2009 Husaberg & KTM All of Range Test

Webmaster posted on November 01, 2008 17:40

Let the people be heard. Suttos Motorcycles KTM and Husaberg Demo Day was the average punters opportunity to be a test rider for a day. All too often the "which bike" question is asked, with the logical and expected response alluding to personal preference, ability, and riding style. So the prospective new bike buyer is left confused, bewildered, and often frustrated in having to make an uninformed decision worth many thousands of dollars.

Many of us have access to friends, family, and riding groups to provide opportunity to try the different bikes available until we find one that "fits". Just as many do not, and this is where Chris Sutton and his team from Suttos Motorcycles have come to the party. The opportunity to evaluate the 2009 KTM EXC enduro range, and the much anticipated Husaberg FE450, evolved into the inaugural Sutto's Demo Day.

To purchase eight demonstration bikes is a feat almost unheard of in the relatively small trail bike sector of the automotive industry, and to allow customers to ride in a motocross and enduro environment is a rarity. Chris Sutton dealer principal at Suttos Motorcycles in Penrith NSW has made a significant commitment to the Swedish (Husaberg), and Austrian (KTM) brands for our riding pleasure. And with the venue being the Lower Mountains Motorcycle Club's Clarence MX track, I was camped.

Ride Time

When I heard of the format Sutto's was proposing I thought "what an awesome idea". EMD conducted the "All of Range" test earlier this year on the 2008 KTM's, and not only was it an opportunity for testing the bikes themselves, but in a broader sense it enabled an opportunity to determine a rider to bike fit. Ultimately it's like this, some can use the capabilities of a big bore two stroke, and their riding environment and/or style compliments this choice. Others though, are overwhelmed with the power, or it simply doesn't suit their needs, and are more suited to a 250cc four stroke that can meander through the trees, or valve bounce along the fire trails at will. To have opportunity to "try before you buy" in a trail riding environment is one a prospective buyer should find hard to pass up. The motocross track, well that was just a bonus!

With Ben Grabham (KTM), Brad Williscroft (KTM), Geoff Braico (KTM), Adam Lees (Husaberg), Blake Hore (Husaberg), Garry Dukes (Sutto's Husaberg), and Christian Horwood (Suttos KTM) along for the day it wasn't just a trail punter affair. These guys are at the pinnacle of their sport, and came to both lend support for the event, and also try their hand on the new bikes at an awesome venue.

Photo by Rob Mendham

How Good Are They?

I had opportunity to ride the bikes on Saturday, and while I was looking forward to throwing a leg over the KTM's again, particularly the new KTM400EXCF, it was the new Husaberg that had me salivating. I have been waiting a year to try this baby out, and I couldn't wait. There was one more surprise though. Sutto had the midnight oil burning the night before fitting a Rekluse clutch to a second Berg. Whooo Hoooo!!!

Photo by Rob Mendham

So I geared up in record time, virtually sprinted to the pits to find ...... it all orange. Both the Husaberg 450's were gooooone. I picked my chin up out of the dust, and chose the closest KTM. It was the 250EXC two stroke, and seeing the all new and familiar start button on the right side of the handlebar brought a smile back to my face, Call me old, call me soft, because I don't care. I love the leccy leg. Unless you are a racer and need the kilo or so of weight saving, then the starter motor is a blessing. The 250 started up first "kick" and off I went.

The test track for the demo day incorporated primarily single track, with a portion of the MX track thrown in for good measure. Starting from the MX track start grid, and taking the most of the straight, the track then headed of into a section of forest, weaving in and out of trees with some nicely places ruts and roots. Turning into a short section of access road, we then transitioned into some sandy, and somewhat dusty single track, strewn with a few rocks to keep the testers on their toes. After a couple of kilometres of this, the track rejoined the motocross track to take in the latter section, which incorporated a few jumps, a couple of whooped berms, and lastly the start/finish tabletop. In all it was, in my view, an excellent track for putting the bikes through their paces. It didn't have the longer sections of fire trail that some would have liked, but for a closed course enduro track it had few testing environment omissions.

After riding the 250EXC two stroke, the 250EXCF, and the 530EXCF, I had still to catch EMD cameraman Rob on the Reklused Berg. Instead of waiting patiently I decided to park the big 530 at the end of the straight, determined to not let the Swedish beauty pass. After waiting a fair while I saw Rob approach down the MX track, so I waited with anticipation ...... until he turned into the pits!!! What tha!!. I jumped back on the big girl and opened her up, bucking , kicking and screaming back down the straight... and that was just me! I virtually pushed Rob out of the way, and took off on the new Berg. Here we go.

