Trail Rider Magazine

with minimal wheel spin. We also felt like it would cater to a rider that carried momentum rather than pinning it from corner to corner. This year the R&D developed a ming curve devel- oped for the Kokusan ignion system that provides more power at low speeds and greater throle response. They also changed to new power valve springs that increase engine response in the low and midrange. As the Sherco has an electronic power valve, the cables for opening and closing the exhaust valve are adjustable. Finally, an FMF exhaust system comes stock on the 250 2T to improve power in low speeds and at higher RPMs. Last year only the 300 had the FMF exhaust. As far as changes to the chassis, they opmized the design of the fork legs and yokes in order to provide more flexibility and comfort, and also a more torsional rigidity for tracon. The sub- frame has also been reinforced. We are excited about the changes for 2015. KTM XC 250 Last but not least, the KTM R&D team is always scheming ways to improve their ever-evolving model lineup. For starters, this is probably the sexiest the KTMs have ever looked. Oen cri- cized for its ulitarian looks, KTM has made these bikes look sharp with their orange powder-coated frames and new graph- ics. But that's not the end of it. 2015 XC Model Line-up By KTM standards, the changes to the 2015 model line are prey modest. The XC line is the most changed with a slew of small refinements. While none of these changes are revoluon- ary, they suggest that the KTM R&D department is at the evolu- onary end of the chassis and motor that began back in 2011. We expect the next major evoluon of the KTM brand in 2016. Unl then, here's a brief overview of some of the changes for their 2015 XC line up. •A new, machined cross-tube in the frame provides a stronger, more accurate connecon of the frame and the linkage. The im- proved producon process results in a 60 gram weight reduc- on from the frame, which is now powder-coated in KTM Factory Orange. •New linkage geometry with an improved rising rate, beer control, stability and balance. An improved producon process provides higher quality and a 40 gram weight reducon. •New updated WP 4CS fork are 8mm longer for 2015 (the same length as 2015 SX models), featuring a new hydro stop and re- designed pistons with a sffer chamber spring. New sengs were developed in the US specifically for off-road racing. •The new fully adjustable rear monoshock by WP Suspension has been re-valved and set up to match the new linkage geome- try and 4CS fork characteriscs. Also for this year, there is a 4mm longer stroke while maintaining the same amount of wheel travel. •New Dunlop GEOMAX AT81 res for excellent tracon The suspension package features a new linkage with revised geometry, due to the development and tesng done by the USA R&D development team. These revisions allow for an opmized rising rate that ulizes a higher starng rate to achieve a flaer, less progressive curve for beer control, as the rear end of the machine is slightly lower. The innovave producon process of the triangle and pull-rod saves 40 grams of weight, while im- proving the quality of the component. The XC model range features the WP 4CS fork for the second year. For 2015 the 4CS forks are 8mm longer, the same length as the 2014 450 SX-F FE and the 2015 SX models, there is a new hydro stop design and also new pistons inside the cartridge, also there is a new 20N/mm chamber spring up from 18N/mm spring used in 2014, also there is a new seng specifically de- veloped for racing cross-country in the US with more comfort and tracon and beer booming reserve. The forks can be ad- justed easily for compression and rebound via the dials on the top of the fork tubes. KTM XC-W  The XC-W's are largely unchanged for 2015, save for the bul- leted items provided below. Again, we expect the next major evoluon of the KTM brand in 2016. For now, here's what's new for 2015: •New MAE digital speedometer •New black anodized Neken handlebar •New Dunlop GEOMAX AT81 res •Improved hand guards with new material •New soer compound grips •Updated PDS on the 200 XC-W •New black rims from Giant •Orange powder-coated frame •New colors and graphics What the Husqvarna line? Don't worry, we'll have a complete review of the 2015 TE 300 in the August issue. Unl then, good luck figuring out which one of these bikes to ride. July 2014 35

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