Test factory KTM engines: in the wake of 'The Bullet'!
It doesn't happen every day that we get the privilege of trying factory bikes! Testing the machines that won the world title is even more special. We are indeed talking about the factory KTM motorcycles of Jeffrey Herlings, Jorge Prado, Tony Cairoli and Pauls Jonass. And no, this is not a dream!
Two of the bikes we got to try helped their riders win the world title. The two other motorcycles were good for a vice world title. It's hard to believe how dominant KTM was this year, both in MX2 and MXGP. But what makes the difference? Why did these official KTMs stand out so much this season? And how do the machines of these four exceptional riders -Jeffrey Herlings, Tony Cairoli, Jorge Prado and Pauls Jonass- differ from a standard dirt bike? We went looking for answers.
The motorcycles shine proudly on their stand. One thing is certain: these exclusive gems are tailor-made for their respective riders. The basis may be very close to the 2019 series production, but it is clear that the various parts of KTM's competition department played a crucial role. When we were allowed to try the bikes, they had just returned from the MXGP in Assen GP. The settings of the different motorcycles were therefore specific to a sand track. On the one hand, it was striking that this test took place in Valkenswaard, but due to the persistent drought, the Eurocircuit was surprisingly tough. But you won't hear us complaining!
An explosive world champion
After admiring the bike from all angles, the serious work begins. Purely by coincidence, I get to start my day with the famous song '84' on the equally famous red record! I admit, even this older youngster takes the wheel of Jeffrey's toy with some excitement. With 17 wins from 19 GPs, it is clear that the KTM-Herlings duo has become invincible in 2018.
The triangle handlebar-saddle-footpegs fit me like a glove. There is nothing extravagant about the riding position of 'The Bullet' other than a very low clutch lever and an aggressive front brake. Jeffrey uses a Brembo pump of 10 instead of the pump 9. Pushing on the front fork we get a clear first impression. You don't have to be here for comfort: you are slowed down from the start of the compression. A simple press of the start button and the 450 comes to life powerfully and firmly. I quietly put it in the first place and enjoy an exceptional privilege for 20 minutes.
The track is difficult and very slippery today. The hard character of the 52mm WPs does not help me in flat corners, but in successive jumps on waves the fork gives me plenty of confidence... Provided you have the physique of a warrior! There's no doubt about it: these riders are from another planet compared to mere mortals. Let us also not forget that all these factory bikes are designed and customized to the choice of their rider. It is enough to see the speed at which pilots go through the waves to understand that the style of today's top riders requires a very hard adjustment to fly over the obstacles and absorb the impact on the hard surface.
“The current level of riding in MXGP requires a hard suspension setup. And the physique of a warrior.”
You have already understood that this engine is far from relaxing. What applies to the bicycle part, however, also applies to the engine, which you can safely call radical. This engine is strong or rather: very strong. We don't find out much more. Except that the most important parts have been reinforced. Compared to its standard brother, the factory motorcycles were upgraded to withstand the harsh treatment of the riders. Joël Smets also told us that at some GPs the clutches were replaced up to 3 or 4 times per weekend!
Jeffrey Herlings' KTM 450 SX-F is anything but an easy bike that eliminates problems. In terms of character, you are on the exclusive side here, with lightning-fast, even explosive reactions. This 450 tailor-made for an exceptional rider is certainly not the type of bike that will instantly turn you into a champion. In fact, this engine imposes its will. In any case, this was a great opportunity to get acquainted with the potential of both phenomena, both the rider and the machine!
#222: Custom for Tony
When I climb on Tony Cairoli's motorcycle, I feel a bit cramped with my 1m 87. Here everything is set for a small stature: both in terms of the handlebars, the T-piece and the lower saddle. Apart from some details related to De Carli's team sponsors (editor: as is known, Cairoli and Prado rode in a separate team that runs parallel to the official structure of Herlings, Jonass and Coldenhof), the 222 engine is comparable to the 84, at least visually .
Here too the fork is very hard. If you analyze the driving style of the nine-time world champion - both when braking and when landing after jumps - you will also understand why these adjustments are necessary.
On the track, the driving behavior of this machine is more human, the sharp edges that are so prominent on Herlings' engine have been smoothed. Please note, Cairoli's weapon is also far from everyone's friend! Still, the #222 KTM is easier to tame. By softening the suspensions and adapting the seating position to my driving style and size, I end up with an extra spicy standard motorcycle, which is also extremely well equipped. Of course!
Because I had the opportunity to test Cairoli's engine on the Mantova circuit three years ago, it is striking that Tony opts for a certain continuity.
MX2s in superlative form
It's time to put the MX2 motorcycles through their paces. For the occasion we start with number 1, the SX-F 250 Pauls Jonass. The cylinder capacity is a lot more accessible, but in terms of power the difference with standard is very large. We do not have precise figures, although it could well be an extra 8 horsepower!
From the first corners we are no longer in the test of strength that is riding a factory 450. In terms of driving, everything becomes a lot easier. Steering comes naturally, but the potential the engine has to offer can only be found on a factory machine! Compared to the 250 SX-F from Herlings that I had the opportunity to try a few years ago, this engine has slightly less torque at the bottom. Jonass' engine does benefit from a remarkably long third gear.
Yep, here too the suspension is very firm but less extreme in behavior than on the 450 SX-F. In terms of setup, this 250 factory engine remains rather conventional.
There's nothing about this that will confuse you. Except that the rear brake pedal is relatively high and therefore responds very quickly. On the other hand, the handlebar position and the central position of the triple clamps support a neutral sitting position.
You could say that Jonass' engine lacks some torque at low revs. On the other hand, you have to admit that this range is rarely used by these 'fighter aircraft'...
“Jorge Prado's machine resembles its rider: flexible, balanced and above all very powerful.”
Notorious for its efficiency. Those are the words that first come to mind when I think about the feeling that MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado's KTM gave me. This motorcycle is the spitting image of its young rider: flexible, perfectly balanced and, above all, very powerful.
The suspensions are of course softer given the length of the “prodigy” Prado. In any case, I really like those settings. According to the information we receive, the block would be the same as Jonass'. However, that's hard to believe given the low- and mid-range flexibility of this No. 61 KTM. Or did they approach things differently here for the ignition and injection? No matter, this 250 factory is fantastically easy to use.
Jorge uses a Renthal Fatbar Fatbar handlebar that is curved and lower. The levers are also set lower. That takes some getting used to at first, but once I'm on the track, I quickly adapted. You notice a certain inspiration from the “Cairoli stable” in Jorge's bike! In everyday life, the young grandmaster and his older mentor get along well. Judging by the giant steps that Prado has made this year, the young Spaniard is benefiting fully from TC222's experience!
We will return separately to the bike of MX of Nations winner Glenn Coldenhoff later. Here I would like to end with a huge thank you to KTM and the various teams. Ultimately, the fact that we can test these very exclusive engines remains an absolute privilege. It gives us a look at a world that otherwise remains completely closed off. No matter how many times you ride these motorcycles, it remains a special experience every time!
As a reader or motocross fan - which we are of course - it is always interesting to get a glimpse of the mystery. How does that tandem man-machine actually work? You can't help but admire the technology behind these factory engines, but at the same time this is also a lesson in humility. To make optimal use of these motorcycles, you as a rider have to be very diligent.
Tekst: Christopher Bertrand
Photos: Ray Archer
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