Motorcycle specifications KTM150 XC-W 2018 Power without the frills

The XC-W features the advanced technical solutions of Katoche's EXC range, and is an excellent introduction to enduro riding. Disadvantage: it's not road-approved. XC stands for cross-country. W stands for a gearbox with a large number of ratios. This model is designed for Enduro events on closed circuits, or for races where motorcycle homologation is not required. It will also please riders who prefer a bike without all the components required for homologation. As nimble as a 125 and almost as muscular as a 250 cm3 4-stroke engine, this bike offers incredible energy for its weight.

Engine
The engine of the KTM 150 XC-W is the strongest and most competitive unit in its class, delivering precisely the level of power demanded by an Enduro rider. This 150 cm3 engine, the fruit of KTM's technical expertise, incorporates the latest technological innovations on the market. Despite its compact, lightweight structure, it delivers monstrous power and enormous torque across the entire rev range.

Cylinder and cylinder head
This ultra-compact cylinder, with a bore of 58 mm, features a cutting-edge control spindle and a sophisticated mechanism for the exhaust channels in the side support. Combined with the two-piece cylinder head, this design is responsible for a clear increase in power across the range. The layout of the water jackets inside the cylinder and cylinder head ensures efficient heat dissipation under high engine loads.

Engine crankcases
KTM engineers have designed ultra-light, moulded engine crankcases and raised the position of the crankshaft and clutch shaft to bring them closer to the center of gravity, so as to better centralize mass and enhance rideability. Despite its extremely compact form and light weight, the engine can accommodate an electric starter. Crankcase covers feature an advanced surface structure to prevent premature wear caused by the rider's boots.

Carburetor
The KTM 150 XC-W is equipped with a MIKUNI TMX carburetor. This 38-mm flat-barrel carburetor offers a clear improvement in power delivery right up to the rev limiter. Thanks to a new intake manifold, the carburetor has been rotated by 7° to limit the risk of fuel overflow. It is also less sensitive to changes in altitude and temperature.

Gearbox
Another interesting innovation specially designed for the Enduro 2-stroke engine is a robust 6-speed gearbox perfectly suited to the 150's range of use. The reduction in weight and size of the engine was made possible by the use of ultra-modern production technologies. As safety is also an essential parameter, the selector adopts a new "zero dirt" design that prevents the lever joint from jamming due to dirt. Because even greasy terrain enthusiasts take a dim view of mud when it gets lodged in the wrong places.

Clutch
The clutch is activated by a hydraulic system manufactured by Brembo. This ultra-reliable, self-adjusting system guarantees smooth operation and perfect clutch modulation.

Exhaust system
The exhaust system has been carefully designed to deliver even more power.

Ignition
All 2-stroke models feature a new CDI control unit and advanced components designed to improve engine starting behavior. Ignition curves remain unchanged.

Piston
The piston has been optimized for maximum reliability, and its shape is perfectly matched to the layout of the avant-garde cylinder.

Crankshaft
The engine has been carefully balanced to minimize vibration. By simply replacing the cylinder, piston and cylinder head, displacement has been reduced to 125 cm3. As the crankshaft remained the same, the engineers killed two birds with one stone.

Lightweight
The current KTM XC-W models are among the lightest and slimmest Enduro bikes on the market.

Frame
The high-tech chromium-molybdenum steel frame is a model of lightness, flexibility and manoeuvrability, offering excellent stability and devilishly precise cornering. Thanks to its high torsional stiffness and low longitudinal rigidity, this frame absorbs the energy generated by the front and rear suspensions when jumping or going over a bump. The ride is more comfortable and less tiring. The dropouts that link the cylinder head to the frame are as light as ever. Mounted laterally, they help limit vibration levels. Two threaded inserts have been provided in the lower cradle tubes to add a shoe, should the need arise. The engineers can be proud of their work, as the frame is now one kilo lighter than the lightest competing frame on the market today. Every effort has also been made to facilitate maintenance and free up space for the tank and other components. The ultra-light buckle, made of stable aluminum profiles, weighs in at less than 900 grams.

Footrests
Sophisticated "zero-dirt" footrests prevent the gear selector from getting dirty, even when riding in deep ruts. To enhance ground clearance, the gear selector on Enduro models is 6 mm higher than on SX versions. But you're free to change it if you like.

Swingarm
The design of the swingarm optimizes the position of the PDS shock absorber for even smoother entry into action. In addition to its lightness, cast aluminum is ideal for bending. The one-piece molding process eliminates the imperfections inherent in welding, guaranteeing a more homogeneous, but also more meticulous, manufacturing quality.

