$11,299
WET WEIGHT: 239 LBS.
The KTM 450 SX-F enters the
lineup considered the "race-
ready" machine in the Austrian
fleet and is the same bike that
won the 2024 Pro Motocross
Championship in the hands
of Chase Sexton. This year, it
sees the same updated frame,
which was introduced on the
'24.5 "Factory Edition." Riders
still find the familiar WP Xact
suspension, Brembo brakes
and clutch, and full electronics
package on the KTM. At 239
pounds fully fueled, it's the
lightest bike in the lineup, but
the $11,299 sticker price makes
it the second most expensive,
right behind the Husqvarna.
VOLUME ISSUE OCTOBER , P115
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The KTM 450 SX-F crosses
the line in second place.
While it's still not an outright
winner, it still takes the title as
the best Austrian bike in our test.
How so? Well, we factored in
the price and performance and
how much bang you truly get for
your buck. At 239 pounds, it's
the lightest bike in the bunch,
but the $11,299 is certainly not
the lightest on the wallet. It's still
cheaper than the Husqvarna, by
a mere $100, and has regular-
spec'd WP Xact suspension
components. Pair that with the
full electronics suite and the bet-
ter-performing Brembo brakes,
and it only made sense for it to
beat out the GasGas, too.
The KTM is a bike we could
ride all day in any condition. The
rider cockpit is super neutral
and comfortable, not feeling for-
eign as it did in years past. The
ODI grips and new wider foot-
pegs appealed to all our riders
from the get-go. Select the map
you like, dial in the levers to your
liking and you're off.
Like your crazy ex-girlfriend,
the engine on the 450 SX-F
has a split personality. Even so,
it was well liked by everyone.
The KTM's motor is friendly and
inviting initially, but the harder
you push it, the more it transi-
tions into a wild race weapon.
The more aggressive map two
(green light) was our preferred
setting as the orange wildcat
stretched its legs down the hills
of Cahuilla and the fast straights
of Fox Raceway. The throttle pull
is ultra-light while still feeling
directly connected to the Dunlop
tire out back. Torque is plenti-
ful, and the midrange power is
smooth and usable. The KTM is
still a high-revver, making good
KTM 450 SXF
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