IAbove) The VOR motors now
feature a flat-slide Dell'Orto VHSB
38 carburetor, which is said to
improve throttle response. They
also get a modified clutch pump, a
new crankshaft, improved gearbox tolerances, modified camshaft
timing with progressive springs,
and an auxiliary manual
decompression release. In
addition, the radiators have been
beefed up.
IAbove) This off-road-ready VOR EN400 (as well as the 5031 gets all the updates of
the MX models, as well as a smaller and lighter silencer, a revised ratio for fifth
gear, and updated carb specs. Fork travel is shorter on the ENs at 11.8 inches
(12.2 on the MX models). This model sells for $6999, while the larger EN has a
57299 price tag.
(Right) This view shows the chrome-moly mainframe's back bone, as
well as the 10mm-lower aluminum rear subframe. That, along with
the shorter seat, should make th ings easier for the vertically
challenged. VOR c la ims to have reduced overall weight by six pounds
KTM will , once again, feature a wid e range of mot ocro ss, and off- road, bikes for 200 1. A gain , the co m pany has thre e tw o -strok es and two four-stroke model MXers to cho ose from : 125,
250 and 380cc SX (two -strokes), and 400 and 520cc SX (four- stro ke ) . All of the bik es feature a number of changes. Recentl y , KTM invited Cycle News and other m ot orcycle pub li cations
to Gorman, Cali fornia , to sam ple the company's line of new 2001 motocrossers on the Gorman tra ck . Of the five bi kes , the 250cc SX appe ars to be the m ost improved of th e lot, its m otor
seemingly strong er off the bottom and more snappy overal l. Th e 125cc is aga in extremely fast but the bike we rode had a j ett ing glitc h off th e bottom, which the KTM guys say is easy to
clea n up and should not be a probl em with lat er product ion bi kes. The 380SX is j ust pl ain fun to ride with its super li near powerband and should be a good alternative for the Open-class
rider who isn't sold on th e idea of owni ng a di rt bike with valves and cams . Speak ing of valves and cams, the lightweight 400 and 520SX th umpers are still as fun to ride as ever. Both bikes
are very effective moto crossers and are just plain easy to ride.
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