Well the verdict. Until Husaberg give us a bike to test as per previous EMD format (including special test times etc), I cant give a detailed and comprehensive evaluation of the bike. What I can say is that this bike leaves a lasting first impression. It is as good as all the reports, so Phelpsy's rep is intact.

The Husaberg 450FE is a bike that instantly instills rider confidence. It is instantly comfortable, and immediately recognizable as a riders bike. The EFI power delivery is smooth, but responsive. The handling is predictable, and yet progressive enough to still feel like the race oriented bike that it is. This bike has the "stickiest" front end of any bike I have ever ridden. A big call I know, but the truth!

The Rekluse auto clutch completed the package. To be able to grab hold of the left grip with all five fingers , knowing you won't stall is awesome. I have never railed berms, and roosted out of corners like I did on this bike. The torque of the bike allows a wide range of delivery for a selected gear, and the EFI harmonises with the Rekluse perfectly. Coming into a tight corner, braking, and then powering out without hesitation, or clutch, is inspiring. The Pro version which was fitted allows full use of clutch manually if desired. I didn't so desire. In my opinion the Rekluse isn't an optional accessory, its mandatory.

Demo Day

Photo by Rob Mendham

The inaugural Sutto's Demo Day kicked off with the first riders at 9AM. After paying a nominal fee which included a day licence for the MX track, riders geared up and lined at the starting grid

Each rider nominated a number of bikes they wanted to test, and were given 30 minutes on each bike. The track was pretty intense, and I didn't see too many trying to push for more time.

Riders came from near and far. One rider Clint Whittaker, and his father, came from Roxby Downs in South Australia to take advantage of the day. "Sutto has been a great help to me. This day is an awesome opportunity to try out the Katos, but i'm really here for the Husaberg. After riding it I'm buying one for sure."

There was even a trade stall on site with Monza Imports setting up their quickshade and displaying the latest and greatest from their wares. Alpinestar, Fox, Shift, Dunlop, Oakley, ProCircuit, Pod knee braces, it was all on show. A big thanks to Pete Vorst and Paul Garratt from Monza Imports for their attendance (and occassional entertainment).

David Roche from Cassons was also circulating on the track, and was only too willing to talk turkey on their products . Cassons keep your local bike shop stocked with with some well know products - Oneal, EVS, Arai, Boyesen, FMF, Gaerne, Renthal, Smith goggles, Twin Air, UfO

Sutto's staff were on hand to assist for the day. From admin to mechanic, they all did a great job catering to the punters. Christian Horwood, Sutto suspension guru was available to adjust clickers and sag as requested. They also fixed a few broken parts!!.

On their first lap each rider rode a sighting lap to eyeball the track layout, and identify any tricky sections of trail. They were then let loose to ride at their own pace for the duration of their allotted time.

Even though there had been rain the week before, the track did become a bit dusty, but with less than a dozen bikes on the entire loop, I didn't feel it hampered the ride, and a fairly consistent breeze made short work of clearing the track.

As the riders returned I endeavored to catch them for comment. Some were a little slippery and escaped, others were more in need of an oxygen bottle than a bike discussion, but most were more that willing to share their experience for the EMD readers. And ultimately that is what this day is about, trail riders experiencing the bikes first hand for themselves. And here is a sample of their comments on each bike.

KTM 250 EXCF

EMD

Garry - "Having ridden this bike it was obvious why there is such a market for this capacity machine. From a beginner level to a veteran, this bike has plenty to offer.Put to the test, the light weight steering and handling allow the KTM to maneuver through the tighter single wheel sections with more aggression which means faster corner speeds. The bike is also less fatiguing and the suspension works well to complement this.This is a fun bike to ride but the experienced trail blazer may opt for a larger capacity depending on riding conditions."

Rob - "The 250cc engine is quite strong up top. You do have to change mindset with throttle, and ride it like a small two stroke."

