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The KTM 450 SX-F has proven itself over the years in the main world championships. The 2020 vintage reaches new heights in performance and handling. It has an ultra-compact single overhead camshaft cylinder head and a high-performance electronic fuel injection system.. Powered by a 63 HP engine of rare efficiency, the 450 SX-F is undoubtedly one of the fastest motocross on the circuit..
Motor and muffler
The 4-stroke revolutionized motocross and allowed KTM to establish itself as one of the major players in this discipline. Incredibly light and compact, these engineering gems impress with their power and dynamism. Barely out of the dealership, the 4-stroke KTM allow you to experience the highest level.
Motor
The 450cc engine is the most competitive in the KTM motocross lineup. It features a single overhead camshaft cylinder head powered by the latest electronic fuel injection system. The impressive 63 hp of power is thus distributed more efficiently over the entire rev range. Even with the very beneficial electric starter, this model remains the lightest 450cc on the motocross market..
Cylinder head
The 450 SX-F features a compact and lightweight SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) cylinder head. Emphasis was placed on the centralization of the masses, a guarantee of greater agility. The overhead camshaft has a surface designed to minimize friction. The distribution has been studied to improve the responsiveness of the engine. The four ultra-light titanium valves (intake: 40mm, exhaust: 33mm) are actuated using ultra-rigid rockers. The rockers are coated with a DLC coating on the intake side to allow extremely high speeds of up to 11,500 rpm. Low coefficient of friction chain guides make it possible to withstand these high rotational speeds. Innovative head shaft configuration ensures unparalleled power delivery to leave the competition behind.
Crankshaft
The 450 SX-F’s crankshaft is ideally positioned, close to the center of gravity, to better centralize the masses. It uses a short connecting rod, contributing to the compactness of the engine and its even more responsive character. The whole is perfectly balanced. The inertia forces are ideally balanced to promote traction and driving pleasure. The big end bearing has two half-shells force-fitted directly to the crankshaft pin, and the oil supply is provided by the engine’s pressurized lubrication circuit. This design increases engine life and allows longer crankshaft service intervals; a benefit for the customer in terms of time, effort and costs.
Engine housings and covers
Using the high pressure die casting process results in a relatively compact and even lighter crankcase, while maintaining strength and durability. The crankcase design enabled KTM engineers to bring the shaft assemblies closer to the center of gravity, so as to better centralize the masses and enhance driving pleasure. Another interesting innovation to keep the engine as radiant as in its early days: engine crankcase covers with an elaborate surface structure, intended to reduce the wear caused by the rider’s boots.
Gearbox
The 450 SX-F’s gearbox is focused on performance and lightness, without compromising on durability. The ratios, perfectly adapted to the power delivered by the large displacement engine, have not changed. The secondary transmission ratio (pinions) is shorter (13/49) to accelerate as hard as possible. All 4-stroke engines are fitted with an engaged gear sensor which allows the characteristics of the engine to be adapted in each gear, depending on the engine load. The “zero dirt” design of the selector prevents the accumulation of mud or dust at the joint. And as the new gearbox is impeccably reliable, changing gears has never been so easy..
Engine management
The highly sophisticated Keihin engine management system, with electronic fuel injection, features a 44mm injection body. The position of the injector ensures excellent atomization of fuel and air entering the combustion chamber. The engine is all the more lively and generous when opening the throttle. You also have independent adjustment systems for cold start and idle. The control unit (ECU) offers maps specially adapted to the exhaust and the cylinder head, in order to better manage the traction control and the departure control. To deliver maximum power, it allows the characteristics of the engine to be adapted to each speed, according to the data communicated by the gear sensor engaged..
Cylinder and piston
The cylinder, with a bore of 95 mm, accommodates a redesigned lightweight piston, meeting the most stringent quality requirements. This piston, manufactured by CP, is extremely reliable. The cylinder design helps reduce vibration and increase the overall level of engine performance. Reduced oscillating masses result in an engine that is both powerful and extremely responsive.
