Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1366987
May 2021 37 In 1992, marke ng team strategies preferred ''550'' as the displacement, but the bore and stroke remained the same as the previous model year up un l it was discon nued in 1996. 1992 was the first year of the new and improved frame that basically kept the same geometry, with minor cosme c up- dates up un l the model was discon nued. 1993 was just like 1992 but with bold new graphics. 1994 was the year where the last major update in terms of design took place, for instance an all new body style. The 440cc variant was introduced to replace the 500 MX that did not make the lineup. 1995 was the last year of white KTMs. No major changes from the year before in terms of design. Suspension front and rear was all new for that year in North America. 1996 was the first year of the bu erscotch orange plas cs, along with clear graphics and the last year of produc on of the big bore two strokes by KTM. The R&D and the money got transferred to the KTM 360cc and later the 380cc pla orm that was now considered the heavy hi ers in the two strokes department for the Austrian firm. The 80s and 90s were fantas c decades for off- road motorcycles; evolu on was swi from year to year. Riders enjoyed great advancements both in terms of mechanical refinements and overall reliability. KTM was no excep on with their well thought out designs. Is it me for another mass-produced big bore two strokes to rule them all? Let's hope so!