Well here it is, the KTM SXF 450 Factory Edition 2016

jacksonlab
Posts
5
Joined
3/5/2016
Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
4/15/2016 8:38am Edited Date/Time 4/15/2016 8:41am
sandman768 wrote:
I only have about 3hrs on mine, I have the first screen out of the muffler, bike feels pretty dam fast to me. I"m coming off...
I only have about 3hrs on mine, I have the first screen out of the muffler, bike feels pretty dam fast to me. I"m coming off a 2013 Honda with all kinds of work done to it & this bike walks all over my Honda! I"m not so quick to start throwing parts at this bike, for me getting the forks dialed in is job #1. have you guys adjusted your map setting to the aggressive mode?
I'm coming off a 2013 RMZ 450 with a Yosh RS4 full exhaust. I remember my RMZ also feeling very stuffed up until I added the Yosh system. It was the best bang for your buck add-on I did to the bike. But the Ktm's powerband is up so high in the rpm's and when you're ripping around a motocross track from full speed to almost dead stop and then need to clear a big double or even triple after a hairpin turn you need torque and bottom end immediately. Something the RMZ did so well. The Suzuki signs off way before the Ktm but I'm not a hold it wide open type of rider so I really liked that type of powerband much better for my style of riding. Now I could also over-abuse my Ktm clutch and get the same results but really? Found an article in a German moto mag that compared Yoshimura, FMF, Akrapovic, Leo Vince and several other exhaust systems for the Ktm. Short & Skinny was the Yoshimura RS4 came in at #1 for best hp gains all across the powerband with the FMF, Akro, and Leo Vince all in a tie for second. Rated Yosh and FMF best for bottom end and Leo Vince and Akro for better overrev. Not selling this bike short at all but expected not to spend a cent more on aftermarket parts to make it better. I'm going with a 49 T Rear sprocket and a Yosh RS4 full Ti system to remedy my situation. Someone said they needed a new chain too just for adding an additional tooth to the rear. For those prospective buyers reading this forum the brembo brakes on this bike are worth the price alone. If you're like me and have been on Japanese bikes you don't know what motocross brakes should be until you try these. Don't forget to wave to your bike as you go over the handle bars after grabbing a handful! My RMZ was the best turning 450 I've owned and was afraid I was going to lose that in the Ktm 450 FE- With the slim diet the KTM is on along with the AER 48 Forks this bike turns just as well or better but overall handling is miles apart. No more "Oh Jesus!" moments on high-speed sections and you will also find yourself riding a bit over your limits just because you can get away with it. Completely happy with everything the bike offers except the motor's characteristics. Gotta spend another $1K and we'll see what happens- and YES mapping is set to agressive. You'll notice the different mapping characteristics for this bike: Soft, Standard, and Agressive but not enough to make a meaningful difference. Just my .02
seawitch
Posts
50
Joined
1/7/2014
Location
Wanchese, NC, USA
4/15/2016 9:20am
jacksonlab wrote:
I'm coming off a 2013 RMZ 450 with a Yosh RS4 full exhaust. I remember my RMZ also feeling very stuffed up until I added the...
