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Private Preview 2008: European Innovation
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KTM and Scorpa
Don Williams
10/01/2007
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In spite of the abandonment of
two-stroke motors by the Japanese manufacturers, the simple, lightweight engine
configuration is still alive and well in KTM chassis. Although KTM
(www.ktmusa.com) has a virtual monopoly on the market, the Austrian company
is still moving two-stroke technology forward. The new KTM 300 XC-W (e) has
everything we want in an enduro bike—light weight, responsive motor, superb
suspension—and now it has an electric starter, something virtually unknown in
the two-stroke dirt bike world. It may seem unnecessary, but when tackling the
most demanding terrain—which can result in frequent stalls—the ability to push a
button rather than kickstart a 293cc motor can have a highly positive effect on
rider stamina.
 Scorpa pushes the boundaries of light weight dirt biking. (Click image to enlarge)
From Scorpa (www.scorpausa.com) in France is the
new Yamaha-powered T-Ride 250F—a trials/enduro hybrid that trades long-travel
suspension for a lower seat height and reduced weight (209 lbs dry). The motor
is from Scorpa’s SY250F trials bike, which taps a modified version of the engine
used in the Yamaha WR250F enduro (tested in our April/May 2007 issue). A short
wheelbase, high ground clearance and ultra-soft Michelin trials tires gives the
T-Ride the agility to make it the ultimate go-anywhere trail bike, with many of
the advantages of a trials bike, but few of the disadvantages.
KTM adds electric starting to the 2-stroke canon. Photograph by Heinz Mitterbauer.
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