2017 KTM EXCs Spied And Spotted

Photos: KTM Images and Enduro21.com

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Here is the Full 2017 Official Model Release Info

First Test Of the 2017 KTM 250SX

KTM isn’t saying a thing but we’ll confirm that there will be big changes for the off-road side of the line, no doubt about it. Speculation is all we can do since our prying questions were met with, “I don’t know anything” responses. Yet here is what we are seeing and hearing.

There is an all-new 250 and 300cc two-stroke engine (pictured above in use at the 2015 Red Bull Romaniacs) that has some significant changes. The biggest is the relocation of the electric starter. Additionally there is a new enclosure on the side of the reed valve below the cylinder and very centered in the motor. We suspect it is a counterbalancer trying to reduce one of the biggest issues with the larger bore two-strokes–vibration.

This bike still has a carburetor (a Mikuni replacing the Keihin as we have heard Keihin will stop supplying carburetors shortly) and we expect that the two-strokes will stay carbureted for simplicity and to keep the cost down. But don’t think KTM hasn’t built in enough power in the ignition to run the stuff necessary for fuel injection or maybe even direct injection if the need arises, coming from emissions requirements in the future. There is even speculation that the ignition and crank main bearings on both sides are now bathed in the transmission oil not needing lubrication from the fuel. Of course the new engine will be housed in the current SX-style chassis and plastic but running the linkageless WP rear shock just like the four-strokes pictured below. We have seen the same two-stroke engine in a motocross bike (linkage rear suspension) sneaking around at various SoCal tracks as well.

This bike is Taylor Robert’s race bike for the 2016 World Enduros. It is basically what a 2017 350EXC-F will be less the factory suspension  and brake components. This bike should be no surprise as the current EXC/XC-W has been around for a few years and KTM has a history of changing things up pretty regularly. The biggest news will be the weight. We are guessing the 350cc might be as low as 235 pounds with a full tank of gas. Using a version of the current SX motor with the kick-starter added and the usual tuning including a wider ratio gear box.The parts on this engine are too production looking and you can’t buy this motor just yet.

The chassis is basically the current SX/XC frame altered to run the popular with off-road riders linkageless suspension. These bikes are pictured with small tanks but the production versions will have larger (near 2-gallons like the XCs) fuel tanks. Looking closely at the swingarm it is obviously a newer design and we’re pretty sure KTM is constantly improving the character of the linkless system.

We have also been hearing rumors that there will be a new engine size brought into the range. The obvious and easy answer would be to re-introduce the 450EXC since the 450cc engine is so common in other models. We have not seen any pictures of the larger motor since the 350 is the biggest bike on the enduro race team. Just picture the 450SX with a kick-starter. Will that mean the end of the popular 500? We don’t think so but don’t put it past KTM to change the number on the sticker to make whatever bore and stroke not match up mathematically but run just fine. Don’t rule out the possibility of the 250cc XC-W becoming an EXC as well. KTM is lacking a more appealing displacement for new and smaller riders in the EXC range. The full race 250EXC-F of Ivan Cervantes  pictured below would be sweet with the minimal street running gear.

So what does all this mean? If you want the latest and greatest KTM EXC you will likely be buying a new bike in late 2016, two-stroke or four.