I'm coming off a 2013 RMZ 450 with a Yosh RS4 full exhaust. I remember my RMZ also feeling very stuffed up until I added the Yosh system. It was the best bang for your buck add-on I did to the bike. But the Ktm's powerband is up so high in the rpm's and when you're ripping around a motocross track from full speed to almost dead stop and then need to clear a big double or even triple after a hairpin turn you need torque and bottom end immediately. Something the RMZ did so well. The Suzuki signs off way before the Ktm but I'm not a hold it wide open type of rider so I really liked that type of powerband much better for my style of riding. Now I could also over-abuse my Ktm clutch and get the same results but really? Found an article in a German moto mag that compared Yoshimura, FMF, Akrapovic, Leo Vince and several other exhaust systems for the Ktm. Short & Skinny was the Yoshimura RS4 came in at #1 for best hp gains all across the powerband with the FMF, Akro, and Leo Vince all in a tie for second. Rated Yosh and FMF best for bottom end and Leo Vince and Akro for better overrev. Not selling this bike short at all but expected not to spend a cent more on aftermarket parts to make it better. I'm going with a 49 T Rear sprocket and a Yosh RS4 full Ti system to remedy my situation. Someone said they needed a new chain too just for adding an additional tooth to the rear. For those prospective buyers reading this forum the brembo brakes on this bike are worth the price alone. If you're like me and have been on Japanese bikes you don't know what motocross brakes should be until you try these. Don't forget to wave to your bike as you go over the handle bars after grabbing a handful! My RMZ was the best turning 450 I've owned and was afraid I was going to lose that in the Ktm 450 FE- With the slim diet the KTM is on along with the AER 48 Forks this bike turns just as well or better but overall handling is miles apart. No more "Oh Jesus!" moments on high-speed sections and you will also find yourself riding a bit over your limits just because you can get away with it. Completely happy with everything the bike offers except the motor's characteristics. Gotta spend another $1K and we'll see what happens- and YES mapping is set to agressive. You'll notice the different mapping characteristics for this bike: Soft, Standard, and Agressive but not enough to make a meaningful difference. Just my .02
I too am coming off a 13 RMZ 450. Of course loved the cornering but, like most did not enjoy the high speed sketchy moments!
I am a habitual clutch abuser so have not been affected by the bottom end blues as much.
Question for you Mr Jacksonlab....
How do you have your suspension set? Sag, fork height, air pressure and your weight?
Have not gotten that feeling in my loamy corners like I had.
As you mention the brakes rock...what about the hydraulic clutch? It's so easy and smooth! Feels like a 125!
sandman768
Posts
8186
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
4/18/2016 11:52am
Had a chance to ride on more intermediate type track Saturday, dropped fork pressure down to 145psi. Forks felt much better, 156psi was way to stiff for me. 190llbs Sr A rider. Does anyone know what 2stroke filter cage fits? To eliminate the screen.
Digger29
Posts
1885
Joined
11/2/2011
Location
Oxford, MA, USA
4/18/2016 1:37pm
sandman768 wrote:
Had a chance to ride on more intermediate type track Saturday, dropped fork pressure down to 145psi. Forks felt much better, 156psi was way to stiff...
Had a chance to ride on more intermediate type track Saturday, dropped fork pressure down to 145psi. Forks felt much better, 156psi was way to stiff for me. 190llbs Sr A rider. Does anyone know what 2stroke filter cage fits? To eliminate the screen.
Yes, the cage from a 16 125/150 definitely fits.

