power well into the redline ranges.
Whether you use them or not, the
traction control and quickshifter
are nice options. Plain and simple,
this motor is the perfect blend of
fast and fun for all abilities.
The air fork is still controversial,
but it gets better with each pass-
ing year. Without springs up front,
KTM and WP keep finding ways to
have comfort while keeping the
bike's overall weight down. Small
and mid-size bump absorption
was most noticeable as the Xact
fork handled varying terrain pre-
dictably. It feels less vague on cor-
ner entry, and our riders trusted
the front wheel traction in the
hard-pack conditions. Even with
bigger hits or slap-down landings,
the suspension ramped up nicely
and minimized the harshness we
once docked it for.
The new frame reminds us more
of the older KTM's than that of the
'23 and '24 models. This chassis
works well on harder dirt and turns
with ease on flat corners. It also
allows you to easily change lines
and aids in a nimble-feeling ma-
chine. Pair that with the Brembo
brakes and clutch and watch how
many riders are ready to move
from Japan to Austria.
So, what held it back? Factor-
ing in the routine daily checks of
the fork's air pressure and con-
sistently monitoring the spoke
tension, which we've experienced
with previous KTMs, could not be
overlooked or understated. Plus,
the $11,000 MSRP is a tough pill to
swallow, considering the winner's
sticker price is $1600 less.
P116
SHOOTOUT I 2025 450CC FOUR-STROKE MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
