KTM 450 SX-F: Top Speed & Specs
For fans new and old, the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F arrives to deliver familiar performance with a few surprises.
With a top speed of nearly 123 mph, the KTM 450 SX-F’s 449.9cc single-cylinder engine is sure to continue offering industry-leading power.
Table of Contents
- 2022 KTM 450 SX-F Key Specifications
- How the KTM 450 SX-F Stacks Up
- KTM 450 SX-F Top Features
- The KTM 450 SX-F On The Track
- The KTM 450 SX-F On The Road
- The KTM 450 SX-F In Action
- KTM 450 SX-F Detailed Specifications
- KTM 450 SX-F Engine and Transmission
- KTM 450 SX-F Chassis and Suspension
- KTM 450 SX-F Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
- KTM 450 SX-F Dimension and Capacity
- Conclusion
2022 KTM 450 SX-F Key Specifications
| Price | $10,299 |
| Engine | 1-Cylinder, 4-stroke |
| Displacement | 449.9cc |
| Transmission | 5-Speed |
| Power | 54.8 bhp |
| Seat Height | 37.4 inches |
| Dry Weight | 221.56 lbs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.5 liter |
How the KTM 450 SX-F Stacks Up
The KTM 450 SX-F is known as an impressively fast dirt bike in its weight class. With a top speed of nearly 123 mph, there’s no doubt it’s one of the top choices for competing professionals and motocross enthusiasts alike.
Utilizing its 449.9cc single-cylinder engine and the latest electronic injection system, it makes nearly 54.8 BHP of max power and 34.6 lb-ft of torque. Its compact single overhead camshaft design offers top of the line power and performance. The 450 SX-F also boasts a KEIHIN engine management system with a 44mm throttle body.
This motocrosser also houses a 5-speed transmission and is fitted with a durable DDS clutch. This year, it also comes with a CrMO double-cradle frame for superior stiffness and response. The exterior of the frame features a KTM factory-inspired paint theme and graphics similar to the KTM 250 SX.
It is fitted with a 260 mm disc brake on the front wheel and a 220 mm disc brake on the rear wheel. The KTM 450 SX-F uses a WP XACT 48mm USD front forks and a WP XACT mono-shock with linkage at the rear. It even includes riding aids such as traction control, handlebar map select switch, and launch control.
KTM 450 SX-F Top Features
- Hydro Formed Chromium Molybednum Frame
- Gravity Die Cast Swingarm
- 48 mm WP XACT Upside Down Forks
- Seperate Function Forks
- WP XACT Mono-Shock
- CNC Machined Tripple Clamps
- Hight Strength NKEN Aluminium Tapered Handlebar
- Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Colors
- High Tech Brembo Brakes
- Full Size Lightweight & High ENd Rims
- Dunlop Geomax MX33 Tires
- SOHC Single-Cylinder Engine
- KEIHIN Engine Management System
- Side-Mounted Counter Balancer Shaft
- DDS Clutch and Handlebar Map Select Switch
The KTM 450 SX-F On The Track
The KTM 450 SX-F has developed a reputation for speed over the years, having been famously ridden in professional motocross races for several years running. American motocross and supercross racer Ryan Dungey rode this very bike to victory in three consecutive AMA supercross titles in 2015, 2016, and 2017 along with two motocross titles in 2012 and 2015.
“Ready to Race” is the slogan Austrian based KTM has declared for their 450 SX-F line, and this seems to have been proven true. In his very first year racing at a professional level, Cooper Webb won the AMA supercross title riding a KTM 450 SX-F.
KTM has aimed to provide cycle enthusiasts with the lightest 450cc motocross bike on the market, building it exclusively with durable, practical, and high-quality components. These include a Brembo hydraulic clutch, Brembo brakes, a Pankl transmission, and a Pankl connecting rod, among others.
The KTM 450 SX-F On The Road
The 2022 model of the KTM 450 SX-F provides an engine and a frame that allow it to excel in both power and stability. The 450cc engine offers powerhouse performance in a compact, lightweight design with its single overhead camshaft cylinder head and the latest electronic injection system.
This helps to ensure its impressive power is distributed safely and efficiently throughout the rev range. This is essential because even with all of these systems this model is still one of the lightest 450cc engine bikes on the MX market.
The exhaust system is also a key proponent when it comes to delivering power and performance. The KTM 450 SX-F features a model-specific header pipe with an advanced resonator called FDH (Flow design Header), which is a small chamber located around the pipe.
The unique design allows easier disassembly when making repairs or modifications by allowing the exhaust to be removed without first removing the shock absorber, which in turn provides easier access to the shock. The exhaust also has an aluminum sleeve, end cap and unique internal design of the silencer giving it slimmer ergonomics without compromising noise limits.
The KTM 450 SX-F In Action
Here you can check out a video of the KTM 450 SX-F performing a dyno test. Dyno tests are performed to indicate power, torque, and top speed.
