Words: Ryan Marmont

The all-new 2016 KTM 450 SX-F has attracted a lot of attention and with good reason. It has already won an AMA Supercross Championship with Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey and after sampling it at the US press launch in Indiana, it’s clear to see why KTM has been so successful this year.

My first impression when sitting on the 450 at Ironman Raceway was just how compact the bike feels. The way that KTM has achieved this is a via complete makeover of the bike and courtesy of a chassis redesign that has been three years in the making.

There’s effectively been endless hours of rider feedback and, not only has this bike been developed in Austria, but also in the US working with the R&D department along with the factory racing environments that we witness in MXGP and the AMA.

KTM has focused a lot on the triangle position to the bike. By this I mean the three points linking the handlebars, footpegs and seat positioning, which is the key to refining the ergonomics of the 2016 models.

The 450 SX-F feels nice and narrow through the centre of the bike, but this is sometimes a strange feeling and it can feel like there is nothing to hold onto with your legs. However KTM has cleverly designed the rear of the bike so it widens in key positions, so when standing you can feel the bike underneath you, providing a strong connection where it matters.

When riding the 2016 450 SX-F on track one of the first things that I noticed was the weight – it doesn’t feel like a 450 at all. KTM managed to save 3.5kg, which results in a total weight of 101.9kg. Savings include the frame, sub-frame, a refined swingarm and basic areas throughout the chassis and engine.

That makes this bike appeal to a lot more people, because in the past a 450 has been on the heavier side and somewhat a handful to ride, but not the 2016 model. I’m a 68kg rider and I didn’t feel like it took me for a ride whatsoever.

The seat height has been lowered by 20mm at the rear and 10mm in the middle, which helps lower the centre of gravity and makes the bike go around turns like it’s on rails. It’s a confidence-inspiring ride that makes you appreciate the development engineers have put into it.

The way KTM has been able to achieve such a solid handling package is in the rear shock absorber and linkage system; the new design shock clevis contributes to 12mm shorter shock length and the linkage system has been lengthened.

The linkage provides for 10mm more travel (even with a 12mm shorter shock), which also allows to the shock to have a 48Nm spring, apposed to a 57Nm spring in the previous model. It helps to reduce forces and hydraulic lock on the shock for cooler operating temperatures and adds to the bike’s stability.

US (which we will have in Australia) 2016 model KTMs still have the 4CS fork, but feature a revised setting and it feels much better than the previous version. The fork now uses all of the travel now without hitting a hard spot mid-stroke, giving the bike a nice, well-balanced feel. The setting was initially a little too soft for my liking, but with a few simple clicker adjustments we got the bike working great.

The frame itself has 20 percent higher torsional rigidity (triangle profiles tubes are 6mm wider and 2mm lower), with 30 percent less longitudinal stiffness, while laterally-attached engine stays contribute to improved handling and reduced vibration level (along with upper triple clamp rubber damping system), as does a 0.4mm steeper steering head angle and 10mm shorter wheelbase.

KTM really know how to build a powerhouse of a motor and engineers haven’t held back with this impressively compact engine at a claimed 63hp. The 2016 450 SX-F motor will surely get you a few holeshots, but not only is it powerful, but KTM has really made it a smooth power delivery as well. Combined with a new exhaust system, the bikes sounds really nice and is supremely strong.

A map selector switch also provides access to different power-curves built into the engine management system (EMS). Three are three available maps for different power deliveries via the switch on the handlebar; Soft, Standard and Aggressive. They’re all practical and usable, which is enables you to select as you see fit.

Another new feature to the KTM range for 2016 is a launch control set up. It reduces the maximum RPM during the start and is activated by the same switch used for changing between maps as we just mentioned above.

At idle speed the rider switches form one map to the other, which engages the launch control. The rider can then hold the throttle wide-open and once the clutch is let out the bike returns to normal operation as it assists you in jumping out of the gates.

I put the launch control to the test during the press intro in Indiana and really liked the way it works. This may not be beneficial to every condition, but now there is an option if you are struggling with your starts. You’ll also benefit from a revised clutch and five-speed transmission, which as a package works exceptionally well.

The success KTM has had with the factory 450s of a similar specification to the 2016 KTM 450 SX-F strongly indicates just how much potential this bike has. And after spending much of the day on it at the launch, it’s safe to say that the Austrian brand is onto a winner with its production version as well.

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for further information on the range to be announced by KTM Australia, including an official release date and local pricing for the 2016 KTM models.

For an insight and initial test on the entire 2016 KTM SX-F and SX range available at the launch while we continue to work on the standalone bike reviews, follow this link on MotoOnline.

A full Gallery from the launch at Ironman Raceway featuring Simon Cudby’s photography can be found now on MotoOnline by visiting this link.

And for now, if you’re in search for complete technical information on the range, click this link for our ‘Bike’ feature on MotoOnline from when the bikes were first unveiled.