DIRT NEWS
KTM 2021 DIRT BIKES DEBUT WITH MYKTM APP
K
TM has released its 2021 enduro and
motocross lineups. Leaning heavily on their
strong MX championship standings, the
2021 KTM SX line had two core objectives: to
be the lightest, best-handling, most powerful,
useable and well-equipped motocross bikes in
the paddock. On top of those lofty goals, KTM
also wanted to ensure that no matter the rider
age or experience, there would be a suitable
SX model in the lineup for them.
MOTOCROSS
The WP XACT front forks and rear shocks have
been overhauled with new components as well
as being reconfigured with slightly firmer
standard settings to increase confidence and
comfort across a wider spread of surfaces.
Dunlop’s Geomax MX-33 is the rubber of choice
for the KTM SX models thanks to its versatility
and race-proven performance.
As the flagship model in the four-stroke range,
the KTM 450 SX-F benefits from modifications to
the piston, crankshaft, engine casing, rocker arms
and shift locker to further hike the bike’s
reliability, shave more weight and aid practicality
in terms of general maintenance.
A new feature in the 2021 KTM 450SX-F
(together with the new KTM 350 SX-F and KTM
250 SX-F machines) is the ability to connect to
the myKTM app using an extra Connectivity Unit
kit – available in the KTM PowerParts catalogue.
With the bar-pad-integrated Connectivity Unit
fitted and the myKTM app installed, riders can
personalize their KTM SX-F according to their
preferences and track conditions without
technical assistance. The myKTM app allows for
a wide spectrum of adjustability on the fly, which
seems to be were competition machines are
headed these days after Yamaha previously
brought the ability to tune settings via apps.
Over in the KTM two-stroke range, the 2021
KTM 125SX is bolstered with a fresh piston and
new clutch internals, with the treatment
extending to the KTM 150 SX also.
Unlike many other manufacturers, which leave
the kids models as trail playthings, KTM treats
the minis with the same ground-up priority for
development as the full-size bikes. The KTM
85SX, KTM 65SX and KTM 50SX & KTM 50SX MINI
therefore count on a new throttle assembly for
better and smoother throttle action. For the KTM
85SX, braking potential is improved thanks to
larger discs and a completely new front and rear
brake system made by FORMULA. All three junior
motocrossers now have a tapered handlebar
allowing fitment of ODI lock-on grips. For the
KTM 50SX and KTM 50SX MINI, the new tapered
handlebar now allows fitment of thinner grips.
ENDURO
KTM’s Enduro models have undergone a similar
treatment moving into 2021. The combination of
three two-stroke models with KTM’s groundbreaking
transfer port injection (TPI) system and
four four-strokes ensures a wide range of riders
are catered for whether for their focus is
competition or the ultimate weekend toy.
Most obviously, KTM has given the 2021 models
a fresh new look with new graphics, while behind
the skins the major updates are to the suspension
components and reinforcements for the engine.
While the alterations for the majority of the
EXC and EXC-F range is mainly limited to an
additional preload adjuster in the WP XPLOR
fork, the EXC-F 450 and 500 models gain
reworked shift lockers while the 150EXC has been
given a new piston, which KTM claims brings
increased performance in terms of consistency.
As is the usual case 2021 KTM EXC range is
headline by the KTM EXC SIX DAYS models and
the KTM 300 EXC TPI ERZBERGRODEO, a series
of limited-edition machines with a stronger race
focus and higher base specification.
98 KIWI RIDER