We aren't ones to brag, but with a trophy cabinet ready to rip at the seams, the KTM 450 SX-F is the epitome of a podium hunter. With 5 AMA 450 supercross titles in the last 7 seasons, the 2023 KTM 450 SX-F rolls into the paddock already armed with the learnings of past championships - and an all-new arsenal of weaponry. It's time to extend the trophy room.
EASY SUSPENSION ADJUSTMENT
Get dialed in! The 2023 KTM SX range boasts totally tool-free suspension setup at both ends. Thanks to an all-new shock absorber design featuring hand-adjustable dual compression control, it allows riders to adjust high- and low-speed settings in a matter of seconds. On the front end, the forks are also easily adjusted thanks to a single air pressure preload valve, as well as through easy access click adjusters for compression and rebound. We'll even throw the air pump in as standard.
AIR FILTER BOX
Designed to provide maximum airflow, the new air filter box is designed with precisely positioned inlet ducts aimed at preventing air deformation and maintaining filter protection. The Twin Air filter and air filter support design feature a simple fail-proof mounting system for safe and accurate filter installation, ensuring the air filter is easily accessed, without tools, by removing the left side panel, for easy track-side maintenance. A vented air filter box cover is also included for all SX and SX-F models in the by-pack.
SERVICEABILITY
The 2023 KTM SX and SX-F range is engineered and designed to provide riders with easy-to-access service parts, as well as suspension adjustability. This allows faster track-side and off-season maintenance, as well as making motocross more accessible for novice riders without pit crews.
MORE USABLE POWER
When the war drums sound and the gate drops, you need to be the first to off the line in a bid to rule the roost. The 2023 KTM 450 SX-F boasts one of the most manic 4-stroke powerplants in the paddock, with its SOHC engine proving to be the perfect example of advanced engineering. With a peak power output of over 63 HP, and an overall engine weight of only 26.8 kg, you'll leave the competition with more than a little mud on the face.
LAUNCH CONTROL & QUICKSHIFTER
Launch control, ENGAGED! Designed for the holeshot, the 2023 KTM SX-F range comes standard with launch control and a new Quickshifter function, allowing for fast upshifts without using the clutch. Launch control is easily engaged by pressing the traction control and Quickshifter buttons simultaneously and works by limiting the amount of power to the rear wheel, improving traction, and preventing loss of control under hard acceleration. Meanwhile, the Quickshifter function means you can bang through from 2nd to 5th gear with your focus solely on the first corner.
SELECTABLE MAPS + TC
The map select switch on the 2023 KTM SX models features a simpler design, allowing for easier functionality in switching between 2 engine maps. Map 1 provides a more linear power curve. while map 2 punches all-out with aggressive throttle and explosive power. Luckily, traction control is easy toggled to an on or off position from the same switch, ensuring maximum traction and a distinct advantage in wet or muddy conditions.
ABSOLUTE CONTROL
No matter how gnarly the track is, you'll stay in complete control thanks to an all-new frame design that has not only been engineered for longitudinal rigidity but also repositions rotating mass closer to the center of gravity. A new shock mounting also provides improved anti-squat behavior to better traction out of corners, while the footpeg mounting position has moved inwards for less risk of hooking up in deep ruts or when scrubbing jumps.
ERGONOMICS
The 2023 KTM SX and SX-F range feature an entirely new and improved rider triangle, providing improved knee contact - especially when standing on the pegs - with improved gripping surfaces all around. New plastics work to expel mud buildup in wet, muddy conditions, with a new, flatter seat profile and high grip seat cover providing exceptional rider movement and control. The polyamide reinforced aluminum subframe further enhances rider feel and feedback.
PERFORMANCE
The 2023 KTM 450 SX-F engine is tilted 2° backward, resulting in a 3mm lower front sprocket position. All of this means greatly improved mass centralization and reduced overall weight, benefiting handling and anti-squat behavior.
MASS CENTRALIZATION
Ready to rip your arms out of the sockets? Together with the benefits of mass centralization and overall reduced weight, the anti-squat behavior of the chassis is significantly improved by changing the backbone of the steel frame concept. In layman's terms, the 2023 KTM 450 SX-F gets its power down perfectly when tearing out of corners.
WP XACT FORK
48mm air type WP XACT front fork with a split damping function provides all the confidence you need to attack the track. New hydrostops in the fork legs improve bottoming-out resistance and account for less rebound when attacking big jumps, bumps, and thumps. Redesigned fork protection rings also increase protection against dirt, making them as reliable as they are awesome.
STABILITY
The 2023 KTM 450 SX-F is rock-solid at any speed thanks to a repositioned and forged steering head connection and CNC milled triple clamps. Made from high-grade aluminum, these feature optimally tuned steering stem stiffness, perfect alignment of the fork tubes, and precise geometry of the fork clamps to ensure highly responsive and smooth fork action - not to mention unwavering stability when charging across ruts and onto the podium.
ENERGY ABSORPTION
Besides the expertly crafted, hydro-formed, laser-cut, and robot-welded frame being engineered to provide exceptional rider feedback and straight-line stability, it consists of specifically calculated parameters of longitudinal and torsional flex. This means the frame acts as a "shock absorber" of sorts, making for a less harsh ride, resulting in less rider fatigue over many hard laps.
GROUND CLEARANCE
No one enjoys a bad hook-up. Luckily, the all-new frame and shock absorber geometry on the 2023 KTM 450 SX-F improve ground clearance of the linkage, with all-new topology optimized die-cast footpegs that are less susceptible to hooking on deep ruts, and take-offs when scrubbing.
CONSISTENCY
A new WP XACT shock absorber provides unmatched consistency lap after lap, thanks to low-friction SKF linkage seals and advanced damping characteristics for unsurpassed traction and energy absorption.
