KTM Ultra 1964 LTD: 650B with history

The Austrian bike manufacturer KTM will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. For this reason, the people of Mattighofen have a special version of the well-known Ultra included in their program Ultra 1964 LTD.

If you consider the relatively low price of 1300 euros, the bike is relatively well equipped. It has a 30-speed derailleur that has a gear ratio of 42 to 32 to 24 teeth on the crank. The cassette has a similar spread. With a gear ratio of 11 to 36 teeth, you are prepared for every situation in everyday life. For the shifting components, KTM uses a component mix of Shimanos Deore-Row back and install one Deore xt- rear derailleur, one Deore M611-Derailleur as well Deore-Lever. Braking is also done with Shimano. At the front, a 180-millimeter disc with the hydraulic M395-Disc brakes combined. A 160 mm disc is used at the rear.

Furthermore, in addition to the in-house KTM components, there is a RockShox Reba RL-Suspension fork used at the front. This is specially designed for use with 650B wheels and features a remote lockout. By means of this one can easily reach the front while driving heart place. In this way, an exhausting bob best avoided.

The special thing about the KTM Ultra 1964 LTD is the black painted aluminum frame with orange graphics. Unlike the previous models of the sporty Ultraseries, this is designed for the use of 27,5 inch wheels. In order to meet the associated requirements, the people from Mattighofen have installed a conical head tube at the front. This should give the frame more rigidity and better handling. At the rear, the struts have been slightly lengthened (a luggage rack can also be mounted on the support struts). In contrast to the previous models, you now sit much more upright.

In practice, this framework concept works quite well. You are much more sporty on the bike than you know from your 26-inch ancestors. The equipment also works perfectly in everyday use. Only the cranks give us a headache here, after all the paint came off here after just one ride. Apart from that, the bike leaves a good impression. swallows RacingRalph offer grip at all times and roll off easily on both asphalt and forest paths. Together with the radius of the 650B wheels, this results in a pleasantly comfortable ride. The Reba-Fork also cushions rough bumps and can be opened and closed quickly.

Ambitious drivers, however, should be bothered by the somewhat high weight of almost 12 kilograms. These make the bike a bit sluggish when accelerating. In addition, apart from the rear derailleur, the components have to give up when racing. Their performance in terms of shifting speed and braking power does not come close to that of the more prestigious XT and XTR groupsets. But it doesn't have to, because after all, KTM is aiming with it Ultra 1964 LTD for use in everyday life. And in that respect, the bike is consistent.

//Conclusion

All in all, KTM has with the Ultra 1964 LTD, in the development of Ultra-series, a step in the right direction. In the end, the people of Mattighofen are also giving themselves a present. Riders who are looking for a bike for daily use, with which they can also experience an adventure at the weekend, have come to the right place. Since the design is also consistent, the Ultra 1964 LTD from us the everyday tip.