2024 KTM 150 XC-W First Experience Evaluation

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A 150cc two-stroke is probably not everybody’s first selection of grime bike, primarily due to the misperception that it will likely be sluggish. The reality is that the quantity of most energy a motorcycle makes not often impacts how briskly you go as a racer.

Riding the 2024 KTM 150 XC-W at Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio—home of the John Penton GNCC.

Using the 2024 KTM 150 XC-W at Sunday Creek Raceway in Millfield, Ohio—dwelling of the John Penton GNCC. (Mack Faint/)

The 2024 KTM 150 XC-W is a very up to date mannequin with engine, suspension, and chassis enhancements. This bike is meant to be a closed-course competitors enduro mannequin that may nonetheless be used as a enjoyable path bike. Closed-course, for probably the most half, means, in KTM phrases, it’s “Prepared To Race.”

The KTM 150 XC-W is an all-new bike for 2024 with a touch of retro purple in its color scheme.

The KTM 150 XC-W is an all-new bike for 2024 with a contact of retro purple in its colour scheme. (Mack Faint/)

2024 KTM 150 XC-W Engine

The 150 XC-W now encompasses a throttle physique injected (TBI) engine with an electronically managed exhaust energy valve. This gasoline injection system is like what the 2023 KTM SX and XC two-stroke fashions acquired. Nonetheless, on the XC-W fashions, an digital oil injection system eliminates the necessity to premix gasoline for ease of use.

The TBI system is managed by a Vitesco Applied sciences engine administration system (EMS) that makes use of a Keihin 39mm throttle physique. The transmission is a wide-ratio five-speed that makes use of 13/50 remaining drive gearing.

Associated: 2023 125cc Two-Stroke Off-Street and Enduro Bikes To Purchase

With its new throttle body injection (TBI) system, the 150 XC-W has significantly improved torque compared to the 2020–2023 transfer port injected (TPI) models.

With its new throttle physique injection (TBI) system, the 150 XC-W has considerably improved torque in comparison with the 2020–2023 switch port injected (TPI) fashions. (Mack Faint/)

TBI is a welcome improve over the switch port injection (TPI) system fitted on KTM’s previous-generation (20202023) enduro fashions. It produces an influence supply as near a carburetor as you possibly can presently get. The electronically managed energy valve helps give this 144cc two-stroke a wider powerband. Collectively, the TBI system and digital energy valve are enormous elements in how properly this bike transitions from off-the-pipe into the meat of the facility.

KTM’s 150 engines are to not be underestimated. The Austrian producer markets it as excellent for children or rookies, nevertheless it’s nonetheless highly effective sufficient for the skilled enduro rider. To not point out it’s light-weight; in response to KTM, it’s simply 41 kilos.

Deceivingly fast and with a surprising amount of torque, the 150 XC-W can climb most of the same hills as big-bore bikes.

Deceivingly quick and with a stunning quantity of torque, the 150 XC-W can climb a lot of the identical hills as big-bore bikes. (Mack Faint/)

With this new TBI design, the 150 XC-W feels very near a carbureted engine, which implies a a lot better seat-of-the-pants feeling and on-demand throttle response. The mapping is superb and there’s even an optionally available richer map for heavy load circumstances, which is a good characteristic that may assist scale back detonation and untimely piston put on.

2024 KTM 150 XC-W Suspension

KTM’s 2024 enduro and twin sports activities are geared up with a redesigned WP Xplor PDS (Progressive Damping System) shock that encompasses a shorter and lighter physique. Entrance suspension can be all-new, because the earlier WP Xplor 48mm open-cartridge coil-spring fork has been changed with a WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring unit.

Associated: 2023 Carbureted 250cc Two-Stroke Off-Street and Enduro Bikes

The new WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork is a significant change in the suspension department.

The brand new WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork is a big change within the suspension division. (Allan Brown/)

The brand new Xact fork constitutes a big step within the efficiency course for the XC-W fashions. This closed-cartridge design is just like WP’s Xact Professional 6500 Cartridge. Each left and proper fork legs supply hand-adjustable compression and rebound damping adjustability. The Xplor PDS shock provides ease of upkeep and glorious efficiency for the enduro utility. It has an easy-set spring preload ring and no linkage to break or keep.

For 2024, KTM went with new suspension settings which are targeted extra on the efficiency vary. This implies extra holdup and higher bottoming resistance, however marginally much less consolation. Such efficiency qualities tie in with its purpose of creating this extra of a contest mannequin.

A new WP Xplor 48mm open-cartridge coil-spring fork and improved suspension settings add to rider confidence, giving the 150 XC-W a racier feel.

A brand new WP Xplor 48mm open-cartridge coil-spring fork and improved suspension settings add to rider confidence, giving the 150 XC-W a racier really feel. (Mack Faint/)

The suspension does have a noticeably firmer really feel. Nonetheless, there isn’t a big discount in consolation. That is possible course as this bike’s supposed use is closed-course enduro.

2024 KTM 150 XC-W Chassis/Dealing with

The 150 XC-W has been fully up to date with a brand new chassis. It’s now just like the SX and XC fashions, however not a precise copy. As a result of this bike makes use of PDS rear suspension, it has a devoted body and swingarm designed particularly for the calls for of enduro competitors.

When you get into the woods with leaves covering the ground, creating slippery conditions, the 150 XC-W shines.

While you get into the woods with leaves protecting the bottom, creating slippery circumstances, the 150 XC-W shines. (Mack Faint/)

The brand new double-cradle chromoly metal body is hydroformed, laser-cut, and robot-welded. The brand new hole aluminum alloy swingarm is die-cast, providing diminished unsprung weight and elevated rigidity.

