Segment:
Professional Motocross Competition
Target User:
Professional racers, amateur competitors, and dedicated track day enthusiasts.
Key Competitors Model Year:
Yamaha YZ450F, Honda CRF450R, Kawasaki KX450F, Suzuki RM-Z450
Engine Type:
Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke single-cylinder SOHC
Suspension Brand:
WP (White Power) Suspension
Chassis Design:
Lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel frame
Engine Mechanical:
Top end (cylinder, piston, valves), bottom end (crankshaft, connecting rod, bearings), lubrication system, cooling system, ignition system.
Engine Fuel Injection:
Throttle body, fuel pump, injectors, ECU diagnostics and calibration, airbox and intake tract.
Transmission:
Clutch (operation, adjustment, replacement), gearbox (gear selection, shifting mechanism), final drive (chain and sprockets).
Chassis Suspension:
Front forks (WP USD, disassembly, service, damping adjustment, seal replacement), rear shock absorber (WP, linkage system, service, spring preload).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (calipers, master cylinders, hoses, fluid replacement, bleeding procedures, pad replacement).
Electrical System:
Battery, starter system, lighting, wiring diagrams, sensor identification and testing, ECU.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, subframe, seat, fuel tank, fenders, plastics, exhaust system mounting.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, tire pressure checks, spark plug inspection.
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete engine teardown and reassembly, suspension fork and shock servicing, wheel bearing replacement, brake system overhaul.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common starting, running, and performance issues. Error code interpretation.
Specifications Settings:
Torque values for all fasteners, valve clearance specifications, suspension settings, fluid capacities, and types.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects of maintenance, repair, and diagnosis suitable for experienced mechanics and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
4-stroke single-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Bore X Stroke:
97 mm x 60.8 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC, 4 valves
Compression Ratio:
12.3:1
Peak Horsepower:
Approx. 56 HP (at crankshaft, varies with tuning)
Peak Torque:
Approx. 46 Nm (at crankshaft, varies with tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Keihin PWK 39 (throttle body)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95-98 RON recommended)
System:
Semi-dry sump with two oil pumps
Oil Type:
KTM recommends Motorex Power Synt M 4T SAE 10W-50
Type:
Liquid-cooled, with electric fan
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 0.85 Liters
Type:
Digital CDI with variable ignition timing
Spark Plug:
NGK CR9EKB (or equivalent)
Type:
5-speed, claw-shifted
Clutch:
Wet multi-disc clutch (hydraulically operated)
Gear Ratios:
1st: 16/34, 2nd: 18/31, 3rd: 19/28, 4th: 22/27, 5th: 24/25
Transmission Oil Type:
KTM recommends Motorex Gear Oil SAE 75W/90 or SAE 80W
Final Drive:
Chain drive, 13/50 (standard sprockets)
Width:
Approx. 810 mm (handlebar width)
Height:
Approx. 1250 mm (seat height)
Seat Height:
Approx. 955 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 1480 mm
Dry Weight:
Approx. 102 kg
Wet Weight:
Approx. 112 kg (with fluids, estimate)
Maximum Load:
Not specified for competition use, but typically around 100-120 kg rider and gear.
Front Travel:
300 mm (WP 48mm USD forks)
Rear Travel:
335 mm (WP PDS shock absorber)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 357 mm
Crash Safety:
N/A (Competition off-road vehicles are not subject to standard automotive safety ratings)
Braking System:
Hydraulically operated Brembo disc brakes (front and rear)
Tire Grip:
High-performance motocross tires (e.g., Dunlop GEOMAX, Michelin STARCROSS)
Frame Construction:
High-strength, lightweight chrome-molybdenum steel for impact absorption and rigidity.
Handlebars:
ProTaper handlebars with padded crossbar for impact protection.
Footpegs:
Wide, self-cleaning motocross footpegs for enhanced rider stability.
System:
N/A (Motocross competition bike, no infotainment system)
Features:
N/A (Motocross competition bike, no electronic rider aids like traction control or ABS)
Features:
N/A (Motocross competition bike, no external connectivity features)
ECU Features:
Programmable ECU (often with aftermarket tuners for mapping adjustments), basic sensor inputs for fuel injection and ignition timing.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 15 hours of riding, or as per manual recommendation for competition use.
Air Filter Cleaning:
After every 5 hours of riding, or more frequently in dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Inspection:
Every 20 hours of riding.
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 20-30 hours of riding.
Suspension Service:
Full fork and shock service recommended every 50-75 hours of riding for optimal performance.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1.1 Liters (with filter)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 0.7 Liters
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, piston and rings, valve guides, wheel bearings, chain and sprockets, fork seals are common wear items in high-performance motocross bikes.
Engine Performance Notes:
Proper adherence to maintenance schedules, especially regarding oil changes and air filter cleanliness, is crucial for engine longevity and performance.
Maintenance Parts Catalog
Catalog Reference:
The 'engine parts' in the product name implies the availability or reference to part numbers for engine components, which is vital for service.
Heritage:
KTM, established in 1934, has a strong lineage in off-road and racing motorcycles, renowned for its 'Ready to Race' philosophy.
Sx F Lineage:
The SX-F line represents KTM's commitment to cutting-edge motocross technology, continuously evolving with chassis and engine improvements.
2011 Model Notes:
The 2011 450 SX-F featured significant updates, often including revised engine mapping, updated WP suspension components, and chassis geometry adjustments to maintain competitiveness.
Manufacturing Location:
Austria (Primary production for European and global markets)
Racing Success:
KTM has a proven track record of success in AMA Supercross, Motocross, and World Championship racing, with the 450 SX-F being a prominent platform.
Motocross Contributions:
KTM models, including the 450 SX-F, have consistently received positive reviews and accolades from motorcycle publications for their performance and handling.
Performance Perception:
Highly regarded within the motocross community for its powerful engine and sophisticated WP suspension.
Emission Standards:
Designed for competition use, not intended for street legality or compliance with civilian emission standards.