2012 KTM XC-W MACHINES

      The new KTM XC-W bikes are here and there are big changes across the four-stroke line and changes to the two-stroke machines as well. We rode the bikes at the National Enduro in Wyoming and had a hoot on all the bikes. We recently showed the European EXCs, which we theorized would be our XC-Ws and it looks like we were right. 2012 looks like a good year to be a KTM fan. The street legal versions will be the 350EXC and the 500EXC. KTM is not bringing in the 450EXC this year, just the 450XC-W.

2012 KTM XC-WS

 

FRAME
*Completely new frame design with PDS. New cast swing arm (.7lbs/300 g lighter)
*More central shock mount. Higher torsional rigidity (triangle profiles 8 mm wider = 30% stiffer) Reduced longitudinal stiffness
*Isolated shock absorber forces

SUSPENSION
*New WP PDS mono shock (7 mm longer) New preload adjuster
*Reworked front fork with new oil seal and dust seal by SKF *New bushings with improved Teflon coating for better sensitivity and durability

AIRBOX
*New design for all models, increased volume
*Excellent protection of Twin-Air filter
*No-tools air filter access for quick change of filter
*New intake boots for each model for a performance increase

BODYWORK
*New bodywork with perfect ergonomics and excellent contact points
*New bodywork utilizes the same new re-enforced rear fender design like SX/XC
*New white number plates» New handguard mount and flag design

WHEELS XC-W
*New EXCEL AL7 rims, silver anodized with stripes for less damage and lighter appearance
*New zinc-/nickel coated spokes for shiny coating
*Improved corrosion resistance
*CNC machined hubs
*New high-strength aluminum nipples equal a weight reduction: .44lbs/200g per wheel
*New Dunlop GEOMAX MX51 tires

COOLING SYSTEM
*Integrated routing integrated in the frame makes for simple mounting of radiators
*No tubes behind the radiators = better airflow
*New T-connector for improved fluid flow and better heat dissipation
*450/500 XC-W and 500 EXC fitted with radiator fan» improved cooling at low speeds

350 XCF-W/EXC-F ENGINE
*350 targets low weight, compactness and performance
*350 XCF-W/EXC-F Preserve advantages of 350 SX-F for rideability and performance for Enduro use
*Total weight 62.8lbs / 28.5 kg including
*Electric starter- Kickstart internals
*DOHC Cylinder head with new camshafts for improved low-end torque
*4 ultra-light titanium valves (intake 36.3 mm, exhaust 29.1 mm) in combination with small 8 gram DLC coated finger followers
*Valve springs with reduced spring force
*New spring retainers and spring seating washers
*12,000 RPM rev limiter
*Reduced compression ratio from SX-F – 13.5 to 12.3
*New piston with reduced dome height and lighter weight
*Longer cylinder for smooth engine characteristics for enduro
*New crank webs heavier crank webs provide more inertia for smoother power delivery and better traction.
*Counter balancer shaft now works as the counter balancer, water pump, intermediate gear and drive pinion gear for the camshaft for efficient reduction of vibrations
*No tungsten inserts because of the lighter weight piston and lower RPM» Allows for a compact engine design

CLUTCH
*Newly developed clutch unit with steel billet basket for unbeatable reliability
*New design allows for thinner steel discs and thinner overall design
*Integrated damping in inner hub with single diaphragm spring instead of coil springs
*Preload adjustable for a light clutch operation that’s easy to modulate

ELECTRICAL
*196W EFI stator (increased from 130W) for EFI and lighting
*Oil jet for generator cooling
*Higher mass of inertia than SX-F stator
*One-way clutch mounted in rotor and a new cover for the increased size of the stator

450/500 XC-W/EXC ENGINE
*KTM wanted the lowest possible weight in the smallest possible packaging
*Easy maintenance and general simplification and maximum performance and rideability
*Improved durability and quality
*Engine cases now die-cast instead of sand-cast for increased precision in the casting for quality and light-weight
*Special aluminum alloy with high ductility (ability to deform) to help with impacts from debris while riding
*Only one oil circuit instead of two separated circuits
*Weight reduction: 4lbs/ 1.8kg to engine case from 2011
*Balancer shaft/crank shaft and piston lighter for a reduction of oscillating masses (450 XC-W 15% / 500 XC-W/EXC 20%)
*Lateral balancer shaft with integrated water pump for a weight reduction: 1.1lbs/ .5kg from 2011
*Overall Engine weight reduction of 5.5lbs/ 2.5kg
*Due to the engine size reduction the frame has been reduced in size as well for better ground clearance
*Displacements: 449.3/510.4cc
*450 95.mm bore 63.4mm stroke
*500 95.mm bore 72.mm stroke
*New weight optimized pistons:450 XC-W: – 14%; 500 XC-W/EXC: -19%
*New high performance piston rings for reduced oil consumption
*New ultra light conrod made by PANKL450 XC-W: – 20%; 500 XC-W/EXC: -28% oscillating masses

VALVE TRAIN
*New chain guides
*New spring loaded mechanical chain tensioner with a ratchet stop instead of hydraulic chain tensioner, simpler and lighter weight design

CYLINDER HEAD
*New inlet and exhaust port design
*New design of combustion chamber
*New water jacket

200 XC-W
*New frame and swingarm (PDS)
*New PDS shock
*New Excel wheels» New bodywork
*New airbox and intake boot
*New ignition curve for smoother ridability
*New handguard mount and flag design
*New kickstarter (-80 g, better ergo)

250/300 XC-W
*New frame and swingarm (PDS)
*New PDS shock
*New Excel wheels
*New bodywork
*New airbox and intake boot» New reed valve block
*New cylinder for 300 XC-W

350 XCF-W & 350 EXC-F
*New DOHC EFI engine tuned for enduro
*New cams, valve springs, piston, crank, balancer shaft
*New single diaphragm spring clutch
*New electric start system (plus kickstart) and stronger stator – 196W
*New frame and swingarm (PDS)
*New PDS shock
*New Excel wheels (XCF-W)
*New Giant wheels (EXC-F)
*New bodywork
*New airbox and intake boot
*New silencer and sparky
*New translucent fuel tank
*New handguard mount and flag design
*New more durable taillight / license plate holder (EXC-F)

PRICE LIST
TWO-STROKES
150 XC…….$6999
200XC-W….$7099
250XC…..$7999
250XC-W….$7999
300XC…..$8099
300XC-W….$8099

STREET LEGAL
350EXC-F…..$9499
450EXC….Not available for 2012
500EXC….$9699