2017 KTM 450 XC-F Review

2017 KTM 450 XC-F

2017 KTM 450 XC-F

2017 KTM 450 XC-F Review

2017 KTM 450 XC-F on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

Holeshot Bragging Rights…

If maximum power is required, there is no other way but the 450 XC-F. The compact SOHC (single overhead camshaft) engine that delivers explosive but controllable power shares 95% of the parts with the bike of Ryan Dungey winning the AMA Supercross championship 2015.

2017 KTM 450 XC-F www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

A NEW GENERATION OF KTM ENDURO MACHINES IS HERE!

KTM once again underlines its commitment to its foundations in offroad, as its world-dominating, class-leading Enduro machines have been completely revised with a staggering 90 per cent of the model year 2017 line-up’s components being new. Notable weight reductions of up to five kilograms have been realized throughout the model range, with improved mass centralization resulting in increased performance and better handling.

For MY2017 the line-up has been changed to include the 125 XC-W and 150 XC-W (replacing the 125 and 200 EXC), which are specifically designed for closed course racing, as well as the more traditional, fully homologated powerhouses with the 250 EXC and 300 EXC in the 2-stroke range. In the 4-stroke range KTM continues with its completely updated versions of the 250 EXC-F, 350 EXC-F models, as well as modifying the name of the higher capacity models to fall in line with the typical 4-stroke name to 450 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F.

Not only does each machine receive a new chassis with new suspension including the WP XPlor 48 upside-down split fork by WP, the R&D team in Mattighofen, Austria combined with its network of test riders, factory racing teams and input from KTM North America R&D, has worked tirelessly to deliver new engines at the same time with improved performance, reduced weight and a more compact size to assist with better machine handling.

With refinements from the frame and bodywork, down to the smaller details in the dashboard of these READY TO RACE machines, KTM has utilized the latest technology to consider every improvement possible for the amateur rider right up-to the professional world championship racer.

Following a tried and tested tradition, the specially finished SIX DAYS models stand side by side with the legendary, new generation EXC bikes. Available as 2- and 4-stroke bikes and equipped with several performance-enhancing and useful technical parts, the new “Six Days Spain” bikes, designed with sophisticated special graphics, top the latest KTM EXC model range.

Joachim Sauer (KTM Offroad Product Manager): “As the saying goes, after the race is before the race. According to our understanding in state-of-the-art development, the brand new line-up of our offroad competition Enduros are proof of KTM`s ongoing commitment to our core discipline. We believe this Enduro sportmotorcycle range will push the excitement and satisfaction of any rider to a new level.”

The new KTM MY2017 Enduro range was unveiled yesterday evening at its launch in Les Comes, Spain and the new machines will begin to arrive in European dealers in June.

2017 KTM 450 XC-F www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

MASSIVE WEIGHT REDUCTION

Airbox
The new airbox design offers maximum protection of the air filter against soiling, while ensuring maximum airflow in conjunction with lighter intake snorkel that is made of a new material to reduce the deformation due to air intake pulse for improved performance. The new Twin Air filter is easier and safer to mount and can be changed without tools in seconds, a standard and original KTM feature.

Battery and wiring harness
As in the past, all new XC-F engines are fitted with the proven electric starter – a unique KTM feature and a major benefit at all levels of motocross racing. For MY 2017 the XC-F range fits a super compact and lightweight lithium-ion starter battery, providing safe starting of the engine while reducing the weight significantly.

Brakes
High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM off-road bikes, and combined with the lightweight Galfer Wave discs, they are the ultimate solution in braking technology.

Seat
Ergonomically perfect, the new seat has a higher foam volume, which offers great comfort and durability, while weighing the same as the previous model.

NEWLY DESIGNED CHASSIS

Frame
The new frame design provides approximately 20 % higher torsional rigidity and 30 % less longitudinal stiffness, with newly designed engine stays for less vibration. This increased flexibility results in better absorption of the energy created from the front and rear wheel loads supporting the suspension for more comfort and less rider fatigue. A 0.4° steeper steering angle and a 10 mm shorter wheel base contribute to better handling, and last but not least it´s lighter than the previous model.

Footpeg
A new sophisticated “No-Dirt” footpeg solution prevents dirt from blocking the pegs in order to keep them in the correct position, even when dragging in deep ruts. In addition, the new footpegs are larger, lighter and more stable, providing better grip .

