Quick Ride

Quick Ride

KTM 625 SXC Trail beast, tamed

FACT: BIG-BORE DIRT Thumpers are a dying breed. Where once there were as many as eight different models, now there are but two readily available big bikes for big men: the Honda XR650R and now, the KTM 625 SXC.

By re-introducing what is essentially an updated version of the old LC4, KTM has created a pretty good dirtbike, its crowning jewel being electric starting. In simple terms, the 625 is a push-button XR650. The mission statement is the same for both machines: Big, deliberate Thumper power on a plush platform that isn’t overly concerned with weight.

The trusty liquid-cooled, fourvalve, sohc Single has been updated with slightly larger exhaust valves and more efficient porting from the rally racing engine. It even says so right on the side of the bike, “High Flow.” More and smoother power is the benefit. The rest of the engine shares its design with the R/XC dual-purpose model, which means it’s legal for a California Green Sticker. Until the end of this year, you can even convert it for street use. Act fast!

Punch the button and the 625 fires right up. At idle, the engine pulses are significant enough that when resting on smooth ground the entire bike will walk around a bit. Once under way, you’re party to that vibration all the time. The lower you keep the revs, though, the less of a concern the vibes become. Thankfully, that’s the range in which the SXC really likes to work. It’s easier to ride, too; just keep the wide-ratio fivespeed transmission a gear high and you’ll be in Thumper heaven. Aside from a sizeable gap between first and second gears, there isn’t much to complain about in terms of shifting and clutching, the latter now being hydraulically actuated.

Overall, the WP suspension is just about perfect for trail riding. The inverted fork and linkage-type shock have a softer, non-racing-oriented nature that keeps the wheels planted, but with enough compression to damp out most whoops without bottoming. The bike’s weight isn’t a concern at cruising speeds, but we wouldn’t want to fight this girth in competition.

The gas tank has a slim profile, and holds just 2.4 gallons. That relatively meager capacity will get you 60-70 miles most of the time, but may hold back some riders. Bigger tanks are available through the aftermarket. Other standard features, such as the quality lights, oversized handlebars, handguards and quiet, spark arrestor-equipped muffler make for a complete enduro package.

Priced competitively with the XR650R, the $5998 625 SXC fills a niche for the discriminating rider looking to buy a big ol’ E-start dirtbike. Up the fuel range and there wouldn’t be a better bike for a week in Baja. Now that’s treading on XR territory ! -Jimmy Lewis