2013 KTM SX-F 450 & SX-F250 on the grid!
The 2013 KTMs are already here! The big star of the new range will be the KTM 450 SX-F next year. Under the impetus of the De Coster/Dungey duo, the Austrians have reworked their MX1 engine from A to Z. The results are at the level of their efforts, from which the rest of the four-stroke range also benefits. There is much less news to report in the field of two-strokes. There, KTM settled for refining the available models. Although, the 85 cc was also completely overhauled for the 2013 model year!
“When Roger De Coster came to visit us last year during the Motocross of the Nations, he had a list of changes with him. Adjustments he and Ryan Dungey wanted to make to our 450 SX-F. That list was so long that I have rarely seen our development team so worried,” laughs Joachim Sauer, KTM's Off-road Product Manager. “On a sporting level, we are following the same strategy in the United States that we have also applied in Europe: recruiting the best drivers and the best team managers under our colors.”
Those top transfers of recent years are one way to explain KTM's success, but the material also remains crucially important. In Mattighofen they are not in the habit of doing half work. That's why Ryan Dungey's new 450 engine was started from a blank page. This machine is therefore the direct predecessor of the 2013 450 SX-F that will soon be available at KTM dealers!
Refined and solid
At first glance, the 450 SX-F stands out because of its new design, which looks the same for the entire MX range. KTM has managed to make the appearance look refined and cool at the same time. Refined because the slim line of the engine and the sophisticated shapes of the side flaps as well as fenders at the front and rear give the impression that careful thought has been given to the ergonomics of the engine in all its details. The design is not only cool, it is also solid. Because the material used and the sticker set, which make the matt and glossy plastic stand out beautifully, give the KTM a reliable appearance.
In terms of the chassis, KTM remains true to its beliefs and developed a new frame, not made of aluminum but again of chrome molybdenum. According to the Austrian engineers, this should guarantee both stability and stiffness across the entire four-stroke range without compromising on comfort and handling. Thanks to the new frame, valuable grams were also saved on the total weight.
A new large aluminum swingarm is grafted onto this new frame, with the intention of further improving stability. This swingarm was reinforced at the rear and also allows the use of a wider rear axle (of 20-25 mm). A weight saving was also found for mounting the suspension compared to the 2012 model. In terms of suspension, the SX-F 450 gets a latest-generation WP Suspension damper at the rear, which should improve traction while offering more comfort to absorb small bumps. To refine the stability of the 350 SX-F, it will receive a harder damper for 2013. At the front we also find a WP Suspension with a revised 48 mm fork with cartridge system and stiffer springs for the 250 and 350 SX-F. In addition to an improved feeling, this new suspension also offers consistent behavior for the entire competition duration, thanks to a newly developed oil. The new black anodized triple clamp became 80 g lighter and at the same time stiffer. The new T-piece was mainly designed to integrate the new front fender. That new one mud trapper not only does it look very design, it is also much stiffer than the old model. We also noted a redesigned air filter box whose capacity has been increased, as well as the Renthal 827 Fatbar handlebar and the new two-tone grips with the KTM logo incorporated via 'in-mould' technology. For the radiators themselves, a new supplier was called in: WP radiators. The radiators should be more resistant to crashes. Excel designed the rims and KTM consulted Brembo for the brakes.
The new 7,5 liter petrol tank should not be missing from the list of innovations. The cap now does away with the quarter-turn principle to return to a classic model. From now on, the fuel filter will also be easier to remove, and anyone who has ever ridden an endurance race will appreciate that you can mount an EXC (enduro) fuel tank on an SX-F KTM without additional adjustments.
