YOU GOTTA SEE ‘EM TO BELIEVE ‘EM: 226-POUND KTM 450SXF FACTORY EDITION IV

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At 226 pounds, the 2015-1/2 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition IV will be lighter than any 450 on the track. Even to the experienced eye, this bike is a marvel of modern engineering. It sits 10mm lower in the center of the seat, 20mm lower at the rear of the seat and makes three more horsepower than the current 2015 KTM 450SXF, which makes almost 57 horsepower. The list of modified components is amazing. The engine weighs four pounds less than last year’s engine. It has handlebar activated maps, plus launch control.

Both the 450 SXF and 250 SXF Factory Editions have been developed with the primary objectives of weight reduction and mass centralization for improved performance. Both motors have been completely redesigned to be lighter and more compact while producing more power. The new engine cases on both models are redesigned to centralize the rotating mass of the crankshaft and clutch while reducing the overall length. Both models have a reworked Keihin Engine Management System with new 44mm throttle body and a new electronic launch control for efficient starts. New cylinder heads, revised valve trains, new combustion chamber geometries and optimized ports increase performance along with a new 5-speed transmission on both models to provide precise and easy shifting.

The surprise, although the info was leaked accidentally a few weeks ago, is the 2015-1/2 KTM 250SXF Factory Edition. It weighs in at 221.6 pounds and, just like the 450SXF Factory Edition IV, it still maintains its electric starter. This is the bike that will be raced by the Troy Lee team and Factory Red Bull riders Marvin Musquin and Justin Hill. More info to follow.

The chassis is completely reworked with a lighter chromoly steel frame that provides improved handling and energy absorption. A lighter subframe and swingarm match the new frame characteristics. The WP 4CS fork and brand new designed WP shock have been specifically designed for motocross and features revised damping settings optimized for the new chassis. The new upgrades result in a nearly 7 lb weight-reduction on the 250 SX-F Factory Edition and a remarkable 10 lbs on the 450!

The Factory Edition models come with other add-on benefits including: Red Bull KTM limited-edition graphics, Selle Dalla Valle Factory Race Team seat, orange-anodized rubber mounted triple clamps, lightweight Galfer Wave rotors, CNC-machined hubs, high-end Excel rims fitted with Dunlop GEOMAX MX32 tires, KTM/ODI lock-on grips, KTM PowerParts fork mounted start device, engine map select switch and a KTM PowerParts hour meter. The retail price of the 250 SX-F Factory Edition is $9,299 while the 450 SX-F Factory Edition will retail for $10,199.