Demo Dudes

"Cant believe how much the bikes have improved. It's a pretty tight track out there, and I really enjoyed the bike. Great bike"". - Steve Denson
"I rode this bike to enable a comparison to the new Husaberg 450. The media has been comparing the two in the respect to handling so I thought I would judge for myself. It is really torquey for a 250 four stroke, with a good midrange. I did feel that it lacked up top, feeling a little flat. I am pretty light at 72kg, so the suspension was a bit hard also." - Aaron Gawthorne

KTM400 EXCF EMD Garry - "First impressions were very impressive. This bike would probably suit the greatest depth of riders as it offers something from every capacity. It steers nearly as good as the 250, and likes to be revved similarly, but with a lot more get up and go. On the other hand it will chug up hills like a 450. Suspension was well balanced and possibly worked the best in the KTM range.It was a bike that did everything you wanted it to do, and not the other way round" Rob - "The 400 was the surprise packet of the KTM 4 strokes.It felt very stable under acceleration. Very impressive" Demo Dudes "I had KTM's years ago and was really looking forward to today. My view is that this KTM400EXC is the best bush bike I've ever ridden. It does everything right. It's well balanced, and the 400cc engine is so usable. No one needs more power than this in the bush." - Jeff Grabham "This bike is really nice and light, with a good broad range of power, although not as much as the 300. It handles well, and is a pretty good bike in the tight stuff." - Allan Rysko "Although it generally handles well, the front end had a motocross feel, and felt loose to me through the corners. It had good brakes, but overall I didn't like this bike." - Jed Messer "Straight away I thought "here we go"!!. I could dominate this bike, which is a really positive thing as I always knew I was in control. This is a really nice all round bike that I could, and would recommend. Anyone could ride it fast, and is proof that big isn't best" - Deeds Raymond (Deeds was a member of the 1992 ISDE - Scottish Team, and International Four Day Enduro 1988 - Sunshine Coast)."

KTM450EXCF

EMD

Garry - "Renowned by trail riders of all levels for its versatility over all riding conditions, this 450 is no different. Power delivery was very smooth and linear, with a strong mid and top end.You can be a little lazy on gear selection and this bike will still pull smoothly. The White Power suspension displayed the confidence to attack any obstacles including parts of the MX track used in the enduro loop."

Rob - "Heaps noisier that the others due to it having the Akropovic pipe. Noticeably more grunt than 400."

Demo Dudes

"Noticeably heavier than the Berg, but I felt is steered better with more predictability. In saying that I am intending to buy a Berg 570. It will be fitted with a Rekluse for sure." - Rolf Goldberger
"The KTM had more zap than the Berg. It didn't seem to wash out as much, although I think I need to learn to ride in a more forward position to weight the front. The KTM definitely felt heavier, but it didn't effect the riding. Definitely like this bike as much as the Husaberg." - Mark Laruffa
"Loved the rev with the Akropovic fitted. Heaps of top end, and a bit more agile than the 530. For some reason it feels a bit wider across the tank and shrouds over previous models. But this isn't necessarily a bad thing because you can grip with your knees well." - Aaron Gawthorne

KTM530EXCF

EMD

Garry - "Don’t let the cubes scare you; this bike is very user friendly. For the experienced rider there’s plenty of get up and go. This bike has come a long way from the old and aggressive 520’s. While not as competitive in today’s tighter single wheel sections, it certainly has a place in the more open trail sections."

Rob - "Smooooooth power, with lots of traction. Short shifting delivers best results in tight single wheel."

Demo Dudes

"I was really impressed with how easy this bike was to throw around. It pulls harder than the the other four strokes. Power is there right off the bottom, and has heaps of top end. The ease of throwing it around impressed me most though" - Roger Plucke
"Sick bike. Handles awesome, and stopped really well. Usable and practical power. The standard suspension is sick" - Clint Whittaker
"I felt this bike just had too much power compared to the 300. Bit too heavy also." - Allan Rysko
"I didn't like the 530 as much as the Kato 450 . At the moment I'm a bit confused because they are all good. I will probably go a Berg specced up with an exhaust. Confused sums it up." - Mark Laruffa
"Excellent. This would be my second pick after the Husaberg. Its as grunty as, and it feels like your hardly working the motor at all. It did tend to push through the tight corners, but the suspension would need to be adjusted for my weight (72kg). You could hit obstacles at speed, and the bike just rolls over them. This is a bike you could just ride all day." - Aaron Gawthorne
"The power is right there on tap, which is good. It steers really well. it's a good bike for a rider that can handle the big power" - Brent Rysko

KTM 200

EMD

Garry - "This bike was a real winner last year on our tight special test tracks, however jetting for this altitude was a little rich, resulting in a little hesitancy off the bottom. Keep it on the main jet and it’ll circulate the single wheel stuff as quick as any of the KTM ’s. It feels very light and changes direction with little effort. You can cruise around on this bik,e but it will reward the more aggressive rider in technical conditions.This bike would suit the beginner right through to the aggressive bush racer."

