KTM Crossbow (X-Bow)

[wattie]

Over 5 months since the last post here....which is a shame.

I'm a fan of the x Bow and kinda feel it's unfortunate that it was launched at a difficult time. I like it's quirkiness, I quite like it's unique awkward looks, it's acknowledged downforce cornering capability, the fact it's pretty unique......and it's bloody quick.

Parking it in the high street would be fun.....and you could guarantee that very few pedestrians or petrolheads would have seen one.

As a competitor to the Atom, it perhaps doesn't get the same applause or coverage....but if it helps encourage people to think outside the box when buying a track car and motivate those at Ariel and other companies to  improve and develop their brands further it should be applauded.

Cheers Wattie

[wasp]

Wattie,

I totally agree with you. In the flesh it is a thing of beauty. Karl (Kaygeee on here) bought one at the end of last year and we are just waiting for it to be a weency bit warmer before we take it out on track. It will be interesting to back to back it with the Atom.

The attention to detail is sublime but at the end of the day by the time it has a decent spec it's a £70k car minimum new.

Pound for pound the Atom is still brilliant value, although I'd wager the X-Bow and the Mono have made all specialist car makers have a good look at where they could improve.....especially the lights

Cheers,
Stu

[John Scherrer]

EASTER ... ? 

[Hedge]

I've always loved em but as we've always said, as a new car, they're just too expensive - in a decent spec. Perhaps this was compounded by the (then) rock-hard residuals of the Atom.

Now though, v different story....

Cheers, Hedge

[FlyingTrotter]

I'm keen to see Kaygeees at some point on track - they are rapid but not only expensive to buy new but expensive if any problems - was chatting to Stephen at Track-Club - he was running one for a while until a customer had an off and did half the cost of a new Atom in damage just by bending a front corner !!  The looks are bound to divide opinion but they have grown on me

[wasp]

[quote="FlyingTrotter"]
was chatting to Stephen at Track-Club - he was running one for a while until a customer had an off and did half the cost of a new Atom in damage just by bending a front corner !! 
[/quote]

I must confess I rarely worried too much if I forgot to insure the Atom on a track day but wouldn't dream of driving the X-Bow without it in place.

Cheers,
Stu

[FlyingTrotter]

Wise Stu - I forget the exact cost i seem to recall it was about£17k for an off he recon ed was maybe £2-3k in an atom maybe £4-5k with front wing

Painful - I guess it makes it all the more important to keep it on the black stuff !!

See you guys on a track somewhere when the weather gets a bit better

[jpswift]

i like em

put my name down for one when they were first announced

but started to get cold feet when there was such a long delay confirming what the final cost would be and when it would actually appear

so ordered atom and went for a pre loved atom 160  for an instant fix

correct decision methinks

[Trigger]

I was keen too as it's looks were mad ! But with the silly situation on non-refundable deposits for a car they couldnt say how much it would finally be and when it would arrive, I just couldnt commit.

Glad I didnt now.

T

[lsb]

I saw that KTM have it's "off" at Brands last year. I knew one of the guys that hired it from years back and had just been chatting to Stephen - thought it a good time to make myself scarse.

When it came back on the low loader it looked a mess though so I can believe the cost.

[FlyingTrotter]

It raises the perennial question of what next - if you exclude those getting out of Atoms due to need to raise cash, those that have changed circs like new children so no time for track use etc it seems to split around budget, road/track use

If you want road legal for occasional blast and have a £50k+budget the x-Bow is going to be a contender with the Mono, GT3 sorts of kit - if it's more track biased maybe a Radical or it's like - if under £50k I guess it's the various Lotus offerings, Caterfields etc or like Hedge an older Porker or track prep option

No idea which route I'll go

[wasp]

[quote="FlyingTrotter"]
It raises the perennial question of what next - if you exclude those getting out of Atoms due to need to raise cash, those that have changed circs like new children so no time for track use etc it seems to split around budget, road/track use

If you want road legal for occasional blast and have a £50k+budget the x-Bow is going to be a contender with the Mono, GT3 sorts of kit - if it's more track biased maybe a Radical or it's like - if under £50k I guess it's the various Lotus offerings, Caterfields etc or like Hedge an older Porker or track prep option

No idea which route I'll go
[/quote]

It's an interesting question and imo has no "right" answer. I love the Atom and the ADR but they are very,very different cars.
They have not seen much use over the winter as we have been using the MX5. Despite the fact that Karl blew the engine up at Brands last week(I'm sure it was him and not me ) it is cheap as chips to sort out and is a total blast. Every time we have been out in it we have had a serious laugh and it handles so well that it punches way above its weight.
We have just added a Mini Cooper S with some performance mods to our stable and will be giving that a run out (with the new more powerful MX5) at Bedford on the 27th Feb.
Perhaps in the fact that you can really push yourself and the car without worrying too much if you stuff it that makes it fun, but driving a less powerful car certainly focuses your mind to carrying more speed through the corners.

If I had to choose just one car though (for track driving) I would still go for an Atom 2,300. I know it's not as polished, accomplished or quick as a 3,300 but the throttle issue is just painful. I suspect that the Mugen may be the best of both worlds though.
Sorry, just changed my mind, I'll keep the MX5.........Hold on....the ADR is amazing round corners...Aaaarrrggghhh

Cheers,
Stu

[Trigger]

Having Atomed now for 5 years I reckon I deserve a roof and a heater.....so starting to think of next step, probably for next spring. 911 GT3 (997), Jag XKR-S.....Audi R8.....I just dont know.

[wasp]

[quote="Trigger"]
Having Atomed now for 5 years I reckon I deserve a roof and a heater.....so starting to think of next step, probably for next spring. 911 GT3 (997), Jag XKR-S.....Audi R8.....I just dont know.
[/quote]

Big girls blouse

Cheers,
Stu

[Trigger]

I know I know......pathetic isnt it.....