KTM strives to be different. One of the most innovative motorcycle companies out there, each year they introduce something new that the other big four have yet to try. For instance, you do not need tools to access the air filter or brake pads; they were the first to come stock with quality handlebars and black anodized rims; they refuse to attach a linkage to their rear suspension; they come equipped with a hydraulic clutch and wave brake rotors. The list just goes on and on.
So what is KTM’s groundbreaking innovation for 2007? An electric-start on the KTM 450 SX-F. That’s right, no more kicking; just push start and go.
The start button is situated beside the throttle housing which is wired to a 12-volt battery that sits underneath the seat. To compensate for the additional weight of the battery, KTM removed the kick-starter. Surprisingly, the `07 450 SX-F is actually lighter than last year’s model, tipping the scale at 229 pounds sans fuel. It would seem more reassuring to have a kick-starter, but after properly charging the battery (it’s best to set it on a trickle charge for 10-12 hours after it’s uncrated), you’re good to go. Riding the bike will continue to keep the cells charged.
Just push start!
If you do happen to be storing in the bike in cold weather, it’s best to disconnect the battery (which only requires removing three 8-mm bolts) and keep it some place warm.
Aside from the e-starter, the new Katoom 450 features a completely new chassis, updated WP Suspension, Magura hydraulic clutch, Brembo brakes, black anodized Excel rims, Renthal Fat-Bars and grips, adjustable handlebar mounts, a gripper seat cover, a four-speed transmission and it comes stock with a Twin Air filter. This bike, truly is, ready to race.
Now, all of those ingredients sure do look appetizing on paper, but are they really that noticeable on the track?
Track Tested
The first stop on my work/ ride vacation was at Fast Track in Cairo, Georgia. Just 15 minutes from MTF, Fast Track is a flat, clay-based track with several man-made jumps, from doubles to tabletops to whoops to step-ups. After watching Darcy Lange climb onto the podium in Atlanta the night before, I was more than anxious to get out on the track and test my technical skills or lack thereof….
As soon as I rode through the pits, I noticed how small and narrow the 450 SX-F feels. For a moment, I thought they had sent me the 250! I’ve always enjoyed the ergonomics of the KTMs, and the new styling and chassis only made me feel that much more comfortable. The bike has a very open riding compartment that would accommodate any size of rider.
The handlebar bend suits me well (and the strength of the Fat-Bars will surely save me money) and I believe that the lever feel and quality on the KTM is second to none—especially the hydraulic clutch. Even though I don’t use the clutch too often, having that smooth, consistent pull all the time makes it tough to go back to a cable-operated unit. Both the clutch and brake lever can be adjusted closer or further from the bar without any tools, which makes it easy to suit individual riders' personal preference.
Railing a berm or diving to the inside, the KTM 450 has it covered.
The motor on the new KTM is deceiving. It doesn’t have a hard, arm jerking hit off the bottom, but it comes on smooth and pulls strong throughout the RPMs. I’m usually not a big fan of four-speed transmissions, unless I’m on a wide open, outdoor style track, but the KTM 450 transitioned nicely from gear to gear and I never found myself in between gears. I tend to short-shift, but if desired, the KTM begs to be revved. Whether you’re a revver (like Pete Raymer) or a lugger (like me), you’ll feel at home on the new 450.
Here’s where KTM always suffers the most criticism: suspension. For `07, KTM believes that the major updates to their WP forks and shock have fixed that woe. But since I haven’t ridden a KTM 450 since `05, I can’t comment on the difference versus the prior model year.
We set the race sag at 110mm, and just left the clickers stock until I had put in a few laps. Obviously, stock 450 springs—on any bike—are a little stiff for my ripped 145-pound body and my blistering mid-pack intermediate speed. But after softening the compression clickers, softening the high-speed compression, and speeding up the rebound, we definitely made some improvements. The KTM felt awesome over long, whooped out straightaways; it tracked straight and never once bucked, swapped or kicked. The front end tucked nicely into tight corners on the arenacross track and hopped through rhythm sections with ease. The only area where it felt harsh was over sharp braking bumps. We continually made changes with the clickers, however, and it seemed to become much plusher each time.
While I was testing the new KTM, I was also trying out my Leatt Brace which definitely receives a 10 from me.
Final Verdict
The 2007 KTM 450 SX-F was the most anticipated MX bike of the year. Does it live up to its billing? It sure does. Not only because of the e-start, but the redesigned chassis, updated suspension, and roll on power of the KTM’s motor makes for one pleasurable—and competitive—ride. Toss in the multitude of extras, including a hydraulic clutch, adjustable bar mounts and levers, CNC-machined triple clamps, Excel rims, Brembo brakes, and Twin Air filter, and you’ve got yourself a race bike directly from the crate.
KTM has kindly offered us the the 450 SX-F for testing this year, so stay tuned for cool new products to be evaluated on the bold new thumper!
Technical Details
ENGINE
Engine type Single cylinder, 4-stroke Displacement 449.3 cc Bore x stroke "97 x 60,8 mm (3.82 x 2.39"")" Compression ratio 12.5:1 Starter E-Starter Transmission 4 gears Carburetor Keihin MX FCR 41 Control 4 V / OHC Lubrication Pressure lubrication Engine lubrication 1.3 l Motorex Power Synt 4T 10W50 Primary drive 29:74 Final drive 14:52 Cooling Liquid cooled Clutch Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically Ignition Kokusan digital DC-CDI
CHASSIS
Frame Central double-cradle-type 25 CrMo4 Subframe Aluminium 7020 Handlebar Renthal Aluminium, konifiziert Front suspension WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89") Rear suspension WP Monoshock PDS Suspension travel front / rear 300 / 335 mm (11.81 / 13.19") Brakes, front / rear Disc brakes 260 / 220 mm (10.24 / 8.66") Rims, front / rear 1.6 x 21"; 2.15 x 19" Excel Tires, front / rear 80/100-21"; 110/90-19" Chain 5/8 x 1/4" Main silencer Aluminium Steering head angle 63,5° Wheel base 1475±10 mm (58.07±0.38") Ground clearance (unloaded) 380 mm (14.96") Seat height 925 mm (36.42") Fuel capacity approx. 8 liters (2.11 gal) Weight (no fuel) approx. 104 kg (229.28 lbs)
A special thanks to KTM Canada and Florian Burquet for providing us with the KTM 450 SX-F for our trip to Georgia on such short notice, and to Gord Gilliatt of Podium Grafix for designing us a set of numberplate decals. You can reach Gord at (705) 742-5756 or email him at gord@podiumgrafix.com
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