Rob - "This bike is very light, and the easiest to change direction from side to side. Its also the quickest bike to stop. The engine jetting was not quite crisp, but its heaps of fun to throw around"

Demo Dudes

"This is a cool bike. I came to the demo day to look at it as I've owned one before. Its predictable and nimble, but does tend to deflect due to its lighter weight. Though in my opinion this is a trait of the bike in respect to its ratio of sprung and unsprung weight" - Deeds Raymond
" If anything the 200 was peakier than the 300. I preferred the 300 as my bike of choice." - Ray Oriocki
"In my opinion this is the pick of the bikes. It handles better, is lighter, and I can ride fast on this bike. I love two strokes" - Brock Grabham

KTM250

EMD

Garry - "Two stroke fans will love this bike for its light handling and responsive power combination. The motor is noticeably torquier than the 200, and carries a little more inertia. The suspension is very plush with the initial action of the front and rear very forgiving. Now with electric start to compliment the bikes versatility, the cockpit is full of top quality adjustable components."

Rob - Light, smooth tractable power, and easy to change direction on. Again engine jetting not quite crisp. I love the electric start this year- how easy is that?"

Demo Dudes

"Basically as I expected. The power was underrated a bit, but I'm used to riding motocross. A sick bike to ride" - Clint Whittaker Roxby Downs SA "
"I found this an easier bike to ride than the 200, but I got into more trouble due to pushing that bit harder. It’s a very torquey motor, and the bike handles really well, with none of the deflection noticed on the 200. As the day wore on I did get used to the power." - Deeds Raymond

KTM300 EMD Garry - "A great bike for social trail riding and the more experienced enduro trail racers. The bike enjoys the more open trail sections and would be fantastic for ams-cross or grass track racing. The bike suffered in the tight dry, hard packed sections under aggressive riding and preferred to be ridden in a taller gear and allow the torque to do the work.This bike can achieve some serious speed in a short period and the Brembo brakes work well to compensate" Rob - "Very light, very smooth power, and easy to change direction on. The elevation caused a bit of hesitation, but cleaner jetting would resolve this. Lazy tractable power delivery" Demo Dudes "I rate this bike really well. Good for novice to expert. Good broad power range, and very nimble. This is the best two stroke I have ridden in a long time." - Roger Plucke "Good all round bike. Great power through the trails, with awesome suspension. The brakes were really good too." - Allan Rysko "Really snappy. Heaps of power and torque, but a bit too much bike for me. Its one of them bikes that you can point and shoot. Come in hard and blast away. Suspension had too little sag for my weight." - Aaron Gawthorne "I ride a WR250 and tried a 450 four stroke but found it tiring. I am looking for something quicker but not as aggressive. The 300 is exactly what I was looking for. It is a pleasure to ride with the top end there if you need it. Anyone wanting to go to the next level who currently own a 250 four stroke, give the 300 a go. 9.5/10" - Ray Oriocki "Great bike. Excellent for trail riding. A light easy handling bike, with good power. I loved riding the 300" - Brent Rysko

Husaberg 450 - Standard EMD Garry - "All the hype about this bike was as I found, well and truly justified. The bike steers, corners, maneuvers obstacles like nothing I have ever experienced. The bike feels like you’ve grabbed 15 kilos or more from the front of the bike, and condensed it between you legs. The result is a light front end, with the feel and steering of a 125/250. The benefits are a very plush front end that steers wherever you point it. This was an unbelievable feeling considering the dry, and hard packed conditions on the day. Being fuel injected only adds to this bike’s amazing characteristics. The power was right there from the start in a very linear, and user friendly manner. This also benefitted traction especially as the day wore on, as did the tyres. The EFI also aids taller gear selection especially when rider fatigue sets in. At the end of the day I was able to cut a few laps around the Clarence MX circuit. This bike has just no respect for stutters, whoops etc and just soaks them up in its stride. (Going back to the 15 kilo theory, try jumping up and down on the spot with a 10 kilo container at arms length then do the same holding it between your legs.) This bike has lost most of a conventional bike’s see/saw action as result of its geometry. The front end just absorbs everything in its path." Rob - "Very quick turning, and the front end will build your confidence quickly. Very, very impressive. I would like to set this bike up for a proper test to see how the results compare." Demo Dudes "Straight up my impression was progressive suspension and progressive power. It’s a very good motor, and a great package. It a ""big bike that doesn't have that big bike feel if you know what I mean.It feels like a 125. This bike does turn a bit quick for me. I like a heavier feel in the front, and actually used to over tension my head stem bolts in my race bikes to give them that heavier feel." - Jeff Grabham "Awesome bike. Light, and handles like nothing I've ever ridden. The bike responds a bit too well, and has more power than is needed in most situations. You couldn't go past this bike for enduro riding. Excellent." - Rolf Goldberger " "Heaps of grunt. Handling was really good, although I felt the KTM400 handled better on the test track. I've never ridden Bergs before, but I am really impressed." - Allan Rysko "This bike has more of a motocross feel, with good power. I found the front was washing a little, and you really need to be up on the front of the seat a fair bit. As I said, more of a MX feel than the KTM." - Dave Wildern "This is not a 450, it’s a 200cc four stroke. It goes wherever you want. Very forgiving. You can enter the wrong rut in the wrong gear, and it will still get you to where you want it to go" - Deeds Raymond "Nimble with heaps of low down torque. You can change direction so easily. Once explained you can actually understand the inertia mechanics involved in the design. It felt awesome. Excellent bike." - Ray Williams "This is awesome. It rides very, very smooth. It feels like you could just cruise along all day, its that good. I had more confidence in the front end than the KTM" - Peter Zarro

