2013 Highlights – Off-Road Dirt Bikes, ATVs and UTVs

Sep. 07, 2012 By Josh Burns, Photos Courtesy of the Manufacturers
 

2013 Dirt Bikes, ATVs and UTVs Cont.

2013 KTM 450 XC-F
Highlighting its off-road trail bikes, KTM is offering the new 450 XC-F in 2013. Although it does share some similarities to the 450 SX-F motocross bike the new 450 XC-F is definitely made for the trails. The XC-F features a fuel-injected, SOHC four-stroke engine. KTM’s new lightweight-yet-strong chromoly steel frame features a stiffer frame triangle and thinner-walled down tubes to improve stability as well as a weight reduction. KTM engineers also redesigned the swingarm to allow for a thicker rear wheel (25mm vs. 20mm) for improved stability.


Polaris Scrambler 850 H.O.
In the early releases for 2013, Polaris let us know about some exciting new vehicles, with one of the most interesting being the Scrambler 850 H.O. for the upcoming model year after fitting the ATV with its 850cc engine. The sporty, performance model offers off-roaders a big 77 horsepower. Power aside, the Scrambler 850 features a host of Polaris features, such as its On-Demand, True All-Wheel Drive system with engine breaking. For smooth handling, it also features anti-kickback steering. Providing suspension up front on the Scrambler is a dual A-arm design with Sachs shocks on each corner providing 9.0 inches of front travel (while there’s 10.25 inches of suspension travel at the rear). The Scrambler 850 H.O. will also come in a Limited Edition model with a Stealth Black paintjob, electronic power steering, Fox Shox, cast-aluminum wheels, and more.

Husqvarna TXC310R
Husqvarna is another name that has been seen more on the trail in recent years, thanks to its purchase by BMW a few years back that has revitalized the “Husky” brand. Last year, one of its cross-country bikes getting a good amount of attention was the then-new TXC310R. Husky didn’t return the bike in 2013 without changes, however, as the TXC310R gets a major update to the 48mm Kayaba closed-cartridge fork that gets stiffer springs and revised damping. Along with the company’s 250 and 310 DOHC engines, the TXC310R gets a new “Red Head” engine design that the company says is inspired by BMW’s F1 race program. For 2013, Husqvarna updated the ECU with more aggressive mapping for an increase in power. The company also made changes to the handlebar switches by outfitting them with waterproof connectors. Along with a new EFI indicator on the dash, updated handlebar protection, and updated graphics, the TXC310R offers some notable upgrades over the 2012 unit.

Other 2013 New Model Stories:

Polaris Announces 2013 ATV and UTV Lineup

2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i Review


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