VOL. 54 ISSUE 13 APRIL 4, 2017 P105
When it comes to tight, technical trails,
the two-stroke continues to be the choice
for many elite riders, such as top Hard
Enduro racers like Jonny Walker and Gra-
ham Jarvis. Many believe that the weight
is the main reason for this but, surpris-
ingly, the KTM four-stroke models are not
far off from the two-strokes when it comes
to static weight. Our 250 XC weighed in
at 236 pounds full of fuel, which was just
two pounds less than the KTM 450 XC-F
four-stroke. They share most of the same
components outside the powerplant, but
the KTM two-strokes hold slightly more
fuel (2.6 gallons versus 2.2 gallons,
that's almost a three-pound difference).
By comparison, the KTM XC models are
25-30 pounds lighter than the Honda
CRF450RX and Yamaha YZ450FX. So
weight is a consideration, but the power
delivery that allows the KTM two-strokes
to pull right off idle with controllable
modulation and a buttery smooth hydrau-
lic clutch will allow you to conquer tough
terrain you never thought was possible.
Ironically, the KTM two-strokes are now
actually smoother off the bottom, making
them easier to control in technical terrain.
And they vibrate less than their big-bore
four-stroke brothers.
It's also worth noting that four-strokes
have more moving parts in the engine
and, as a result, more reciprocal mass, so
when things are whipping around inside
there, it can make four-strokes "feel"
heavier than two-strokes in motion.
The XC feels so
light you'll have the
confidence to do
stuff like this.
"For sure a factory bike is a different
level, but this thing straight out of
the box is really amazing."
– Taddy Blazusiak
