2019 KTM450SXF test in MXA

kiwifan
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kiwifan
Edited Date/Time 11/29/2018 11:24am
I didnt know they made a airbox change for 2019, dont most guys drill more holes to get more air flowing anyway?

I havent heard of any complaints until now...

2019 KTM450SXF test
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GeorgiePorgie 8/6/2018 5:46pm
8/6/2018 5:46pm Edited Date/Time 8/6/2018 5:48pm
People drill huskys....not ktm. Apparently until now. Maybe that’s the new thing with MXA. Going up one tooth is gettin old. So now they just gonna say drill holes for the next ten years.

Seriously when you guys ride your new bike.....are you fretting about 1 tooth or drilling holes ? I’m not. Nobody ispaying by me to ride, so there’s that.
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kiwifan
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kiwifan 8/6/2018 8:01pm
8/6/2018 8:01pm
Underground wrote:
Because KTM 450's are slow right?
Well from MXA's reckoning they are slower (with an undrilled airbox) then the 2018
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#434
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#434 8/6/2018 10:03pm
8/6/2018 10:03pm
GeorgiePorgie wrote:
People drill huskys....not ktm. Apparently until now. Maybe that’s the new thing with MXA. Going up one tooth is gettin old. So now they just gonna...
People drill huskys....not ktm. Apparently until now. Maybe that’s the new thing with MXA. Going up one tooth is gettin old. So now they just gonna say drill holes for the next ten years.

Seriously when you guys ride your new bike.....are you fretting about 1 tooth or drilling holes ? I’m not. Nobody ispaying by me to ride, so there’s that.
On every bike I had I tried different gearing. And most of the time I go one up in the rear like MXA, haha. If you can pull 3rd gear out of most corners, you shift a lot less on the track, even with a 250f
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blaze 57
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blaze 57 8/6/2018 10:34pm
8/6/2018 10:34pm Edited Date/Time 8/6/2018 10:35pm
I have the 18.5 450 factory edition so its the same airbox as the 19' MX Action just tested. I'll have to pull the access cover off mine and ride it to see if there is a difference. The main mod is to send out the ECU and get it re-mapped. They come with more room for improvement and re-setting the TPS helps too. Mine was only .49 from the factory.
Digger29
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Digger29 8/7/2018 8:47am
8/7/2018 8:47am Edited Date/Time 8/7/2018 2:11pm
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
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sgrimmxdad
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sgrimmxdad 8/7/2018 11:28am
8/7/2018 11:28am
Digger29 wrote:
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more...
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
I have been wondering what others where running gear wise. I was going up one but will try 2 on the rear!



How much are you guys paying for the remapping? I am trying to decide between that or just ordering a GET!
mx317
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mx317 8/7/2018 1:35pm
8/7/2018 1:35pm Edited Date/Time 8/7/2018 1:39pm
Digger29 wrote:
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more...
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
I had The Motolab that you use remap my Rockstar Husky 450, drilled the airbox and used a FMF slip-on. Now it's a broad, smooth, and very easy to ride bike that's even faster than before! That sucker really pulls hard in the upper range.
RCMXracing
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RCMXracing 8/7/2018 1:37pm
8/7/2018 1:37pm
I want to know this: For those that have owned 16-18 versions how much better is this ‘19 and in what ways? Any areas that aren’t as good?
mx317
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mx317 8/7/2018 1:42pm
8/7/2018 1:42pm
Digger29 wrote:
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more...
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
sgrimmxdad wrote:
I have been wondering what others where running gear wise. I was going up one but will try 2 on the rear! How much are you...
I have been wondering what others where running gear wise. I was going up one but will try 2 on the rear!



