The History of KTM Dirt Bikes - Specs On The 2012 Models KTM dirt bikes have become a competitive force not only in the enduro and trail scene, but also around the motocross track. But, unlike their four main Japanese competitors, KTM originates from Austria in Europe.It began as a dirty ol' metalworking/repair shop in 1934, kick-started by an engineer named Hans Trunkenpolz. Over the next few years they became one of the largest motorbike and car repair workshops in Upper Austria. With this new-found confidence in themselves as a motorcycle producer, they built a dedicated manufacturing plant in Mattighofen and officially founded KTM - which stands for "Kronreif, Trunkenpolz, Mattighofen" - the two founders names and the place where it all began. Since then KTM dirt bikes have been crossing the finishing line first in many international events including the Paris To Dakar Rally and The Erzberg Rodeo, proving their engineering brilliance in the enduro scene. KTM hit a spot of trouble in the early 90's and found themselves up the proverbial creek without a paddle. They filed for bankruptcy and split the different sectors of the business into independent companies - KTM Motorcycles being the one we're interested in here. In 2007 an Indian company called Bajaj Auto invested money into KTM, and as of 2011 has almost a 40% share. Today KTM dirt bikes are everywhere you turn. Whether you're weaving through trails, riding the dunes or hitting the MX track, you're bound to see a blur of black and orange tearing it up. And KTM are showing no signs of fading away in the near future! Some 2012 KTM Dirt Bikes To Drool OverKTM have a large and impressive range of 2012 models on offer for almost any type of rider out there. Their designs are unique and you'll find many different parts on them when compared to the Japanese bikes, such as the steel frames as opposed to alloy, and they must be getting something right because their dirt bikes are still winning championships and they have a huge following of content riders. The KTM 450 remains an easy-to-ride, powerful and smooth handling bike for 2012. It keeps the carburettor but it also sports the famous KTM hydraulic clutch, an electric starter and eye-bulgingly strong brembo brakes. And word has it that a 2012 fuel injected KTM 450 has been released since Dungey began riding for them..
SPECS: Model: 2012 KTM 450SX-F Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke water-cooled Displacement: 449.3 cc Bore and Stroke: 97 x 60.8 mm Starting aid : Electric starter Engine Lubrication: Pressure circulation lubrication with 3 rotor pumps Primary transmission: 14:52 Final drive: Kokusan Cooling : Water cooling, permanent circulation of coolant by water pump Clutch: Multidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated Ignition : Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment Frame: Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing Fork: WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC Shock absorber: WP Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC Front Suspension Travel: 300 mm (11.81 in) Rear Suspension Travel: 317 mm (12.48 in) Front Brake: Disc brakes 260 mm brake calipers on floating bearings Rear Brake: Disc brake 220 mm brake calipers on floating bearings Chain: 5/8 x 1/4" Steering Head Angle: 63.5 degrees Wheelbase: 1495 mm +/- 10 mm Seat Height: 992 mm Ground Clearance (unloaded): 371 mm Fuel Capacity: Approx. 7.5 L Weight (no fuel): Approx 108.4 kg Only very minor changes to this years 250 motocrosser. It shares the same qualities as mentioned above for the 450, with the electric starter adding weight to the bike which some riders won't like.
SPECS: Model: 2012 KTM 250SX-F Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke water-cooled Displacement: 248.60 cc Bore and Stroke: 76 x 54.8 mm Transmission : 6-speed dog engagement Engine Lubrication: Pressure circulation lubrication with two rotary pumps Primary transmission: 22:68 Secondary ratio: 13:48 Cooling : Water cooling, permanent circulation of coolant by water pump Clutch: Multidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated Ignition : Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan Frame: Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing Fork: WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC Shock absorber: WP Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC Front Suspension Travel: 300 mm (11.81 in) Rear Suspension Travel: 317 mm (12.48 in) Front Brake: Disc brakes 260 mm brake calipers on floating bearings Rear Brake: Disc brake 220 mm brake calipers on floating bearings Chain: 5/8 x 1/4" Steering Head Angle: 63.5 degrees Wheelbase: 1495 mm +/- 10 mm Seat Height: 992 mm Ground Clearance (unloaded): 375 mm (14.76 in) Fuel Capacity: Approx. 7.5 L Weight (no fuel): Approx 104.2 kg For those of you looking for something with more kick than a 250 but less arm-tearing power than a 450.. the KTM 350 may just be your ticket to happiness. It certainly doesn't have the balls of it's bigger brother but that can be a good thing for your average rider.