Swingarm
As on the predecessor models, the new XC-F generation features a reworked cast aluminum swingarm. The updated design offers reduced weight and an optimized flex behavior supporting the frame and suspension created with a single-component casting process. The weight reduction is 250 grams.

Bodywork
For the new generation of XC-F models the KTM factory riders were involved in shaping the bodywork together with the specialists from KTM R&D and Kiska Design. The goal was to achieve complete harmony between rider and bike down to the finest details. The results are all-new plastics that provide perfect ergonomics and contact points for the rider, maximum freedom of movement, a lower seat height of between 10 to 20 mm (rear end) and better comfort, especially in the rear part of the seat.

Fuel tank
All XC-F models have new lightweight polyethylene tanks fitted with an integrated fuel pump system and capacity of 2.25 gallons. Inside threads on the filler cap make for an easy and reliable closure.

Graphics
New modern in-mold graphics highlight the Ready to Race character of the cutting-edge 2017 XC-F range of bikes.

Cooling system
The proven integrated KTM cooling system routes the coolant from the cylinder head through the frame triangle, directly to newly developed aluminum radiators made by WP, which have a new filler cap system and are made of a stiffer alloy. Due to flow-optimized internal circulation and CFD-calculated air ventilation, the cooling efficiency has been improved by approximately 10 %. Sophisticated radiator guards provide efficient protection in case of crashes.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SUSPENSION

Monoshock
The new generation of monoshock made by WP Suspension has been developed for the new XC models in conjunction with the new frame and swingarm architecture, including the reworked linkage system and the new WP forks. The new body features a revised reservoir for a larger gas chamber to reduce performance fade. The linkage system has also been reworked with a revised geometry and longer pull rods.

Forks
The KTM XC models feature the advanced WP AER 48 for 2017. The AER 48 has been specifically designed and adapted for off-road riding conditions in the USA.

Triple clamp
Top quality, CNC-machined triple clamps have been something of a KTM trademark for years. Ensuring precise handling, they provide proper clamping force for correct flex characteristics, thus improving the action of the forks. For 2017 the upper triple clamp features a newly developed rubber damping system for the handlebar clamp in order to reduce the vibration levels felt through the handlebar. The clamps retain their forward and back adjustability for rider preference.

Weight reduction
The main target for the KTM engineers when developing the new XC-F generation was a massive weight reduction in conjunction with improved handling. The resulting loss of nearly 8 lbs is outstanding, making the new KTM models the lightest bikes on the track, even with electric starting.

THE 450 POWERHOUSE

Engine
With new features such as more compact dimensions, stronger performance throughout the rev range and a weight reduction of 4 lbs, this newly developed powerplant is the lightest 450 engine on the off-road market. With a reworked single overhead camshaft cylinder head and the latest electronic fuel injection, the 450 XC-F has unrivalled power of more than 62 hp and a highly efficient power delivery.

Cylinder head
An all-new camshaft controls intake and exhaust flow through optimized ports in the newly designed cylinder head. This activates four ultra-lightweight titanium valves via extremely rigid rocker arms, which are DLC coated on the intake side. This configuration allows engine speeds of up to 11,500 rpm. In addition, the head is 350 g lighter than the previous model due to the compact design.

Cylinder head and piston
A new 6 mm shorter cylinder is more rigid and matched to the new cylinder head. An extremely lightweight box-in-box type piston together with a weight optimized piston pin contributed to the engine’s low vibrations and quick revving character. The compression ratio is 12.75:1.

Crankshaft
The 450 XC-F’s crankshaft features 10 % more inertia (without increasing weight) and utilizes a shorter connecting rod over the previous model, which contributes to an overall compact and light engine with a snappy power delivery. A higher balancing factor reduces the vibration level. A plain big end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells runs directly on the crank pin, and the overall design offers the customer lengthened service intervals.

Counter balance shaft
The weight optimized, side-mounted counter balance shaft also time drives the water pump. Thanks to perfect mass balancing and low total oscillating mass, engine vibration is kept to a minimum even at the highest engine speeds.

Electric starter
Like all KTM 4-Stroke motorcycles, the 450 XC-F is started with ease by pushing a button. Demonstrated time and time again, an electric starter can become an invaluable advantage in the heat of off-road competition.

