Why The KTM 450 SX-F Should Win
* This bike will make more people KTM fans than ever.
* You can ride the KTM 450 SX-F faster for longer.
* Has the fastest average lap times out of both groups of our test riders (Pro and Intermediate).
* Electric start is the future. Once you try it, you want it.
* Compliant suspension takes the guesswork out of proper KTM/WP setup.
* Great history of durability and build quality.
* The new front brake is the new leader in feel and power. Works-level brakes.
Why The KTM 450 SX-F Shouldn't Win
* Serious racers and professionals will want the snap of other motors.
* Suspension components feel too soft for pro-level speed.
* Four-speed transmission hampers versatility.
This Is Your Bike If...
* You're a weekend track rider, occasional racer and multipurpose off-road rider. The KTM reacts to all of these very well.
* You hate kicking.
* You like maintaining dirt bikes that are easy and intuitive to work on.
* You hate maintaining dirt bikes that require a lot of maintaining.
| 2009 KTM 450 SX-F SETTINGS |
| MSRP: | $7,998 |
| Claimed Weight (tank full): | 231 lb |
| Actual Weight (no gas): | 234 lb |
| Actual Weight (tank full): | 247 lb |
| Seat Height: | 37.9 in. |
| Seat-To-Footpeg Distance: | 20.9 in. |
| Footpeg Height: | 17.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2.1 gal. |
| Jetting | STK | DR |
| Main: | 185 | Stk |
| Pilot: | 42 | Stk |
| Needle: | OBDTP | Stk |
| Clip Position: | 5 | Stk |
| Fuel Screw | 1.5 | Stk |
| SUSPENSION | STK | Int./Pro | Beg./Nov. |
| Fork |
| Compression: | 18 | 16-17 | 19-20 |
| Rebound: | 22 | Stk | Stk |
| Shock |
| Low-Speed Compression: | 15 | 12-13 | Stk |
| Rebound: | 24 | Stk | Stk |
| High-Speed Compression: | 1.25 | 1.75 | 1.75 |
| Sag (mm) spring change: | 110-113 | 112 | 112 |
Jesse Ziegler
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 180 lb
Vet Intermediate
The best 450 for 2009, for me, depends on which Jesse is going to ride them.
If I want to be excited, ride the bike that makes me appreciate full-on factory motors and never ever feel like I need more power, I'll ride the Kawasaki. I won't really drop down faster laps, but I'll feel like I look like I'm the fastest guy in the world. The Kawasaki's suspension gets along with my speed OK, but I think the aggressive power delivery is still a lot for stock suspension to balance, and it turns out I'm not good enough to make it work flawlessly. But it feels the fastest and is in certain parts of the power.