KTM 450 SX-F 2020 dirt bike
In keeping with KTM tradition, the 2022 450 SX-F receives the same tweaks we've seen on the factory race team's bikes for the 2022 season.
The 2022 KTM 450 SX-F was based on the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition, the factory race team's bike that received quite a few changes. Unsurprisingly, KTM followed the same path this year. In short, the list of changes includes an engine piston with a new, more wear-resistant coating, new pistons in the fork, a new rear shock absorber for better handling, a 49-tooth rear sprocket (up from 48) and changes to the engine map settings.
Explaining in detail the changes to the suspension, KTM explained that the new fork piston is manufactured using new technology and does not require additional processing after production. The piston has a small ridge that allows the piston to lift away from the hydraulic fluid more easily as it moves and sucks in less fluid, resulting in a smoother fork operation. The rear shock absorber spring preload adjuster has a larger pitch thread for increased strength.
Remaining unchanged for the 2022 model are the major changes for the 2022 model to the chassis, engine and plastic tail. The 19/20 frame is torsionally stiffer than the previous frame and is designed to give the rider a more precise cornering feel. The engine is more compact and weighs less than previous models, and the plastics have been updated to match the new frame.
KTM 450 SX-F 2020
On the road
In terms of power, KTM did make some significant changes to the 450cc engine's performance maps. 2020 (if you read the first impressions of the 2020 Husqvarna FC 450, it will be like déjà vu). Card #1 is now just a standard card, and card #2 is an aggressive card. They've simplified the choice and created two maps with very clear differences in engine feel. The first card is very smooth and linear, without any surprises or power surges. Throttle response is quite good in the mid-to-high rpm range, but we found it to be a little laggy. Our pro tester preferred Map 1, just like the Husqvarna we rode last week, while I surprisingly chose Map 2 once I warmed up and got used to the track, which was wide and fast this time around. different from the track on which we tested the FC 450.
Map #1 is very friendly and manageable, but lacks the edge I got with map #2. My partner preferred riding at higher revs - map #1 worked best for him and he was able to ride faster and control the bike better with a more linear power delivery.
With map two, the engine's character becomes sharper, low-end torque increases and seems to spool up faster with sharper throttle response. While on the Husqvarna I felt the bike was a little more difficult to control with map 2 activated, the KTM felt more responsive and made the ride more fun. To be fair, we tested the bike on two different tracks over two days.
The overall typical KTM power character shone through on both maps - it's a fighter. Sometimes it feels like this bike could be launched to the moon, and it's a little scary. Perhaps this is why I liked map number two the most, because it has enough torque from very low revs, the bike always goes and forgives some mistakes.
The differences in suspension settings are a little more subtle. While Husqvarna focuses on comfort in its FC450, KTM sticks to the slogan "Ready to Race". The suspension still compromises on comfort and handling, but the settings are closer to racing than comfortable. I initially softened the fork three clicks to help the bike turn in easier, but the front end of the bike was still a little high for me. After increasing the rebound rate on the shock, I went back to stock fork settings and it worked well for me. On the other hand, my partner increased the compression force in the fork and increased the rebound speed, such settings were more suitable for his fast pace.
One thing we both noticed on the WP XACT 48mm air fork is that compression resistance is a little lacking. While working through most common obstacles, the fork's action is quite smooth and it works well on small to medium impacts, but on big jumps or riding quickly over the tops of bumps, it felt like the last quarter of the fork's travel wasn't stiff enough.
When it comes to handling, I think the 2020 KTM 450 SX-F feels on par with last year's model. I'm not the biggest fan of this bike's cornering character as I don't think it needs the extra torsional stiffness, so I prefer the more flexible handling of the previous frame. Still, the bike's overall low weight helps in all situations, including cornering. Most riders find the bike easy to handle in tight corners and even in flat, wide corners.
It's impossible to think about dirt without thinking about KTM. This European company has a reputation for making some of the craziest, fastest, and most extreme off-road motorcycles money can buy. That's why it is the largest manufacturer in Europe.
KTM motorcycles have won numerous championships on deserts, mountains, country roads and other dirt tracks around the world. Their wild success saw the company enter new territory such as automobile manufacturing, releasing the wild KTM X-Bow sports car as well as several road bikes.
KTM X-Bow
Design isn't the only thing that makes KTMs special. Rather, the two-stroke motor hidden under the frame is what makes most of these bikes sell like hotcakes. These 10 models in particular should be on your wish list.
KTM Freeride E-XC
There are currently only two KTM electric off-road motorcycles on sale. One of them is the KTM Freeride E-XC, which is considered the best-selling electric dirt bike, followed by the X-SX.
This electrified madness is captivating no matter what. The E-XC is equipped with a powerful motor connected to a battery pack that delivers maximum power for a significant amount of time, ensuring you have a lot of fun on the track. The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces 21.5 hp. and torque 42 Nm.
KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days
The unique name of this attraction comes from the International Six Days Enduro series. The reason is that the KTM 450 EXC-F Six Days was designed as an all-terrain motorcycle. And it doesn’t fail, plus much more.
