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THEATER TRACK TESTED

2020 KTM 450 SX-F | Track Tested Video

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2020 KTM 450 SX-F | COMPLETE CONTENT ARCHIVE

Having ridden the 2020 Husqvarna FC 450 only one week prior, we were excited to take the KTM for a spin. From the first bump we hit on the track, it was apparent that the KTM remains an aggressive, bred-for-racing motocross bike. The suspension is firm and likes to be pushed, and the stiffer settings actually give the bike a lighter feel than its white sister, which has a somewhat wallowy feel with its softer setup. The Fox Raceway main track has been left largely intact since the Lucas Oil MX National event held there last month, and its layout is laden with numerous large jumps and big rollers. With some proper setup, the bike handled predictably and handled everything the track had to offer. Senior test rider Pat Foster stiffened up both ends a few clicks and also slowed the fork and shock down with the rebound adjuster a tad, as he prefers a calmer feel at speed. Years ago when almost every manufacturer came equipped with air forks, the KTM’s WP units reigned supreme, but now that all of the Japanese manufacturers have returned to traditional mechanical spring forks, the WP air fork aren’t quite as appealing. Though they work well enough and are hard to beat on super-hard landings, the fork does lack the initial feel and compliance of a mechanical spring fork. A WP Cone Valve spring fork in 2021? We can wish…

When it comes to power the KTM has never been lacking, and the 2020 bike is better than its ever been. While we couldn’t detect any changes from the new piston, we can report that the new map 2 setting is much improved with a great boost in power that is surprisingly easy to manage. In standard settings – grey throttle cam, map 1 – the bike has a big, broad powerband that is easy to control. Power rolls on smoothly and the bike feels more than powerful enough to clear any obstacle with ease. Map 2 has a much snappier feel and greater response, and the power continues to pull further into the upper rpm range before flattening out. Installing the black throttle cam boost everything considerably, making even the standard map 1 setting seem much more aggressive. The map 2 powerband, meanwhile, is everything anyone could ever wish for with instant throttle response and big power on tap. Foster loved the bike in map 2 with the aggressive throttle cam installed, while Maeda preferred the easier-to-control grey throttle cam, in map 2 with traction control activated.

When it comes to handling, it’s hard to fault the KTM as it is one of the best cornering, yet stable, machines you can get. The front-to-rear weight bias is very even, and the bike does everything predictably. The grip afforded by the front end inspires trust and allows the rider to remain standing though corners with confidence, and it never seems to threaten to push or tuck.

The rest of the machine is typical KTM: the brakes are amazing with super strength and feel, the hydraulic clutch never fades, the bodywork is slim and easy to maneuver on, and the electric starter brings the bike to life reliably with the push of a button.

www.ktm.com

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Chase Curtis

Chase Curtis is an avid motocross and MTB rider, and he is the SML Video Editor. Completely self-taught, Chase is one of the best video editors in the sport and one of our biggest assets.

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3 Comments

  1. Matthew Kessler June 27, 2019

    Love all the info about all the new bikes coming out. Always exciting to see what’s new and y’all are doing a great job showing the public about them.

  2. Brandon Reece June 27, 2019

    Love the content. Wouldn’t change a thing. Keep it 100.

  3. Louie June 27, 2019

    Sweet bike, Do a vid of the huski 2020