First look: 2024 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Editions – fit an 18-inch rear wheel for Sprint Enduro?
KTM announce their 2024 450 and 250 SX-F Factory Editions, the high-spec race bikes designed for Supercross but which would make pimping sprint enduro weapons if only they came with an 18-inch rear wheel…
The KTM SX-F Factory Edition models are nothing new. Bearing modified specifications from the current production equivalents, they arrive like a Christmas present with basically all the components the factory riders run without the hand-built engine.
These are, were obliged to point out, motocross bikes and not enduro or XC models. But a) who doesn’t like looking at new bikes, b) they’re not so far removed from the XC-F anyway (not available in every country, sadly) and c) if you’re a sprint enduro kinda person, wouldn’t one of these make the most bling bike for ripping the tests?
Carrying an orange powder-coated frame to distinguish it from the latest gen SX-F models’ black the Factory Edition upgrade list is a long one:
- Orange factory frame protectors
- Factory tank spoilers/graphics
- Connectivity unit offroad (CUO)
- CUO compatible front fender
- Vented airbox cover in by-pack
- Black engine mounts
- Updated suspension settings & WP XACT AER fork with sensor top caps
- Ribbed factory seat cover
- Orange CNC factory triple clamps
- Semi-floating front brake disc
- Factory front brake disc guard
- Factory skid plate
- Grey, soft ODI grips
- DID factory wheel set
- Dunlop Geomax tyres
- Orange rear sprocket
- WP Factory start device
- Gold chain
- Tougher rear brake pedal
- Akrapovic slip-on exhaust
- Hinson clutch cover
- Price: £11,449/$12,449 plus $650 freight/€13.369,00 450 model (250 model $11,349 but not available in all countries)
*18-inch factory rear wheel is £549 (just saying)
2024 KTM SX-F Factory Edition details that matter
The Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) is an important new addition for 2024. This two-part system is mounted between the right fork leg with the GPS component fixed on the front fender.
The CUO gives easily adjustable options for engine behaviour and suspension settings via the KTMConnect App on your phone. Essentially, it opens up numerous new customisation options and the ability to personalise preferences without needing specialised help.
There’s also a pretty cool official affiliation with LitPro which lets riders check and overlay lines, speed, gearing and other information all through the app.
2024 chassis
A “special new chassis” is also a key focus for KTM with its varied wall thickness and cutaway sections which improve flexibility yet reduce weight.
The repositioned rotating mass sits toward the centre of gravity, improving traction out of corners by improving anti-squat.
Other chassis features include CNC-milled, orange anodised, rubber-damped aluminum triple clamps.
Factory start device and new linkage bolt
Fully adjustable and tool-free WP Suspension on the Factory Editions runs 310mm travel, 48mm WP XACT AER front forks with redesigned protection rings and the WP Factory Start Device.
The rear shock has new low-friction linkage seals and specific linkage settings have been “reworked for optimal weight saving and stiffness” on this bike they say. The linkage bolt is also smaller, lighter and taken directly from bikes successfully used by the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team.
Akrapovic exhaust as standard
The 2024 KTM 450 SX-F engine gets the titanium Akrapovic slip-on exhaust as standard which shaves weight and increases power, while the motor breathes more freely with its updated air intake sleeve and snorkel.
New tank spoilers improve cooling KTM say while a new fuel tank holder gives better frame contact plus orange frame protectors improve grip between boots and bike. There’s also a four-screw carbon reinforced skid plate and the billet Hinson clutch cover as standard.
Further improvements for 2024 include high strength DID wheel sets with orange CMC machined hubs (harder for the bigger, fast jumps), Golden Chain and Dunlop GEOMAX MX34 tyres and Grey ODI grips.
The MX34 has a new carcass material for better damping and absorption, allowing better performance for longer - up to 30 per cent compared to the previous model.
KTM say the 2024 450 SX-F Factory Edition has a tougher rear brake pedal too plus there’s a carbon reinforced brake guard.
Add in here the ribbed seat, orange rear sprocket and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing graphics set it apart also.
The 2024 KTM SX-F Factory Editions will be in action at Anaheim for round one of the 2024 AMA Supercross in the first week of January. Authorised KTM dealers are scheduled to have bikes from mid-February to March/April depending on your country.
More information: www.ktm.com
