And when you tack on traction control, you have a
super potent engine that anyone can use. "The traction
control is a cool feature to have. If it's dry and condi-
tions are slick, it really works," said one tester. "The
traction control option on the KTM and Husky is a great
feature and rates highest on the reasons why I would
purchase one of these bikes," said another tester.
The KTM's handlebar-mounted engine-tuning control is
also a nice feature. And testers gave the KTM's E-button
a double thumbs up.
Another reason why our testers like the KTM is the
way it rails the corners. The KTM gets in and out of the
turns quickly and effortlessly, berm or no berm, and they
also like the way the KTM handles and how light it feels
on the track.
"The KTM is light and nimble and doesn't require a
lot of effort to make it do what you want, and I also
appreciate the additional bump compliance that the steel
frame provides; all of these things help make the KTM
easier to ride for a longer period of time."
The only thing that might've prevented the KTM from
making the top of the leaderboard is suspension, more
specifically the fork. While the WP AER 48 fork might
be the best production pneumatic fork out there right
now, it's still an air fork and our testers seem to be over
that fad, especially now that they've been re-introduced
to coil-spring forks on two of the four Japanese bikes
(the YZ never jumped on the air fork bandwagon). Even
though the WPs are very good, they still don't offer the
feel our testers want. "While the AER fork is the best
functioning air fork on the market in my opinion, it still
leaves a little to be desired in the small bump compli-
ance department," said one tester, adding, "this was the
only thing that kept the KTM from being on the top of
my list." Metcalfe said, "The air fork is a slight downer
for me. Yes, it's the best production air fork I've used,
but I still don't get the feel I'm looking for and often feel
like the front searches around over bumps." And another
tester said, "The KTM would likely be the winning bike
for me if I felt more comfortable with the forks."
Like the Husky, the KTM boasts many top-of-the-line
components, like Brembo brakes, Dunlop MX3S tires,
and ODI grips, which make the KTM's (and Husky's) fat
price tag a little easier to swallow.
VOL. 54 ISSUE 42 OCTOBER 24, 2017 P101
KTM 450 SX-F
PROS
•Lightest production 450
•Electric start
•Hydraulic clutch
•Dunlop MX3S tires
•Traction control
CONS
•Pricey
•Strange launch control design
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
•Weight (full fuel): 236 lbs.
•MSRP: $9599
