The 2015 KTM 450 (pictured) and 250 SX-F Factory Editions are basically a factory race bikes that you can buy.
KTM recently took the wraps off its all-new (we mean all-new) 450 SX-F and 250 SX-F Factory Edition motocross models. KTM’s R&D department has been hard at work on both of these motorcycles for the past couple years, and the KTM crew was excited to finally unveil to the media both bikes, which includes the company’s first Factory Edition 250 SX-F. Team Manager Roger DeCoster was heavily involved in the development of both bikes, and KTM made it a point that these bikes are the bikes that he envisioned when he first arrived at KTM in 2011. Development work for both bikes began in 2013.
For the first time, KTM will be offering a Factory Edition 250 SX-F.
Very few parts carry over the current “standard” 450 SX-F and 250 SX-Fs to the Factory Edition models. Engines are new from top to bottom. They are both smaller in dimensions, more efficient and produce more power. The 450 engine is said to be four pounds lighter than the standard!
The frame for both bikes are all-new, too, except for retaining their steel construction. KTM says it sees no advantage (instead, only disadvantage) of aluminum frames and most likely will never make the switch.
Probably the biggest news regarding both bikes is weight. They lost significant pounds—the 450 10 pounds and the 250 seven pounds. Claimed dry (no fuel) weight for the 450 is 226.2 pounds and the 250 221.6 pounds. Both bikes retain electric starting.
KTM says that the Factory Edition 450 SX-F is 10 pounds lighter than the standard model. Four of those pounds came from the motor alone!
Improving mass centralization was one of KTM’s major goals in the design of both bikes, and one of the major changes to achieve this was made to the all-new exhaust system, which is shorter and more compact than before.
In the suspension department, the swingarm is lighter and the rear shock is shorter; the linkage is also new to coincide with the new shock. The WP 4CS forks on both bikes have been re-valved for enhanced performance and feel, but KTM says the redesigned chassis has more to do with increased comfort than the updated forks and shock.
Like the 450, the 250 gets an all-new motor that is 2.4 pounds lighter.
The rider cockpit, including bars and seat, has been lowered, and the footpegs have been moved rearward, which is a trick the factory riders have been doing for a while now. Rubber-mounted bar mounts and ODI grips have been added for increased rider comfort. Both bikes are sill fitted with Brembo brakes but are said to have even more braking power than before and are lighter.
The Factory Edition models get new non-linkage throttle bodies, new ECUs, and three-mode power selection switches on the handlebar, as well as electronic launch-control feature.
Both bikes retain hydraulically actuated clutches, and both have been redesigned internally for increased durability.
Both bikes are also fitted with Dunlop’s new MX32 tires (the standard models use MX52s).
Factory RedBull riders Dean Wilson and Justin Hill, BTO Sports Andrew Short and Justin Brayton, and the Troy Lee Designs squad of Darryn Durham, Jessy Nelson, Shane McElrath and Sean Cantrell will all compete on the FE KTMs in 2015.
The Factory Edition models are also limited edition models. To meet homologation rules, less than 500 models of each will be available. The 450 will sell for $10,199 and the 250 $9,299. They aren’t cheap, but they are basically factory race bikes!
Ryan Dungey will be racing the Factory Edition model in 2015.
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