Lighter, more compact, more powerful
The above-mentioned novelties are nice, although the hobbyhorse of the 2013 450 SX-F remains its engine. The 450 with double overhead camshaft and four extremely light titanium valves is not only lighter and more compact than its predecessor, but also more powerful. To achieve this triple goal, the Austrian manufacturer had to use all its experience and know-how. The figures that the manufacturer itself provides are downright impressive: the maximum number of revolutions is limited to 11.500 rpm, it delivers no less than 60 hp and on the scales it has lost 2,5 kg! The most important innovations compared to the 2012 models lie in the longer stroke (63,4 mm compared to 60,8 mm) and a smaller bore (95 mm instead of 97 mm), a thoroughly revised electronic Keihin injection system, a crankshaft bearing three through oil is lubricated under pressure (which allows the block to rotate more than 11.000 rpm without risks to reliability) and a new gearbox with only four gears.
The 250 SX-F follows the trend
the 450 SX-F has demanded all the attention of the Austrian engineers in recent months and yet the small 250 SX-F has been included for the next model year. The MX2 KTM was already the reference in its class, but just like the 350, it also benefits from the new frame developed for the 450 SX-F. In addition, the 250 SX-F also received a new engine. The similarity with the 350 SX-F block is striking. Compared to last year's 250 SX-F, the new engine produces no less than five extra horsepower! In addition to different crankcases and a different crankshaft, the bore and stroke ratio are also completely different. The piston diameter increased by 2mm while the stroke lost 2,5mm. This means that the new KTM engine can easily handle 14.000 rpm! An electric starter was already part of the standard equipment last year, but this year the 250 loses its kick starter completely. It's a matter of further reducing the weight. KTM has gone to great lengths to keep noise pollution within bounds by developing new exhausts for each of the four-stroke models. At the same time, performance has been improved and the engines meet the standards that will come into force in 2013.
Just like the two-stroke models (125,150, 250 and 350 cc), the 350 SX-F did not undergo any major changes. The third generation of the popular XNUMX is evolving in terms of performance and reliability.
From one surprise to another
At the Citta di Castello circuit in Italy where KTM presented the new models, the 450 SX-F showed off its new qualities perfectly. Anyone who loves the big KTM because of its exceptional power will not be disappointed. The KTM 450 remains without a doubt the most powerful motorcycle in its category. Those who appreciated its balanced frame will enjoy the 2013 model even more, which explores the limits of perfection with a subtle mix between stiff and light. Anyone who finds the current 450 a bit too demanding because of its uncompromising engine will be pleasantly surprised by the soft and easy character of the new 450 SX-F. The new bore/stroke ratio makes the engine much more progressive than before.
Even very low revs, it continues to run perfectly, without the slightest turbulence. After that, the Austrian block quickly increases its speed but without brutality. All that violence remains under constant control and that gives you confidence! Especially because the feeling of control is further enhanced by the chassis and suspension that responds very predictably.
On the Citta di Castello circuit, which was perfectly prepared, the suspension was very comfortable but still sufficiently stiff. We have little comment about the four-speed switch box. The ratios are excellently chosen and second and third gear are usually sufficient. Another pleasant surprise from this test was the 250 SX-F. Okay, on paper the changes are less drastic than those of the big brother, but the 2013 MX2 KTM was still a revelation. Forget what you know about the 2012 model because the new engine takes a completely different approach. Without a doubt, the new 250 SX-F is a bit more demanding than its predecessor. The new model has almost no inertia, the engine delivers its power mainly at high revs and its temperament is therefore more reminiscent of a 125 cc. We tended to drive more on the clutch but as this is a hydraulic model (as on the full range) there was absolutely no reason to complain!
A little more about the new 85 cc. Externally, this model fits in nicely with the rest of the SX and SX-F range. Although the previous range is still very popular and efficient, people in Austria thought it was time for evolution. This came in many areas: new cylinder, new crankshaft, new intake valves and exhaust, new suspensions, a revised hydrological coupling and reinforced chassis are the most important novelties here. The kids will be happy! You can find the prices for all that beauty here.
Tekst: Olivier Evrard
Photos: Gary Freeman/KTM
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