Motorcycle specifications KTM150 SX 2016 Tensioned stingray

The 150 SX engine has long had the reputation of being the most powerful and competitive in its class. Nevertheless, it was time to breathe new life into the segment and make it clear that two-stroke technology has a promising future thanks to its excellent power-to-weight ratio, low cost and simplicity. The new 150 cm3 engine developed for the 2016 model year features an entirely new architecture benefiting from the latest know-how and technology. The result is improved power across the rev range, 2 kg less weight than its predecessor and a much more compact size.

cylinder

the heart of the new engine is a new cylinder with a 58 mm bore. In addition to reworked ports, it features a new exhaust valve and a sophisticated mechanism for the side support exhaust channels. Combined with the new two-piece cylinder head, this design is responsible for a clear increase in power across the range.despite a weight reduction of 360g compared to the previous model, the new layout of the water jackets inside the cylinder and cylinder head ensures better heat dissipation, an important feature when the engine is under heavy load. The cylinder, cylinder head and piston can now also be mounted on a 150 cm3 engine base to convert it into a 150 SX without replacing the crankshaft.

moulded crankcase

for the latest generation of engines, KTM engineers have designed new molded crankcases where the position of the clutch shaft and crankshaft have been raised by 27 and 37 mm respectively, resulting in better mass centralization and improved handling. The engine is also much more compact, making a significant contribution to weight reduction (600g less).

piston

the 150 SX's new 58 mm-diameter piston is designed for maximum reliability, and its shape has been modified to perfectly match the new cylinder layout.

new crankshaft

for the new model, the crankshaft has the same 54.5 mm stroke as that of the 150 cm3 engine, features optimized balancing to reduce vibration, and is 50 g lighter.

exhaust

for the new model, KTM engineers have developed a new exhaust pipe specially designed to maximize the engine's power output.

clutch

the new engine features a new hydraulic clutch mechanism manufactured by Brembo instead of Magura. It ensures easy clutch engagement and defined modulation.

gearbox

the new 6-speed gearbox offers the same ratios as the previous model, but the latest production techniques have reduced width by 6mm and weight by 200g. The "zero dirt" design of the gearshift prevents dirt from blocking the lever joint, guaranteeing safe gearbox operation.

fork

the new KTM SX models are equipped with a revolutionary new ultra-light WP fork48 mm inverted air-sprung fork developed by WP Suspension in close collaboration with KTM. This is a split fork with separate functions for each fork arm. The damping functions are on the right, the air spring on the left. The left fork arm houses an air cartridge. The air spring is easily adjusted to the rider's weight using a single valve and a standard fork air pump. The right fork arm features a new cartridge specially designed to meet the requirements of the single-arm design, and damping can be adjusted to suit track conditions or rider preference with a simple turn of a knob. With a travel of around 300 mm, the new fork offers exceptional response and excellent, consistent damping characteristics. It is also 1.4 kg lighter than the previous model.

fork crown

high-quality CNC-machined fork crowns have been a KTM trademark for many years. Enabling precise steering, they significantly enhance the flexibility characteristics and, thus, the action of the fork. For 2016, the upper fork tee features a new rubber damping system for the handlebar clamp to reduce the level of handlebar vibration. The fork tees retain front-to-rear adjustability according to rider preference.

monoshock

wP Suspension's new generation of monoshocks has been designed for the new SX models.for the new SX models, in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture, modified linkage and new WP fork. The linkage system has also been reworked, with modified geometry and lengthened tie-rods, and was tested last season on most KTM factory bikes.

lighter weight

the main objective of KTM engineers in developing the new generation SX was to achieve a very high weight reduction and improved handling. With a weight reduction of between 4 and 5 kg, the result is exceptional, making the new KTM models the lightest motorcycles on the market. this is despite the fact that the four-stroke models are fitted as standard with a highly beneficial electric starter, whereas competing models have to be kick-started.

air box

the new airbox design offers optimum protection of the air filter against clogging and maximum airflow. The new intake snorkels are 300g lighter and made from a new, performance-enhancing material that reduces deformation caused by air intake pulses. As on previous models, the new double air filter is easy and safe to fit, and can be changed in seconds without tools - an original KTM standard feature.

saddle

perfectly ergonomic, the new saddle offers superior foam plastic volume, guaranteeing comfort and durability for the same weight as the previous model.

frame

the new frame design offers around 20% more torsional stiffness, around 30% less longitudinal stiffness, and features redesigned engine mounting lugs to reduce vibration. This increased flexibility enables better absorption of the energy generated by front and rear wheel loads, supporting the suspension for greater comfort and reduced rider fatigue. A 0.4° greater steering angle and a 10 mm shorter wheelbase contribute to improved handling, as does a 380 g lighter weight than the previous model.

handlebars

the new SX generation models feature a new tapered handlebar NEKEN tapered handlebars in high-strength aluminum, mounted on a new clamp with shock-absorbing gasket and offering two handlebar mounting positions.

footrests

a new "zero-dirt" footrest design prevents dirt from blocking the footrests when they are returned to position, even in deep ruts. The new footrests are also wider and more stable, offer better grip and are lighter than on previous models.

swingarm

as on previous models, the new generation SX is equipped with a new cast aluminum swingarm. The new one-piece cast swingarm offers reduced weight and optimized bending behavior for enhanced damping characteristics. The weight saving is 250 g.

fuel tank

all SX models feature a new, ultra-light polyethylene fuel tank with a capacity of 7.0 liters. The internally threaded tank cap ensures easy, reliable closure. Four-stroke models feature an integrated fuel pump system.

cooling system

kTM's integrated cooling system routes coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle to the new aluminum WP radiators, equipped with a new cap system and made of a stiffer alloy. Thanks to optimized internal circulation and ventilation calculated by CFD simulation, cooling efficiency has been improved by around 10%. Elaborate radiator guards provide effective protection in the event of an accident.

wheels

the 150 SX features ultra-light CNC-machined hubs, top-of-the-range Excel rims, new lightened spokes and aluminum spoke-heads for maximum stability and minimum weight. Dunlop's new MX tires (Geomax MX 32) have been developed with the KTM racing team in the USA on the basis of factory tests and the racing experience of seasoned riders. They guarantee perfect traction and exceptional performance.

brakes

high-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM off-road bikes. They are combined with redesigned, lighter and more heat-resistant wave-type discs manufactured by GALFER. The ultimate solution in braking technology. 63g lighter at the front, 32g lighter at the rear.

cladding

for the new generation of SX models, KTM factory riders collaborated with KTM R&D specialists and Kiska Design on the design of the bodywork. The aim was to achieve perfect harmony between rider and bike, right down to the smallest detail. The result: new plastics offering perfect ergonomics and contact points for the rider, maximum freedom of movement, a saddle lowered by 10 to 20 mm (at the rear) and improved comfort, particularly at the rear of the saddle.

graphics

new, modern IML graphics underline the sporty character of the top motocross bikes in the 2016 SX range.

News and media credits: KTM