Balance shaft
The side-mounted balance shaft fulfills a dual function in that it perfectly compensates for the oscillating masses and at the same time drives the water pump. Free from annoying vibrations, the motorcycle offers unmatched handling flexibility, even at high revs.
Clutch
The 450 SX-F is fitted with a heavy-duty DDS (Damped Diaphragm Steel) clutch developed by KTM. This features a wear-free steel clutch housing and heat-resistant clutch discs. The use of a diaphragm spring instead of the usual coil springs also gives it greater flexibility. The diaphragm spring also has the advantage of being compact, which makes it possible to integrate a damping system in the clutch hub, to gain traction and durability. The Brembo hydraulic clutch system is also distinguished by its precision and progressiveness..
Electric starter
The electric starter, standard on the 450 SX-F, uses a proven drive system and Mitsuba’s robust electric motor. This device has proven its usefulness time and time again: its foolproof reliability saves precious time and spares you a lot of effort at crucial times..
Mapping selector on the handlebars
All 4-stroke models have a handy mapping selector on the handlebars, which allows you to act on traction control and departure control and to switch between power curves (Standard Advanced). Traction control is intended to enhance traction and control of the motorcycle during acceleration phases, especially on demanding tracks. This function can be activated, even in full action, by means of the map selector·on the handlebars. When the engine is at idle, all you have to do is press both switches simultaneously to activate the start control as well, and thus leap out of the gate more quickly. In addition to standard engine modes, the mapping selector provides access to other engine modes for maximum stroke options.
Cooling
Maintaining optimum engine temperature is essential to ensure consistent power delivery. The position of the radiators of the 450 SX-F, perfectly suited to the design of the spoilers, allows the center of gravity to be lowered and ergonomics to be improved. Thanks to digital fluid mechanics (CFD) and the clever cooling system implemented, this innovative system ensures that the engine components are kept at the ideal temperature to guarantee the highest level of performance, whatever the conditions. The special protections fitted to the radiators not only serve to protect them from projections of stones and other debris, but also to distribute the impact force of the shock around the radiators..
Quiet
The exhaust system, provided on all 4-stroke models, gives the engine a smoothness and liveliness that are hard to match. It has an exhaust manifold (specific to each model) and a small additional chamber, that is to say an evolved resonator called FDH (Flow Design Header) or flow-design exhaust manifold. This design allows the exhaust to be disassembled without having to remove the shock absorber and makes it easier to access the shock absorber. The aluminum sleeve, the silencer tip and the internal structure of the silencer present another advantage from the point of view of ergonomics, as they refine the silhouette of the motorcycle while respecting the regulatory noise emission levels..
Frame
The 450 SX-F delivers titanic torque and requires a heavy-duty frame to withstand the engine’s prodigious power. The 2019 model year featured a new, lightweight and well-designed high-tech steel frame. This winning formula has been renewed for the 2020 vintage. Its great flexibility allows it to withstand the biggest shocks without batting an eyelid and reinforces the agility and stability of the bike at high speed. The chassis also benefited from several innovations such as “zero dirt” footrests and optional composite skid shoe mounting brackets. The damping characteristics of the suspensions have been optimized on the 2020 version. The suspension settings have in particular been revised to provide additional flexibility and comfort. Combined with a powerful and dynamic chassis, these suspensions make the driving experience more intuitive and pleasant than ever..
Framework
As with the rest of the KTM SX range, the frame of the KTM 450 SX-F consists of hydroformed chrome-molybdenum steel tubes, assembled by automated welding, to ensure the highest levels of quality. The rigidity has been studied to enhance handling. The excellent cohesion with the suspensions also offers the perfect compromise between agility and stability at high speed. The frame of all 2020 KTM SX models benefits from a heavy-duty lacquer coating and standard frame protectors. The rear buckle, made of lightweight aluminum, offers an excellent feeling to the rider and promotes mobility in the saddle.
