2014 KTM Enduro Test Day

So, we're just back from a full day of thrashing the 2014 KTM EXC and EXCF enduro bike range. As you can imagine, the body is the only thing that got thrashed. We successfully managed to break none of the bikes!

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The guys in Norman Watt motorcycles kindly invited us up to Tinker Hill MX park.

They have laid out an enduro loop using parts of the motocross track and incorporating in the surrounding forestry - it actually worked quite well.

It was rocky and technical but a good test for the bikes. We joined the MX track at a few points and they were welcome breaks (.....note to self, enduro riding is not easy).

Mmm shiny bikes.. Someone asked - wheres number 2? It was the 200cc but wouldn;t fit into the van!

KTM UK brought over a full stable of the EXC and EXCF range including

  1. 125EXC
  2. 250EXC
  3. 300EXC
  4. 250EXC-F
  5. 350EXC-F
  6. 450EXC-F

So, what was the most popular bike of the day?

Hands down the 125cc, everyone was looking for a session with it. The poor little bike was screaming for mercy all day and every person who hopped off it was smiling and raving about it.

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250F versus 350F?

I rode the 250F and 350 four stroke back to back to see was there a clear winner.

For my riding (....average at best!) the 350 was a much easier ride. I've always felt that 250F enduro bikes lack the power required when you do get out of the woods and the 350 is quite a bit better.

The 350 was still a 'small bike' over the rock sections and tight woods but seemed to have much nicer power when we hit the sections of the MX track.

Ciaran Hayes from Megabikes was with us on the day and, to my surprise, he had a completely different view. He preferred the mellow power of the 250f.

So the debate remains - what's the best cc.......who the hell knows!

Tinker Hill near Newry, NI. Tinker Hill near Newry, NI.

The big daddy - the 300 two smoker.

I completed a session on this and was surprised how rideable it was. I'm a small dude and expected the 300 to he a handful but it actually quite nice.

Button start, plush suspension and great controls make it feel so well setup.

I'm quite sure I wouldn't part with my hard earned cash but that's only because I can see more potential in some of the other offerings (250 and 350 EXCF).

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How many of the bikes got broken?

These bikes were getting pinned all day. Once they run out of juice they're filled up again and sent back to work. All were crashed at some point (my ones multiple times!) and not one broke (other than about 6 handguards).

In fairness I was surprised (particularly with the 125) but it does go to show how strong they are.

How do I get to do one of these days?

Call your local KTM dealer (Norman Watts or Graeme Vigors). There's no obligation to buy.

These days are supported by the distributor (KTM UK) and are open to all. You can even bring your own bike along to get the best possible comparison.

Oh, they also run motocross bike test days.