2019 K TM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION
F I RST REVIEW
P126
around. Even with the upgraded
Akrapovic slip-on, the exhaust
tone is nice and controlled in the
noise department. It's loud but
not raspy or blown-out sounding.
Many stock bikes don't sound this
good out there, for sure. It adds to
the overall quality sensation of the
ride; the same goes for the run-
ning gear. Chain guides and such
do an excellent job at controlling
the chaos of the sprocket interface
and don't leave you wondering
if your swingarm is being eaten
alive. In total, this quieter operation
can have a perception effect of a
mellow power delivery, and I think
for some, that will undoubtedly be
at play.
KTM has two power modes
here, just like all the other SX-F
models. Interestingly, all our test
riders prefer the more aggres-
sive mode number two. It just
breathes more fire into the beast
for the pro guys and gives more
chuggability to those of us who
are lazy and tired already.
(Above) No other
450cc motocross
bike feels lighter
or more agile than
the KTM. (Right)
The engine gets a
new CP box-in-box
piston, a new
Pankl connecting
rod and new
topology-optimized
rocker arms.
