KTM launches 2023 SX-F 450 Factory Edition dirt bike

KTM has launched its ‘factory edition’ version of the 2023 450 SX-F motocross bike.

The Austrian marque joins its fellow Pierer Mobility Group member GasGas in launching its 2023 ‘factory edition’ machine, the 450 SX-F Factory Edition, after GasGas revealed their own version last week.

Unlike GasGas, who launched both a 250 and 450 factory edition, KTM has only the 450, which, visually speaking, features the same Red Bull graphics kit as the factory KTM team in the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross series’, strictly speaking that of 2019 and 2021 AMA Supercross 450SX Champion Cooper Webb, meaning #2 plates. 

Technically, KTM quotes 68 horsepower for the maximum engine output, while the motor itself weighs less than 27kg. Making use of that horsepower is made theoretically smoother by the bike’s quickshifter, and the engine character is adjustable via two selectable mappings. 

There is also a redesigned airbox, an updated exhaust system and “a series of other modifications befitting a motorcycle expected to fight for title success,” KTM says. 

The ergonomics of the bike have also been updated with a new rider triangle trying to achieve “tight centralization and [an] enhanced feeling,” KTM says. 

KTM’s ‘anti-squat’ concept for the chassis remains, which it says “compliments the revised engine position for increased centralization.” Sticking with the chassis and we find, unsurprisingly, suspension from WP which features tool-free adjustability and refined settings. 

WP also provide the start device, while the tailpipe is from the Akrapovic slip-on line.

2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Highlights:

• Factory racing seat (orange)
• Factory wheels (black rims, orange hub, orange sprockets, black spokes)
• Akrapovič ‘slip-on’ line
• Semi-floating front brake disc
• Factory racing front brake disc guard (carbon reinforced version)
• Factory racing skid plate (carbon reinforced version)
• Factory racing triple clamp (orange anodized)
• Factory start device (wp)
• ODI lock-on grey grip set
• Hinson outer clutch cover
• Vented airbox cover
• Orange sprocket
• Golden chain

The 2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition will arrive in dealers in December, although it will seemingly retain the tradition of these ‘factory edition’ bikes of being marketed only in the US.

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