Swinging arm
The 450 SX-F’s one-piece swingarm, obtained by high-pressure die-casting, was engineered to offer heavy-duty strength at minimal weight. It allows a wide range of adjustments at the rear wheel and makes it possible to reduce the wheelbase to increase handling on narrow and winding tracks or, on the contrary, to increase the wheelbase to promote stability on fast sections. The chain measurement marks shown on the swingarm are visible from above, which greatly facilitates adjustments.
Wheels
Equipped with ultra-light CNC machined hubs and premium Excel rims, the wheels of all SX models guarantee maximum stability despite a limited weight. The aluminum spoke nipples have been revised to limit the frequency at which it is necessary to retighten the spokes. The wheels are fitted with latest generation DUNLOP Geomax MX 3S tires, to maximize power transfer to the ground and gain stability.
Front suspension
All full-size KTM SX models feature the ultra-light WP XACT AER fork, which has new settings on the 2020 vintage. The arms of this 48mm USD air fork have a different function: damping is on the right, the air spring is on the left. The left fork leg has a dual chamber and air cartridge system to prevent pressure loss. Should the outer seal ever leak, the pressure exerted inside the inner cartridge will keep the motorcycle in its normal position. The extremely easy to adjust air spring can be adjusted to the weight of the rider using a single valve and the air pump supplied with the motorcycle. The right fork leg includes a cartridge specifically designed to meet the demands of the single damper arm design and can be adjusted to suit track conditions or rider preference. To fine-tune each of these settings (compression from the top and rebound from the bottom), all you have to do is turn the new 30-notch dial provided for this purpose above each fork leg..
Rear suspension
The WP XACT DDC shock absorber, present on all KTM SX models, has been developed taking into account the architecture of the frame and the swingarm, just like the link system and the WP XACT AER fork. Beyond its purely functional aspect, this little gem seduces by the care taken in the finishes, and in particular by its high-quality machined and anodized components. Fully configurable in high speed and low speed compression, it can be adapted specifically to track conditions or rider preferences.
Triple trees
All KTM SX models use high quality CNC machined triple trees, a hallmark of KTM. To account for the flexibility of the frame and fork, engineers have firmed the upper triple clamp (22mm offset on all models). The front axle, working in perfect harmony with the frame, makes the bike even more stable and agile. Two positions are possible for the handlebar trigger guard with shock absorber pads intended to attenuate vibrations. Hour meter, standard on the upper triple clamp of all SX models, tracks hours spent in the saddle and indicates when it’s time for service.
Brakes
State-of-the-art Brembo brakes are standard equipment on KTM motocross bikes. Combined with Wave brake discs renowned for their lightness, they provide the braking power expected by the most daring riders..
Fuel tank
All models in the KTM SX range have an ultra-light polyethylene fuel tank. The shape of this tank has been designed to be more ergonomic, while maintaining the same capacity (7 liters). Fuel tank cap with internal thread ensures easy and reliable closing.
Air filter housing
The KTM 450 SX-F’s air filter housing optimizes flow dynamics. Combined with the intake snorkels, it ensures maximum power deployment and excellent recoveries. In addition to the obvious performance gain, the design also serves to better protect the air filter against clogging. The rigid support for the large Twin-Air air filter has been designed to minimize installation errors. As on the previous models, the maintenance of the filter is carried out in record time and without tools, an original characteristic, typically KTM. (For USA only) Each KTM SX-F is equipped with a KTM PowerParts air filter housing hatch. This has additional air inlets to optimize engine performance. In other words, it is possible to customize the air filter box according to the characteristics of the engine or the conditions of the track..
Ergonomics and comfort
To exploit the full essence of the SX range engine, the rider must be able to move quickly and easily on his motorcycle to compensate for the forces acting in the opposite direction. To offer flawless ergonomics and guarantee an optimal level of performance and control, KTM engineers have made sure that the rider can adopt an ideal posture on his motorcycle. As the rider primarily interacts with the fairing, saddle, footrests and handlebars, all of these contact points play a key role in balance and control. To tame the power of the KTM 450 SX-F and have complete confidence in his mount, the pilot must be able to count on flawless ergonomics..