Rear suspension
A true KTM trademark, the PDS shock absorber is connected directly to the upper part of the swingarm. As a result, engineers were able to mount it in the most appropriate position for even more progressive damping. As the shock absorber has been moved closer to the central axis, the loads exerted on the swingarm and frame are virtually symmetrical. This also frees up space for the exhaust system. The second piston, combined with a cup-shaped limit stop (instead of a needle-type one) and supported by a progressive-action spring, guarantees excellent resistance to bottoming. With its various machined and anodized components and its characteristic WP color scheme, this ultra-sophisticated shock absorber makes a strong impression compared to less well-finished competing products.

Front suspension
The WP XPlor 48 upside-down fork is a fork with separate damping circuits, developed by WP in close collaboration with KTM. Each fork leg is equipped with a spring and has a different function: the left leg handles compression damping, while the right leg handles rebound. To fine-tune each of these settings, simply turn the knob at the top of the fork. New outer tubes and setups have also improved sensitivity, lightened weight and optimized fork damping behavior. To reduce the risk of bottoming, the fork is equipped with a sealed hydraulic stop. High-quality materials, an ultra-sophisticated production process, 300 mm of travel: nothing has been left to chance to make the new WP Xplor 48 fork the ultimate in responsiveness and damping. The preload adjuster (available as retrofit) makes it easy to set spring preload to three levels (standard, +3 mm, +6 mm), without the need for tools.

Fork crown
KTM XC-W models feature forged fork crowns with a 22 mm offset for improved fork retention and even more precise front-end behavior. Four positions are available on the XC-W to move the handlebars forward or back for a perfect grip.

Brakes
More responsive, more efficient and more powerful, Brembo calipers will cope with any situation. These little jewels of technology are combined with Wave brake discs, renowned for their lightness. The stainless-steel front brake hose features effective protection and a cable guide for the speedo wire.

Handlebars
NEKEN's handlebars are made of high-strength aluminum. It features a throttle response mechanism, sturdy aluminum handlebars and an ultra-simple guard adjustment system. right: an ODI vulcanized handle; left: the ODI lock-on handle, as comfortable as it is practical, thanks to its glue- and wire-free mounting system.

Electric starter
The design of the 150 cm3 engine allows for the installation of the motocross rider's ultimate weapon: an electric starter powered by a highly reliable lithium-ion battery. This magic button offers real advantages, especially for those who wish to compete at the highest level.

Air filter housing
The air filter housing has been designed to protect the air filter from clogging and guarantee optimum air flow. The cage in which the extra-large Twin Air filter is housed is totally rigid, helping to hold the system in place. The design is so simple that you could replace the filter even with your face covered in mud. And you don't need any tools. And in a matter of seconds.

Fuel tank
Thanks to its transparent plastic, the ultra-light 10-liter polyethylene fuel tank lets you know at a glance how much fuel is left. To refuel, simply press the orange button in the center of the fuel cap to open the bayonet mechanism.

Wheels
Featuring ultra-light CNC-machined hubs and top-of-the-range Giant rims, the XC-W's wheels guarantee maximum stability despite limited weight. To top it all off, they're fitted with the latest-generation Dunlop tires. Whatever the terrain, these tires deliver maximum traction.

Cooling system
KTM's proven integrated cooling system circulates coolant from the cylinder head via the frame triangle to the aluminum radiators supplied by WP. Its efficiency is due to improved internal airflow management and advances in ventilation thanks to CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculations. The new radiator protections offer the advantage of better heat dissipation. This is all the more true in the presence of mud. Integrated into the front spoilers, these radiator guards are particularly useful in the event of an impact.

Battery and wiring harness
As in the past, these engines feature the tried-and-tested electric starter - a KTM exclusive and a major advantage in motocross competition. The electric starter is combined with an ultra-compact lithium ion battery, three times more powerful than a conventional battery. The battery and wiring harness are grouped together in a compartment above the air-filter housing, so that the electrical circuit is not in the way when the loop is removed. Mechanics and DIY enthusiasts will appreciate this.

Dress
KTM factory riders collaborated on the bike's design with KTM R&D specialists and the Kiska design agency, with a single watchword: to create perfect harmony between rider and machine. Particular attention has been paid to ergonomics and contact points for the rider, to enhance freedom of movement and comfort on the XC-W. The special shape of the front and rear mudguards guarantees maximum stability and minimum weight, thanks to a well thought-out structure and assembly. Best of all, they stay clean longer. The clever mounting of the brake hose on the cross front plate also reduces wear and tear.

Graphics
The new deco kit confirms the READY TO RACE character of the 2018 KTM XC-W range.

News and media credits: KTM