Image: Jeff Crow.

KTM Motocross Racing Team duo Kirk Gibbs and Luke Styke aren’t expected to race aboard the 2016 KTM 450 SX-F until Toowoomba’s penultimate round of this year’s MX Nationals in August, the team confirmed last Sunday at Raymond Terrace.

Gibbs and Styke currently sit 1-2 in the standings following another double-podium result at round six, after the anticipated arrival of next year’s model ahead of Raymond Terrace didn’t eventuate in time for the season’s second half to begin.

Team manager Rob Twyerould told MotoOnline.com.au on Sunday afternoon that the team will now delay the debut until the ninth round at Toowoomba, following a three-week break that will enable Gibbs and Styke to carry out more extensive testing between rounds.

“Realistically we’re probably going to debut them at Toowoomba,” Twyerould explained. “With the break between the eighth and ninth rounds being three weeks, we can really get the boys riding them, testing and develop the bike. We should have the bikes maybe next week, but rounds nine and 10 I’d say we’ll be on the 2016 model.

“Everything’s working really good, but I think when we get the new bikes they are going to blow their minds – they’re just such a huge step forwards. Providing they can get comfortable on them, I really believe they will be an advantage for us. It’s just a matter of getting used to the characteristics – power delivery and suspension – and I think the riders will be very impressed.”

Image: Simon Cudby.

While both Gibbs and Styke have proven the current 450 SX-F race bike a winner across the first six rounds, both will fully welcome the mid-season switch to the 2016 edition. For Gibbs it’s another important step in his quest for a first national title.

“Our bikes we have right now are amazing bikes, so it’s not crazy for us,” Gibbs explained. “Just with the new ’16 being a bit lighter, a bit faster and obviously turning a bit better, it’s gonna make it even better if we can get on them before the end of the season.”

MotoOnline.com.au’s Ryan Marmont had the opportunity to test the entire 2016 KTM motocross range during the US press launch at Ironman Raceway, which you can view via our Bike Test section on the site now.