KTM 450 SX-F 2016. It has passed through our hands the bike that comes with the titles of AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross underarm after renewed completely. So Tony Cairoli own I wanted to last season MXGP. A powerful, light and beautiful machine. What more could you ask for? The phrase "when something is good, better not touch it" does not go with KTM engineers and so have decided to take another step in the evolution of the four and a half 2016. A bike that inherits all the technology and progress of the prototypes World Championship and the AMA. The result is evident from the outset: lighter, flexible, progressive and fast. The four key points that every driver looking in a competitive dirt bike.
The first thing we perceive nothing more contact with the 450 SX-F is that we have a bike lighter than its predecessor. Weight reduction versus the 2015 version is 5 kilos, which is striking given that the previous version was the lightest in the category anymore. This becomes even more impressive if we consider that its direct rivals not incorporated electric starter, which carries extra weight. Upon entering the circuit this feeling is remarkable especially in the twisty broken and the track where the bike is shown remarkably agile.
More power, less weight
Another point where the Austrian factory has concentrated its efforts is in the drive, an effort that has led them to reduce weight by 1.8 kilos. This has been achieved by using lighter materials and optimizing its components one to one. To give an example, the stock is now 350 grams lighter and engine housings have lost weight at 550 grams. Weight reduction is accompanied by an increase in power throughout the throttle curve, reaching 62 hp of maximum power and a maximum speed of 11,500 rpm. We face therefore one of the 450 most powerful and explosive category. This makes both a physically and only the most experienced and best fitness drivers can make the most of the propellant very demanding bike.
The improvements made in the injection system allow power delivery is linear and progressive, rather facilitating driving. A low and mid engine shown really efficient and immediate response that offers allows us to successfully overcome all the situations that present themselves in the path. But without doubt, what has captivated this 4.5 is the final explosion that offers high-rpm drive, where power seems endless. The steep climbs of the circuit where we did this test allowed us to squeeze the most of the engine, being very satisfied with their performance.
Suspensions
Suspensions in section, are incorporated by novelty AERforce with the fork bars WP 48 mm. Damping functions are on the right side, while the air spring is on the left. The bottle has a left cartridge encapsulated air. This air spring can be easily adjusted to the weight of the driver using an air valve and a pneumatic pump for standard forks. The right fork leg has a completely new damping cartridge. WP rear shock has been adjusted to fit the new geometry of the chassis and swingarm. And yes, the fork is also lighter than it predecessor, no less than 1.4 kilos less.
During testing, we ended up not completely satisfied with the operation of the new hoquilla WP, but we can improve the bad initial feelings. At first fork it showed too sharp in the first part of the tour and we excessively tired arms. Following pressure from the left fork to adjust our weight and adjust the compression / extension to our liking, we got some settings that best absorbed uneven ground and not wearied us both. Undoubtedly, it is one of the areas with room for improvement of this bike almost perfect.
Particularly striking is the number of components that have undergone significant changes or have been completely renovated, providing a mechanical finishes of extraordinary quality. These include the tapered handlebar Neken, fuel tank, aluminum radiators, larger and more stable footrest with a "antisuecidad" for mud, airbox and filter, brake discs Galfer, ion battery for starting, seat system as well as plastics and adhesives. Another aspect that differentiates the Orange brand from its rivals is the incorporation of serial electric starter, which in this 2016 version has been improved. In our test unit it worked perfectly, both cold and hot, in neutral or with the gear. The battery is now smaller and contributes to this obsessive quest to reduce weight. The starter-set battery lost, this time a kilo of weight in the strict "Operation Bikini" Austrian.
Final assessment
The KTM 450 SX-F is presented as one of the most competitive bikes category, a ready to compete at the highest level mount. The 2016 version is a total revolution, both the quality and the quantity of new components incorporated. The letter of this four and a half is a significant reduction in overall weight, accompanied by a fully renovated to gain power and engine reliability. Strong, light and easy to handle are the adjectives that best describe the last 450 of the Austrian brand. A bike that has far exceeded our expectations, although we would improve the functioning of the new fork WP.
The best:
Weight loss
Engine power
Manageability
Would improve:
Front fork touch
Deadlock difficult
Physically demanding
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