2010 KTM EXC Review

KTM did what it does best with its EXC line of motorcycles. The Austrian manufacturer is one of the leading makers of off-road bikes, whether for recreational or racing purposes. KTM riders have racked up more than 130 championships in off-road competitions since the 1990s. This tradition continues with the EXC models, from a 125 cc two-stroke to the model 530 (510 cc) four-stroke. KTM introduced the EXC line in 2007. By 2010, KTM was offering eight models in this line: 125, 200, 250, 250 EXC-F, 300, 400, 450, and 530. These motorcycles are classified as Enduros, but they’re not really made for street riding, though they are street legal with a headlight, taillights, turn signals, street-legal tires and both bike and rider need to be licensed. These KTM dirt bikes are fully certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Having this equipment on a dirt bike allows riders to get around government rules that prohibit non-street legal bikes on government roads such as forest roads when dirt bikers are moving from one trail to another. The EXC line also is made for off-road racing such as motocross, with racers generally removing the mirrors before taking to the track.

Riders gave the EXCs, especially those with higher engine displacement, good marks in a variety of riding surfaces, from desert sands to mud to mountain trails crisscrossed with tree roots. Bikes up to, and including, the 300 come with two-stroke engines, though some riders say the 300 rides like a four-stroke. After that, the engines are four-stroke. Frames on these duel-sport bikes are made from chromium-molybdenum. The bikes come in the traditional KTM colors of black, orange and white, with different graphics packages available as an option. Riders report the kick stand is wobbly and prone to falling over frequently, so they’ve opted to set it on a bike stand when it’s not being ridden.

The EXC Enduro bikes come with electric- and kick- starting systems, and have a wet, multi-disc clutch that is operated hydraulically. All the EXC Enduros are touted as race champion quality.