Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/318411
May/June 2014 33 20mm triple clamps on the KTM XC-W for tight woods racing over the 22mm triple clamps on the XC. The GasGas does a great job holding a line in rutted corners. Suspension The KTM XC is set up for faster terrain, which explains its firmer valving. It is very well balanced and can ridden effec- tively out of the box - for its intended purpose. The XC is also more stable at speed, courtesy of the firm suspension and the 22mm triple clamp offset. The Sherco, KTM XC-W and GasGas are all valved appropriately for woods riding and work surprisingly well in stock trim for their intended purposes. The shock valving on the XC-W has come a long way in the last year and is much more compliant than it was just two years ago. The suspension on the GasGas was extremely comfortable, almost like a couch. Its soft suspension and slightly heavier motor made it the most stable bike in the lot over the technical terrain. The ride on the Sherco was pretty good too. Its suspen- sion may be sprung light (.41 forks springs and .51 shock spring) but it is valved firmer and rides high in the stroke. If there is a drawback to the Sherco's light feel, it is that it gets kicked around in the rocks at speed. Stability We alluded to this earlier, with the KTM XC being the most stable bike at speed and in the faster terrain, while the GasGas gets it done best in the gnarl. Final thoughts KTM XC 250 An aggressive motor makes the XC the race bike of choice for the amatuer/expert rider. Firmer suspension, a close ratio transmission and a 22mm triple clamp offset make this bike a top choice for fast venues and throttle jockeys. The XC is also the most versatile bike in the lot. It's easier to detune a bike than tune it up, and the XC starts at the top. KTM XC-W 250 The XC-W has a smooth delivery of power that can be made to spell XC when the red power valve spring is in- stalled. Plush suspension and a versatile motor make it a top choice for enduro racing or trail riding. This is an ex- cellent bike for beginners and experts alike. A shorter first and second gear can annoy some riders but is ideal for crawling through slow terrain. For most people, the XC-W is ready to go out of the box and it is my top two-stroke choice for my 2014 Romaniacs adventure. Sherco 300 SE-R The Sherco has what it takes to shake things up in the two-stroke off-road market. If you have an opportunity to test one, don't pass it up. The bike's agility and quick han- dling will wow you. If there is an area of weakness, it's how the stock valving performs over the rocks. Then again, imagine if Sherco valved a bike for the rocks, they'd get roasted. GasGas 300 XC A sweetheart of a motor and fine suspension make the GasGas a great choice for the casual woods rider or racer. We have also experienced firsthand the potential of the GasGas to be transformed into a fire-breathing dragon. All it takes is a little jetting work and adjusting the power valve. Couple that with it its awesome stability and great cornering and you've got a complete motorcycle. Just leave off the e-start, for God's sake. The KTM XC-W is an excellent all around package off the showroom floor.