KTM 450SX-F 2013 Preview
KTM 450SX-F
A completely new, significantly lighter engine, featuring groundbreaking injection technology, guarantees brutal yet controllable power. Packed into a chassis, which has been improved massively in terms of bodywork, frame and suspension, the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F sets a new benchmark among the 450 four-strokes in terms of performance and maneuverability with its easy handling.
KTM 450SX-F Features and Benefits
ENGINE
Less weight, less maintenance. But, because you can't save on everything, the 449.3 cm³ 27.418 cu in SOHC SX-F engine offers one major plus: more power. If you combine the 4.4 pounds saved by the more compact design with the unbelievable 60 hp, you end up with unparalleled power development and handling previously unheard of in the 450 class.
CYLINDER HEAD
This is precision engineering: a cylinder head reconfigured for optimal motocross characteristics with a very broad rev range. In this extremely compact and lightweight construction, only one camshaft specially designed for the KTM SX-F actuates four titanium valves via weight-reduced rocker arms DLC-coated on the intake side. Together with ultra-light valve springs and spring retainers, a maximum engine speed of up to 11,500 rpm can be achieved for maximum power.
CRANKSHAFT
The crankshaft on the new KTM 450 SX-F with a 63.4 mm 2.496 in stroke is equipped for 2013 with a revolutionary plain bearing in the lower conrod eye. This means that the conventional needle bearing is replaced by 2 press-fit bearing shells in the ultra-light Pankl connecting rod, which run directly on the crankshaft's additionally reinforced crank pin. The sliding bearing is supplied with oil directly from the pressurised oil circuit via the crankshaft. In other words: No problem when it comes to rev limits, and the need for servicing the crankshaft is halved. And, because the gyrating mass has been reduced, the bike has more bite and it's even more agile and dynamic.
FRAME
The modern frame design of lightweight, high-strength, chromoly steel section tubes guarantees an ideal mix of longitudinal and torsional stiffness, resulting not only in easy handling and precise steering behavior, but also in excellent ride stability. The four-stroke frames in MY 2013 feature a stiffer frame triangle and thinner-walled down tubes. This leads to an improvement in tracking stability increased torsional stiffness accompanied by a reduction in weight. The engine braces to the cylinder head have also been optimized, along with their attachment to the frame. The frame features a new color on the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F and it is still the benchmark in terms of weight and stability.
FORK
The further improved 48 mm 1.89 in upside-down fork featuring closed-cartridge technology has been optimized with completely revamped settings developed in the United States for perfect harmony with the new frame and engine. The new oil is significantly more wear-resistant and guarantees more consistent damping throughout both the course of a race and the bike's life cycle. A new lower triple clamp is 80 g 2.82 oz lighter and, just like the upper triple clamp, CNC-machined from high-quality aluminum, whereby the steering characteristics, and hence, the responsiveness of the fork have been noticeably improved.
SWINGARM
The cast aluminum swingarm has been developed with state-of-the-art calculation and simulation software and constructed, in terms of design and wall thickness, for minimum weight with optimum stiffness and sufficient flex. For the 2013 model year, engineers have redesigned the rear section of the swingarm to allow installation of a thicker rear wheel axle (25 mm (0.98 in) instead of 20 mm (0.79 in)) for the benefit of better tracking stability. Moreover, they have succeeded in reducing weight by more than 100 g 3.53 oz by revising the bolts, cups and nuts on the linkage.
CLUTCH
A DDS clutch Damped Diaphragm Steel with a wear-free steel cage is fitted to the new KTM SX-F engine, allowing use of thin steel discs for minimum overall width. The diaphragm spring, which preloads the package, not only reduces the operating force required to pull the clutch, but also provides space for integrated hub damping. The result: more traction and protection for the transmission. And with hydraulic clutch actuation from Brembo, the rider has everything under control right from the start.
ELECTRIC STARTER
Every milli-second counts when starting. That's why the new KTM 450 SX-F can also be started simply at the press of a button. This is an invaluable benefit in the heat of a motocross battle.
BODYWORK
Visually the completely revamped bodywork indicates that the 2013 model year represents a new SX generation. Above all, the ergonomics and function of the plastics have been designed in such a way that the whole chassis and engine package forms a perfect harmony with the rider down to the very last detail. The fuel tank and spoiler have been restyled along with the airbox cover and the front fender, including the front number plate. A particular highlight is the new front fender, which has no ribbing on the inside, to prevent mud build-up. A pioneering structure and improved attachment of the fender to the triple clamp result in up to 50% greater lateral stiffness.