MXA TEAM TESTED: FMF RACING 2023 KTM 450SXF EXHAUST

On Apr 4, 2023 Last updated Apr 4, 2023

WHAT IS IT? The 2023 KTM 450SXF makes close to 60 horsepower and 37.01-pound feet of torque. So, why would you need an aftermarket pipe? That’s simple. The most important objective for a 450 four-stroke engine builder is to create power that is manageable and easy to use. FMF’s 2023 KTM 450SXF exhaust system helps the KTM engine achieve these goals.

WHAT’S IT COST? $799.99 (titanium/carbon mid-pipe/muffler combo), $449.99 (titanium head pipe), $1249.99 (complete system).

CONTACT? www.fmfracing.com or (310) 631-4363.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the FMF Racing 2023 KTM 450SXF 4.1 RCT exhaust system.

(1) Concept. The FMF Racing Factory 4.1 RCT titanium exhaust system with carbon end cap has a shorter overall length that lessens weight and centralizes mass. It is constructed from aerospace-grade materials and is manufactured 100 percent at FMF’s SoCal factory. The FMF muffler comes with an insert that can be removed to add more power in the midrange.

(2) Performance. The first thing that MXA test riders noticed about the FMF 4.1 RCT exhaust was the sound. It sounded racier. When going back and forth between the stock exhaust and the FMF 4.1 RCT, it was obvious that the initial throttle response was much snappier, especially in loamy corners where you could open the throttle up more, with the FMF pipe. There was definitely more power down low. With the FMF system, test riders could carry third gear through tight corners much easier. With the insert installed in the muffler, our top-end power wasn’t any stronger than stock, but with the insert removed, the engine gained more midrange power while giving up some of the initial throttle response that we liked so much; however, most MXA testers opted to race with the insert in the muffler due to its friendlier nature.

(3) Fitment. Thanks to an adjustable clamp, it is much easier to align the pipe with the mounting hole. The FMF 4.1 RCT exhaust system fits on 2023 KTM 450SXF, 450XCF and 2023-1/2 450SXF Factory Edition bikes, plus the 2023 Husqvarna FC450, FX450 and FC450 Rockstar Edition. As a bonus, this exhaust system will also fit on the 2023-1/2 GasGas MC450F Factory Edition.

(4) Parts. We tested the titanium version of the mid-pipe/muffler combo with the carbon end cap, but there is a stainless steel mid-pipe/muffler combo (with a carbon fiber end cap) that offers the same performance for $150 less.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? No complaints.

MXA RATING: The 2023 KTM 450SXF already pumps out class-leading power, but the FMF 4.1 RCT titanium exhaust system gets it into the meat of the powerband quicker, and it connects all the dots mid-corner.