here is where KTM is going...

[Motosportz]

This is the same problem mountain bikes had for a long time. There are many ways to make a single pivot a falling rate which makes the problem worse. I heard a couple years ago that KTM changed the shock angle to make it more progressive. But the theoretical best a single pivot can do is be linear, it can not have a rising rate.

I’ve been off the mountain bikes for a few years but I think they have overcome the problem. Some of the newer shocks have the rising rate built into them with complex damping and/or air chambers I believe. I don’t know if this would work on a dirtbike though.

I always notice the problem when I ride a KTM. They can make the shock seem progressive for a big and fast hit. But for a G-out, like when sitting and rolling through a large dip in the ground, the shock blows through it’s stroke and then the bike steers like a chopper. It scares me! I have never owned a KTM though so maybe it the suspension is setup exactly for me it would not be a problem. But with a linkage it is much less fussy. For example I am 200 pounds and I rode my WR125 a few times with stock springs. It sat low but other then that handled fine. If I ride a KTM 200 with stock springs (which are about he same stiffness as a WR125) the bike handles really bad. Proper setup is probably a lot more critical on a KTM. Maybe if a company other then WP took a crack at the problem it would be solved?

Good stuff Mark the Ohlins PDS shock is said to be VERY good.

 

[420skirider]

Damn linkage. That's one of the reason I like my KTM, no linkage, no maintenance, no extra cost. And I'm not a good enough rider to tell the difference between my linkage and non linkage bikes.

I agree. I think the current no-link works great for trail/enduro type riding. I know it took a while to get there but the current set-up is as good as a linkage set-up.

 

[2whlrcr]

Yes, it is more critical to have the proper sag and spring rate on a KTM. But you should also do that with a linkage bike too.

I have never worn out the lower heim bearing on my KTM's, but I usually don't keep them over a couple of years. I did finally replace my linkage bearings on my Honda, but it's four years old.

 

[robertaccio]

Only a few things to say,,,this new KTM 350 is and will be fantastic , #72 is Stefan Everts* signature on the project he is really the man behind its final development and execution. This is the culmination and mechanical embodiment of why KTM grabbed him.
2 time world champ Cairoli will race this in FIM MX1 and Alessi (Mike) will race it here in the AMA world. I will bet this bike with Cairoli at the helm will be an out of the box winner, with Alessi I will go top 5 for now. (thats my 2 cents). KTM has built a winner.

*10 time FIM MX World Champion

 

[420skirider]

Only a few things to say,,,this new KTM 350 is and will be fantastic , #72 is Stefan Everts* signature on the project he is really the man behind its final development and execution. This is the culmination and mechanical embodiment of why KTM grabbed him.
2 time world champ Cairoli will race this in FIM MX1 and Alessi (Mike) will race it here in the AMA world. I will bet this bike with Cairoli at the helm will be an out of the box winner, with Alessi I will go top 5 for now. (thats my 2 cents). KTM has built a winner.

*10 time FIM MX World Champion

I'm sure they did lap time tests and all that, but I question how a 350 is going to hang with a 450 on long straights. Seems like it would be a better enduro/hare scrambles machine.

 

[ghte]

KTM have been using linkages on their 950 and 990 dual sport bikes for years.

 

[robertaccio]

I'm sure they did lap time tests and all that, but I question how a 350 is going to hang with a 450 on long straights. Seems like it would be a better enduro/hare scrambles machine.

check comparos of of the top 250F riders on the same tracks as the 450s. the fast 250 guys are way up into the 450 fast lap times. (so with a more controllable 350??) R

I want a TXC350 with an all new Xlite style motor****************************************

 

[john01]

And a TC350, CR250, WR 200, CR125 (which is comming back in 2011) to go with that TXC350. On the KTM subject, my son's 08 SX505 has the Ohlins TTX and it is at least ridable now for me without it I struggle on the KTM's.

 

[rasputin]

but in many peoples minds not up to a well designed link system. Obviously if they are moving back to it they think there is an advantage as well.

or maybe they just go this way because the people think there is an advantage?

r

 

[Phoenix]

I'll miss the ease of the linkageless suspension at the very least. Taking the shock off my KTM is about a 5 minute, 1 person process. Taking it off the TXC 450 was a 15 minute, 2 person process.

 

[guscycle]

It must be me because I can't used to all that orange...bikes got way too much going on,graphics make me want to throw up ( even if it was for a sponsored rider).I can deal with accents like orange hubs and triple clamps but damn that's way too much and did I say those graphics are ugly!!looks like a 3 year old got hold of a black magic marker. Keep it clean and define the looks instead of making it look like a cartoon.I guess it's my old fart mentality,but hey I do like Bugs Bunny cartoons...heck Bugs and Lola are on the back of my Arai . I guess if a manufacturer wants people to laugh at their bike ,who am I to stop them cause I ain't buying one.
Have a good day,
:ride: Guscycle

 

[Wetdog]

The 350 thing is cool.
All that orange............. kinda overdone that's fersure.
Linkage is a welcome step in the right direction for even the most loyal pumpkin rider but the SX motor, no thanks. From what I've been told they're timebombs and one should stay far away unless you want to put lotsa $ into it every season.

 

[Motosportz]

or maybe they just go this way because the people think there is an advantage?

r

Off road i think it is fine but for faster MX and SX there is a lot of chatter how it simply does not work as well as a good linkage system. I'm not fast enough to know better and found the 2010 Berg FE390 suspesnion to be VERY good off road. I would think after 10 years it would no longer be a perception issue.

 

[birdman]

I think it will be a weapon in the hands of Cairoli and Alessi, some of you will remember the great Johny O'mara in the MX des nations (i think early 80's) on a 125 2t beating everyone on 250 & 500 2t's, he could ride though!

 

[robertaccio]

My money is on Cairoli with this machine that has been developed and finalized by Everts, I dont even think there will be any teething, brux rider Tony will be at the front as he has been for the last few years. Cairoli has his whole championship winning DeCarli racing team moving with him to KTM under the guidance of MX manager Everts. Its a win win win setup. R
Oh yeah I hope Alessi does well in the AMA stuff.

 

[gpsbilly]

Props to KTM for giving riders what they ask for and not creating a bike to meet AMA guidelines! I'd rather see Husky develop this and get the kudos, but whatever, it's still awesome.

Several of my friends have installed the 300 kit on their 250 Huskys, but the power increase was not worth the money. Yes, a 350 from Husky. If only they would...

 

[robertaccio]

PS I am a Tony fan,,,, 3 cheers for the Sicilian! Wish to see him on a x-lite 400 husky in the future!!!

 

[Vegas Husky]

That's a sweet looking bike!
Love the hubs and use of black accents throughout the bike.

I've got a feeling KTM is going to hit a home run with this bike. I'm sure the rest of the manufacturers are sweating over this. I dont like the bulk of 450's and 250f's are gutless. This might be the perfect 4 stroke......

Props to KTM for giving riders what they ask for and not creating a bike to meet AMA guidelines!

I'd rather see Husky develop this and get the kudos, but whatever, it's still awesome.

Thats why I love my 410's!!

 

[rabskyline]

i love ktm's ... i think they are damn fine looking bikes ! i also would like a 350 as i am smaller and find the normal 250 just a bit lacking in grunt and the 450 just too much so the 350 would be a good option and also keep the 450 going.... the ktm range is quite comprehensive ! i like them ! and also black rims ! lol...

 

[Joe Chod]

I got the latest spy photos of the new KTM.....nice