How much are you guys paying for the remapping? I am trying to decide between that or just ordering a GET!
The Motolab in Ct did mine for $75. My friend really likes the 50t on his KTM 450. I didn't like it quite as much and wonder if a 49 might be the perfect match for me.
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Huckster 8/7/2018 2:04pm
8/7/2018 2:04pm
Digger29 wrote:
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more...
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
You ready to sell it yet?
kiwifan
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kiwifan 8/7/2018 2:35pm
8/7/2018 2:35pm
Digger29 wrote:
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more...
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
ok thanks, thats interesting that MXA found 2 more HP which seems a heck of a lot just for a couple of holes, but then if it has been strangled that much it could be right.
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Pigspit 8/8/2018 10:03am
8/8/2018 10:03am
The only thing a drilled airbox does is make more noise, which probably does boost butt dyno numbers.
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kiwifan
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kiwifan 8/8/2018 3:12pm
8/8/2018 3:12pm
Pigspit wrote:
The only thing a drilled airbox does is make more noise, which probably does boost butt dyno numbers.
If an airbox is smaller or less volume than the amount of air required by the EFI/Carburetor then it will limit/strangle the engine, so drilling holes can benefit those bikes in that situation (if indeed the mapping/jetting caters for the extra air). If you just drill holes (in a large volume airbox) just to allow more air you would need mapping/jetting changes to cater for that extra air, again potentially giving you more power.
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brian9
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brian9 11/28/2018 11:16pm
11/28/2018 11:16pm Edited Date/Time 11/28/2018 11:30pm
I am curious what the top pros are doing? Cairoli, Herlings, Musquin, Anderson and etc.. Are they drilling holes in the airbox cover? Or are their bikes just so tricked out and so different that they don't have this problem?

I have a 2018 250SX and a 2019 250SX and do notice a difference. I've done all of the same mods on both bikes except that the 2018 has a JD Jet Kit. The 2018 has more instant head jerking / snapping power when cracking the throttle, whereas the 2019 is more gradual and controlled. I am still deciding which I like more.
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skypig 11/29/2018 3:23am
11/29/2018 3:23am
brian9 wrote:
I am curious what the top pros are doing? Cairoli, Herlings, Musquin, Anderson and etc.. Are they drilling holes in the airbox cover? Or are their...
I am curious what the top pros are doing? Cairoli, Herlings, Musquin, Anderson and etc.. Are they drilling holes in the airbox cover? Or are their bikes just so tricked out and so different that they don't have this problem?

I have a 2018 250SX and a 2019 250SX and do notice a difference. I've done all of the same mods on both bikes except that the 2018 has a JD Jet Kit. The 2018 has more instant head jerking / snapping power when cracking the throttle, whereas the 2019 is more gradual and controlled. I am still deciding which I like more.
Certainly the Husky team bikes have had extra holes in at least some cases) for several years.
I don’t think it’s controversial. The Husky Airbox is a little restrictive, as is the muffler. The resulting power band probably suits many people. Some prefer themore “open” results.
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Paul333 11/29/2018 4:44am
11/29/2018 4:44am
Digger29 wrote:
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more...
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
Stop, please do not post actual knowledge & experience that backs up MXA’s months of real race testing...what are you thinking...? LOL, obviously joking...

You are supposed to listen to non descript screen names who may or may not have even been within fifty yards of a 2019 KTM SXF450.
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Paul333
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Paul333 11/29/2018 5:16am
11/29/2018 5:16am Edited Date/Time 11/29/2018 5:17am
Pigspit wrote:
The only thing a drilled airbox does is make more noise, which probably does boost butt dyno numbers.
Hint: Factory teams have been doing it since MX started.





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newmann
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newmann 11/29/2018 5:41am
11/29/2018 5:41am
Digger29 wrote:
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more...
We dyno tuned my 18.5 450FE with my stock cover and then with another FE's drilled air box cover and it did make almost 1hp more. I didn't want 3-5 1" holes in my cover so I ended up just cutting the rib off of the inside cover so you can see the filter now so it's definitely getting more air. I also went from the stock 48 rear sprocket to a 50 and it's awesome. I'm in 3rd in almost every turn now instead of 2nd and feeling that I need to shift to 3rd. I start in 3rd everywhere and get almost every holeshot in the my 6 motos that I ride every Sunday.
Paul333 wrote:
Stop, please do not post actual knowledge & experience that backs up MXA’s months of real race testing...what are you thinking...? LOL, obviously joking... You are...
Stop, please do not post actual knowledge & experience that backs up MXA’s months of real race testing...what are you thinking...? LOL, obviously joking...

