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Driving report KTM 450 SX-F 2007

Modern talking

A brand new engine and a heavily revised chassis (see box on the right) leave no doubt: KTM is serious about the 450 SX-F, model year 2007. Understandable, after all, after the almost overwhelming dominance in enduro sport and the convincing debut of the 250cc four-stroke crosser, there is still no guarantee of success in the MX1 class (up to 450 cm3). The early presentation date shows how committed the Austrians are to this goal. The appointment at the beginning of July, a good two months before the competition, demonstrates self-confidence.
This is already underlined by the first contact. You can only start with an electric starter. KTM does without a kick starter. To get rid of fears in advance: “Even the hot engine started again immediately,” reports six-time German motocross champion Dietmar Lacher, who did the first laps on the new KTM for MOTORRAD. And: The battery also passed the test of running the engine for two minutes with the kill switch pressed.
The decisive change in the design of the 4thHowever, 50 SX-F does not reveal itself at first glance. While KTM crossers have always conveyed an extremely manageable, almost nervous driving experience with a slightly lighter front, the new 450 now approximates the character of the Japanese crosser. In other words: a front with strong traction creates confidence even with a less aggressive driving style. The calming cure is supported by an even more streamlined tank-seat combination and the new fork with a »closed-cartridge« damping system, which ?? at least in the presentation models ?? is significantly above the previous WP Suspension models in terms of response behavior and damping reserves. In the rear, too, the well-known kicking of the shock absorber when braking is noticeably reduced, with angular bumps still causing unrest in the chassis.
The new short-stroke motor also contributes to the successful, completely new driving experience. Equipped with two balancer shafts, the unit not only runs almost vibration-free, but also pushes easily controllable at low speeds. But the good-natured aggregate can also be different. Another ignition curve, which can be selected via a plug on the CDI unit, allows the propellant, which is designed with the shortest stroke of all current 450 Crossers, to tackle noticeably more aggressively and turn it even higher. An alternative for routes with good traction or top drivers.
So much can already be predicted: The 450 SX-F has the potential to be part of the phalanx of this class
to break in dominating Japanese. dl / pm

What’s new?

engine
Complete new design with
dohc valve train
Extreme bore-to-stroke ratio
all 450 cm3 Crosser (97 x 60.8 mm)
Two balancer shafts
Four-speed transmission
Electric starter only,
no kick starter
There is a choice of two ignition curves
Quieter muffler with titanium manifold
landing gear
New frame with stronger ones
Side pipes
Upside-down fork from WP
Suspension with “closed cartridge” damping system
More progressive shock absorber setup
Milled wheel hubs
Plastic parts with cast
Design stickers
Newly shaped wave brake discs
Larger air filter box

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