KTM is Ready to Race with its all-new 450 XC
KTM is Ready to Race with its all-new 450 XC
By: Tiffany Tudyk
January 2008
KTM is taking its racing roots and expanding on them further by introducing ATVs to their line-up. The all-new KTM 450XC has aggressive style and the performance to match. A single cylinder, 4-stroke operation, liquid cooling, and 448cc…it’s no wonder that the 450 XC is built for podium racers. Designed to race yet also to be worked on too, many of the features are easily accessible: the Keihin FCR Flat-side 39mm carb with the TPS for easy access to the airbox or exhaust. The five-speed transmission has a semi close power ratio as well as reverse.
Absorbing the front impact are dual A-arms with a set of Öhlins’ fully adjustable shocks. Adjustability extends to preload and rebound in addition to low speed compression. This variety of Öhlins offers up to 10.2 inches of front travel. Impressive. Soaking up the rear is a fully adjustable Öhlins PDS mono-shock and a swingarm with 10.4 inches of travel. That’s not where they stopped. KTM features a robust chassis constructed from Chromoly high-grade 7020 Aluminum. The subframe is also removable.
The KTM is light and nimble. The total (dry) weight of the chassis is 351 pounds, and can take looks like it can take a beating. Steering is smooth and easy thanks to the tapered Magura handlebars and 4-way adjustable setting. This caters well to riders of different torso dimensions [read: everybody]. Added safety comes from the optional tether kill switch, while a pair of black aluminum Douglas rims come wrapped with Maxxis Razor tires. Larger and sharper foot pegs keep the rider in place as they power in and out of corners, which you’re going to need.
The stylized and aggressive main silencer is a performance tuned aluminum tube with a legal Spark Arrestor. KTM is sticking with their traditionally seen colors of black and orange graphics and plastics. This is one manufacture that is quickly becoming a new favorite, especially to some of the top named riders, such as Tim Farr. We can’t wait to get our hands on one for a full review.