Ktm Unveils Ultralightweight Thumper

KTM UNVEILS ULTRALIGHTWEIGHT THUMPER

IHE NEW MILLENNIUM IS upon us, and KTM is at the forefront with a shrink-wrapped, four-stroke Single aimed squarely at Yamaha’s ground-breaking YZ400F.

Penned by Josef Hattinger, the original LC4 engine was a lightweight, compact design, especially for a mid-Eighties four-stroke. Unfortunately, it got bigger and heavier over the years-blame such niceties as improved durability and an electric starter. Time, then, for a new engine, one so diminutive that it fits in what is essentially the 250 SX chassis. While the new engine’s appearance may change, specifications are set:

Both 399 and 512cc versions are planned, with the liquid-cooled, counterbalanced, sohc Single sporting an ultra-compact top-end similar to that of a Husaberg.

KTM claims the motocross version will weigh 237 pounds, which is 15 pounds lighter than a current 400 SX and 13 pounds less than a YZ400F. The enduro model will scale-in at 247 pounds, complete with electric starter and lights. In comparison, the ’98 400 E/XC weighs 272 pounds.

No word yet on availability or price, but KTM says works bikes will be raced in the U.S. this coming spring.

Jimmy Lewis