VOL. 53 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 20, 2016 P167
1
st
PLACE
KTM
450 SX-F
I
n last year's 2016 Cycle News shootout the
KTM 450 SX-F came very close to winning
against the YZ450F. With the new WP AER
48 air fork and other revisions, the 2017 KTM
has clawed its way to the top to win the 2017
Cycle News 450 Motocross Shootout. It is the
lightest bike in the class, yet features electric
starting, a hydraulic clutch and high-quality
components. And the bike just plain performs.
The KTM's engine provides a wide range
of power characteristic thanks to a choice of
maps and traction control. Choose the stock
map (number "1") with traction control and it
rolls on smoothly without any scary moments
in the rpm range. Turn traction control off and
switch to aggressive map "2" and you have a
450 engine that still rolls on smoothly off idle,
then pulls into a very strong midrange. That
midrange power doesn't sign off and the KTM
revs farther and stronger than any other 450.
Riders who are used to highly responsive 450s
that jerk forward as soon as there is tension
on the throttle cable might think the KTM 450
SX-F isn't very fast. Well that is just the oppo-
site; its ultra friendly bottom-end drives the bike
and rider forward and into the strong midrange
with predictability. Many might consider that a
lack of excitement but we call it making traction
and reducing fatigue. It should also be noted
that the KTM isn't nearly as loud as the Yama-
ha, Honda and Kawasaki, while still pumping
There is nothing that
the KTM doesn't
do well, like railing
rutted turns.