KTM 450 SX-F Detailed Specifications
The KTM 450 SX-F has been spec’d with a uniquely compact and lightweight SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) cylinder head. Focusing on Mass centralization, this design contributes to the overall handling experience. The overhead camshaft comes packed with a friction-optimized surface and valve timing to provide improved responsiveness.
Extremely rigid rocker arms operate the four lightweight titanium valves (intake 40 mm, exhaust 33 mm). With DLC coating on the intake side rockers, the engine can run at an astonishing 11,500 rpm. The high RPM values are further supported by low-friction chain guides. The cutting-edge head design ensures the most effective transmission of unmatched power.
The KTM 450 SX-F’s crankshaft is situated close to the center of gravity, which improves mass centralization. Because of the small connecting rod it uses, the motor can be designed compactly and delivers power more quickly. The entire unit has a precise amount of inertia for the best possible traction and rideability.
Directly attached to the crank pin is a plain big end bearing with two force-fitted bearing shells. The engine’s pressure lubrication provides the necessary oil flow for this bearing. All of these details accumulate to a longer-lasting crankshaft, minimizing the need for servicing.
KTM 450 SX-F Engine and Transmission
The KTM 450 SX-F features compact engine cases made via a die-cast production process, which helps to reduce weight while maintaining strength and longevity. The engine covers even have a clever surface structure that lessens abrasion from the rider’s boots, keeping them from wear and tear.
The KTM 450 SX-F’s transmission is designed for lightweight performance without sacrificing toughness. The gear ratios remained consistent from earlier models as they were designed for the large displacement engine’s power output, but the secondary drive (sprockets) ratio has been shortened (13/49) for better response.
The engines have been fitted with a gear sensor, which provides the option of different engine characteristics for each gear, depending on engine load. An advanced “no-dirt” gear lever is designed to prevent dirt from building up within the gearbox.
| Engine Type | 4-Stroke, SOHC, Single-Cylinder, |
| Engine Displacement | 449.9cc |
| No. of Cylinders | 1 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Fuel Supply | Fuel Injection |
| Cooling System | Liquid Cooling |
| Bore | 95 mm |
| Stroke | 63.4 mm |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 |
| Starting | Electric Starter |
| Ignition | Digital |
| Transmission | 5-Speed |
| Clutch | DDS Clutch |
| Final Drive | Chain |
KTM 450 SX-F Chassis and Suspension
The KTM 450 SX-F’s frame is expertly built from hydroformed chromium molybdenum steel tubing and robotically welded to guarantee the highest standards of consistent quality. Excellent agility and high-speed stability are provided by the frame’s precisely calculated rigidity, which also produces responsive handling and flawless coordination with the suspension.
This model is fitted with the super-lightweight WP XACT front forks with AER technology and feature updated settings for 2022. The suspension system is a 48 mm USD air-sprung fork with separate functions in each fork leg, with damping functions on the right side and the air spring on the left.
| Body Type | Motocross |
| Chassis | CrMo Double Cradle Frame |
| Front Suspension | WP XACT 48 mm USD |
| Rear Suspension | WP XACT Mono-Shock with Linkage |
| Front Wheel Travel | 310 mm |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 300 mm |
KTM 450 SX-F Brakes, Wheels, and Tires
All KTM motocross bikes have always been equipped with cutting-edge Brembo S.p.A brakes as standard. The well-known mechanism offers the best level of braking efficiency when combined with the lightweight wave discs.
KTM uses lightweight, CNC-machined hubs and premium Excel rims to ensure optimum stability and minimal weight. The newest Dunlop Geomax-MX33 tires are mounted on the wheels, providing maximum grip and stability while efficiently transferring all of the power to the ground.
| Front Brake | Single 260 mm Disc |
| Rear Brake | Single 220 mm Disc |
| Front Brake Diameter | 260 mm |
| Rear Brake Diameter | 220 mm |
| ABS | No |
| Front Wheel | 21 Inch Spoke Rim |
| Rear Wheel | 19 Inch Spoke Rim |
| Tire Type | Tube Type |
| Front Tire Size | 80/100-21 |
| Rear Tire Size | 110/90-19 |
KTM 450 SX-F Dimension and Capacity
| Wheelbase | 58.5 in |
| Seat Height | 37.4 in |
| Ground Clearance | 14.6 in |
| Dry Weight | 221.56 lbs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 7.5 l |
| Seating Capacity | 1 |
Conclusion
The KTM 450 SX-F is a tried and true name in the motocross space with numerous accolades to its name. Receiving praises for its engine, suspension, ergonomics, braking, and of course, its speed. KTM continues to find ways to improve upon the design of this lightweight single-cylinder bike with each new model, and this year is no different. With a top speed of 123 mph it’s no surprise the KTM 450 SX-F is still one of the most desirable motocrossers on the market.
