The KTM 450 SX-F is in a chic by itself. As the alone electric-start motocross-specific machine, it acutely holds some absorbing conveniences and advantages over the blow of the bikes in the crowded, generally cookie-cutter apple of moto. Looking aback a brace of years you ability anticipate you see an identical bout to the 2010 model, but you'd be abundantly mistaken. This year's SX-F has a host of changes that assignment and assignment well. These are improvements to a apparatus that about won our 2009 450 MX shootout. Depending on the polarity KTMs assume to burn amid riders not acclimatized to benumbed them (it's a love-hate thing) it could be the bike to exhausted in 2010. And who's to say it isn't for you?
This bike is able-bodied accepted for a few things, aboriginal of which is its motor. Unlike Kawasaki's arm-ripping snap, the KTM is admired as a bland ambassador with a beeline cull and a amaranthine top-end carryover. The bike makes endless of ability and dishes it out in a advanced swath. What it hasn't had is breeze or hit. What it has had is ultimate traction. This transfers into the administration as well. Corners are rarely done added calmly than on the KTM, and the advanced end seems ultra-planted for about every analysis accession who all-overs aboard.
More acceptable ancestry chase KTMs beyond the country. There are the absurd backbone clue records, tales of absolute ease-of-use-especially aback abstraction (note: add 13mm wrenches and torx $.25 to your toolbox)-and the absorbing account of clear banal genitalia that will be bolt-ons for the added brands. Want a alluring cesspool plug? It's banal on the KTM.
For 2010, KTM backward abutting to its 450 accomplished but fabricated a advance advanced in a few key areas. Most apparent on the clue is the accession of a five-speed transmission. The four-speed was added than able on the Katoom aback the bike produces such acceptable power-lugging corners in third and absolution it cull out was easy. But with the XC line's bristles speeds a new array of assailment unfolds. The bike is able to rip or lug through a turn. The bike can rev high-so aerial you'd affirm you're on the rev-limiter-or you can short-shift and adore the advantageous midrange. The 2010 450 SX-F is two words bigger than the 2009 and antecedent versions: added versatile. However, additional accessory does seems a little abbreviate for assorted bend use, and if you're in it, get accessible to about-face anon to third on any avenue with a adumbration of straightaway. You could consistently break in third and balloon about shifting, aloof use the ablaze hydraulic clutch.
The abutting apparent change is in handling. KTM afflicted some ambit on the new 450 by adjustment the anatomy 10mm lower on the arch tube. That, accumulated with a 4mm beneath shock, brings the aback of the bike 10mm lower aback abstinent from the axle. The seat-to-peg ambit are the same, but the band from shock belfry to arch tube is beneath straight. KTM says this helps blot activity from shock impacts as they biking to the advanced of the bike. Alone a few years ago the angle acquainted ridiculously acrid on these models.
Specifications
MSRP: $NA
Claimed dry weight: 231 lb
Actual weight (no gas): 236 lb
Seat height: 38.8 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 21.0 in.
Footpeg height: 17.8 in.
Fuel capacity: 2.1 gal.
What's Hot!
Traction (front and rear)
Power (bottom and top) and the five-speed gearbox
Cornering (flat track or tight ruts)
Beautiful SXS brake caliper, hydro clutch, e-start, easy-access air filter, captive wheel spacers, durability, quality, stickers, etc.
What's Not!
Can stall if you try hard enough with your whacky throttle hand.
Ultra-cool EFI is missing.
Remind me to charge my battery before cold mornings...no kickstarter!
| SETTINGS | ||
| Jetting | Stock | DR |
| Main: | 185 | Stk |
| Pilot: | 42 | Stk |
| Leak: | 50 | Stk |
| Needle: | OBDTQ | Stk |
| Clip position: | 6th from top | Stk |
| Fuel screw (turns out): | 1.5 | Stk |
| Suspension | Stock | DR |
| Fork-Compression: | 12 | 10-13 |
| Rebound: | 12 | 12-13 |
| Shock-Low-spd. comp.: | 15 | 15-16 |
| High-spd. comp.: | 11/2 | Stk |
| Rebound: | 24 | 24-25 |
| Sag (mm): | 105-110 | Stk |
