Ktm Loses Its Link

KTM LOSES ITS LINK

KIM is set to "shock" the motorcycle world by disposing of the rear suspension linkage on its 1998 two-stroke models. Finally developed to the company's satisfaction, the so-called Progressive Damping System (PDS) mounts the newly developed dual-piston WP shock directly to the swingarm. Forks on most of the new bikes (the 250, 300 and all-new 380) will he 50mm WPs, while the 125 (shown here) and 200 will continue with 45mm Marzocchis. Engine-wise, the 125 and 200 are all-new, while the 380 (which replaces the 360) shares the same cases as the 250 and 300 models. As usual, the two-stroke line will include SX (motocross), E/XC (enduro) and M/XC (all-around oft-road) versions.