KTM pioneers with 2018 two-stroke enduros!!
The time has come, KTM is once again playing a pioneering role by equipping its two-stroke enduro machines (250 and 300 EXC TPI) with an injection system as standard. This is a revolutionary technology for two-stroke engines and one that has germinated in the research and development department of the Austrian manufacturer for no less than 13 years. By applying injection to two-stroke engines, KTM wants to get ahead of the Euro 2020 standards that will come into effect in 5.
During the presentation, product marketing manager Joachim Sauer made no secret of his enthusiasm and pride about the project. Sauer talked extensively about the creation of the TPI engine blocks, about the complexity that the set goal entailed, but especially about the technological progress and the many advantages that the injection system brings.
The future of two-stroke
KTM has been proving for years that the two-stroke is far from dead, in stark contrast to the Japanese manufacturers who - with the exception of Yamaha - have declared these power sources dead and buried. However, KTM's figures from the off-road market prove the opposite. Of a worldwide production of 200.000 off-road machines, 60% consist of two-stroke machines. A good reason to continue investing in two-stroke power sources.
When we look at the 2018 models on display, nothing special stands out to us. For the 2018 model year, KTM continued to build on the optical revolution that the 2017 models underwent. There is little new under the sun regarding both the bicycle part and the components, except for the WP Xplor 48 mm front fork with adapted fork legs. We previously found this front fork on the SX cross models. We have to look for the reason for this adjustment when the front fork dips. A harder setting should counteract this, but at the same time the comfort of an enduro motorcycle - compared to a dirt bike - had to be maintained. Finally, we also noticed new graphics and new radiator protectors. According to KTM, the latter are easier to clean.
2018 enduro: Evolution + Revolution
You already understood: the novelty for 2018 is located at the top of the engine block. There are two vertical injectors there, behind the flush ports of the new cylinder. The first for the low and medium speed range, the second for the high speed range. A 39mm Dell'Orto throttle body and a Synerject ECU. This ECU has 5 electronic sensors in the block to monitor the intake air pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, air pressure and throttle position. There is also a petrol pump, an oil pump that we knew from the four-stroke models, a more powerful ignition and ditto battery and a modified airbox. And that's it as far as internal technology goes.
The transparent 700 cc oil reservoir, which is placed next to the throttle body, requires a little more practice. A full oil reservoir would be enough to lubricate 5 full tanks of gasoline. In other words: you can travel several hundred kilometers with it without having to 'prepare' your own petrol/oil mixture. Not unimportant: you can easily fill the oil reservoir via a cap that is located between the triple clamp and the fuel tank in the frame. A warning light on the counter keeps you informed of the contents of the oil reservoir.
More ease of use
According to KTM, the addition of an injection system results in a fuel saving of 30%, bringing the two-stroke close to what a four-stroke enduro machine consumes during a leisurely ride. The advantages of the injection system are clear: no more hassle of mixing petrol and oil yourself, greater autonomy and still the same 9 liter tank, but also a fuel supply that regulates itself regardless of weather conditions or ground conditions.
In addition, the injection system optimizes the performance of the two-stroke engine. From now on you can keep your tools in the drawers as well as the sprinklers. Driving at higher altitudes will also become a lot easier from now on. It is remarkable that the typical smoke of a two-stroke is largely absent. And that's good news for the environment! Finally, you no longer have to worry about spilling gasoline while tinkering in the garage or in the event of a fall. After all, without a carburetor, this 'unwanted fluid loss' is a thing of the past...
In short, applying injection to a two-stroke makes for a lot of happy faces. In addition, the efficiency and behavior, at least on paper, remains the same or better than that of the latest carburetor models from 2017.
Text: Christophe Bertrand/MXMag.be/BJ
Photos: KTM
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