What's Hot
With a lot of changes for '09, especially when it's not an all-new model by any means, the KTM 450 SXF has a plenty to be proud of.
The most sano controls in...
The most sano controls in the motocross bike world just went to another level.
--First, it's still electric start. This is awesome if your battery is charged. It adds a little weight but once you don't kick, you won't mind. Keep your battery charged.
--The fork refinements are the most immediately noticeable improvements to the 2009 KTM 450 SXF. They're great. The bike handles supple up front and our hands are happier than they've ever been on an orange bike. It maintains cornering prowess and front-wheel traction while eliminating harsh, irritating and energy-sapping jolts. This bike is truly plush.
--The changes to the shock are similar. However, we didn't feel as much improvement here because we didn't have an issue with the rear of the KTM last year except for one thing: We believe the shock, combined with the steel frame in '08 was directing a lot of force into the head-tube of the bike. What a lot of riders were commenting on as front end harshness was, we believe, a resonating effect of the rear force coming forward. Essentially, KTM solved this and improved the front end handling through its updates on both ends of the '09 450 SXF. The bike behaves better than before and has more friends because of it.
--The engine character is just about perfect. After close to 10 hours on the bike it's loosening up and revving freely. The bottom end enhancements are noticeable and it seems the motocross snap most people think they need is here for the taking. It has CRF450R-style pick-up off the bottom while still being one of the quietest bikes on the track. The best part about the KTM power is that you can modulate it easily. There is no snap-or-nothing character here. The bike simply responds nicely to your throttle input. If you want to squirt past, just whack it open. It's got more downstairs for sure. Traditional smoothness remains and the top end prowess is readily available. It spans riders with hyper-active ADD throttle wackiness as well as calm, collected and controlled users. KTM might have the best motor of the year.
Smooth power with a bit of...
Smooth power with a bit of U.S.-inspired moto-snap.
--The new controls are just what this bike needed. KTM bikes feel different enough just because they are. With smoother, sleeker and friendlier levers on both sides, the bike is welcoming to the hands of non-KTM riders. The clutch engagement is spot on and the adjustable clutch lever is great at dialing in your reach preference. The biggest improvement is by far in the braking game. The old KTM brake was too much for most. Most factory bike's trick one-off brake components we've tested are barely a match. For '09, KTM took the bite out of the front binder and put in some serious control and modulation without losing any of the strength. The lever is smooth and normal and the pucker power increases as you squeeze. The caliper, mount and entire assembly is ultra clean and screams quality.
--The graphics are just cool. Try to find everything hidden in them.
What's Not
-- Batteries die. The electric start can be heaven-sent or hell-bound. If you're battery is fresh, you'll love it to death, but it is one more thing you have to watch, but you can't see electricity or do an electricity change!
The KTM 450 SXF motor gets...
The KTM 450 SXF motor gets better the more we ride it.
--The front fork compression adjuster turn knobs can be difficult to use when dirty. Add in the fact that the compression settings are in the teens and you have some seriously sore fingers. Blast them with some contact cleaner and keep them lubed.
--The suspension is approaching the too soft state for faster riders and heavier folk. If you are an intermediate level rider or slower, don't worry. But our pros were quick to start bumping up the compression across the board to stop the bike from feeling wallowy and to feel more confident pushing it hard. And with that comes some uncomfortable times in the choppy deceleration. But even stiff, the bike eats up the chop on the acceleration bumps way better than last year. Tune in some stiffness if you feel a bit wallowy. And don't be afraid to open up the rebound to get better traction. There is plenty of high-speed rebound built into the valving to handle the extension from the big hits. If the bike feels choppy, open the rebound first.
-- The SX still only has a four-speed transmission. But we never really needed a fifth. KTM makes an XC for that but it would make the SX so much more versatile.
What It Is
A new needle size and internals...
A new needle size and internals have the PDS system working well on the 2009 KTM 450 SXF.
The 2009 KTM 450 SXF is a fine example of a refined ride. The new model addresses every complaint our fleet of test riders complained about on the '08. For most riders the suspension action has never been better on a KTM motocross bike. And it's easy to see by the praise it's getting that the motor is probably the best the Austrian company has ever produced as well.
It really seems that KTM took the hard-edge off their SXF line (at least the 450) and is looking to please a wider range of motocross enthusiasts. You no longer have to get this thing up to full race pace to enjoy a pleasant ride at the track as everything is tuned to be easier to get along with. Average Joe should enjoy the heck out of this bike, while the faster guys out there can easily move it to the front of the pack.
The bike sits now in waiting. Waiting for totally new class leaders (Red and Green ones) to come out of the shadows and show what they got.