Hino gives KTM Racing the edge

KTM Racing has just purchased two new Hino trucks to transport the team to motocross races around the country

When KTM Australia's General Manager, Jeff Leisk, needed to upgrade his KTM Racing's transporter fleet, a Hino 300 Series and 700 Series got the nod.

Perth-based KTM Racing had relied upon a 500 Series FD 1027 Air since 2010 and it had stood the team in good stead, but when it was time to upgrade Leisk says it was the engine performance, driveability, and smooth ride that persuaded him to update to a 700 Series FS 2848 ProShift 16 Air and a 300 Series 616 Auto.

Leisk says the Hinos' smooth ride was a critical factor in the decision.

"We're carrying around expensive race bikes and spare parts across some pretty varied terrain, so we wanted something that rides smoothly – that's why we opted for the Hino range fitted with airbag rear suspension," he says.

Leisk had the 700 Series FS decked out with a 9-metre body that houses water tanks, compressors, generators and more – everything the team needs at a race meeting.

"There's an awning that extends out to the side so team members have a large protected area to work and rest under, and both trucks are painted in the full KTM livery – they look fantastic," says Leisk.

The 700 Series model is powered by a 13-litre, 480hp (353kW) engine mated to a ZF 16-speed automated manual transmission with integrated retarder.

The medium-wheelbase 300 Series 616 Auto, meanwhile, features a custom Pantech body.

"It's used for testing and training during the week and it's kitted out with a small workshop in the back so we can make adjustments at the track," says Leisk.

The truck also comes with plenty of creature comforts as standard, including dual SRS airbags, four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, vehicle stability control and a driver's suspension seat.

Leisk says the demands of racing at a national level require high-performance trucks, too.

"Races don't wait for you if something goes wrong – you have to be there on time, every time," he says.

"We needed trucks that were reliable, easy to drive and helped our drivers stave off fatigue.

"With Hino's range of trucks and nationwide dealer and service network, we can rely completely on our equipment and focus on the race."

Hino gives KTM Racing the edge

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