KTM’s fuel-injected two-strokes revealed

KTM has revealed the two machines on which it will debut its innovate two-stroke fuel injection technology, unveiling the 2018 KTM 250 EXC TPI and KTM 300 EXC TPI enduro machines recently.

Both boasting the firm’s Transfer Port Injection, which uses dual fuel injectors mounted inside the engine’s transfer port and negates the need for the air-fuel mixture to travel through the crankcase – eliminating the required pre-mixed oil of conventional two-strokes to lubricate the crankshaft.

As well as pre-mix, the new system also means riders will no longer need to adjust the jetting to suit different environments and the emissions benefits are enormous, and what ultimately instigated the technology.

As well as the new injection system, the 250 and 300 EXC machines both get electric start, lightweight lithium ion batteries as well as Brembo brakes. The WP suspension is updated for the new-model year, too, with the latest WP Xplor 48 fork adorning the front, while the latest linkage-free WP Xplor PDS rear shock looks after suspension duties at the rear on both machines.

“We at KTM are committed to developing revolutionary technology, and with the KTM 250 EXC TPI and KTM 300 EXC TPI models we feel the game has once again been changed, as this is a global first,” the firm’s off-road product marketing manager Joachim Sauer said. “Our goal was to create a two-stroke Enduro bike that would not be incredibly complex, while also retaining the feel of a carbureted machine, yet with all the benefits of fuel injection.

"This includes the elimination of the need to pre-mix fuel or change the jetting for different environments, which is a major benefit to the rider for hassle free, two-stroke fun.”

There’s still no word on if and when the bikes will hit Aussie dealerships, but with Australian media receiving invites to the world launch, we’re remaining hopeful.