The Shop

MX678
Posts
220
Joined
2/27/2016
Location
USA
4/19/2016 4:03am
Moto3731 wrote:
I have the vortex in my 16.5 450 and ride southwick Sunday with it and it was amazing so if you got the cash I would...
I have the vortex in my 16.5 450 and ride southwick Sunday with it and it was amazing so if you got the cash I would def go that route.
Digger29 wrote:
Pump the brakes there Kyle!! We'll see about your Vortex when we ride tomorrow kid... :-)
Moto3731 wrote:
Get ready to open your wallet bud! Lol although I tested it against the stock ecu it'll be fun to test it against the remapped one
What was the verdict on the ECU? Toyko mods flash or the vortex ignition
Digger29
Posts
1885
Joined
11/2/2011
Location
Oxford, MA, USA
4/19/2016 5:19am
Digger29 wrote:
Pump the brakes there Kyle!! We'll see about your Vortex when we ride tomorrow kid... :-)
Moto3731 wrote:
Get ready to open your wallet bud! Lol although I tested it against the stock ecu it'll be fun to test it against the remapped one
MX678 wrote:
What was the verdict on the ECU? Toyko mods flash or the vortex ignition
I've got 5.5 hrs on mine and I knew something was a little off and I have the same Tokyo Mods remap and the Twin Air screen less cage and I'm running Renegade SX4 fuel and my new bike feels a little sleepy compared to the right off of the bottom bark and super quick throttle response of my last yrs FE450. I was thinking about ditching the Akro system and going back to the FMF system that I had on last yrs FE. I had Kyle come over on Saturday and bring his Best Dual Sport TPS tool and went up from .55 to .57 and went up by .02's until we ended up at .63 and that's exactly where I had my last yrs TPS set at and the bike starts with a tap of the button now and barks. I put 2.5 hrs on it Sunday at MX207 in Maine and it feels just like my last FE. I'm super pumped now because I had already made a cpl calls on the FMF and PC pipe. She's good now!! :-)
ob
Posts
1751
Joined
3/14/2010
Location
Cardiff, CA, USA
4/19/2016 8:10am Edited Date/Time 4/19/2016 8:11am
jacksonlab wrote:
I'm coming off a 2013 RMZ 450 with a Yosh RS4 full exhaust. I remember my RMZ also feeling very stuffed up until I added the...
I'm coming off a 2013 RMZ 450 with a Yosh RS4 full exhaust. I remember my RMZ also feeling very stuffed up until I added the Yosh system. It was the best bang for your buck add-on I did to the bike. But the Ktm's powerband is up so high in the rpm's and when you're ripping around a motocross track from full speed to almost dead stop and then need to clear a big double or even triple after a hairpin turn you need torque and bottom end immediately. Something the RMZ did so well. The Suzuki signs off way before the Ktm but I'm not a hold it wide open type of rider so I really liked that type of powerband much better for my style of riding. Now I could also over-abuse my Ktm clutch and get the same results but really? Found an article in a German moto mag that compared Yoshimura, FMF, Akrapovic, Leo Vince and several other exhaust systems for the Ktm. Short & Skinny was the Yoshimura RS4 came in at #1 for best hp gains all across the powerband with the FMF, Akro, and Leo Vince all in a tie for second. Rated Yosh and FMF best for bottom end and Leo Vince and Akro for better overrev. Not selling this bike short at all but expected not to spend a cent more on aftermarket parts to make it better. I'm going with a 49 T Rear sprocket and a Yosh RS4 full Ti system to remedy my situation. Someone said they needed a new chain too just for adding an additional tooth to the rear. For those prospective buyers reading this forum the brembo brakes on this bike are worth the price alone. If you're like me and have been on Japanese bikes you don't know what motocross brakes should be until you try these. Don't forget to wave to your bike as you go over the handle bars after grabbing a handful! My RMZ was the best turning 450 I've owned and was afraid I was going to lose that in the Ktm 450 FE- With the slim diet the KTM is on along with the AER 48 Forks this bike turns just as well or better but overall handling is miles apart. No more "Oh Jesus!" moments on high-speed sections and you will also find yourself riding a bit over your limits just because you can get away with it. Completely happy with everything the bike offers except the motor's characteristics. Gotta spend another $1K and we'll see what happens- and YES mapping is set to agressive. You'll notice the different mapping characteristics for this bike: Soft, Standard, and Agressive but not enough to make a meaningful difference. Just my .02
seawitch wrote:
I too am coming off a 13 RMZ 450. Of course loved the cornering but, like most did not enjoy the high speed sketchy moments! I...
I too am coming off a 13 RMZ 450. Of course loved the cornering but, like most did not enjoy the high speed sketchy moments!
I am a habitual clutch abuser so have not been affected by the bottom end blues as much.
Question for you Mr Jacksonlab....
How do you have your suspension set? Sag, fork height, air pressure and your weight?
Have not gotten that feeling in my loamy corners like I had.
As you mention the brakes rock...what about the hydraulic clutch? It's so easy and smooth! Feels like a 125!
You should try changing the clutch setting. The washer has three positions you can use, I believe they probably still come in the middle position. If you move the washer to the aggressive setting the bike will hook up faster and it will feel like there is more bottom end. It does make the clutch a little harder to use because the engagement is faster and more abrupt. If that doesn't work good enough you can go to a race clutch like the manual rekluse that is what I did on my 15 for immediate hook up. Bike will feel like it gained 5hp.
seawitch
Posts
50
Joined
1/7/2014
Location
Wanchese, NC, USA
4/19/2016 9:27am
OB. Thanks dude. I am good with my motor. Now I just want my bike to give me that I can do no wrong in corner feeling I had with my RMZ. I love the overall handling just feel like it lays over a little slower? Does that make sense?
ob
Posts
1751
Joined
3/14/2010
Location
Cardiff, CA, USA
4/19/2016 11:15am
seawitch wrote:
OB. Thanks dude. I am good with my motor. Now I just want my bike to give me that I can do no wrong in corner...
OB. Thanks dude. I am good with my motor. Now I just want my bike to give me that I can do no wrong in corner feeling I had with my RMZ. I love the overall handling just feel like it lays over a little slower? Does that make sense?
No worries man, I was actually trying to give Mr Jaksonlab a little bit of help with his lack of low end power problems.

