ ....... "The stuff works! Less pain, more strength, faster lap times!" Vet Motocrosser, Kevin Galvin • Improve athletic performance • Reduce or eliminate . pain • Enjoy your favorite activities again • Sleep better 911 Joint Rescue 60 capsules $19.95 FREE Shipping FIRST TURN PRODUCTS tollfTee 877-846-0221 *quantity discounts available Hillsboro, Oregon www.firstum.com r----------- I I I I For FllSTEST I senlce allacll _11int Iallel. I ~ase allow 3 weeks for change to take effect. II If label is not available print your na and old address in this box. I I Print your NEW address I NAME I ADDRESS I L I CITY Mail to: Circulation Dept. Cycle News, Inc. 3505-M Cadillac Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626 here. STATE ZIP cue I e n e _ s • MARCH 1, 2000 ~ 39