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/1546504
First Look: 2027 KTM Hardenduro K TM's extreme enduro returns for the 2027 model year, featuring all the upgrades, including suspension that set it apart from the standard 300 XC-W and EXC-F 6Days models in the U.S. Under the new graph- ics, it's essentially the same extreme enduro as the 2026 model. It's fitted with a 48mm WP Xact closed-cartridge fork with base-valve preload adjusters. Compared to the previ- ous model, however, it has updated damping settings, lighter, shorter springs and a new pres- sure reservoir adapted to the springs' new geometry. Other tidbits include an orange-col- ored frame, a map-select switch, factory Excel wheel sets, a radiator fan and plenty of bike protection. The KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro is expected to be available this month with an MSRP of $13,699. CN Star Racing Announces New 450 Manager M onster Energy Yama- ha Star Racing has promoted Wil Hahn to 450 team manager and added Martin Davalos to its management team. Davalos will fill Hahn's previous role as the 250 general manager, joining 250 team manager Jen- sen Hendler. The chang- es to the management team are in effect for the upcoming Monster En- ergy SMX World Champi- onship postseason. Rich Simmons previ- ously held the team's 450 managerial position, and his future plans are not yet known. Hahn, a former 250SX Champion, worked with Star Racing from 2017 to 2021 and rejoined the team in 2025. Davalos was the team manager of Quad Lock Honda before he left the squad in July. "This is the position I honestly dreamt of when I stopped racing and started with Yamaha Star Racing in 2017," Hahn said. "This team has felt like home, and I couldn't be more stoked. It's a great program from amateurs through the 250s to the 450s, and we have a great setup for training at The Farm." "I'm incredibly excited for the opportunity to join Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing," Davalos said. "This is a team with an incredible history, a championship-winning culture, and some of the best people in the sport. We actually had the opportunity to work together about four years ago, but for one reason or another, the timing didn't work out. To have that opportunity come back around now makes it even more special." CN WIND IN THE P34 Jensen Hendler (left) and Wil Hahn (center) have new roles in the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha Team, and Martin Davalos (right) is joining the team as 250 general manager. KTM's 300 XC-W Hardenduro is back for 2027 with new graphics and a few updates.