I'm not sure if you will ever get it to feel just like your old RMZ, if you haven't slid your forks all the way up it definitely won't handle as quickly as a RMZ.
sandman768
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8186
Joined
3/21/2014
Location
Saratoga Springs, NY, USA
4/19/2016 1:58pm
sandman768 wrote:
Had a chance to ride on more intermediate type track Saturday, dropped fork pressure down to 145psi. Forks felt much better, 156psi was way to stiff...
Had a chance to ride on more intermediate type track Saturday, dropped fork pressure down to 145psi. Forks felt much better, 156psi was way to stiff for me. 190llbs Sr A rider. Does anyone know what 2stroke filter cage fits? To eliminate the screen.
Digger29 wrote:
Yes, the cage from a 16 125/150 definitely fits.
Thanks Digger29....
Greenbush
Posts
106
Joined
4/28/2015
Location
Saint Johns, MI, USA
4/20/2016 6:07am
I'm new to this forum so pardon me if I'm out of turn or what not.
I've got 12 hrs on my new FE and my biggest concern is the shock being to stiff , especially in the chop, I'm out 6 more then stock on the l/s and 2 1/2out on hi speed. My fork seems really good (surprisingly, as I'm new to the whole airfork thing ) with 144psi and 22 clicks out on comp and two in from stock on the rebound. It really started working well at around 10 hrs. Anyway, I was considering a 4.5 shock spring like it has been recommended from various places but I guess I'm a little hesitant. I'm right on with race sag and free sag settings and I'm just about 190lbs. I was curious if any one has put on a lighter spring and there thoughts on it.
Thanks
tek14
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4947
Joined
1/26/2014
Location
Vantaa, FI
4/20/2016 6:30am
Greenbush wrote:
I'm new to this forum so pardon me if I'm out of turn or what not. I've got 12 hrs on my new FE and my...
I'm new to this forum so pardon me if I'm out of turn or what not.
I've got 12 hrs on my new FE and my biggest concern is the shock being to stiff , especially in the chop, I'm out 6 more then stock on the l/s and 2 1/2out on hi speed. My fork seems really good (surprisingly, as I'm new to the whole airfork thing ) with 144psi and 22 clicks out on comp and two in from stock on the rebound. It really started working well at around 10 hrs. Anyway, I was considering a 4.5 shock spring like it has been recommended from various places but I guess I'm a little hesitant. I'm right on with race sag and free sag settings and I'm just about 190lbs. I was curious if any one has put on a lighter spring and there thoughts on it.
Thanks
Im on 45 spring 170lbs and shock did kick and sharp holes even pretty much open clickers
that made it worse on other parts of track and coming out from corners.
My suspensio guy said there was not enough movement and had shock redone. Im only
couple hours after rebuild but it feels much better starting point.
CarlinoJoeVideo
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7517
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11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
4/20/2016 6:35am
Greenbush wrote:
I'm new to this forum so pardon me if I'm out of turn or what not. I've got 12 hrs on my new FE and my...
I'm new to this forum so pardon me if I'm out of turn or what not.
I've got 12 hrs on my new FE and my biggest concern is the shock being to stiff , especially in the chop, I'm out 6 more then stock on the l/s and 2 1/2out on hi speed. My fork seems really good (surprisingly, as I'm new to the whole airfork thing ) with 144psi and 22 clicks out on comp and two in from stock on the rebound. It really started working well at around 10 hrs. Anyway, I was considering a 4.5 shock spring like it has been recommended from various places but I guess I'm a little hesitant. I'm right on with race sag and free sag settings and I'm just about 190lbs. I was curious if any one has put on a lighter spring and there thoughts on it.
Thanks
What is your rebound setting at on your shock? Sounds like maybe you went too soft and in the chop it's packing after the first 2 hits.

