JDR Motorex KTM’s Tye Simmonds has spoken out about his decision to switch back to KTM’s 450 SX-F, citing starts as his main objective come round one in Melbourne next month.

Simmonds was one of the first in the world to debut a pre-production version of the 350 SX-F in 2010, racing it all of last year and also in the AMA Supercross and Motocross series with JDR/J-Star/KTM this year.

However upon return to Australia for the Monster Energy Super X, Australasian Supercross Championship, Simmonds has elected to step back onto the 450, noting the importance of starts considering the short, sharp formats that are featured in the series.

“The main reason I jumped on it was for the starts,” Simmonds explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “It has more torque, I can get better starts hopefully, which is important with the short races.

“It should be really good for starts, so we’ll get it out home and make it work. I’ll try and holeshot every race to make things a lot easier, without having to come through the pack.”

“Even though the 350 is good, I think with me being a bit heavier I’ll be able to start a lot better on the 450.”

Simmonds and JDR Motorex KTM teammate Dan Reardon will ride 450s during Super X, while former Lites specialist Ryan Marmont will campaign a 350 for the series.

The opening round of Super X will be contested at Melbourne Knights Stadium in Victoria on 22 October.