A lot of the bodywork is interchangeable with the SX and XC fashions, with some exceptions being the rear fender with its taillight and the brand new LED entrance headlight. The 150 XC-W has sturdy hand guards and a bigger 2.4-gallon gasoline tank.

A purposeful however not outsized polyamide composite skid plate protects for many enduro circumstances. When you plan to take this bike into excessive rocky terrain, a bigger, extra protecting skid plate may be useful.

Associated: 2024 KTM 300 XC-W Hardenduro First Look

According to claimed specifications, the 2024 KTM 150 XC-W gained 3 pounds over last year’s model.

In response to claimed specs, the 2024 KTM 150 XC-W gained 3 kilos over final 12 months’s mannequin. (Mack Faint/)

A cool new characteristic within the electronics division is the Offroad Management Unit (OCU). Eliminating the necessity for fuses and relays ought to make troubleshooting faster and extra accessible even whereas on the path.

The 2024 chassis is a noticeable change in comparison with the prior-generation. It nonetheless has a KTM really feel with a really open cockpit however feels barely taller than the 2023 mannequin. The bike now feels extra responsive with improved maneuverability, making it even higher on tighter trails. The seat feels firmer and holds up somewhat longer earlier than getting smooth.

Brake and clutch methods are the identical high-quality Brembo efficiency gadgets you anticipate on a KTM grime bike. Carried over from the 2023–2024 motocross and cross-country fashions is a brand new footpeg design, which is superb.

The 150 XC-W is comfortable in both low- and high-speed conditions.

The 150 XC-W is comfy in each low- and high-speed circumstances. (Mack Faint/)

How Does the 2024 KTM 150 XC-W Experience?

The very first thing that involves thoughts is that it’s a 150, and possibly your buddies have 250s, 300s, and even larger-displacement four-strokes. You then begin asking your self, “How will I sustain if I purchase this smaller-displacement bike?” Happily, a much bigger engine doesn’t routinely translate into going sooner in enduro and off-road. Suspension, weight, controllability, and rider talent will all the time trump horsepower.

This 150 is fast. The best way it places its energy to the bottom with out the hit of a 250 or the torque of a 300 may be very deceiving. The TBI system works extremely properly, broadening the powerband so properly that I by no means realized a 150 might run this properly. It’s extra just like the vastly in style 200cc two-stroke enduro bikes KTM used to supply.

The nimble and lightweight feeling of the 150 XC-W make it a bike you can ride all day long.

The nimble and light-weight feeling of the 150 XC-W make it a motorcycle you possibly can experience all day lengthy. (Mack Faint/)

My eyes had been opened after I received into the woods and flowing single-track. At first, I didn’t even understand how briskly I used to be going till it got here time to hit the brakes. The acceleration and lack of wheelspin, particularly in map 2 (the richer of the 2 choices), had me going sooner than I noticed. I discovered this rapidly by blowing by way of a number of corners till my mind adjusted completely to how a lot tougher I wanted to hit the brakes.

This new chassis provides extra exact dealing with and the smaller engine, with its light-weight feeling, is an enormous half. The brand new suspension is clearly within the course of extra efficiency for enduro racing whereas conserving an inexpensive quantity of consolation for path using. Inventory settings for my weight of 170 kilos had been very shut. With just a few clicker changes, I used to be higher than 90 p.c comfy at a race tempo.

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The 150 XC-W has such a friendly demeanor that it’s a perfect bike for new riders to learn on and advanced riders to practice special skills with.

The 150 XC-W has such a pleasant demeanor that it’s an ideal bike for brand new riders to be taught on and superior riders to follow particular expertise with. (Mack Faint/)

I discover this bike cool as a result of it’s excellent for a youthful rider shifting up from a supermini or a novice grownup rider, and but nonetheless has the potential for a top-level rider to go quick on. There may be a slight hole of intermediate riders that would discover it somewhat tougher to seek out the candy spot of creating this bike carry out to its fullest.

Total, I might simply race this bike in fully inventory type at an enduro or Grand Nationwide Cross Nation (GNCC) occasion and nonetheless be comfy path using with buddies for hours and hours.

Landmarks. A free ride day at “The Penton,” one of the longest-running GNCC venues, means you must ride under the water tower.

Landmarks. A free experience day at “The Penton,” one of many longest-running GNCC venues, means you need to experience below the water tower. (Mack Faint/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Shoei VFX-EVO

Goggle: EKS Model Gox Flat-Out

Jersey: Fly Racing Kinetic Jet

Hip Pack: USWE Zulo 2

Gloves: Fly Racing Professional Lite

Pants: Fly Racing Kinetic Jet

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 7

2024 KTM 150 XC-W Specs

MSRP: $10,099
Engine: Liquid-cooled, two-stroke single-cylinder
Displacement: 144cc
Bore x Stroke: 58.0 x 54.5mm
Compression Ratio: N/A
Transmission/Last Drive: 6-speed/chain
Gasoline System: EFI w/ 39mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate Diaphragm Metal (DS); hydraulic actuation
Body: Central double-cradle chromoly metal
Entrance Suspension: WP Xact 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. journey
Rear Suspension: WP Xplor PDS (Progressive Damping System) shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Entrance Tire: Dunlop Geomax MX33; 80/100-21
Rear Tire: Dunlop Geomax AT81; 110/100-18
Rake/Path: 26.1°/NA
Wheelbase: 58.6 in.
Floor Clearance: 14.7 in.
Claimed Seat Top: 37.9 in.
Gasoline Capability: 2.4 gal.
Claimed Moist Weight (With out Gasoline): 216 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: ktm.com

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