CONFUSED ABOUT KTM OFFSET?  

KTM produces a line of excellent motorcycles, however, there are a few steering geometry problems. Here at Emig Racing, we produce the full spectrum of offset triple clamps, 14mm through 22mm. Changing the offset of the triple clamps can have a tremendous effect on the bike. However, to rely on this solely is naive. I lend my opinion to our customers everyday regarding what is the "right" offset to use. Well, the answer is always different and affected by many factors. My goal is for each customer to understand these various factors and how they relate to them, before decided on which offset to purchase.

Things to consider when changing offset:

BIKE: This is not too significant, but, a lot of riders notice a dramatic change in steering when changing from a 2 stroke to a 4 stroke for the first time. The 4 stroke has to be ridden entirely different, which takes some time.

SAG: We have noticed that the new KTM's come with around 115-120mm of sag. With that much sag, it gives the bike a very slow steer feeling. It is a reason why a lot of riders say the bike doesn't turn. It creates a sluggish feeling to the bike. When you get the sag set properly, (no more than 100mm is plenty), you get the attitude of the chassis correct and it helps it to turn. With too much sag, it makes the front end "choppered out" or too much outward angle in the fork. It can be adjusted and with various suspension settings the bike can have a totally different feel to it.

BAR POSITION: KTM's come stock in position #3 (#1 being closest to the rider). Bar position is not just designed to accommodate how tall you are, which is what most riders use it for. It directly affects the feel of the steering response. For instance, position #4 creates a little more sluggish feel because you're trying to steer a radius that is too far from the pivot point. Many, many riders use this position because of the comfort factor, instead of realizing it's affect on handling. So keep in mind the further you are from the pivot point, the larger the radius.

 

TRAIL: Some opinions are that trail creates stability. If that were a true statement and trail is what helps stability, why wouldn't we all use 10mm offset clamps? If trail is the most important factor, than why do the Japanese bikes all run 22 - 24.7mm of offset? Keeping in mind that they all, including KTM, have around the same degree of steering angle in the frame (approx. 26 degrees.)

 

Let's take a KTM450 with 18mm clamps on it, switch it to 22mm, why is there a noticeable increase of chassis stability and handling characteristics? Example: For years and years, Kawasaki has had 22mm offset clamps and nobody complained about the handling. It was always a great turner and had great straight line stability. Then in 2003, they made a slight change in their steering angle degree and went to 24.7mm offset. Immediately the bike still turns fantastic and has great stability. No one complains about the chassis of the KX. I'm trying to show a comparison in the relation of offset clamps to having the chassis set right.

FRONT TIRE: With the wrong tire on the front, it creates many bad habits that get blamed on the offset. KTM's like a more aggressive front tire, to help reduce the knifing effect, that is commonly attributed to less offset. The wrong tire makes the bike wash out easier, not giving it good stability. Washing out also gets blamed on offset.

I realize some people disagree with these opinions, but being both riders and in the clamp business, these are points we have found to be of real significance. Factors vary with many chassis setups, suspension, and riding style. Every rider demands a different response from the bike. There is an appropriate offset for every style. Each rider need to know his style, type of riding and what he is looking for his bike to do. Here at ER, you can be assured we can help you to get the offset that suits you and your individual style.

And in closing, Emig Racing rides KTM's, too. We have tested on our own 250MXC, 300 EXC, 380 EXC, 400EXC, 450EXC, 520EXC and 525EXC. In every condition" Motocross, Woods, Desert and Trail. Sand, Tight Woods and Extremely Rocky.

I thoroughly enjoy my KTM and want you to, also. Give us a call, we're here to help.

 

Gary Emig