QUINN CODY'S 2016 SONORA RALLY-WINNING KTM 450 XC-F
RACER TEST
P88
the KTM 450 XC-F has plenty
of power, and when racing for
days, it's good to go with proven,
stock internals. FMF simply pro-
vides more bite.
If there was a flaw in the XC-F
for rally, it's in the transmission.
As a five-speed, the XC-F can hit
the wall of top speed too soon.
This is overcome by shoehorn-
ing a 15-tooth front sprocket in.
Combined with a 47 tooth out
back the result is 100+ mph.
That's plenty.
Suspension duties are pro-
vided by WP's Cone Valve fork
system up front and a revalved
stock WP shock in the rear.
The fork is a major upgrade and
offers massively tunable per-
formance and adjustable fork
spring pre-load. Cody will crank
up the preload for riding with
the extra pounds of navigation
equipment on the handlebar.
Then, after converting the bike,
he backs it off.
At his hands, he runs Fasst
Co. Flexx Bars with a custom
welded navigation equipment-
mounting bar installed. Simple
Acerbis shields block debris.
At his feet, massive IMS extra-
long footpegs stand out. The
extra-large platforms allow him to
comfortably control the bike with
the larger fuel tank. They also
reduce fatigue at the end of long
days on the pegs.
Fueling the beast is an ex-
tremely clean IMS 4.0 fuel tank,
integrating the stock radiator
shrouds in a stealthy doubling of
range. The tank lives with its own
fuel pump installed at all times,
so swapping is done in minutes.
Motominded (www.moto-
minded.com) provides the
sleek headlight housing and a
Baja Designs S2 LED. The goal
here is to have ample lighting
on-board while freeing up room
behind the headlight assembly
for the wiring and connections
necessary for navigation equip-
ment.
>>RALLY BIKE TESTING
Quinn Cody pre-ran a section of
California desert for the camera
and me before he handed over
his baby. He came by flying at
what seemed a comfortable, but
fast pace. I tried it shortly after,
but it was far from comfortable
and incredibly fast.
I have a 500 EXC set up for
rally with a five-gallon tank and
adequate navigation setup. Say-
Cody is a perfect fit for the 450 XC-F.
