VOL. 52 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 15, 2015 P179
do notice more vibes on the
KTM versus the Japanese bikes.
Like the Husky, it offers launch
control but it's tricky to operate;
accidently twist the throttle when
it's engaged and it cancels
itself. Weird. Can you not blip
the throttle—not once—while
anxiously waiting for the gate to
drop? Didn't think so.
The KTM handles great. You
can charge the rough sections
with confidence, knowing it will
maintain a straight line and not
do anything scary.
The 450 SX-F has come a
long ways in the suspension
depart over the years. This is
by far the best-suspended 450
SX-F ever. WP has stepped
up its game and has provided
KTM with its best suspension
components yet. The latest-
generation WP 4CS fork works
well right out of the crate and is
easy to adjust and maintain. It's
at minimum on par with the other
air forks but, like all the rest,
can't touch the KYB SSS spring
fork on the Yamaha.
The KTM is, like the Husky, a
comfortable bike (but the seat is
a little on the firm side) and feels
a tad compact in the saddle.
That's not necessarily a negative
thing, just an observation.
Our test riders also noted
the KTM's awesome brakes,
light-pull clutch, smooth-shifting
transmission and impressive
looks (but it would look better
with an orange frame, like the
Factory Edition).
There wasn't much that set it
apart from it and our shootout-
winning YZ450F.
