On an open track the new reed valve motor will roar into action and totally demolish just about anything you care to compare it with.  Acceleration is tremendous.  In tight going though the KTM isn't an uncontrollable handful.  Keep the revs low and work that engine.  In slippery conditions you're going to fall now and then; we did.  There is just no way around it.  The 495 has so much power that in some situations you're going to give it a little more throttle than necessary and the rear tyre will break loose and swap ends with the front.

 It doesn't matter all that much though because you will still have time to pick the mud from your teeth, re-light the pot and then catch up and pass the rest of the pack before they even realize what that large white blur was.

 With so much power, Holeshot City can be yours with judicious application of the throttle.  On a few experimental runs Mike Landman would get off quickly but throw up a huge roost as he slewed across the track.  Apart from the fact that too much wheelspin was occurring, he would have already wiped out half the field before the first corner.

Frame wise the KTM is completely new.  The mass of tubes which used to hide beneath the tank have been replaced with a single tube.  This is to accommodate the top shock mount which is liable to incredible stresses.  The shape of the frame cradle has also been altered to enhance strength.

 The KTM looks a bit like a Can-Am with three frame struts leading down to the swingarm mounting position.  However, the rear-ward facing strut on each side can be unbolted and the complete rear of the bike removed, leaving the shock exposed and very easy to work on.  A tall seat and powerful engine have a considerable effect on the way you ride the bike.