Motorcycle specifications KTM125 XC-W 2017 The other initiation

For 2017, the 125 EXC has been discontinued. In its place, KTM is offering a no less, if not more, effective 125 XC-W. This cross-country machine will allow us to wait for the arrival of fuel-injected engines. The XC-W incorporates state-of-the-art technical solutions from Katoche's EXC range, and is an excellent introduction to enduro riding. Disadvantage: it's not road-approved.

XC stands for cross-country. W stands for a gearbox with a large number of ratios. This model is designed for Enduro events on closed circuits, or for races where motorcycle homologation is not required. It will also please riders who prefer a bike without all the components required for homologation. The 125 XC-W is simply the lightest Enduro bike available at an affordable price, but that doesn't mean it lacks power. It's when things get serious that you recognize the qualities of an XC-W.

eNGINE

the new 125 XC-W engine is the most responsive and competitive in its class, delivering precisely the level of power demanded by an enduro rider. This 125 cm3 engine, the fruit of KTM's technical expertise, incorporates the latest technological innovations on the market. Despite its compact structure and 2 kg lighter weight than its predecessor, it delivers strong power and monumental torque across the entire rev range.

cYLINDER AND CYLINDER HEAD

this ultra-compact cylinder, with a bore of 54 mm, features state-of-the-art exhaust control and a sophisticated mechanism for the side support exhaust channels. Combined with the two-piece cylinder head, this design is responsible for a clear increase in power across the range. The layout of the water jackets inside the cylinder and cylinder head ensures efficient heat dissipation under high engine loads. And you'll find that it takes longer to reach the engine's limits than before. The cylinder, cylinder head and piston can now also be mounted on a 125 cm3 engine base to convert it to a 150 without replacing the crankshaft. And to top it all off, new side brackets have been added to secure the engine to the frame.

eNGINE CARTER

for the latest generation of engines, KTM engineers have designed ultra-light molded crankcases. They also raised the position of the crankshaft and clutch closer to the center of gravity, to better centralize mass and enhance rideability. Despite its extremely compact form, the engine can accommodate an optional electric starter. The new engine covers feature an advanced surface structure to prevent premature wear caused by the rider's boots.

cARBURER

starting with AM 2017, all KTM 2-stroke models will be equipped with the new MIKUNI TMX carburetor instead of the usual Keihin carburetor. This 38-mm flat-barrel carburetor offers a clear improvement in power delivery over the entire operating range. It is also less sensitive to changes in altitude and temperature.

pISTON

the new piston is optimized for maximum reliability, and its shape has been modified to perfectly match the new cylinder layout.

pISTON STROKE

the 54.5 mm piston stroke remains the same, but everything else has changed. Rebalanced, modernized and benefiting from greater inertia thanks to the use of a heavier rotor, this little engineering jewel provides an appreciable surplus of power and driveability to get out of the most unlikely situations.

gEARBOX

another interesting innovation designed specifically for the Enduro 2-stroke engine is a robust 6-speed gearbox perfectly suited to the 125's range of use. The reduction in weight and size of the engine was made possible by the use of ultra-modern production technologies. As safety is also an essential parameter, the selector adopts a new "zero dirt" design that prevents the lever joint from jamming due to dirt. Because even greasy terrain enthusiasts take a dim view of mud when it gets lodged in the wrong places.

cLUTCH

the new engine's clutch is activated by a new hydraulic system manufactured by Brembo instead of Magura. This ultra-reliable, self-adjusting system guarantees smooth operation and perfect clutch modulation.

eXHAUST

the combustion chamber has been carefully designed to deliver even more power and torque.

cOOLING SYSTEM

kTM's proven cooling system circulates coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle to the new aluminum WP radiators, equipped with a new plug system and made of a stiffer alloy. Its incredible efficiency is due to improved internal airflow management and advances in ventilation thanks to CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculations. The well-thought-out radiator guards integrated into the front spoilers are particularly useful in the event of an impact.

sTART

the design of the new 125 cm3 engine means that an electric starter can be fitted if required. A KTM PowerParts conversion kit containing all the necessary parts is also available. Although installing an electric starter makes the bike slightly heavier, there are real advantages, especially for those who wish to compete at the highest level.

lIGHTING UP

the main objective of KTM engineers when developing the new generation of off-road models was to achieve a very significant weight reduction. The result is clear: the current KTM models are among the lightest and sleekest Enduro bikes on the market.

fRAME

the high-tech chromium-molybdenum steel frame is a model of lightness, flexibility and handling, offering excellent stability and diabolical precision in corners. Thanks to its high torsional stiffness and low longitudinal rigidity, this frame absorbs the energy generated by the front and rear suspensions when jumping or going over a bump. The ride is more comfortable and less tiring. The dropouts that link the cylinder head to the frame are as light as ever. Mounted laterally, they help limit vibration levels. Two threaded inserts have been provided in the lower cradle tubes to add a shoe, should the need arise. The engineers can be proud of their work, as the frame is now one kilo lighter than the lightest competing frame on the market today. Every effort has also been made to facilitate maintenance and free up space for the fuel tank and other components. The ultra-light rear section, made of stable aluminum profiles, weighs in at less than 900 grams.

