Cycle News Staff | December 5, 2017
2018 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition – KTM took the cover off its latest production motocrosser—the 2018 450 SX-F Factory Edition. KTM used its brand new supercross test facility near its U.S. corporate office in Murrieta, California, to reveal to the world the new 450 Factory Edition model that Red Bull KTM Team riders Marvin Musquin and Broc Tickle will be riding come January 6 for the opening round of the 2018 Monster Energy AM A Supercross Series.
2018 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition
A lot of emphasis went into further reducing weight (the “standard” 450 SX-F is already the lightest production bike in its class) and centralizing mass weight. As a result, the frame has been heavily modified, as has the engine.
The orange-colored frame is stiffer, as is the new orange-anodized triple clamps that has a new 22mm offset. Handlebars are also rubber-mounted. The redesigned radiators are mounted lower and are angled differently to help give the bike a narrower feel for the rider. Bodywork, including the seat, has also been rework for the same reason. The new seat rests on a new aluminum subframe that is 40mm longer and stiffer.
2018 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition
The swingarm is slightly longer at the rear, giving the rider the option of running the rear wheel a little farther back to enhance stability.
In the braking department, the front brake has been beefed up with a larger 260mm floating disc that is gripped by Brembo components.
The D.I.D Sun Star rims are black and are fitted with Dunlop Geomax MX3S tires.
For the first time, the Factory Edition comes with a skid plate, constructed of lightweight and strong composite material.
2018 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition
The engine is pretty much all new; it’s smaller, more compact and, according to KTM, a full pound lighter than before! Which is pretty amazing when you consider that the previous engine was already extremely light. The cylinder head has been redesigned and is 15mm lower, which puts the camshaft closer to the center of gravity. The all-new three-piece exhaust system is shorter and more compact to improve CG, and you no longer have to drop the shock to remove it.
Some of the finishing touches include a Hinson factory clutch cover, front disc guard, orange-colored rear sprocket, and, of course, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing graphics.
MSRP has not yet been announced. CN
2018 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Specifications
Click here for more first looks and bike reviews.
