2014 KTM off-road range

KTM has unveiled its off-road range for 2014, with the 250 EXC-F receiving the most attention with a new engine that is claimed to deliver major power and torque increases.

The centrepiece of the DOHC engine is a newly designed cylinder head. Larger, flow-optimised ports and larger intake valves (32.5mm instead of 30.9mm) deliver a flow rate increase of about 10 per cent – the hub of the performance gains.

The new camshafts produce an “enduro-specific” power delivery, while an optimised cooling jacket ensures better heat dissipation.

Bore and stroke have also been altered in the 250 EXC-F’s six-speed power pack, with the former now 78mm (instead of 76mm), while there is a 2.7mm shorter stroke. The forged bridged box-type piston is now lighter than before, despite the bigger bore size. Vibration is claimed to be reduced on the updated engine,

The new 250 EXC-F now also uses the DDS clutch (damped diaphragm steel) with a wear-free clutch basket and diaphragm spring. The basket is machined from high-tensile steel in one piece, together with the primary drive gear. This process is claimed to improve reliability and contributes to the narrow engine width due to its compact rivet-less design. The bike also has a new ECU.

The frame on the 250 EXC-F (pictured) is now the same as the 350 EXC-F’s to accommodate the updated engine. The frame is manufactured from lightweight, high-strength chromoly steel sections, and in 2014 the frame on all the four-stroke models weigh even less (down by 300 grams) thanks to thinner down tubes.

Other highlights of the 2014 four-stroke enduro range – 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F, 450 EXC and 500 EXC – are new lower triple clamps, revised bodywork, new headlight and new colours and graphics.

The two-stroke enduro bikes – 125 EXC, 200 EXC, 250 EXC and 300 EXC – have only received minor updates, which include new Boyesen high-performance intake reed valves (except the 200), while the 250 and 300 have updated cylinder heads and modified mapping.

There are ‘Six Days’ (International Six-Day Enduro) versions of all the enduro bikes except the 200 EXC. IN 2013, the ISDE wil be held on the Italian island of Sardinia.

The six-bike motocross range (125 SX, 150 SX, 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F and 450 SX-F) has received some minor updates, including a new Brembo front brake, revised chain guide, and a new silencer for the 450 SX-F

Price and availability of the 2014 KTM off-road range are still to be announced.