P100
RIDE REVIEW I 2025 KTM 450 SMR
the introduction of the WP Xact
closed-cartridge spring fork, re-
placing the WP AER 48mm air fork
that has been on this model and
the old Husqvarna for ages. The
new spring fork was developed
by KTM's S1GP star and former
AMA Supermoto Champion Lukas
Höllbacher, who went a full second
faster around KTM's test track
after switching to the spring fork.
The spring fork features a new
mid-valve piston design concept
that reduces the fork fluid oxidiza
-
tion and foaming and helps main-
tain consistent damping across
the full range of the stroke.
for the 450 SMR, so many of
the changes wrought on the
2025 SX-F are present on this
slick-shod counterpart. The
most notable of these is the
new frame, which has cutouts
at the top of the shock mount
for more flex, with reduced wall
thicknesses. More flex gives
more feel, and more feel equals
greater rider confidence. This is
the same theory Ducati has re
-
cently employed with their new-
gen Panigale sportbikes, which
makes them easier to ride fast
for a broader range of riders.
The big change for 2025 is
Things have moved on a bit
since I bought ol' Betsy in 2019,
with KTM—unsurprisingly—lead
-
ing the charge with their 450 SMR.
KTM is one of the only big-time
manufacturers that currently sells
a factory-built supermoto (not
even sister brand Husqvarna does
anymore), the other being Italian
supermoto stalwarts TM with
their gorgeous SMK 450 ES FI and
their junior SMX 85 two-stroke,
but that brand isn't quite as easily
purchased in America due to their
vastly smaller dealer network.
KTM's 2025 450 SX-F moto
-
cross weapon provides the base
The new 450 SMR incorporates many of the 450 SX's changes, but there are some notable differences.