Maybe go ride a section that gives you the stiff feeling, then tighten your settings and try it again. The rebound could also be too slow and not letting the rear come out fast enough for the next bump.
Greenbush
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106
Joined
4/28/2015
Location
Saint Johns, MI, USA
4/20/2016 6:57am
What is your rebound setting at on your shock? Sounds like maybe you went too soft and in the chop it's packing after the first 2...
What is your rebound setting at on your shock? Sounds like maybe you went too soft and in the chop it's packing after the first 2 hits.

Maybe go ride a section that gives you the stiff feeling, then tighten your settings and try it again. The rebound could also be too slow and not letting the rear come out fast enough for the next bump.
Thanks,
I'm in 2 stiffer on the rebound than stock, my reason for that was to, I guess calm the rear down a bit, it wasn't really a kick but more of a wallow I guess, I'm terrible at diagnosing susp so for give me. But it cured that problem, but still seems harsh, it's just not planted I guess especially in slower rough rutted crap. But yea, more testing is a must. Thanks
MX678
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USA
4/26/2016 4:01pm
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about.

yzrider53
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163
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Location
Walnut Creek, CA, USA
4/26/2016 5:03pm Edited Date/Time 4/26/2016 5:04pm
MX678 wrote:
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/26/133105/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about.

You're gonna add 3+ pounds to your bike??? Wink
bob567
Posts
767
Joined
7/9/2015
Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
4/26/2016 5:12pm
MX678 wrote:
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/26/133105/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about.

yzrider53 wrote:
You're gonna add 3+ pounds to your bike??? Wink
And still be the lightest bike in the class - yeah he is!
Digger29
Posts
1885
Joined
11/2/2011
Location
Oxford, MA, USA
4/27/2016 6:28am Edited Date/Time 4/27/2016 6:34am
MX678 wrote:
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/26/133105/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about.

Oh... they're awesome and worth every penny! I wonder why yours have black DLC lower tubes and mine have brown-ish gold ones. Hmmm, interesting.


Huckster
Posts
2588
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Location
Woodstock, NY, USA
4/27/2016 8:43am
MX678 wrote:
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/26/133105/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
Look what showed up today. Can't wait to see what the hype is about.

yzrider53 wrote:
You're gonna add 3+ pounds to your bike??? Wink
bob567 wrote:
And still be the lightest bike in the class - yeah he is!
I need a set of those!!!
MX678
Posts
220
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Location
USA
4/28/2016 4:09am
Digger29 wrote:
Oh... they're awesome and worth every penny! I wonder why yours have black DLC lower tubes and mine have brown-ish gold ones. Hmmm, interesting. [URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Diggermx29/media/20160408_155809_zpsivavkqg9.jpeg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/Diggermx29/20160408_155809_zpsivavkqg9.jpeg[/IMG][/URL]
Oh... they're awesome and worth every penny! I wonder why yours have black DLC lower tubes and mine have brown-ish gold ones. Hmmm, interesting.


