New KTM 2 stroke unveiled!!!

[MCGRIDDLE_321]

you have to remember on ktms the number plates are the air box to. not just that lil black piece of plastic

[DangisMX]

The number plates are small indeed. In pictures you can see that the air box and the number plate is no longer a continuous piece of plastic, so there is really little room for numbers. Besides, the radiator protectors are really small. I could easily see someone hitting the radiator from behind with something and bending it. Of course, this is just minor stuff, as long as it drives well it's ok.  Here's a picture where you can see (barely ) the number plate and just how exposed the radiator is at the rear. Imagine if someone roosted you from the right angle and the stones hit the radiator :\

[evo550]

Who needs number plates when you have transponders  :
Would be good if they are a little slimer through the mid section though.

[DangisMX]

As a spectator I would love to be able to see the numbers on the sides. As a rider however I can see the thinking behind this... Less plastic= less weight. Still I would like to see the radiator covered up more. And i noticed they still have the quarter turn gas cap. Hope it's not leaking any more .

[2smoker]

Now words on a new injection system for the 2011? I like the new frame and bodywork. The cylinder shape add to the coolnest! What about Yamaha?

[G-MONEY]

Too bad they did'nt put the link style shock on the 2strokes. Maybe next year after they get some time on it.

[Recovered]

Unbeatable is the power-to-weight ratio, lower cost of acquisition and maintenance, and simple to service and rebuild,which allows a piston change without having studied engineering.

[RM250 Evan]

Too bad they did'nt put the link style shock on the 2strokes. Maybe next year after they get some time on it.

They said that the two stroke perform better w/ the PDS than the linkage because of the manner the power is giving. Being that the 2011 two strokes did get a redesigned swing arm I believe they r telling the truth and not just lazy to put the linkage on them.

"Why PDS for the two-strokes?
    The directly linked PDS shock has turned out to be the best solution for the two-strokes. Two-Strokes have a totally different engine characteristic than four-strokes and also a different centre of gravity. Many tests have proven that the PDS rear suspension fits better to the lighter and more nervous characteristics of the two-strokes. With the lighter PDS system, the two-strokes will keep a major weight benefit, also in the future."

[G-MONEY]

I knew they must have reason, thanks for sharing BAAARAAAP!!

[bearorso]

The 2011 side plates are a hell of a lot bigger than the 2010s.  Ignore the black and look at the whole thing.

Thank goodness they seem to have realized how dreadful the previous side panels looked.

I like PDS, no link systems,it's what I want on a bike.

But not giving the 2t SXs the linkage rear end will keep more people off them than it keeps on them - there's just so much prejudice against no link systems amongst MXers, especially in the US. Lack of linkage might just give more riders a reason to jump ship to  KTM 4ts, unfortunately.

[ford832]

Many tests have proven that the PDS rear suspension fits better to the lighter and more nervous characteristics of the two-strokes. With the lighter PDS system, the two-strokes will keep a major weight benefit, also in the future."

Pbbbbffffffttttt.Pure,unadulterated,shameless marketing B.S.It's cheaper to keep it that way than redesign a new bike around a linkage system.Personally,I love the PDS idea,but all three I've had were noticeably inferior to a decent linkage system.

[ford832]

The 2011 side plates are a hell of a lot bigger than the 2010s.  Ignore the black and look at the whole thing.

I don't know man,looking at the pic at the top of this page the plate,fender,airbox look like three separate pieces.Maybe you're supposed to put one number on each

[admiral]

Many tests have proven that the PDS rear suspension fits better to the lighter and more nervous characteristics of the two-strokes. With the lighter PDS system, the two-strokes will keep a major weight benefit, also in the future."

Pbbbbffffffttttt.Pure,unadulterated,shameless marketing B.S.It's cheaper to keep it that way than redesign a new bike around a linkage system.Personally,I love the PDS idea,but all three I've had were noticeably inferior to a decent linkage system.

exactly what i was thinking as i read the press release Ford. i have ridden on the PDS since '99 and it has gotten much better since it's inception but it has a certain feel to it that's kinda dead, if you will. i am so lazy anymore when it comes to working on bikes i love not having a grease a linkage so i embrace it. if i had a linkage bike i would have to drill and tap it for zerk fittings like they used to in the old days.

[KTMguy]

The older KTMs weren't bad, if you used the airbox there was plenty of room. I used the normal sized numbers on mine:




I got to agree that it was marketing BS for there explanation of not having put linkage on there 2ts. I got to say though I like not having to grease the linkage on my bike. It even says in the manual not to grease the shock pivot on the swingarm because it uses a teflon bearing, and grease would break it down.

[admiral]

i was watching the 6 minute promo video with Stephen Everts and the new KTM 350 4 stroke at work today. as they showed Everts riding the bike you can hear a two stroke on the video. then you see it, a 250SX doing laps (i think Sleeter riding) with Everts. i thought it was kinda funny.