2017 KTM EXC Range: What To Expect

Yep, it’s that time of the year again; websites are awash with rumours about the impending arrival of 2017 year-model bikes. Thankfully, that speculation is now beginning to crystalise into fact and, as usual, KTM has stolen a march on its opposition when it comes to announcing fresh models. The Austrian manufacturer has already revealed its 2017 range of mini bikes and Husqvarna’s MX models (which roll off KTM’s production line in Mattighofen). And on Tuesday, May 17, they’ll unveil the much-awaited 2017 enduro range to the media at the international launch in Spain.

But just how different will these 2017 EXC models be? Will they really be the first enduro bikes on the market to be fitted with an air fork? What about traction control? And will the two-stroke EXCs appear with direct-injected engines to meet the new Euro 4 regulations? Using a combination of European sources, KTM dealers in Oz (who are already privy to the new bikes’ upgrades) and common sense, we answer a few key questions being posed about what will and won’t appear on KTM’s 2017 EXC range…

REFINED OR REINVENTED?

Definitely reinvented. As KTM has flagged for some time, their 2017 EXC models will be new-generation machines. They’ll come with new engines, frame, suspension and bodywork, and represent the most significant upgrade to the company’s enduro machines since 2012 – when the 350EXC-F was first launched and EFI was introduced across the whole four-stroke EXC range. The 2017 EXCs are the product of a hell of a lot of R&D over many years, much of which has been focused on ensuring the bikes comply with the new Euro 4 homologation regulations (for noise and emissions) that come into effect from January 1, 2017, without compromising the brand’s “Ready to Race” mantra.

The 2017 EXCs will undoubtedly be based heavily on the brand’s new-generation MX models released a year ago. That means a shared engine platform for the 250/350 and 450 models to generate smoother and torquier power than their predecessors, and the much-revised, lighter rolling chassis with a shorter wheelbase for added agility. The new enduro bikes’ design philosophy is therefore likely to replicate what we heard a year ago with the 2016 MXers – that is, lighter, more powerful, more agile bikes that are designed to deliver a more comfortable, vibration-free riding experience.

TRACTION CONTROL?

For dirt bike racing, traction control isn’t legal (well, systems that use a rear wheel sensor aren’t, anyway), so don’t expect the new Katos to arrive with MotoGP-like traction technology. We do, however, expect the 2017 EXCs to arrive with the traction assist technology that has been fitted to Husqvarna’s (and no doubt KTM’s) 2017 MX models (even if they are calling it “traction control”). Aside from the fact this new Keihin engine management system (EMS) processes data faster, it also has the capacity to analyse throttle inputs and sudden increases in RPM, and retard power accordingly to maximise traction. Given that KTM’s enduro machines are likely to benefit even more from this technology than their MX counterparts, we see no reason KTM wouldn’t also use it on their 2017 four-stroke EXC range. This is also likely to mean that KTM’s EXCs will finally come with map-switch selector as standard equipment on their handlebars.

AN AIR (AER) FORK?

Nope. No chance. A few pundits and websites have curiously suggested that the worldwide appearance of WP’s 48mm AER air fork on KTM’s and Husqvarna’s MX models for 2017 (including a 35mm version for the 50 and 65cc mini bikes) will be replicated across the two brands’ 2017 enduro range, but they’re wrong. KTM’s 2017 enduro models will not get the AER fork. Why? Let’s just say we know. We can also tell you the 2017 EXCs won’t continue to use the tried and tested open-cartridge 48mm WP fork, either. Nor will they be fitted with WP’s 4CS (4 Chamber System) fork that’s been fine-tuned on Husqvarna’s enduro (and MX) models for a few years now, and on KTM’s MX range for the past two years. From what we’re hearing out of Europe, the 2017 EXCs will get an all-new fork that’s said to be a combination of the existing 48mm open-cartridge fork and the twin-chamber fork used on KTM’s MX range until 2014. What that new WP fork looks and rides like will be one of the most interesting aspects of the 2017 EXCs.

WILL PERFORMANCE BE COMPROMISED?