I wonder if that is because you received your CVs so early in the year? I think I'm going to get the Trax shock as well. The rear of the bike gets sketchy busy when the track gets rough. going to try some settings Billy sent me first though. He said he could rework the shock a little and improve it, but I swore I would not throw money at stock suspension ever again.
MX678
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4/28/2016 4:57pm
CVs bolted up and thought it was a good time to run my new wheels as well.

mxb2
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Location
Bowie, MD, USA
4/28/2016 6:34pm
MX678 wrote:
CVs bolted up and thought it was a good time to run my new wheels as well. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/04/28/133272/s1200_image.jpg[/img]
CVs bolted up and thought it was a good time to run my new wheels as well.

Looks great man, did you remap,remove screen from silencer? What fuel are you using, thanks.
MX678
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4/28/2016 6:47pm
mxb2 wrote:
Looks great man, did you remap,remove screen from silencer? What fuel are you using, thanks.
I'm running a full akro exhaust with screen removed. Also running 2 smoke filter cage with VP U4.4. I had Dealer remap for the full system but looking at the extreme blueing of my exhaust, I think I'm still pretty lean. Going to send my ECU off to Tokyo mods to compensate for the filter cage and fuel.

The more I ride the bike I feel it wasn't as fast as I once thought on my initial ride and impression and the power seemed a little flat. I think digger experienced something similar until he adjusted his tps and now his screams. I'm hoping I will have similar results. Regardless the bike is fun and faster than me, I just like my stuff to be right!
mxb2
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Location
Bowie, MD, USA
4/28/2016 7:08pm
mxb2 wrote:
Looks great man, did you remap,remove screen from silencer? What fuel are you using, thanks.
MX678 wrote:
I'm running a full akro exhaust with screen removed. Also running 2 smoke filter cage with VP U4.4. I had Dealer remap for the full system...
I'm running a full akro exhaust with screen removed. Also running 2 smoke filter cage with VP U4.4. I had Dealer remap for the full system but looking at the extreme blueing of my exhaust, I think I'm still pretty lean. Going to send my ECU off to Tokyo mods to compensate for the filter cage and fuel.

The more I ride the bike I feel it wasn't as fast as I once thought on my initial ride and impression and the power seemed a little flat. I think digger experienced something similar until he adjusted his tps and now his screams. I'm hoping I will have similar results. Regardless the bike is fun and faster than me, I just like my stuff to be right!
Thanks, good info.
Moto520
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3655
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Location
Schaumburg, IL, USA
4/28/2016 8:36pm
I kind of felt the same way with the power. It's good but it's kind of pokey off throttle. I added a tooth to the rear and I like it's better. I swore to myself that I was going to leave it but sharp turns were too much work. I weigh just over 200 lbs so this may have something to do with it but give it a try if the other suggestions don't work. My engine is otherwise stock except for the FMF slip on. All aggressive mapping is in full effect
Xsenter
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481
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SE
4/29/2016 6:45am
I am thinking of maybe getting a FMF slip-on. What's the biggest difference compared to stock Akrapovic ?