You are supposed to listen to non descript screen names who may or may not have even been within fifty yards of a 2019 KTM SXF450.
No joke, proving MXA right once again. What can he be thinking!Laughing
Yzf916
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Yzf916 11/29/2018 6:51am
11/29/2018 6:51am
Yep. Everybody on here bashes MXA's suggestions. Yet many recommendations make it into production on several manufacturers the following year or two. The simple gear change(+1 tooth) has been my most go to solution for the last 30+ years of riding. On most bikes it allows me to pull 3rd in almost all corners, reducing the amount of unnecessary shifting. In fact, I can ride most tracks in my area in third gear alone. Only shifting into fourth once or twice per lap for that long straight or bigger jump. Of course it depends on the tracks in your area. But don't knock a simple inexpensive gear change until you've tried it. MXA does some of the most extensive real world testing in the industry. As does VitalMX. Both more so than some of the other fluff publications out there.
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CarlinoJoeVideo
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CarlinoJoeVideo 11/29/2018 7:12am
11/29/2018 7:12am
I saw this photo of Marvin’s bike with the airbox tab cut.


+1 on Digger’s comment. I had my 2016 dyno tuned and saw a 1hp gain from cover on to cover off. But have to meet in the middle with holes.

This is what I did on my 19.





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Monk
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Monk 11/29/2018 7:31am
11/29/2018 7:31am
Though there is solid merit in drilling out the airbox, I don't seeing it being practical for most, especially on a 450.
brian9
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brian9 11/29/2018 8:39am
11/29/2018 8:39am
I wish KTM Powerparts would just sell an enhanced side cover. I cut out the battery box on my 250sx, not sure if that did much. I am going to try a Funnel Web air filter and then probably cut the side tab.
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RCF 11/29/2018 9:04am
11/29/2018 9:04am
brian9 wrote:
I wish KTM Powerparts would just sell an enhanced side cover. I cut out the battery box on my 250sx, not sure if that did much...
I wish KTM Powerparts would just sell an enhanced side cover. I cut out the battery box on my 250sx, not sure if that did much. I am going to try a Funnel Web air filter and then probably cut the side tab.
They did used to make one ,I kind of like the sealed up air box we deal with a lot of water in off-road racing and your bike doesn't run too good when the air cleaner is soaked with water.
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sgrimmxdad 11/29/2018 9:09am
11/29/2018 9:09am
I don't know if my experience is unique but If I don't use a no toil cover when washing our FE water collects in the air boot. If I try to wash with the filter in place no matter how careful I am the filter gets wet quickly.
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adamdf 11/29/2018 9:19am
11/29/2018 9:19am
Has anyone tried the Quick Turn throttle cam that comes with the bike? That is also said to make an improvement in getting up into the power a bit faster/easier as the stock KTM throttle pull is loooong.

Keefer talks about this in some of his podcasts.

I'm going to give it a try in my 17 and see how it goes.

As for gearing im running 14/52 but can still use a bit more snap, a 14/53 might be the best bet but I'll try the quick turn cam first and report back.
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blaze 57 11/29/2018 9:59am
11/29/2018 9:59am Edited Date/Time 11/29/2018 10:03am
adamdf wrote:
Has anyone tried the Quick Turn throttle cam that comes with the bike? That is also said to make an improvement in getting up into the...
Has anyone tried the Quick Turn throttle cam that comes with the bike? That is also said to make an improvement in getting up into the power a bit faster/easier as the stock KTM throttle pull is loooong.

Keefer talks about this in some of his podcasts.

I'm going to give it a try in my 17 and see how it goes.

As for gearing im running 14/52 but can still use a bit more snap, a 14/53 might be the best bet but I'll try the quick turn cam first and report back.
Definitely use the quick turn cam. I rode mine too long without it. Big improvement. Go up one to two teeth on the rear. Not sure how many teeth you can add with flipping the axle blocks around, maybe two? I bought a new (longer) chain and sprockets so I didnt need to flip my blocks when I went to the 50.
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xr70
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xr70 11/29/2018 11:02am
11/29/2018 11:02am

I drilled my air box cover on my 2018 YZ450F to install the tank went hose , right after that when I started my bike in my garage I noticed lots of more low end engine grunt . I am sure when I put it on dyno now I will be pulling like 10 hp more and I can definitely pull 5ft gear from every corner now . ?
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ruy
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ruy 11/29/2018 11:23am
11/29/2018 11:23am
I did the measurement if the air box sucked air, and very little, it was not worth putting holes.
YZF450 2006-09

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