MXA TEAM TESTED: DR.D KTM 450SXF EXHAUST

WHAT IS IT? An easy horsepower modification for the 2010-2011-2012 KTM 450SXF that comes in titanium and stainless versions with aluminum, Ti or carbon fiber canisters.


WHAT’S IT COST? $649.99 (stainless/aluminum), $799.99 (stainless/carbon), $919.99 (Ti/Ti), $969.95 (Ti/carbon).


CONTACT? www.dubachracing.com or (877) 382-2241.


WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the DR.D KTM 450SXF exhaust.


(1) Development. The 2011 KTM 450SXF is the last carbureted 450cc motocross bike on the market. Thanks to its Keihin FCR carburetor, the 450cc Austrian steed produces a luscious style of power that Doug Dubach wanted to improve across the middle (it doesn’t need help on top). To achieve this, the DR.D pipe has a longer head pipe and a very unique bend. The result is a snappier bottom and enhanced midrange pull?without sacrificing any top-end power.


(2) Performance. Most MXA test riders love the overall power of the 2011 KTM 450SXF, but depending on the tracks they ride and their personal tastes, they either want more power from mid-on-up or from the bottom through the middle. The DR.D exhaust system is the latter instead of the former; it makes the smooth and manageable low-to-mid transition beefier, meatier and more aggressive. It makes the KTM feel more aggressive off the bottom, but not so much so as to be jerky. It makes better power than the stocker throughout the range, but for test riders looking for more torque, the DR.D pipe was the cat’s meow.


(3) Resonance. Thanks to its resonance chamber, which accounts for a $30 price increase over non-resonance exhaust pipes, it is quieter. It is AMA legal (94 dB), but it is not FIM legal (115 dB).


 


(4) Simplicity. The DR.D pipe was a dream to install. It fit perfectly, had no extra springs to fiddle with and it slipped together in two pieces. The muffler end cap is held on by bolts to make repacking easier. The muffler also comes with a spark arrestor in the box, just in case you want to hit some trails.


(5) Material. It’s not our job to tell you which model of DR.D exhaust to buy, but we typically choose the less expensive stainless/aluminum combo over the Ti/Ti version. The dimensions are the same, and while the Ti/Ti and Ti/carbon are lighter, the stainless/aluminum system is more durable (and approximately $300 cheaper).


WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No complaints.

For a 2010, 2011 or 2012 KTM 450SXF rider looking for more thrust out of turns and a quicker turnover into the midrange, the DR.D450SXF pipe fits the bill. Plus, we like the unique bend of the head pipe.

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