VOL. 56 ISSUE 18 MAY 7, 2019 P121
Before the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition, KTM didn't win
supercross races in the premier class. It just didn't happen. Ever.
Then 2012 showed up, and KTM came out with a
homologation-rule-mastering, most up-to-date-as-possible SX-F
weapon Ryan Dungey and Roger DeCoster could use to get on
top of the box. These bikes were next year's bikes, in essence.
But the masterful way DeCoster and the KTM team used AMA
Homologation rule deadlines and coordinated factory production
proved to be crucial in getting to the front of the pack.
The first Factory Edition, along with a never-before-seen
commitment from both Austrian and U.S. KTM management in
investing in bikes and personnel, made KTM a supercross winner.
From 2012 to today, KTM has become an undeniable
powerhouse in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross with an
all-encompassing program of success primed by the release of
seven consecutive years of Factory Edition machines, massive
amounts of rider talent, integrated training programs and
continued development commitment at the race-bike level. They
are expected to be up front now. They are sweeping supercross
podiums. None of this happened without the Factory Edition.
BY JESSE ZIEGLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPENCER OWENS
SUCCESS
