This second segment brings us a young lady that I personally admire very much. The bike is really very different from the ADV version launched earlier this year, so I’m sure you’ll be interested to hear what he has to say. Senior Editor Nic de Sena rode it in sketchy weather conditions in the mountains above Palm Springs.

This week’s episode brings you the Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak edition. Season’s Greeting to you all! The team here at Ultimate Motorcycling wishes every one of you a happy and relaxing holiday-I think we’ve all earned it! The 293cc engine’s perfectly square bore-to-stroke ratio promises a balanced power delivery, though there is no denying the 300’s abundance of torque that is more than capable of satisfying the demands of the wide-ratio five-speed transmission. The kickstarter is the only nod to the past, as the power-valved motor is fed by a 36mm Keihin carb and the plug is sparked by a digital Kokusan ignition. While two-strokes may have an uncertain future, the latest KTM 300 XC-W shows the technology to be healthier than ever. Frustratingly, these rules are based on unsound science using flawed data, but the anti-motorized recreation forces were nevertheless able to successfully implement their agenda through brute-force politics. To avoid EPA oversight, KTM two-strokes are sold without lights, as competition-only closed-course vehicles, leaving it to the buyer to sort out registration (in California, the KTM two-strokes are stigmatized as “Red Sticker” machines that can only be ridden in specific areas on restricted dates). In years past, the KTM 300 XC-W (cross-country, wide-ratio gearbox) would have been considered an enduro bike, sporting a head and taillight, which is de rigeur for competition.

Ktm bike 2006