With the explosion in popularity of veteran motocross racing here in the United States, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers got creative about motocross bike displacements. You see, veterans (30 and over) can ride any displacement machine they like.
There is a camp of veterans who love the handling of a 125cc two-stroke, but want the power of a 250cc two-stroke. This has led to some popularity in big-bore 125s (displacing as much as 167cc). No manufacturer has produced a stock bike in this hybrid category, however. That may soon change.
When Brock Sellards came to the start line of the U.S. Open in Las Vegas a couple of months ago, he was on a KTM 200 — essentially a 125SX with a 200cc motor in it. KTM, of course, has long had a variety of displacements (KTM currently manufactures a 300cc and a 380cc two-stroke, for instance). There is some indication KTM will put a 200SX into production next year, although, perhaps, only on a limited basis. We not only think a KTM 200SX would be a big hit, but other manufacturers should get in on the vet-class act. Vet-class racers make up a large percentage of the off-road market here in the United States, and big-bore 125s are the perfect bike for many of them.
