KTM doesn’t want to be like most ‘other’ off-road manufacturers and only offer two four-stroke bike options, commonly a 250cc and a 450cc. We all know they also proudly produce a wide variety of two-strokes and some even describe their best selling (in SA) 300cc two-stroke as a ‘three-stroke’ because of its power characteristics and not a new engine configuration. Generally all KTM models (for the most part anyway) share components. Things like electric starter, hydraulic clutch, WP suspension, Excel rims, Brembo brakes and no tools access to the air filter are shared throughout the range, so this test is going to be mostly about the engine.
Have you ever had the chance to perform a quarter mile drag race? If so you’ll know how addictive it can be. One run after another will consume your mind as you desperately try to shave off fractions of a second and gain a few kilometres an hour while flying through the terminal speed trap. It’s a terribly addictive pastime and, in some cases, horrendously expensive. I should know because while smugly winning many UK drag race titles I also went through disastrous arguments about ‘a box of turbo pistons is more important than the new kitchen I promised five years ago’, if you know what I mean?
Who knew the Chinese would find a loophole in Pravin Gordhan"s sin tax proposal? Cigarettes and booze are being taxed more vigorously than ever, but I’ve found a new sin that will give you thrills and kicks for years to come but won’t break the bank. Now we need to spread the word.
In the devious world of card playing a royal flush is hard to beat. In the world of motorcycling the same goes for the superb Honda CBF1000FA and then some.
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