If you’re looking to ride a motorcycle similar to what you’ll see next year with Marvin Musquin, Aaron Plessinger, and defending 2021 Monster Energy Supercross Champion Cooper Webb, the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition is the best start. This Factory Edition has enough important new parts to make it a brand new model. Let’s check it out.
- The engine is new. The engine of the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition retains its SOHC four-valve architecture, but is tilted back two degrees from the standard model, and there is a new cylinder head. The valve cover is lighter and the front sprocket sits more than a tenth of an inch lower. All of this lowers the center of gravity. A CP bridge box piston has anodized ring grooves and increases the compression to 13.1: 1. Traction control and launch control return.
- With the new engine comes a new one Pankl Five-speed gearbox, and it has a quickshifter for upshifting only. We have been expecting the introduction of quickshifters on off-road motorcycles for some time, as we enjoy them on ADV motorcycles. The quickshifter only works from 2nd to 5th gear. When shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, you are on your own with all downshifts. In addition, the shift shaft and the gear ratio are updated.
- The frame is new, including the swing arm and subframe. The Chromoly frame is hydroformed and designed to better absorb energy transfer. The swingarm is 6.7 ounces lighter than the standard 450 SX_F, and it’s stiffer. The rear axle now has a diameter of 22 mm and offers the flexibility that KTM is looking for. The subframe is now a combination of aluminum and polyamide. It’s designed to be stronger and give better feedback to the rider in the new one Selle Dalla Valle Seat. The body is also new, with texture in the appropriate places.
- The new WP Xact suspension is used in the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. The air fork gets new settings to complement the new frame and there is a hydro stop to give the fork more progressive damping at the end of the stroke. The damper is over half an inch shorter and 3.5 ounces lighter than the standard model. There are also new damper settings to reflect the frame changes, as well as a new upper damper mount for more stability.
- The footpegs are bigger and lighter. The die-cast pegs also have a new bracket that prevents dirt build-up.
- The new sliding plate and the front brake protection are made of a polyamide composite.
- KTM Factory bikes are making a return with DID DirtStar rims. The orange anodizing of the hubs cannot be overlooked.
- The KTM Factory triple clamp is adjustable. You can choose between an offset of 20 and 22 mm.
- The Red Bull graphics are exclusive to the Factory Edition.
- Only 400 copies of the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition will be produced. We’re sorry, but we don’t have a price or an availability date.
2022 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Specifications
ENGINE
- Type: single cylinder four stroke
- Displacement: 450cc
- Bore x stroke: 95 x 63.4 mm
- Maximum power: 63 hp
- Compression ratio: 13.1: 1
- Valve train: SOHC, 4 valves
- Starting: Electrically
- Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 pumps
- Refueling: Keihin EFI with 44mm throttle body
- Transmission: Pankl 5-speed
- Clutch: Wet multi-disc DDS clutch with Brembo hydraulics
- Final drive: 5/8 x ¼ ”chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Central double cradle chromoly steel
- Subframe: aluminum / polyamide
- Handlebar: Neken tapered aluminum
- Front suspension: fully adjustable WP Xact inverted 48mm fork; 12.2 in
- Rear suspension: linkage-supported, fully adjustable WP Xact damper; 11.8 in
- Wheels: DID DirtStar
- Front wheel: 21 x 1.60
- Rear wheel: 19 x 2.15
- Tires: Dunlop Geomax MX33
- Front tire: 80/100 x 21
- Rear tire: 120/90 x 19
- Front brake: 260 mm disc with Brembo caliper
- Rear brake: 220 mm disc with Brembo caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 58.8 inches
- Rake: 26.1 degrees
- Triple clamp offset: 20 or 22 mm
- Seat height: 37.5 degrees
- Ground clearance: 13.5 inches
- Fuel capacity: 1.85 gallons
- Empty weight: 238 pounds
2022 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Price: $ TBA MSRP
2022 KTM 450 SX-F factory edition photo gallery
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