Engine cases and covers
The completely new design of the die-cast engine cases allows for a much more centralized shaft configuration, raising the crankshaft by 7 mm and 9 mm backwards to centralize mass and for a weight savings of 1.2 lbs. Newly designed engine covers made of magnesium feature an advanced surface structure in order to reduce the wear caused by the rider’s boots.

Clutch
The 450 XC-F employs the KTM-developed DDS clutch (Damped Diaphragm Steel) with a wear-free steel basket and extremely heat resistant clutch plates. This design is distinguished by employing a diaphragm spring instead of coil springs, which makes for a considerably easier clutch action. The diaphragm spring also leaves sufficient space for a damping system integrated into the clutch hub, which benefits for both traction and durability.

Transmission
The new engine of the 450 XC-F uses a lightweight 5-speed gearbox with unchanged gear ratios that are perfectly matched to the power delivery of the large displacement engine. 1st and 5th gears are now treated with a special surface treatment for better reliability.

Engine management system
The completely reworked Keihin Engine Management System, with electronic fuel injection, features an all-new 44 mm throttle body, which provides instantaneous response and maximum performance thanks to a revolutionary injector position. The new ECU (Engine Control Unit) includes a launch control for more efficient starts with the provision of different maps according to the gear sensor selection. In addition, the rider can activate an optional map for a different power delivery via the map select switch on the handlebar.

UNRIVALLED HANDLING

Wheels
The 450 XC-F is fitted with lightweight, CNC-machined hubs, high-end Giant rims and black spokes with lightweight aluminum nipples providing maximum stability at minimum weight. The latest Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires guarantee perfect traction and outstanding performance.

Brakes
High-tech Brembo brakes have always been standard equipment on KTM off-road bikes, and now are combined with newly designed and weight-reduced Wave discs made by GALFER featuring improved heat resistance. Weight reduction is 63g on the front disc, and 32 g for the rear. This is the ultimate solution in braking technology.

2017 KTM 450 XC-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in USD

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

449.3 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

63.4 mm

Starter

Kick and electric starter

Transmission

5-speed

Primary drive

31:76

Secondary gear ratio

13:48

Clutch

Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

EMS

Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame design

Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frame

Front suspension

WP-USD, AER 48, Ø 48 mm

Rear suspension

WP shock absorber with linkage

Suspension travel (front)

310 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

300 mm

Front brake

Disc brake

Rear brake

Disc brake

Front brake disc diameter

260 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

220 mm

Chain

5/8 x 1/4″

Steering head angle

63.9 °

Wheelbase

1485 ± 10 mm

Ground clearance

370 mm

Seat height

960 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

8.5 l

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

101.4 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.

2017 KTM 450 XC-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ See Dealer for Pricing in CDN

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

449.3 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

63.4 mm

Starter

Kick and electric starter

Transmission

5-speed

Primary drive

31:76

Secondary gear ratio

13:48

Clutch

Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

EMS

Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame design

Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frame

Front suspension

WP-USD, AER 48, Ø 48 mm

Rear suspension

WP shock absorber with linkage

Suspension travel (front)

310 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

300 mm

Front brake

Disc brake

Rear brake

Disc brake

Front brake disc diameter

260 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

220 mm

Chain

5/8 x 1/4″

Steering head angle

63.9 °

Wheelbase

1485 ± 10 mm

Ground clearance

370 mm

Seat height

960 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

8.5 l

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

101.4 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.

2017 KTM 450 XC-F – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See Dealer for Pricing in GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

Engine

Design

1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine

Displacement

449.3 cm³

Bore

95 mm

Stroke

63.4 mm

Starter

Electric starter

Transmission

6-speed

Primary drive

31:76

Secondary gear ratio

14:52

Clutch

Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics

EMS

Keihin EMS

Chassis

Frame design

Chrome-molybdenum steel central-tube frame

Rear suspension

WP Xplor PDS shock absorber

Suspension travel (front)

300 mm

Suspension travel (rear)

310 mm

Front brake

Disc brake

Rear brake

Disc brake

Front brake disc diameter

260 mm

Rear brake disc diameter

220 mm

Steering head angle

63.5 °

Wheelbase

1482 ± 10 mm

Ground clearance

355 mm

Seat height

960 mm

Tank capacity (approx.)

8.5 l

Weight READY TO RACE (without fuel)

106 kg

The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.
All information concerning the scope of supply, appearance, services, dimensions and weights is non-binding and specified with the proviso that mistakes, printing, setting and typing errors may occur; such information is subject to change without notice.

Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).