SPECS: Model: 2012 KTM 350SX-F Engine: Single cylinder, 4-stroke water-cooled Displacement: 349.7 cc Bore and Stroke: 88 mm x 57.5 mm Starting aid: Electric starter Gearbox : 5-gear, claw shifted Engine Lubrication: Pressure circulation lubrication with two Eaton pumps Primary transmission: 24:73 Secondary ratio: 14:50 Cooling : Water cooling, permanent circulation of coolant by water pump Clutch: Multidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated Ignition : Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment Frame: Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing Fork: WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC Shock absorber: WP Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC Front Suspension Travel: 300 mm (11.81 in) Rear Suspension Travel: 317 mm (12.48 in) Front Brake: Disc brakes 260 mm brake calipers on floating bearings Rear Brake: Disc brake 220 mm brake calipers on floating bearings Chain: 5/8 x 1/4" Steering Head Angle: 63.5 degrees Wheelbase: 1495 mm +/- 10 mm Seat Height: 992 mm Ground Clearance (unloaded): 375 mm (14.76 in) Fuel Capacity: Approx. 7.5 L Weight (no fuel): Approx 106 kg
SPECS: Model:2012 KTM 250SX Engine type: Single cylinder, 2-stroke water-cooled, with reed intake and exhaust control Displacement: 249 cc Bore x stroke: 66.4 x 72 mm Starter: Kickstarter Gearbox: 5 gears claw shifted Primary transmission: 26:72 Secondary ratio: 13:48 Clutch: Multidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated Ignition: Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan Frame: Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing Fork: WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC Shock absorber: WP Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC Front suspension travel: 300 mm (11.81 in) Rear suspension: WP PDS shock absorber Suspension travel front / rear: 300 mm (11.81 in) / 330 mm (12.99 in) Front brake: 260 mm (10.24 in) brake calipers on floating bearings Rear brake: 220 mm (8.66 in) brake calipers on floating bearings Chain: 5/8 x 1/4" Steering head angle: 63.5 degrees Wheel base: 1495 +/- 10 mm Ground clearance: (unloaded) 385 mm Seat height: 992 mm Fuel capacity: Approx. 7.5 L Weight: (no fuel) Approx. 97 kg With all new linkage, a new frame, swingarm and suspension settings amongst some other minor changes - the 2012 300xc is bound to keep it's loyal fans happy this year. It's the perfect lightweight, nimble and powerful bush / desert basher!
SPECS: Model: 2012 KTM 300XC Engine: Single cylinder, 2-stroke water-cooled, with reed intake and exhaust control Displacement: 293 cc Bore and Stroke: 72 x 72 mm Starter: Kick start/Electric Start Gearbox: 6-gear, claw shifted Primary transmission: 26:72 Secondary ratio: 14:50 Clutch: Multidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated Ignition: Contactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan Frame: Central tube frame made of chrome molybdenum steel tubing Fork: WP Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC Shock absorber: WP Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC Front Suspension Travel: 300 mm (11.81 in) Rear Suspension Travel: 317 mm (12.48 in) Front Brake: 260 mm disc, brake calipers on floating bearings Rear Brake: 220 mm disc, brake calipers on floating bearings Chain: 5/8 x 1/4" Steering Head Angle: 63.5 degrees Wheelbase: 1495 mm +/- 10 mm Seat Height: 992 mm (39.06 in) Ground Clearance: 385 mm (15.16 in) Fuel Capacity: Approx. 11.5 L Weight: Approx. 104 kg If you are interested in the full range of KTM Dirt Bikes then check out
www.ktmusa.com
What Do You Think About KTM Dirt Bikes?
Have you ever owned a KTM? Maybe a vintage KTM? Tell us what you think of their four stroke and two stroke range. Do you know of any design faults or problems with particular models? Maybe you have a mechanical tip to share...
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