Saddle
The saddle of all KTM SX models confirms the progress made in terms of dynamism and ergonomics. The saddle cover incorporates silicone bands designed to optimize grip and feel. A long screw inserted on the side helps to better fix the saddle to the motorcycle and makes handling easier and safer.
Handlebar
All full-size KTM SX models feature the same super strong aluminum profile handlebars, manufactured by NEKEN. Two positions are possible for the handlebar trigger guard with shock absorber pads. Right: an ODI vulcanized handle available as standard; on the left: an ODI lock-on handle as comfortable as it is practical, thanks to its mounting system without glue or wire.
Footrest
Sophisticated ‘zero dirt’ footrests prevent soiling of the pivot, even when going through deep ruts.
Dressing and graphics
To hit the track on the handlebars of a 450 SX-F is a strong signal sent to the competitors. KTM factory riders collaborated on the development of the fairing for the entire SX range with one watchword: finding the perfect harmony between rider and machine. To this end, it was crucial to take care of the contact points to ensure maximum freedom of movement for the pilot and increase maneuverability. This bike is a clever cocktail between raw power and lightness, as evidenced by the particular shape of the front and rear hulls, intended to guarantee maximum stability without additional weight..
Software and electronics
Even if the engine of the 450 SX-F develops a demonic power of 63 hp, it remains fully controllable. In addition to the mechanical elements intended to channel this energy, the pilot can count on an electronic pack to dose it with maximum precision. The mapping selector·on the handlebars allows you to act on traction control and departure control and select different power curves. Optimizing power and torque required many hours of work. Transferring this energy to the ground requires, however, state-of-the-art electronics. Activated by a simple button, the proven electric starter makes it possible to deal with any eventuality in motocross.
Drums
To start the engine every time, especially in cold weather, the starter on SX-F models is powered by an ultra-light, high-performance 2 Ah lithium-ion battery. The voltage regulator and capacitor, as well as all electrical components, have been brought together under the saddle, for the sake of reliability and compactness.
Traction control
This function, extremely practical in use, guarantees more efficient traction and better control of the motorcycle during acceleration phases on wet or slippery surfaces. It can be activated, even in full action, by means of the map selector·on the handlebars.
Departure control
It suffices to press simultaneously on the two contactors of the mapping selector to activate the CONTR.ÔTHE DEPARTURE and thus jump out of the starting grid more quickly. The start control reduces the maximum engine speed at the exact moment you take off so that you can maintain better control of your machine. The EFI light mounted on the upper triple clamps flashes when this function is active.
Mapping selector on the handlebars
The mapping selector allows, with the push of a button, to switch between a standard engine mode and a more aggressive engine mode on trails with good grip. This allows the rider to better adapt the ride of the motorcycle to the track conditions or to have better control when he begins to show signs of fatigue..
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Replaces
450 SX-F 2019
Model marketed in
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2019
2020
The technical aspect
2020 KTM 450 SX-F
- Frame
- Frame: Central tubular steel frame
- Tank: 7 liters
- Seat height: 950 mm
- Wheelbase: 1,485 mm
- Dry weight: 100 kg
- Train before
- WP inverted telehydraulic fork Ø 48 mm, deb: 310 mm
- 1 disc Ø 260 mm, 2 piston caliper
- Front wheel:
80/100
– 21
- Transmission
- 4-speed gearbox
- secondary by chain
- Rear axle
- WP mono-shock, deb: 300 mm
- 1 disc Ø 220 mm, 1 piston caliper
- Rear wheel:
110/90
– 19
- Motor
- Single cylinder
in line
, 4 stroke - Cooling: by water
- Injection Ø 44 mm
- 2 ACT
- 4 valves
-
449.90 cc
(95 x 63.4 mm) -
63
ch - Weight ratio /
power
: 1.59
kg / hp - Compression: 12.75: 1
- Crit’air:
Detached pieces
exhaust
motor
fluid
electricity
filtration
braking
chain kit
Competitors
Gallery
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