KTM E/XC 450 RFS

At the '02 24-Hour test we had Mike Lafferty's KTM 450 E/XC--a big-bore kit installed in a KTM 400 RFS. KTM chose to make the 400 a 450 by going with a longer stroke and keeping the 400 bore, but this engine is every bit as sweet as Lafferty's was. Starting is quick and easy whether by leg or thumb, and the power is soooo good at virtually any rpm. Not one rider faulted the engine in any way. Then there is that super-flexible six-speed. The stock gearing provides a low first yet would run more than 100 mph if the engine could pull sixth gear. It won't unless you're on a good downhill, but we saw 87 indicated while still accelerating at 8000 feet of elevation during our initial test. This Glen Helen course was far too tight to gather any big numbers, but it is nice to know that big speed is available when you want it. Riders back East or in Colorado like a tooth down on the front, but once you find the gearing you like, you'll probably never need to change it--no matter where you ride or race.

At 256 pounds, the 450 isn't a featherweight, but it is lighter than any four-stroke here except its sibling, the 250 RFS, and it carries its weight lower than most. That allows it to feel lighter than it is. In fact, it felt good enough to be the overall winner of the test with three first-place votes, a second and a fourth out of six. No other bike got such consistent ratings. The suspension offers the adjustability to be plush for trail cruisers and stiff enough for top experts. The handling is good, though the steering could be sharper, and like most bikes with modern geometry, it cries for a steering damper in fast chop. So while not flawless, the $7198 450 still dazzled our crew. No wonder these are so hard to buy.

This bike is a seat away from perfection (the XRs smoke it!). I love the power, the flexible six-speed, the ability to gain a green sticker, the newfound steering accuracy and the SX ergonomics. I could do without the E-start when racing. The new enduro instrument is awesome as well. Only the KTM 300 is close. Karel Kramer

KTM definitely hit a home run with the 450. The motor works well in all conditions with great torque, good midrange, and it felt pretty fast on top. The bike required very little clutch work and was a fun bike to ride everywhere on our course. The suspension worked well both front and rear, so overall it is a great bike right out of the crate. Tom Carson

Now this is a great bike. The E-button wastes minimal time if you stall. It has a great power curve, and even though it's a 450, it does not run away from you in the tight stuff. It handles the slow, rocky climbs very well, and the suspension works fine. I'd race one box-stock. Elmer Symons

This was the best four-stroke in the test, and rated nine on a scale of 10. It had more power than the GG and (fortunately) less than the WR. The clutch and tranny are ideal for these conditions. The front end could have a more planted feel and better small bump compliance; when I am forced to give up my 300 M/XC, I will be looking seriously at the 450 E/XC RFS. John Bumgarner

Falling into my fourth slot was the KTM 450 E/XC. This bike retained all the good qualities of the smaller 400 but has a little more snap. The 450 tracks great and has a very solid feel when you ride at a fast pace. Jason Webb

I'm used to orange bikes doing well in our shootouts, but the 450 is exceptional. Great power coupled with comfy ergonomics and plush suspension. The seat could be softer and I don't really care for the bar bend, but those are small potatoes on a steak plate. Ed Tripp

KTM's bike preparation and maintenance was professional and well-executed, and the manufacturer had the most bikes for our test. It's why we see tracks, local riding areas and the desert turning orange. KTM's 450 is like a scaled-down 525, but handling is quicker and better in tight, technical terrain. Mark Getzfrid