Every year the motorcycle manufacturers of the world roll out their shiny new bikes, and tell us about how cool their new stickers look, how their new suspension offers a ride like no one has ever experienced before, and how their engine is at the forefront of modern technology.
Yeah, yeah, got it. We’ve heard it all before.
Introducing the 2017 KTM 450 EXC-F, with all new WP Xplor forks, new chromoly chassis, and redesigned 450cc four-stroke engine…
Now, the manufacturers might have the full intentions of making new bikes better than their old ones. But seriously how much better could the 2017 450 be when compared to 2016 model?
OK, so maybe we’re being a bit dramatic here, and probably a bit numb at times to the latest new bikes, as we get to ride bikes every other week. But leading up to the day of our KTM 450 EXC-F test it felt like we were heading off for a ride on yet another new bike.
Well… weren’t we proved wrong!
Spec it up
KTM got the message loud and clear, the open cartridge forks are well beyond their ‘best before’ date, and the WP 4CS forks which graced the Six-Days model for the past few years, are simply not up to scratch. Enter the all new 48mm Xplor forks. Simply put, the Xplor fork is a collaboration between WP and KTM which maintains the split fork concept from the 4CS forks, with compression in one side, rebound in the other, and springs in each fork leg. Inside, the design and material coatings are quite different which contributes to the massive improvements claimed by KTM. The PDS rear shock systems stays put underneath the orange machine. It’s a trustworthy unit, which has proved to work remarkably well in the bush. Internally, it has a new smaller diameter piston, increased reservoir capacity, 4mm shorter stroke, and a new second piston design which offers a more progressive action.
The chassis may still be a chromoly steel design, but it’s now much lighter, claimed to be one kilogram lighter than the nearest competition. Thanks to developments that have flowed down from the motocross models, the frame is now stiffer in the lower sections of the chassis: offering increased rider comfort and more precise handling. The swingarm is slightly different for 2017, with a new PDS mounting position, the more symmetrical design brings the rear shock closer to the centreline of the bike by five millimetres which allows the load to be distributed more evenly across the machine.
The engine has undergone some pretty serious changes with the entire crankshaft moving backwards 9mm and raised seven. This also means new engine cases and covers, which shave around 550 grams of engine weight. A shorter cam chain connects the crank to the all-new camshaft, which sits comfortably in a redesigned cylinder head. Keihin take care of all the electronics and fuel-injection with an updated 42mm throttle body, and dual engine mapping system. The engine maps are accessible via a simple switch located on the handlebars.
The rest of the package is what we have come to know and love from KTM. Ready to Race. Brembo brakes, no-tool required air filter access with a Twin-Air filter, hydraulic clutch, lithium-ion battery, keyless electric start, 8.5-litre translucent fuel tank, black wheels, and all-new styling and bodywork.
Going Bush
After only a few laps, we were surprised to see how much 450 EXC-F had really improved. Not to say we dislike the ‘old’ one, because to this day it’s a really nice bike. But it kind of lacked some personality, it did everything well but nothing was outstanding. The 2017 model is a very different story, the weight savings and new suspension really transform the KTM and make it much more enjoyable to ride. From a rider’s perspective the new suspension offers so much more feel and traction through the front end of the bike. It means you can attack corners with more confidence, and know exactly how the front end will react. The overall action of the suspension is on the softer side, but we found the compression clickers to be very effective, where after a few changes in the stiff direction, we felt that the standard setup was very much race ready. The PDS shock does a great job of keeping the KTM in line and offers comfort without sacrificing any performance. Coming out of ruts, or exiting bumpy turns the KTM showed exceptional control, as well as on log hits or rock ledges where the EXC remained stable and predictable.
The weight savings and new body styling sound like gimmicks, but again, are way more effective than we anticipated. The EXCs have been known to have a heavier enduro feel, but the 2017 changes really bridge the gap from motocross to off-road. The narrow shrouds and fuel tank offer a feel much like the KTM SX range, and the weight savings translate to improved handling on the track. When tipping in and out of turns and navigating the tight single trail, the 450 offers an easier ride, which is less taxing on the body and requires less input from the rider. Not to mention that the new styling looks awesome!
The Neken handlebars are a comfortable bend, and the handlebar area is well laid out without any cluttering, but for the taller, more lanky folks out there, it may be a good idea to invest in a higher bend and perhaps adjust the handlebar position on top of the triple clamps to open up the cockpit a bit more. For longer days on the trail, it’s a very race-oriented set-up which may not prove to be super comfy on any weekend-long adventures.
Despite the engine changes the 450 EXC-F maintains the very well mannered approach which has seen it become so successful. It’s quite possibly the easiest bike to ride in the 450cc category. For the average trailblazer the engine offers power when you need it. It doesn’t hit hard or have a bunch of top-end speed, instead it’s quite balanced and linear in its delivery. If you’re talented enough to throw some aggression into the mix – the big KTM will quickly wind up and put a smile on your face. A flick of the clutch and a fist full of throttle injects more life into the EXC than most of us mortals can handle.
After speaking with a few new 450 EXC owners, a few have mentioned making gearing changes. The specialised six-speed gearbox worked great on our tight special test loop, but on more cross-country style terrain we tended to agree. Dropping a tooth or two off the rear sprocket lets the KTM rev out a bit more, allowing the rider to be more aggressive in the lower gears without the power becoming too much. Owners also mentioned, the aftermarket Exhaust offered in the KTM Powerparts catalogue gave a more responsive and fun feel to the KTM engine.
Overall
