The KTM 450 SX-F is a very fast Motocross dirtbike out on the track. It has a racing background, where it has won several races. It has been available for several years, and a new model is planned for the 2021 model year. While this machine is also known for speed, it also showcases the superior performance and easy handling when compared to other dirtbikes. It features an extremely compact, single overhead camshaft cylinder head. When combined with the efficient electronic fuel injection, the KTM 450 SX-F pushes out 63 horsepower, which is a lot of power for a dirtbike to produce. In addition to its powerful engine, the KTM 450 SX-F has a chassis built largely for stabilization, and there are several little things bikers can do with the KTM 450 SX-F to customize their riding experience.
Read on to find out more details about how the KTM 450 SX-F motorcycle works and some of its specifications.
Engine And Frame Give Power And Stability
The 2020 model of the KTM 450 SXF has an engine and a frame that give it power and stability, respectively. This model of KTM dirtbike has a tough act to follow, as one of its sister models, the 2020 KTM Freeride E-XC, was reviewed quite favorably.
Upon review of a first ride, this model also offers more free-revving power. The manufacturer has also included a vented airbox cover with the bike, hoping to gain a little more power and better throttle response. As an added bonus, this vented airbox cover for the bike can be installed without tools. KTM also wanted to get a snappier type of power from the bike, so they altered the final drive ratio, going from a 48- to a 49-tooth rear sprocket.
Throttle response and power delivery have both seen significant improvements, thanks to the new optional vented airbox cover and a larger rear sprocket, producing both a light engine feel and good throttle response. A side effect of the aforementioned changes is that the KTM 450 SXF becomes a little easier to move around the track and hop over bumps.
Further, the KTM 450 SXF also showcases a new 13/49 gearing and more powerful engine, making third gear a favorable option in all areas except for the tightest corners. Fourth gear, meanwhile, calms the engine down, lowers the RPM, and makes the bike go even faster.
It Has Some Racing Success
The KTM 450 SX-F has a history of success when it comes to professional racing, especially in recent years. It has been recognized at both the highest level of professional supercross and motocross racing.
For three consecutive years, Ryan Dungey piloted the bike in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and won three consecutive AMA supercross titles. In addition, Dungey also was awarded AMA motocross titles in 2012 and 2015. Cooper Webb won the AMA supercross title in 2019, his first year racing the KTM 450 SX-F.
The “Ready To Race” slogan isn't just hyperbole; the Austrian Manufacturer has played up the bike's success when promoting it. They aimed to develop the lightest 450cc motocross bike on the market, infusing it with durable, practical, and high-quality components.
Some of these include a Brembo hydraulic clutch, Brembo brakes, a Pankl transmission, and a Pankl connecting rod, among other notable components. It may not be one of the most iconic sportbikes ever made for racing, but it has certainly earned a name for itself.
Newer Editions Have Updates
KTM’s flagship motocross model was given several updates in 2019, Chassis changes were incorporated into some of these modifications, and that brought more rigidity to the bike. These updates and different suspension settings combined to decrease rider comfort. EFI mapping was also not favorably viewed, with riders noting it resulted in more lethargic power delivery. With other models like the KTM Super Adventure 1290 R out there, known for off-road adventure, KTM knew the 450 SX-F needed updating.
KTM revised the bike in 2020, making sure to focus on addressing these particular issues. In doing so, it received significantly improved suspension settings, revised EFI mapping, offering an optional ventilated airbox cover previously mentioned.
All of these changes together were favorably received, although the 450 SX-F Factory Edition has been in KTM’s lineup since 2012, and certain modifications on the factory edition give the public an idea on what to expect for the following year's model.
Additional changes were made to the suspension, as the fork changes include a new mid-valve damping system, a 10mm increase to the bypass slot on the air-leg, and a new oil bypass in the outer damping-leg tube. New ECU mapping has been added to the engine, new settings have been added to the shock absorbers, and the Brembo clutch action is both consistent and easily modulated, allowing the gearbox to shift more smoothly. While off-road adventure may be better left to the KTM Adventure Touring 390, the KTM 450 SX-F has updates that make it far more versatile than it previously was.
There Are Ways To Modify The Ride
There are ways for riders to modify the ride to make the rider simpler and more enjoyable. That said, these modifications aren't something done to make a custom bike or to add speed, but just a few minor tweaks to personalize the experience. Riders have several options for little things they can do to ride how they would prefer.
The 2020 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition has been revealed, and the photos show the bike features a lot of updates and some trick pieces. Riders can moderate and modify the amount of torque, power, revving, tuning, throttle, and control they give, largely thanks to higher-quality materials made out of stronger substances.
The Akrapovič muffler at the end of the exhaust system is made of titanium for improved torque curve and peak power. The Pankl connecting rod has a reduced-friction bushing on the small end, allowing better revving. Airbox covers can be swapped out, allowing for more accurate tuning. Also, the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition differs from the standard edition with a Hinson Racing clutch cover for increased durability.
Sources: dirtrider.com, cycleworld.com, ultimatemotorcycling.com,