It’s no secret that I’m not a huge 2-stroke fan. I can see their benefits on many different levels and won’t argue them, I just don’t prefer premix. However, I did have an extremely positive experience recently which helped soften my take on the 2-stroke. MotoUSA got a chance to ride the 2010 KTM and Husaberg models in Washington for the press launch and I sampled four different machines while I was there. Looking back at which one sticks in my mind the most, it’s the KTM 150 XC. That bike just made me happy.

Riding a 125cc has always been fun to me, but they just don’t go anywhere since I’m too big and don’t do it enough to really ride them perfectly. It takes a special breed to go fast on tiddlers. But, the 150 is great because it gives you the neck-wringing sensation of the small-bore, but actually has some motor behind it. The engine was surprisingly luggable even though it's best at full-tilt, and the handling is off-the-charts quick. It still takes some effort to ride quickly, but I felt less fatigued after a WORCS race than I did on easy-riding 4-strokes.

The only bummer about the 150 XC is that it replaces the KTM 200 XC, which I’ve always suspected could be the perfect trail bike for me. Regardless, it was nice to get a boost of enthusiasm for the 2T again. Watch for a full review coming soon.