2020 KTM 450 SX-F | Track Tested

2020 KTM 450 SX-F | COMPLETE CONTENT ARCHIVE

Yesterday, KTM invited Swapmoto Live out to Fox Raceway in Pala, California, for the official launch of the 2020 KTM 450 SX-F; a bike that has gained huge amounts of popularity since Ryan Dungey first signed with the factory in 2012. Dubbed the 2012.5 Factory Edition 450 SX-F, 400 of the new machines were made to meet the AMA’s homologation requirements so that the team could provide the latest and greatest machine for its new star racer to compete on. Since then, KTM has maintained the mid-year release of a Factory Edition bike each season, and it is always a good preview of what’s to come on the following year’s base model. That said, this year’s standard 450 SX-F boasts all the refinements that the 2019.5 Factory Edition did, with a few extra changes that make the bike even sweeter.

Aesthetically, the biggest change made to the bike – aside from bold new graphics – is the optional airbox cover, which has 10 diamond-shaped vents cut into it to allow more air to reach the air filter, thus producing better low-end throttle response and snap. The bike comes equipped with the standard solid cover, but we installed the vented cover right from the get-go. Also included with the machine is an optional throttle cam, which has a shorter pull and in turn, gives the 450 SX-F more immediate response. The standard cam is grey and the quicker optional cam is black.

Internally, the 450 SX-F powerplant is outfitted with a new CP Piston that has a different skirt shape. Oddly enough, we were told by Husqvarna that its main benefit was greater durability, but KTM personnel reported that it was for a quicker-revving powerband. While the standard map 1 is left unchanged, the map 2 settings have been revised to offer more power, over a broader rpm range. Of course, the traction control feature returns for 2020 and is activated on the same handlebar-mounted control as the map switch. To complement the engine changes, a one-tooth-larger rear sprocket – 49T – was added to help boost low-end power.

All told, taking the two ignition maps, two airbox cover options, two throttle cam options, and two traction control settings (on and off), there are a whopping 64 different configurations available to the consumer to test and fine tune the bike with. How about that?

Last week when we tested the 2020 Husqvarna FC 450, we reported that Husqvarna had gone a different direction with its suspension set, targeting a more comfortable and plush ride for the average rider. KTM, meanwhile, maintains its “Ready to Race” motto and the 450 SX-F has a US-specific race setting in its fork a and shock. This year, a new fork piston was added to provide more initial plushness in small braking bumps and chatter.

On The Track

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.

We’ve only added two hours to the hour meter on our test bike, but we’re very impressed with the 2020 KTM 450 SX-F and can’t wait to get even better acquainted with her. Stay tuned for more!

www.ktm.com