2008 KTM XC Off-Road Lineup

The 43mm WP fork was also too soft for our speedy adult, but given the conditions it held up well to the abuse, despite using the 10.8 and 11.8 inches of clearance front and rear too quickly.

As you would expect from a small-bore 2-stroke, the motor's power delivery was pipey.

Unlike its dual-front/single-rear siblings, the 105 uses twin-pot calipers on both ends and the result is some serious manhandling of the binders.

People who want to turn this bike into a full-time GP racer might set both ends a tad stiffer down in the stroke for those hard hits and big jumps, but for a good pace in the back country this machine shines everywhere.

The 250 XC-F soaks up big braking bumps and acceleration chop with equal aplomb.

2008 KTM 250 XCF

It has more of a top-end feel to it where staying on the revs and using the clutch generates the biggest reward - what would you expect from a tiddler 4-stroke?

Our test rider liked the 250 XC-F best on the motocross track thanks to its rev-happy motor.

KTM is known for making powerful small-bore motors in both 2-stroke and 4-stroke configurations.

The rear-end was a little off as well and rode with a slight stink bug effect early in the day.

As always, we love KTM controls.

Super-tractability is usually reserved for 4-strokes, but KTM's triple-century is definitely a climber.

The front fork seemed to be the most off-road oriented of the three big-bikes we tested.

After some photos and photo sessions we were able to get the sag increased to where the bike handled better and felt more neutral. The benefits to the steering were noticeable as well.

Off the motocross track and out in the back country, the 300 really impressed us with its climbing prowess.

Expansion chamber and all, the KTM 300 XC has long been a favorite of off-road riders and the 2008 version can compete with anything you'll find in the modern 4-stroke market.

You can feel the flywheel working in this motor, lots of low end torque and not much of a hit.

On the motocross track it felt almost like the jetting was off and kept us waiting for that surge of power, but that sensation helps keep this buff motor manageable out in the woods.

One of the things that we've liked about KTM 450 machines in the past is how slim they are, and the 2008 450 XC-F doesn't deviate from the diet program.

KTM reworked the motor on the 450 XC-F and the new mill is mindlessly simple to use. Plenty of horsepower and torque make an excellent combination with the new 5-speed transmission.

All of the new XC machines get these spiffy fork guards.

They are certainly capable of moto, but the XC machines are still set up for off-road riding, and that includes suspension.

Riding the XC lineup really demonstrates how in-tune KTM is with the off-road market.

There's more of an electric sensation than just power delivery, the 450 XC-F is just like its moto cousin in that it doesn't come with a kickstarter. The 12.5:1 compression ratio is turned over via the magic button.

Though they aren't intended to spend full days hucking doubles, scrubbing tabletops and skimming whoops, the notoriously rough track was prepared well enough to give the KTM XC lineup a good test of their racing diversity - something these machines are specifically designed for.

Overall the machine has dropped more than 10 pounds of claimed weight with the disappearance of a headlight.