A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about KTM‘s 2014 off-road lineup for Europe highlighted by an updated 250 EXC-F and other updates across the model lineup. KTM has now released information about its U.S.-spec models which include the same updates while keeping some differences from the European versions.

For off-road riders in the U.S., KTM is offering the street-legal four-stroke 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC and their solely off-road XCF-W and XC-W, the four-stroke 250 XCF-W and the two-stroke 200, 250, 300 and 450 XC-W models.

American motocross riders will have the choice of the four-stroke 250,  350 and 450 SX-F as well as the two-stroke 125, 150 and 250 SX models. Cross-country riders can opt for the four-stroke 250, 350 and 450 XC-F equivalents as well as the 150, 250 and 300 XC two-strokes. KTM USA will also offer four youth models, the 50 SX Mini and the 50, 65 and 85 SX. Continue Reading »

KTM has revealed its European-spec 2014 EXC enduro and SX motocross lineup. The U.S.-spec versions have yet to be announced and there will be some differences, such as a five-speed transmission instead of a four-speed transmission for the KTM 450 SX-F. Otherwise, the U.S. models will be mostly the same, though model and engine displacement selection may vary.

All 2014 EXC models receive new airbox covers, hand guards, headlights, fuel tanks and front fenders. The new fender received particular attention, with a new shape that reduces mud build-up. According to KTM, the new shape combined with the modified attachment to the lower triple clamp make the fender 50% stiffer than the previous component.

The SX models also get the new fender as well as the new fuel tanks. The four-stroke SX-F models also get the same fuel pump system as the EXC models, so owners can install the larger EXC fuel tanks from the KTM’s PowerParts catalog. Continue Reading »

KTM is issuing a worldwide recall on approximately 7000 motorcycles from model year 2012 and 2013 for potential fuel hose leaks. The recall affects certain EXC, EXC-F, XC-F, XC-W, XCF-W, Freeride, SX-F,  and Supermoto R models with electronic fuel injection. (See after the jump for specific models included in the recall.)

According to KTM, a defect in the manufacturing process of the molded fuel hoses on affected models may lead to a fuel leak either at the ends or where the hoses bend.

KTM owners can check to see if their motorcycles are included in the recall campaign by visiting the Service section of KTM’s website and entering the 17-digit chassis number and the delivery certificate number. Continue Reading »

KTM and subsidiary Husaberg have initiated a recall campaign for certain 2010 and 2011 models due to a problem with their handlebar clamps.

The recall campaign includes the 2011 KTM 450 EXC, KTM 530 EXC, Husaberg FE 570S, Husaberg FS 570 and the 2010-2011 KTM 690 Enduro R. The recall affects 1,228 units.

The handlebar clamps on the affected may develop cracks potentially allowing the handlebars to shift during use. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem was caused by the heat treatment process used by a part supplier.

The issue was first reported in December 2010. A technical bulletin was issued later that month with a remedy. After the problem was reported again in March 2011 by a customer, KTM issued a revised technical bulletin to include more models.

KTM and Husaberg dealers will replace the defective handlebar clamps with new components milled from billet material and reinforced to prevent cracking.

[Source: NHTSA, photos by Mitterbauer H.]