MX678
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220
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USA
4/29/2016 7:00am
Moto520 wrote:
I kind of felt the same way with the power. It's good but it's kind of pokey off throttle. I added a tooth to the rear...
I kind of felt the same way with the power. It's good but it's kind of pokey off throttle. I added a tooth to the rear and I like it's better. I swore to myself that I was going to leave it but sharp turns were too much work. I weigh just over 200 lbs so this may have something to do with it but give it a try if the other suggestions don't work. My engine is otherwise stock except for the FMF slip on. All aggressive mapping is in full effect
Normally i re-gear straight out the crate, even have a 49t on standby right now. I had the opposite impression that you did. 3rd gear in the tight stuff wasn't an issue. I do find myself using 4th gear a lot more than I used to on my kx450. Am I riding faster? Idk. But the KTM seems easier to ride so it is a possibility.
jacksonlab
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5
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3/5/2016
Location
Tucson, AZ, USA
4/30/2016 7:51am
sandman768 wrote:
I only have about 3hrs on mine, I have the first screen out of the muffler, bike feels pretty dam fast to me. I"m coming off...
I only have about 3hrs on mine, I have the first screen out of the muffler, bike feels pretty dam fast to me. I"m coming off a 2013 Honda with all kinds of work done to it & this bike walks all over my Honda! I"m not so quick to start throwing parts at this bike, for me getting the forks dialed in is job #1. have you guys adjusted your map setting to the aggressive mode?
jacksonlab wrote:
I'm coming off a 2013 RMZ 450 with a Yosh RS4 full exhaust. I remember my RMZ also feeling very stuffed up until I added the...
I'm coming off a 2013 RMZ 450 with a Yosh RS4 full exhaust. I remember my RMZ also feeling very stuffed up until I added the Yosh system. It was the best bang for your buck add-on I did to the bike. But the Ktm's powerband is up so high in the rpm's and when you're ripping around a motocross track from full speed to almost dead stop and then need to clear a big double or even triple after a hairpin turn you need torque and bottom end immediately. Something the RMZ did so well. The Suzuki signs off way before the Ktm but I'm not a hold it wide open type of rider so I really liked that type of powerband much better for my style of riding. Now I could also over-abuse my Ktm clutch and get the same results but really? Found an article in a German moto mag that compared Yoshimura, FMF, Akrapovic, Leo Vince and several other exhaust systems for the Ktm. Short & Skinny was the Yoshimura RS4 came in at #1 for best hp gains all across the powerband with the FMF, Akro, and Leo Vince all in a tie for second. Rated Yosh and FMF best for bottom end and Leo Vince and Akro for better overrev. Not selling this bike short at all but expected not to spend a cent more on aftermarket parts to make it better. I'm going with a 49 T Rear sprocket and a Yosh RS4 full Ti system to remedy my situation. Someone said they needed a new chain too just for adding an additional tooth to the rear. For those prospective buyers reading this forum the brembo brakes on this bike are worth the price alone. If you're like me and have been on Japanese bikes you don't know what motocross brakes should be until you try these. Don't forget to wave to your bike as you go over the handle bars after grabbing a handful! My RMZ was the best turning 450 I've owned and was afraid I was going to lose that in the Ktm 450 FE- With the slim diet the KTM is on along with the AER 48 Forks this bike turns just as well or better but overall handling is miles apart. No more "Oh Jesus!" moments on high-speed sections and you will also find yourself riding a bit over your limits just because you can get away with it. Completely happy with everything the bike offers except the motor's characteristics. Gotta spend another $1K and we'll see what happens- and YES mapping is set to agressive. You'll notice the different mapping characteristics for this bike: Soft, Standard, and Agressive but not enough to make a meaningful difference. Just my .02
How I set up forks: Start at 155 psi. Put a ziptie on one fork leg. Go blast a few laps on the track your riding for the day. Be aggressive. Over jump a few obstacles- Charge the whoops- Hit the G-outs, etc. Check zip tie location. Should be about 1 inch from bottoming. Add or decrease pressure in 2 or 3psi increments as needed to lower/raise zip tie location on fork. Fork leg height is still at stock setting (Second line from top of fork to triple clamp). If you want tighter turning, raise forks a few more mm. Sag is set at 105mm. I'm 185lbs Vet B rider. I also want to rectify my previous comments on the KTM's lack of bottom end power. TAKE OUT THE FRIGGIN SPARK ARRESTOR ON THE AKRO CAN. Didn't realize how much that Dildo can stuff this machine up! Add 1 tooth to the rear sprocket (49T) Problem solved!
gpracer36
Posts
419
Joined
12/8/2011
Location
El Cajon, CA, USA
4/30/2016 8:05am
I don't understand how you ride it on the second line? The fork is longer by 12mm. That would be basically like riding a 16 with the forks flush, doesn't turn. Raise them another at least 10mm and you will have a bike that handles the way it was designed.
CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7517
Joined
11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA, USA
5/1/2016 8:44am
Anyone have a good idea to tighten up the shift lever tip? The rivet seems like it's getting really loose it might break.
Thanks!

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