These problems loom larger since the rest of the bike is very good. The bike is a pleasure when it comes time to perform routine maintenance. It was clearly built by folks who understand that we don't all have a factory mechanic. The engine is all but magic in output, character and onnectivity. The brakes are exceptionally powerful and all of the controls are properly placed and nicely humanengineered. Plus, the riding position is remarkably adjustable. In other words, the KTM has a lot to like, and some riders will consider it a complete and proper package. Others will see it as a work in progress until it comes back from a suspension shop.
Specifications
MSRP: $7298
Weight (ready to ride, no gas): 235 lb
Seat height: 37.8 in.
Ground clearance: 13.2 in.
Seat-to-footpeg distance: 16.9 in.
Whats Hot!
E-start is the way to go
Great components, great controls
Adjustable riding position
Easy-to-perform routine mechanical tasks
Hooks up like it is magnetized to dirt
Whats Not!
You call that a seat?
Suspension and especially fork not plush
Opinions
As much as I value KTMs as an off-road mount, the '07 450 SX-F and I never developed an understanding. There was too much power and not enough control. The '08 is a vast improvement. It was easy to jump on and ride. I'm one who definitely didn't get along with the suspension, but I know from experience that it can work extremely well. Now that Enduro Engineering and Guts have some seat choices that fix the only other significant drawback the bike has, I'm ready to make room for one in the garage. I love the power, the roomy riding position and handling. I trust the bike in the air and on the ground. I just feel like the KTM beats me up too much in braking bumps. I have faith that I can fix that.
-Karel Kramer/6'1"/210 lb/Novice motocrosser
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There are things that I really like about KTMs, like the powerful brakes and that super-consistent hydraulic clutch. They usually make really nice power as well. For 2008 the 450 SX-F got much easier to ride, accelerates better through bumps and grew calm and controlled in deep roller bumps. Those rollers are handled whether they're down a straight or through a semi-flat sweeper. The main negative point is I feel too much through the suspension, and that makes me tired sooner than it should and erodes my trust in the bike when I'm pushing for good lap times.
-Ryan Orr/5'10"/165 lb/Pro
The KTM felt pretty comfortable to me in a surprisingly short time. The power was smooth, but there wasn't as much hit off the bottom as the Honda or the KX-F. The shifting was fine and the clutch felt great and didn't fade. The engagement point is narrower than a cable clutch, but I could get used to that. The brakes are better than any production bike I've ridden. They're a little touchier than a Honda, but they're strong. The suspension felt fine, but the track at I-5MX wasn't really that rough. It was a little harder to hit a small rut in the turns, but perhaps the sand tires on the packed surface could've been part of that. Electric start is definitely a plus. It could save you a lot of time in the event of a stall or an easy fall. I never thought about the fact that Alessi had the starter on his bike. When I watched national races I thought he just always kept the bike running when he tipped over. He would fall and hardly lose any time.
-Billy Payne/5'11"/170 lb/Pro
I'm sitting here trying to figure out reasons why you'd be looking at the KTM 450 SX-F as your choice in MX weaponry. I'd start with the electric starting because that's an exclusive feature to this bike right now and every rider likes it as soon as they stop doubting that the starter won't work. Maybe you just want to stand out from the crowd, but in certain areas with good KTM dealers, I'm sorry, you won't. There may be those still then who don't like aluminum frames for some reason or another; the SX-F is the holdout chassis in steel. It feels different than Japanese machinery but no different than any other bike, one on one. And it takes about one day in the saddle and you'll be right at home. If you like a smoother, slower-revving (on the bottom because this bike rips on the top!) engine character and a lighter feeling and steering chassis, then you should look into this bike. It definitely has the strongest brakes. KTM SX-Fs are as durable as anything and have comparable aftermarket support. When it comes to shootout time, I'm sure the KTM will stand out in a few areas as class leader. Having the total package to win it might be a tough order, especially since it seems the most vanilla bike always has a strong advantage going in. This bike isn't vanilla.
-Jimmy Lewis/5'10"/185 lb/Vet Pro