Husaberg 450 - Rekluse Fitted.

EMD

Garry - "The second berg equipped with the “rekluse pro” auto clutch makes it all but impossible to stall.. The pro version offers both enduro and MXers full feel of the clutch should they need to feather the clutch in trickey conditions."

Rob - "The Rekluse encourages you to get on the throttle earlier in turns. The power of idle to a quarter throttle, is very progressive. I would love to test this against a standard bike, in a proper test, to compare lap times.

I seemed to get less arm pump with the Rekluse. Its great on technical single wheel tracks."

Demo Dudes

"I didn't’t think the Berg had the Zap of the 08 Husky (pipe etc fitted) which I have also ridden. The Husaberg felt lighter than the others I have ridden. The Rekluse is awesome, a must have" - Mark Laruffa
"This is the first bike I have ever ridden where the magazine tests are accurate. Its awesome, and I would buy one in a flash. The Rekluse was great. I had one fitted to a previous bike, and I think the EFI power delivery really suits the Rekluse." - Aaron Gawthorne
"Really sure footed. An awesome bike, with an equally awesome clutch." - Ray Williams

The KTM's, with the exception of the Electric start on the 250EXC two stroke, and the addition of the 400EXCF to the stable, remain pretty much the same as the 2008 models we tested. We hope to test the KTM four strokes again in the next couple of months and will give them a more intensive evaluation in both trail, and special test environments.

My initial impression of the newly released KTM400EXC was great. Its a really smooth, easily adaptable bike, that will suit a broad range of riders. Speaking to Ben Grabham on the day, don't be surprised to see him on this bike in the bush oriented races next year. I agree with his opinion that no one needs more power than the 400cc motor delivers. With limited numbers entering the country this year they could soon become scarce commodity.

Once again the EMD team performed awesomely. Rob braved both dust and the rider, to capture the photographic moments, both good and bad. Top effort.

Garry wore a few hats on the day. He provides awesome feedback for the reports with his extensive setup knowledge, and his track and trail ability is first class. As a Sutto's sponsored rider he also acted as lead/sweep for the day, and had this to say, "I’d like to thank Chris Sutton of Sutto’s motorcycles Penrith for assembling the biggest range of demo models ever seen at a bike complex, offering every aspect of riding conditions possible. It made my job of sweep rider very pleasurable to be able to sample the range of 09 machines."

Photo by Rob Mendham

Sutto had this to say at the end of the days riding. "The day was great, and achieved all expectations. The riding went perfectly, with a wave of riders every thirty minutes riding 200cc to 530cc bikes. It was a no stress day, and everyone had a very good ride to evaluate the new models. Some even rode the same bike twice for piece of mind in their decision. I would like to thank all involved for making the day such a success. This was the first, and we are already making plans for Suttos Demo Day 2010 for next years event to be much bigger".

Well, another day done and dusted. A huge thank you to Chris Sutton and his loyal team for their hospitality. Danial, Suttos Motorcycles super Sales Manager did an awesome job bringing the day together. Also a big thankyou to Rick Braico for officiating on the day. As Sutto said, they are intending that this become an annual occasion, and just quietly, I think they are on a winner.

Hope to see you trackside. For any further info please contact me at shane@eatmydirt.com.au .

Report by Shane Corney

Photos by Rob Mendham

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