The new KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition will retail for $9899.
KTM will again offer a Factory Edition version of its 450 SX-F motocrosser for the 2014 model year. The bike features a number of differences from the standard 450 SX-F and is the bike that Red Bull KTM Team factory team riders – Ryan Dungey and Ken Roczen – will be based on. KTM claims that the Factory Edition model is 1.3 pounds lighter than the standard 450 SX-F.
The Factory Edition will sell for $9899 and only 699 will be built for the US market.
One of the main differences between the standard and the Factory Edition model is the fork. The Factory Edition KTM gets the latest generation 4CS WP fork over the previous WP bladder fork. The 4CS fork features a four-chamber design with both compression and rebound damping adjusters located at the top of the fork tube, making for easy adjusting. KTM says the new fork has better damping characteristics with more progression throughout the stroke and better bottoming resistance. The 4CS fork is also 177 grams lighter than the previous fork.
There is also a new, lighter and smaller-diameter front axle and a new axle clamp with reduced offset and increased trail for improved stability.
The rear suspension received some attention as well. The WP shock has 4mm more shaft travel and is attached to updated linkages for a revised rising rate that utilizes a higher starting rate and provides a flatter, more linear curve. KTM says suspension setting has been developed through testing on US soil.
The frame features updated geometry and a stronger, yet lighter, forged cross tube where the linkages attach. KTM claims that the new cross tube yield better flex characteristics, as well.
The Factory Edition also gets a new orange-anodized triple clamp that is said to be lighter.
Brake rotors are new and lighter, as well.
Rims are black with machined-finished hubs, and the rear sprocket, which is orange anodized, is 50 grams lighter.
The rims are fitted with Dunlop’s new Geomax MX52 tires, which are making it global debut on the Factory Edition KTM. The tires, Dunlop says, are derived from “top-level AMA Supercross and Motocross racing.” Dungey used the MX52s during the 2013 season on his factory race bike.
The Factory Edition gets plenty of special equipment, including a titanium Akrapovic muffler, orange powder-coated frame with exclusive Factory Red Bull KTM graphics, limited edition commemorative badge, new Selle Dalla Valle blue race-team seat, a holeshot device and orange frame guards and radiator louvers.
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