KTM becomes the first

First to introduce their 2004 models to the public



The new ‘SX’ line-up for KTM in 2004: 85, 125, 200, and 250 two-strokes, and 450 and 525 four-strokes.



On Tuesday, July 15, KTM invited us out to the Cahuilla Motocross Park in Southern California to check out their new bikes. A beautiful, hilly, and sandy track, although the weather was incredibly hot, over 100 degrees.



What’s new on these bikes? We’ll let KTM’s Scot Harden explain:



Scot: “The biggest areas of development for us on the 2004 models is the chassis, and suspension. A lot of work has been done on with regards to R & D, both in Austria and here in the US. Of course, there are a lot of other upgrades as well, including styling, body work and rear sub-frames. The motors received additional work as well. But we can sum up 2004 in two words: chassis and suspension. How can the public learn about these new bikes? Word of mouth is still the best source of information. Dealerships are a great source of info as well, and they have all the literature there for you to read. You can visit our web-site http://www.ktmusa.com. The site will have all the latest info in the second week of August. And, you can obviously learn about the bikes thru the press and various publications, such as the traditional print publications, and electronic media like Supercross.com.”



But wait … there’s more! KTM also announced another first – the first ever USA factory team for the Dakar Rallye. Most likely it will be the 950cc V-Twin machines (see photos below). Three riders, including off-road legends Paul Krause and Larry Roseler, along with a third rider to be named later. And YOU could be that third rider!



According to KTM, “Team member number three has yet to be chosen. In fact, we will conduct an unprecedented, nationwide search for the third rider, though it’s not a contest you’re going to see on TV. Instead, the search for the third rider will be determined based on his or her off-road racing background, capability to make good decisions despite enormous fatigue, adaptability to foreign circumstances and ability to project a positive image for America and the team”. You can check out KTM’s web-site to learn more.



Expect to see a lot more orange in ’04.



(click on the thumbnail images to view the larger photos)



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SX 85	The 200 SX. Light like a 125, power like a 250	250 SX
450 four-stroke	The 525	525 motor
Jimmy Lewis checks out the 950 V-Twin Dakar Rallye bike	950cc’s. GPS. Fairings. Multiple gas tanks. Paris-to-Dakar 2004!	Members of the US Press get the lowdown
Tom from KTM explains about these new bikes to the assembled media reps	The SX/MX Media Guru was on hand to capture it all for UnderGround TV	Fancy editors ‘working’
G. Langston was on hand	G. Langston v.2	L – R Larry Roseler, Paul Krause, Scot Harden, and the 950 V-twin
KTM’s Scot Harden	Tom says “The flywheel has 15 grams of added weight … “	Tasty vittles were served for breakfast and lunch