smooth and usable method,
equaling forward drive. The
Akrapovic Ti muffler is a
beautiful addition and does
a great job in keeping the
exhaust note pleasing while
further helping to provide ultra
smooth power delivery. Carv-
ing corners on the KTM is
pure bliss thanks to the wide
powerband. The 450 SX-F FE
never wants to unexpectedly
explode and break traction at
inopportune times.
JUST ADD AIR
The WP AER 48 air fork
is a split-function design,
each leg handling different
functions. The damping leg
(right) is where you find the
compression adjuster on top
with rebound adjustment on
the bottom. The left leg holds
the air, which acts as a spring.
The air spring is encapsulated
and isolated from the fork seal
so even if the fork seal leaks,
the air spring pressure isn't
affected. The standard setting
for the air fork is 157 psi (10.8
bar) and is a good place to
2016 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION
FIRST RIDE
P64
(Above) At $10,299, the FE isn't
exactly cheap, but you'll quickly
forget about that big check you
just wrote as soon as you ride
it. (Left) The KTM's WP AER
48 air fork is what an air fork is
supposed be. (Below) The FE's
orange frame easily visually sets it
apart from the standard SX-F.
It's amazing that
KTM's 450 SX-F
FE is as light as
some 250Fs.