fORK TIPS

the new generation features forged fork crowns with a 22 mm offset for improved fork retention and even more precise front-end behavior. Four positions are possible on this Enduro bike to move the handlebars forwards or backwards for a perfect grip.

fRONT SUSPENSION

another interesting new feature on this bike is the WP XPlor 48 inverted fork with separate damping circuits, developed by WP in close collaboration with KTM. Each fork leg is equipped with a spring and has a different function: the left leg handles compression damping, while the right leg handles rebound. To fine-tune compression (left) and rebound (right) damping, simply turn the 30-step knob above each fork leg. To reduce the risk of bottoming, the fork is fitted with a longer, sealed hydraulic stop. High-quality materials, ultra-sophisticated production process, 300 mm travel, 200 g weight saving over the previous model : nothing has been left to chance to make the new XPlor 48 fork the ultimate in responsiveness and damping.available as an option, the new preload adjuster (standard on SIX DAYS models, retrofit on standard models) allows the triple compression spring to be adjusted without the need for tools. The operation is disconcertingly simple.

rEAR SUSPENSION

the bike is equipped with an all-new PDS XPlor shock absorber developed by WP. A true KTM trademark, the progressive damping system (PDS) has proved its worth time and again. As the shock absorber is connected directly to the upper part of the swingarm, it does away with the linkage system. This set-up has been redesigned with the new frame and swingarm architecture in mind. It's based on impeccable geometry and even more progressive damping. The body, also completely redesigned, features a smaller piston and a larger chamber. To save precious grams, the piston diameter has been reduced from 50 to 46 mm, the overall length has been cut by 2.5 mm and the shock absorber stroke has been reduced by 4 mm. As the shock absorber has been moved 5 mm closer to the central axis, the loads exerted on the swingarm and frame are virtually symmetrical. This also frees up space for the exhaust system. The second piston, combined with a cup-shaped limit stop (instead of a needle stop), is supported by a progressive-action spring. End-of-stroke backlashes are a thing of the past. KTM has succeeded in lightening this part by over 600 grams. With its various machined and anodized components and its characteristic WP color scheme (black chamber, white spring and silver body), this ultra-sophisticated shock absorber makes a strong impression.

oSCILLANT ARM

the new design optimizes the position of the PDS shock absorber for even smoother entry into action. In addition to an attractive weight saving (-220 g), cast aluminum offers ideal bending behavior. The one-piece molding process eliminates the imperfections inherent in welding, guaranteeing a more homogeneous, but also more meticulous, manufacturing quality.

bRAKES

more responsive, more efficient and more powerful than ever, Brembo brakes will cope with any situation. These little jewels of technology are combined with Wave discs renowned for their lightness. The rear brake pedal has been lengthened by 10 mm, and the brake caliper piston is now smaller, for better brake proportioning. The stainless steel front brake hose features a protective sheath with a cable guide for the speedo wire. Optimum braking power is a must when you intend to push your machine.

hANDLEBARS

when it comes to handlebars, KTM engineers have always known which way to go. This NEKEN handlebar, with its high-strength aluminum profile, is no exception. It features an innovative throttle response mechanism, a sturdy aluminum handlebar and an ultra-simple guard adjustment system. right: an ODI vulcanized handle; left: the ODI lock-on handle, as comfortable as it is practical, thanks to its glueless, wire-free mounting system.

fOOTREST

sophisticated "zero-dirt" footrests prevent the gear selector from getting dirty, even when driving through deep ruts. To enhance ground clearance, the gear selector on EXC models is 6 mm higher than on SX versions.

aIR FILTER HOUSING

equipped with new intake snorkels, the air filter housing has also been redesigned to better protect the air filter from clogging and ensure optimum air flow. The cage housing the new extra-large Twin Air air filter is totally rigid, helping to hold the system more securely in place. The design is so simple that you could replace the filter even with your face covered in mud. And you don't need any tools. And in a matter of seconds.

fUEL TANK

thanks to its transparent plastic, the ultra-light 9.5-liter polyethylene fuel tank lets you know at a glance how much fuel is left. To refuel, simply press the orange button in the center of the fuel cap to open the bayonet mechanism.

wHEELS

when it comes to wheels, KTM engineers know their stuff. Featuring ultra-light CNC-machined hubs and top-of-the-range Giant rims, these wheels guarantee maximum stability despite limited weight. To top it all off, they're equipped with the latest generation of Maxxis tires. Whatever the terrain, these tires deliver maximum traction.

sADDLE

tailored to provide a comfortable support surface for Enduro riding, this ultra-strong saddle has been lowered by 10 mm to enable the rider to maintain perfect control of the bike, even on the most demanding terrain.

fACE

kTM factory riders collaborated on the bike's design with KTM R&D specialists and the Kiska design agency, with a single watchword: to create perfect harmony between rider and machine. The result is convincing. Ergonomics and contact points for the rider have been carefully designed for maximum freedom of movement. The lowered saddle offers superior comfort, especially at the rear. The special shape of the front and rear mudguards is a perfect example of intelligent design: thanks to a well-thought-out structure and assembly, these mudguards guarantee maximum stability, while being lighter at the same time. Better still, they stay clean longer. The headlight plate is also a model of ergonomics. And what about the trick used to prevent the brake hose from causing nasty scratches?

News and media credits: KTM