KTM 450 SX-F

One look at the KTM 450 SX-F is enough to say that the motorcycle is meant for conquering rugged off-road trails. The design here is outright sporty and minimalist, with the lean and tall stance giving it a functional touch as well.

At the front, the KTM 450 SX-F has a simple-looking face, with just a sheet of white plastic in place of a conventional headlamp. The motorcycle also misses out on turn indicators, which makes it illegal to use on public roads. The high-mounted front fender with a beak-shaped tip at the front not only makes it look like a proper dirt bike but also adds to the functionality of preventing mud spillages on your face while riding.

While looking at the KTM 450 SX-F from the side, one can easily sense that it is a tall and lean motorcycle. The small black fuel tank is flanked with sleek side panels which flow towards the end of the long seat which the motorcycle gets. These side panels also get pointy-looking lower extensions and only hide the fuel tank partially. The motorcycle sits high from the ground, with a single-cylinder engine fully exposed. The conventional blacked out spoke wheels are wrapped with purposeful-looking off-road spec tyres, with unique tread blocks ensuring that the motorcycle never gets stuck in mud or loose surfaces.

The KTM 450 SX-F gets a single-side high-mounted fuel tank, which is covered with a broad piece of the plastic panel above it. This panel merges with the side body cowls placed under the seat and the long and pointy rear fender behind the seat.

Given that it is an out-and-out dirt bike, the KTM 450 SX-F also misses out on a tail lamp and rear turn indicators. The motorcycle also misses out on a functional instrument console and gets a simple-looking flat handlebar and minimal switchgear on either side. This minimal looking rider’s cockpit makes it look very functional and fit for offering a clearer view of the terrains and surfaces ahead of you.

The main essence of the KTM 450 SX-F is its chassis under minimalist skin. The motorcycle sits on a hydro-formed chromium molybdenum double-cradle steel tube frame. The suspension combination of the KTM 450 SX-F comprises 48mm upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks at the front and mono-shock with linkage at the rear, both of which have been sourced from WP. The front suspension travel of 310mm and rear suspension travel of 300mm makes it The KTM 450 SX-F gets a braking setup of 260mm disc at the front and 220mm disc at the rear. While the low kerb weight of 100 kg makes it easy to ride, the tall seat height of 900mm is not perfect for everyone.

The KTM 450 SX-F is powered by a four-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, air-cooled, 449.9cc engine, which features an overhead camshaft and is currently the lightest 450cc engine in the world of enduro and dirt bikes. The engine is a rev-happy unit and puts up 63 PS of maximum torque output. The engine is coupled to a basic 4-speed gearbox, which offers slick shifts and shorter ratios for a better response while riding.

The essence of the KTM 450 SX-F lies in its simplicity and negligible appeal in terms of features. To keep both costs and weight in check, the KTM 450 SX-F misses out on prominent safety features and electronics.

The KTM 450 SX-F is a perfect motorcycle for those who have gained basic level skills of riding on off-roads and dirt tracks and want to level up. The premium mechanical hardware serves the purpose of keeping the motorcycle on its toes while rigorous riding.