2007 KTM 400cc XCW

2007 KTM 400cc XCW

As Dirt Rider magazine put it….

As off-road competition continues to gravitate toward GNCC-, WORCS- and hare scrambles-type events, KTM has aimed its off-road line toward that growth without ignoring more traditional forms like enduro and desert. The result of this retargeting are the XC models. XCs are essentially do-it-all bikes with a visual motocross style that are nearly as capable on outdoor-style MX tracks as they are on a trail. XC-W versions have the same minimalist moto look but with more traditional off-road suspension, engine and transmission character. KTM seems to be addressing the current riding habits of more and more dirt riders. As watered and prepped tracks become more commonplace, even die-hard off-road guys are enticed by the convenience. Our everyday lives have grown more frenetic, and a ride requiring only hours is tempting when compared with off-road outings that often consume a day or more. So how do these retargeted off-road weapons work? KTM pushes the point that its products are ready to race, and the company showed confidence in the new machines by introducing them at the Washougal WORCS round. The WORCS crew uses every foot of the available area to ensure a true off-road challenge, so the only way to test the bikes was to enter a race! The bikes weren’t totally stock: KTM had added hand guards and bar pads. Stock gearing, tubes, tires, jetting and exhaust systems were all considered race-capable. KTM could have chosen a groomed riding area for the introduction, but instead, the company simply turned us loose on a rough, rocky and challenging off-road track in full-race conditions.

The 400 uses the 89.0mm piston with a 64.0mm stroke. It shares heads with the 450 with cams and valves. As great as the XC is as a track/off-road mount, I prefer the longer-stroke 450 XC-W or even the 400 for serious off-road riding and racing. The 400 has a lighter feel in rapid side-to-side transitions thanks to the shorter stroke. It also has the smoothest and most electric power delivery of any four-stroke I’ve ridden. It is absolutely my choice for challenging East Coast riding. It may not be as exciting to ride as either 450, but it is more tractable and less tiring.

The motorbike offered

The 2007 KTM 400XCW on offer here comes from a fantastically discerning collection…. our own Nick Smith. Purchased from another collector in 2011, the bike was used sparingly for several years, but was enjoyed on the Los Angeles to Barstow to Las Vegas event in 2012. From 2017 the bike has languished in the corner of the showroom, so it is time to move it on. Fresh from a full recommissioning, including new battery, flush of the fuel system, carb clean and rebuild, and a check through the spark system, the bike runs superbly. It starts easily, and has great power. It shifts smoothly through all gears and the brakes and suspension work as they should. The sale is accompanied by an additional long range gas tank and original unused KTM toolkit and books.

Sold on a clean, clear California title in non-op status, so no additional registration fees are due.

2007 KTM 400cc XCW

Location: Ventura, California

 

SOLD

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