KTM 450 SX-F

Overview

KTM has always been a motor manufacturer to have kept the fun factor above all the aspects related to motorcycling. In the past, the Austrian manufacturer has pioneered in making some really exciting machines and is continuing to do so even today. This is the reason why apart from the usual sea of naked roadsters and faired sports bikes which are legal for street use, KTM also makes some really fun-to-ride enduro motorcycles. In Malaysia, KTM has the 450 SX-F as its biggest enduro motorcycle. This no-frills motorcycle is meant for only for one task – pure unadulterated fun. The KTM 450 SX-F is priced at RM 39,750 in Malaysia, however, the motorcycle is meant only for closed circuit riding and not for open street use.

Design

For an enduro motorcycle, the first and foremost priority while designing is to keep in mind that it's a no-frills machine. What that means is, here, the focus is purely on performance and riding dynamics. Instead of making it visually appealing or loading it with modern features.

The KTM 450 SX-F is designed keeping in mind the same, however, it is one eye-pleasing machine to look at. You begin to sense this feeling even more, when you particularly see the slim profile of the motorcycle. While enduro motorcycles are known to have the least possible bodywork, the one on the 450 SX-F is really appreciable. The long horizontal seat is enough to accommodate two adults, while the aerodynamic design for fuel tank, parrot-beak shaped front fender and tailpiece look neat. What makes the motorcycle look slightly beefy are the big side panels, covering the nicely executed under-seat exhaust pipe. This surely adds some visual appeal to the motorcycle. The high ground clearance of 370 mm makes the 450 SX-F impart some serious road presence.

The other bits which are functional as well as give the 450 SX-F tempting presence are the off-road tyres wrapped around black spoke wheels. And that’s it - the absence of proper headlight, tail light, instrument console, and turn indicators instantly make one realize that it is meant purely for hardcore riding.

Ride & Handling

An enduro motorcycle needs to maintain a perfect balance between powertrain and chassis to keep the momentum going smoothly. Matching the perfect engine credentials of KTM 450 SX-F engine is its brilliant lightweight chassis. The sturdy frame gets the further assistance of front 43mm upside-down telescopic forks with a travel of 310 mm and rear monoshock with a travel of 300mm, both of which are sourced from WP.

The suspension has been tuned on the stiffer side to make the directional changes as precise as possible. The off-road tyres wrapped around the 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheel feel perfectly employed for the task, thus providing enough grip and feedback to the rider.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Enduro motorcycles are meant to be go-getters with minimal show. And while the KTM 450 SX-F emphasizes on this fact with least bodywork, it impresses one even more with its zippy performance. At the heart of the KTM 450 SX-F is a four stroke, liquid cooled, fuel injected, single cylinder, 449.9 cc engine, which produces 53 PS of maximum power and 24 Nm of peak torque.

The engine is coupled to a 4-speed gearbox, which has short gear ratios to maximize the use of power stacked mostly at higher revs. This engine-gearbox character gives it an extremely rev-happy nature, which imparts it a thrilling riding experience.

Braking & Safety

The KTM 450 SX-F has been equipped with single disc brake setup at both the ends – a larger 260 mm disc at the front and a 220mm disc at the rear. Both provide enough bite to bring this manic motorcycle to a halt with ease. However, the absence of ABS in order to keep the costs and weight in check is one big miss here.

Verdict

The KTM 450 SX-F, like any other enduro motorcycle, is not a machine meant for daily commutes with a probability of having little fun on weekends. KTM does have a range of roadsters for this particular theory to choose from. The 450 SX-F takes the factor of fun riding to just another level. With almost no practical bits and features present on the motorcycle, the entire focus lies on the engine and riding dynamics. And these are two aspects where the 450 SX-F makes no compromises at all. With adrenaline-rushing performance and agile handling on offer, the KTM 450 SX-F is purely meant for unleashing your wild side.