Motorcycles

KTM's 2020 Enduro range is ready to roll with new WP XPLOR suspension

KTM's 2020 Enduro range is ready to roll with new WP XPLOR suspension
The 2020 KTM 450 EXC-F (Six Days edition) at an improbable angle. If you or I found ourselves at this angle, hospital would soon follow
The 2020 KTM 450 EXC-F (Six Days edition) at an improbable angle. If you or I found ourselves at this angle, hospital would soon follow
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2020 KTM 350 EXC-F getting grubby
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2020 KTM 350 EXC-F getting grubby 
2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI in flight
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2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI in flight
The 2020 KTM 450 EXC-F (Six Days edition) at an improbable angle. If you or I found ourselves at this angle, hospital would soon follow
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The 2020 KTM 450 EXC-F (Six Days edition) at an improbable angle. If you or I found ourselves at this angle, hospital would soon follow
2020 KTM 150 EXC TPI
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2020 KTM 150 EXC TPI
2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI – the 2-stroker
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2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI – the 2-stroker
2020 KTM 350 EXC-F – the mid-range 4-stroke
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2020 KTM 350 EXC-F – the mid-range 4-stroke
The big boy: the 2020 450 EXC-F Six Days edition
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The big boy: the 2020 450 EXC-F Six Days edition
The 2020 KTM 150 EXC TPI: lightweight and hugely capable
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The 2020 KTM 150 EXC TPI: lightweight and hugely capable 
The limited edition 2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI Erzberg Rodeo special
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The limited edition 2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI Erzberg Rodeo special
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KTM has re-energized its drool-worthy enduro lineup for 2020, with a raft of updated EXC 2-strokes and EXC-F 4-strokes that make use of the company's new "Supertrax" suspension technology.

On the 2-smoker side, there will be a 150 EXC TPI (now Euro-IV homologated), a 250 XC TPI and a 300 EXC TPI, the TPI standing for Transfer Port Injection, KTM's 2-stroke fuel injection system that debuted in 2017. The TPI system is hugely important, allowing KTM to build massively powerful and torquey 2-strokes that still conform to ever-tightening emissions standards.

In the 4-stroke world, 2020 will see new models of the 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F, 450 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F bikes.

2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI in flight
2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI in flight

Without giving out anything more specific, KTM says the entire range will enjoy "new and more efficient yet high-performing engines, a re-developed chassis with improved WP XPLOR suspension, improved handling, new bodywork, new air filter box, new cooling system, and new exhaust systems. This, combined with the high-quality NEKEN handlebar, Brembo brakes, No-Dirt footpegs, and CNC milled hubs with Giant rims fitted as standard equipment, ensures that the KTM EXC model year 2020 are the best performing and most extreme enduro bikes on the market."

The XPLOR suspension is interesting in its own right – it features "Supertrax" technology that WP has been developing in conjunction with race teams. The chief advance here is an additional TXN, or Traction adjuster on the shock. Effectively, there's a new oil bypass system in the shock that allows riders to fine-tune both the high- and low-speed rebound damping characteristics for a terrific level of control over your handling.

2020 KTM 350 EXC-F getting grubby
2020 KTM 350 EXC-F getting grubby 

To some, it'll be another knob they can turn to screw up their bike's handling. To others, I have no doubt it'll offer what KTM calls "a smoother, more confident and comfortable ride with less physical strain" and a better feel for rear-wheel traction.

For their part, the XPLOR forks offer cone-shaped valve designs that WP says offer additional precision with reduced harshness for improved comfort whether you're setting them up hard or soft.

The limited edition 2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI Erzberg Rodeo special
The limited edition 2020 KTM 300 EXC TPI Erzberg Rodeo special

As usual, there will be Six Days versions offering some trick KTM Powerparts upgrades, and if you wish to go straight to the top level of spec, KTM's making an Erzberg Rodeo version of the 300 EXC TPI (pictured above) – only 500 will be sold, and they'll feature "a long list of additional Ready To Race parts" as well as a blingy gold sticker kit.

Pricing and availability are as yet TBC.

Sources: KTM, WP Suspension

View gallery - 9 images
2 comments
2 comments
guzmanchinky
I love how KTM pushes the envelope. I just hate how maintenance heavy they are (compared to a Yamaha or a Honda). I wonder if someday there will be a bike with an active suspension, kind of like the new Polaris RZR machines? Or are bikes too small for the hardware?
ChairmanLMAO
active suspension? you mean that sets the sag automatically? or switches from off to on road? that would be nice. i don't think i've ever adjusted my suspension save for the bouncing when tightening the front wheel back in.