KTM has been an established brand in the motocross scene with countless amounts of podium finishes up to this day. The Austrian based motorcycle manufacturer launched their first full range in 2008 at the European Cycle show although their frames have already been around from a year or more. My first encounter with this brand was on my mate's scrambler at the Loyang motocross park back when I was 14. I remembered opening the throttle and releasing the clutch before being flung back as the bike shot forward. A pretty painful and embarrassing experience. Fortunately, the KTM Score RC 1 left a far better impression but with the same urgency to thrust forward once you get in the saddle.

First Impressions - The Kit

The KTM Score RC 1 looks just as good as its big motocross brother with its smooth curves, white and gun metal colours with dashes of its signature orange to complete a very eye pleasing but fierce looking bike. The finishing as expected is top class with welds nice and neat and the rear suspension linkage looks tight with big sealed bearings.

The frame is 6061 triple butted Austrian beauty with 100mm of rear travel, which comes with a DT Swiss XM180 shock. The full bike comes with pretty bling parts with Ritchey stem, handlebar and seat post. The drive train is adorned with XT and XTR parts and stopping power is controlled by the impressive XT group. Shifting is kept sharp and crisp with XTR shifters and the impressive XTR shadow rear derailleur. The Fox F-series absorbs all the bumps and come with a handy lockout feature. The wheels are kept rolling quickly and smooth with DT 340 hubs laced with DT spokes on the race light DT XR4.2d rims. This all weighs in at a stated 10.9kg but it feels a bit closer to more than 11kg.

The Ride

Let's get one thing clear, this bike was built to be raced and our first ride on it certainly scored with this impression. Its steep 71-degree angle puts you in an attacking stance the minute you get on the bike. Handling is sharp with quick nippy turns a synch. The Score RC 1 also shoots off the line like a whippet with lightening fast acceleration. This quick response and acceleration is more so apparent on the long straights of the Tampines trail - which was made easier by the lock out function of the Fox F-Series - and especially on the climbs. Like the stance of the bike you have to attack the hills and push on. I tried sitting and chugging up - like I do on my long travel bike - but soon found out that the true potential of this bike can only be realized when you hit the slopes and get up cranking. I was climbing slopes harder and faster overtaking a few riders on the way up! The Fox fork performed very well in keeping the front inline when cornering and riding over roots and bumps. The rear suspension tracked the ground relatively well with its 1:2 ratio confirming that the tires hugged the ground and every pedal stroke firmly pushed the bike forward. The DT Swiss XM180 rear shock handled bumps relatively well but was prone to spiking and could have been a bit more progressive on multiple bumps as packing was inherent. The XT drive train performed and engaged very well with the XTR shifter rear and front derailleur making sure that every shift is sure and precise. Braking provided by the XT brakes was more than sufficient. The wheelset is light and quick rolling and the Schwalbe Rocket Ron provided adequate traction on dry and muddy conditions.

Podium Finish

The Austrian motorbike makers have certainly stepped up to the mark here with this new creation. The KTM Score RC 1 is definitely a racers' bike and anyone looking for a ride that is able to shoot off the line, is quick and nippy on the turns and climbs like a mountain goat should give the KTM a serious thought. Overall finishing on the bike is excellent and the components are second to none. The whole feel of the bike is responsive and bike and rider interaction is harmoniously at its maximum when chasing down riders to be lapped ahead or focused on sprinting to the finish line. The frame handles very well albeit a bit harsh but this could be due to the nature of the rear shock. A bit is left to be desired by the progressiveness of the DT Swiss shock and unfortunately I was not afforded with the time to play around with the tuning a bit more. It has been a while that I have thoroughly enjoyed myself on an XC bike and getting used to the KTM was not a problem at all from the moment I jumped onto the saddle. The bike was constantly urging me on and I was actually looking forward to attacking slopes as it makes climbing an almost enjoyable task. If you're looking for a bike to blow the competition away at the next race or are getting primed and ready to take on Tinker at the up-and-coming Great MTB Carnival, the KTM Score RC 1 is the bike for you.

This article was contributed by SpinAsia magazine, the Sports and Lifestyle Guide for Wheelers.

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