At the launch for their 2015 year-model bikes, when we asked KTM’s Technical/Product Manager Joachim Sauer about how KTM were preparing for the introduction of the new Euro 4 regs for 2017, he was very frank in his response: “These new regulations will drastically change the bikes in coming years, so we have a lot of homework ahead of us to ensure we minimise the impact of these new regulations on our bikes’ performance and rideability. We want to keep our models as ‘Ready to Race’ as they are now, while abiding by the new rules fully. In addition to restricting the emissions to around half of what we have now, there will be new requirements for things like evaporation systems and onboard diagnostics. This has particularly big implications for two-strokes and it may mean that will no longer use a carburetor.”

Given the time and energy KTM invests into protecting their “Ready to Race” ethos, we’d expect little, if any, backpedalling in performance from the 2017 bikes. And if the Euro 4 regs have resulted in less outright power, then you can bet KTM’s design team will have found advances in rideabilty to offset it. As for Sauer’s suggestion that carburetors may well give way to direct injection for their two-strokes, we reckon the comments may have been a little premature.

THE TWO-STROKES

For a couple of years now, it has been widely expected that the direct injection technology KTM has been working on would find a home on the 2017 two-stroke EXC models. In fact, two years ago, you would have said that the introduction of direct injection was inevitable if the two-strokes were to meet the new Euro 4 regulations. In the meantime – whether due to a change in the regs or how emissions are actually measured – we’re hearing that KTM has found a way around the need to fit direct injection to its 2017 two-strokes. While that may be a letdown for you tech-heads who can’t wait to see how good these new-generation two-strokes are with direct injection, it’s also good news for those who appreciate the fact KTM’s two-strokes will remain significantly cheaper than their four-strokes brethren. Back in 2015, KTM’s Joachim Sauer suggested that the significant cost of developing direct injection would have to be recouped, which’d all but eliminate the two-stroke’s showroom price tag discount (of $1000 to $1500) to the four-strokes.

^ The engine that will be shared by both the 2017 KTM 250SX and Husqvarna TC250…

That said, we do expect the 2017 250cc and 300cc two-strokes will use an entirely new engine; one that’s based on the completely redesigned powerplant used in KTM’s 2017 250SX and Husky’s 2017 TC250. Claimed to be smaller, lighter, smoother and more efficient, with a substantial reduction in both vibration and maintenance, it promises to provide the perfect platform for enduro bikes. We’d expect both the 250EXC and 300EXC will get an enduro-ised version of this new two-stroke powerplant for 2017, which utilises a new internal shaft and counter-balancer design (to centralise masses and minimise vibration), a completely new power-valve mechanism, and a new Mikuni TMX flat-slide carburetor for smoother, more controllable power.

Remember that there’s no 125 or 200cc two-stroke EXC for 2017. However, it’s not yet confirmed whether Australia will get the 125 and 150XC-W models that the USA market gets for 2017.

WHAT ELSE?

We’re hearing the 2017 EXCs will also be fitted with the ingenious user code system that’s already found on several of KTM’s road and adventure models. Essentially, instead of turning a key or pressing an ignition button, you’ll now need to enter a code to ‘enable’ the machine and allow it to be started. Aside from preventing your mates pilfering your new orange mistress for a quick test ride, the user code system also offers a welcome added safeguard against theft. Last up, we’re hoping that KTM has kissed and made up with Metzeler, too, because the Maxxis tyres its EXC range has been fitted with for the past few years now don’t do justice to the top-shelf component quality found elsewhere on the bikes.

THE PRICING

You could argue that these new-generation two- and four-stroke machines for 2017 presents KTM distributors with the perfect opportunity to justify a price hike. But we’re not so sure they will. Not in Australia anyway. Remember that KTM Australia slugged consumers with an extra $700 to $1000 for their entire 2015 year-model enduro and motocross models (to help absorb the impact of the depreciating Aussie Dollar against the Euro, according the KTM Oz), so we’d imagine the 2017 range will be priced pretty similarly to their 2016-model predecessors.