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/146675
, The popular 300cc E/XC is back with new clutch plates, lighter clutch springs, an unpainted exhaust pipe and' revised bodywork and graphics. The price is $4969. sions, large-capacity gas tanks, headlights, tailights, odometers, spark arrestors, side stands, a-ring chains, 18-inch rear wheels, Mettler Unicross tires and enduro-tuned suspension. While the SX and E/XC are specialty models, the 300 and 550cc M/XC bikes are basically marketed as motocross machines that can be easily converted for off-road use. M/XC machines come standard with close-ratio transmissions, a-ring chains, side stands, 18inch rear wheels, Mettler Unicross tires and motocross-tuned suspension. Offroad options include large capacity gas tanks and spark arrestors. The 400 and 600cc LC4 models feature liquid-cooled four-stroke motors and are designed with cross country and recreational use in mind. Perhaps the most noticable change in the entire '93 line is the new bodywork and color schemes. New gas tank, seat, sidepanel, number plate, radiator shroud and fender designs improve overall ergonomics and are claimed to provide a package with a narrower cross-section. While the new KTMs are still white, gone are the mint green seats and red frames. Replacing them are dark purple seats and gunmetal grey frames. Red and purple logos complement the new color scheme, while seamless, unpainted exhaust pipes round out the cosmetics. A WP shock with "American" specification valving comes standard on all models, as do the WP 4057 sealed-cartridge forks. The shock on all 250 and 300cc models has been lengthened by 20mm and have been repositioned in the frame to centralize mass, increase rear-wheel travel, lower the seat height and create better suspension control in the first half of the wheel travel. , All 250cc models feature a heavier crank and a new Motoplat internal rotor igni tion for better low-end response. The 250 SX comes with a 39mm Keihin PWK carburetor, while the rest of the 250 and 300cc models use a 38mm Keihin PJ. A new "flap design" powervalve system and carbon fiber reed petals round out the improvements on the 250 and 300cc machines. The smallest machines in the lineup, the 125cc SX and E/XC models, receive an all-new gearbox, an improved shift detent mechanism, and strengthened shift fork rods that are claimed to provide better shifting. All 125, 250 and 300cc machines received new cl~tch plates made of improved materials, as well as lighter clutch springs and redesigned clutch actuators. Together, they are claimed to provide a lighter pull and improved feel. Other than the new body styling, the 550 M/XC received minor changes. Final design specifications for the four-stroke 400 and 600 LC4 have yet to be confirmed, but it was announced that the 600 LC4 will feature a revised frame and WP ~uspension, as well as the new body styling. No specific information about the 400 LC4 is available. As always, inflation rears its ugly head and each motorcycle received price increases up to $674. Suggested retail prices on each model are as follows: 125 SX: $4149; 125 E/XC: $4249; 250 SX: $4569; 250 E/XC: $4768; 300 M/XC: $4769; 300 E/XC: $4969; 550 M/XC: $4749; 400 LC4: $5429; 600 LC4: $5549. With the exception of the LC4 models, the '93 KTMs are scheduled to be available the first week of October. The 400 and 600 LC4 machines are expected to arrive in midJanuary. eN The 125cc SX features a close-ratio transmission, motocross-tuned suspension, a 2.4-gallon tank, and new plastic and styling. 19