KTM EXC pre-production models spotted: move away from PDS suspension by 2028?

Our spy photographer Bernhard Höhne (as always) didn’t hesitate to snap the shot at just the right moment. He photographed three KTM enduro models that are by no means available to buy. You don’t even have to look particularly closely to spot what makes them special straight away: the brand’s signature rear suspension system, known as PDS, with its directly articulated shock absorber, has been replaced by a conventional solution featuring a linkage system.

PDS stands for ‘Progressive Damping System’ and means that, with the WP Suspension shock absorber, the damping force increases progressively as the suspension compresses. This eliminates the need for the progressive-acting linkage system and the maintenance it requires, simplifies the removal of the shock absorber and increases ground clearance at a crucial point immediately in front of the rear wheel.

Tank, Kühlerflügel und Seitenverkleidung haben wir so noch nie gesehen

Foto: BMHoehne

This solution works well in enduro racing but less so in motocross, which is why KTM reverted to a linkage system with deflection levers on its motocross bikes from the 2011 model year onwards. Now this change could also be implemented on the racing enduro models, the EXC range. This would bring KTM into line with the rest of the competition, including its own sister models from the Husqvarna and GasGas brands. At any rate, that is what your SPEEDWEEK writer speculates based on the photos taken by his colleague Hoehne.

Am Prototyp der KTM 350 EXC-F schön zu sehen: Umlenkhebel statt PDS

Foto: BMHoehne

The chassis also appear to be derived from the corresponding Husqvarna sister models. The engines are identical in any case. The fuel tank, radiator shrouds and rear section are parts newly developed for KTM. Furthermore, the high-quality WP suspension components, as fitted to the Husqvarnas, can be seen on the photographed prototypes, as can the rear section – identical in construction to that of the Husqvarnas – made from a composite material of polyamide and aluminium. Brembo brakes have been a feature of KTMs for decades, and the prototypes are no exception.

Auch eine KTM 300 EXC mit dem Prototypen-Fahrwerk gibt es schon

Foto: BMHoehne

We can now speculate as to whether KTM’s parent company intends to continue serving the highly competitive niche market of racing enduros with three brands. With KTM’s switch to a rear suspension system with a linkage, the technical basis of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas would be identical. Should our well-founded speculation prove true – that KTM will abandon the PDS by 2028 – the three brands would then differ only in the components fitted (brakes, handlebars, suspension elements) and the standard electronics.