The 450 EXC-F Six Days is more than an endurance bike. It's also a street machine that comes with all the necessary features to make an insane 450cc four-stroke motorcycle. see manual. Take it to a dirt track in the wild and the EXC-F Six Days can handle anything thrown at it.
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KTM 250 SX
The KTM 250 SX enjoys a huge reputation in the industry. First, its two-stroke engine is one of the craziest you can ever get. Secondly, if you are looking for a small and light KTM, this is the bike you would buy.
Combine a lightweight, small bike with an insane two-stroke growl and you get one of the best power-to-weight ratios in the industry. The lightweight chassis allows the 250 SX to tackle any road challenge without sacrificing performance. The WP suspension makes for a smoother ride, while the reliable brakes add confidence to the rider when jumping over massive ridges in the wild.
KTM 300 XC-W Six Days
The KTM 300 XC-W Six Days is part of KTM's extremely popular Six Days line of off-road motorcycles. But unlike most motorcycles in this line, the 300 XC-W is a two-stroke. Besides this, there are no fundamental differences between him and his close relatives.
However, when driven by a biker, the 300 XC-W feels like a more thoroughbred with excellent performance in every respect. This two-stroke engine is optimized for flawless performance and the bike's design provides excellent weight distribution for extreme riding. The 300 XC-W also gets a new balancer shaft that reduces engine vibration.
KTM 1290 Super Duke R
For 2022, KTM has updated its street bike lineup with a new lightweight chassis and an updated 1,301cc LC8 V-Twin engine. cm with liquid cooling under the frame. For 2022, they have kept the new formula, albeit with some tweaks and updates to their bike, the 1290 Super Duke R.
This means the new car is wilder than before. Even without taking into account the magic that happens in the powertrain, the riding experience on this bike is magical enough to put a huge grin on your face. The 1290 Super Duke R handles exceptionally well on the racetrack and the open road. Simple controls and first-class ride aids make it easy to harness the V-Twin's 177 horsepower.
KTM 125 SX
Most KTM owners have fond memories of this bike. The 125 SX served as the entry-level bike for most off-road enthusiasts. He has created so many champions in this very competitive world of dirt bike riding.
Yes, the KTM 125 SX is not the craziest KTM model you can buy. But this is the fastest and easiest to handle bike for those just starting out in the 125cc category. What's at work here isn't a bunch of tech gadgets that work in the background to make you smoother and faster. But rather, KTM's humble trick is efficiency, simplicity and small size.
KTM 690 SMC R
Most motorcycle enthusiasts claim that the KTM 690 SMC R is one of the best-looking Supermoto motorcycles ever made. For 2022, this wild KTM machine will be powered by the legendary 629.7cc LC4 single-cylinder engine. cm with liquid cooling. However, the power figures are the same as last year - 67 hp.
Engine modes are different. The KTM 690 SMC R comes with Street and Supermoto riding modes. It also includes the latest WP APEX fully adjustable suspension, trellis frame, road-focused tires and brakes, Supermoto-advanced ABS and Quickshifter+. And all this in a stock motorcycle.
KTM 990 Supermoto R
This is an evolution of the KTM Supermoto 950. This means the KTM 990 Supermoto R is designed to be wilder, faster and more fun. Under the frame is the 999cc LC8 engine from the Super Duke R. The moto also features Brembo brakes with radial-mount monoblock calipers. The 750 V-Twin powertrain produces 114 hp. and torque 97 Nm. All that grunt is sent to the rear wheel through a six-speed manual transmission via a chain drive. At the front, the 990 Supermoto R features 48mm adjustable WP USD suspension for a very comfortable ride.
KTM 450 SMR
KTM's latest release, the 2022 450 SMR, was built for racing, borrowing heavily from the KTM 450 SX-F, which set the industry benchmark for what a true off-road bike should be.
The 450 SMR is equipped with a powerful yet compact single overhead camshaft engine that produces 63 hp of power very efficiently. To achieve maximum performance, the 450 SMR contains premium components that add to its competitiveness and completeness as a true Supermoto race bike .
KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition
This motorcycle is not suitable for road use. The KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition was built exclusively for motorcycle racing. The SX in the name stands for Super Cross, which means only hardcore cross-country riders can get the most out of this bike.
What makes all this magic possible is the wild 450cc powerplant mounted in a thin and light frame. This four-stroke power unit produces a great power output of 63 bhp. Surprisingly, the bike remains quite controllable despite this much power, thanks to the grippy front brake disc and a host of other features that give it excellent handling.
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Overall
There's little not to like about the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F motocross bike. Fit and finish are top notch. As usual, excellent brakes and clutch with high-tech Brembo components. Thanks to the changes in map settings, you almost get two different motorcycles. Map #1 can be useful when you are learning a track for the first time, or when you lack grip on the ground on slippery surfaces. The second map is for when the track is deep and you need more power at the rear wheel, or when you just feel like you can do more. Either way, KTM is hard to beat.
We look forward to comparing it with its class rivals.
