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| ATVriders.com
Pro-Am ATV Motocross racer, Kyle Dammann,
test rode the KTM 450SX & 505SX at
Red Bud because of his extensive motocross
racing experience at the National and
local level |
If first impressions are worth anything, KTM’s
presence was no joke at this event. Eleven shiny
KTM 450SX and 505 SX models were lined up before
us and comfortably parked under KTM’s factory
canopy rolled out and ready for weekend’s
worth of testing, and racing.
Finally, after adjusting the handlebars, levers
and ride height to each riders liking, we were
ready to hit the track. The night before had
brought in some heavy rain, and consequently
started our day a little on the muddy side.
The mud actually ending being a blessing as
it forced me to take some slower laps around
the slippery track. The slower than usual pace
allowed one to get a more intimate feel of the
KTM’s overall layout and ergonomics.
The first thing I noticed was just how smooth
everything on the quad was. When I say everything,
I mean quite literally everything. The levers
were well shaped and angled correctly for aggressive
riding. All of the motions of the quad were
silky and linear. There were no harsh noises,
clunks or jerky behavior. This all adds up to
give the rider a confidence in the machine that
make one ready to take whatever comes his or
her way with ease and finesse.
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KTM
not only provided 4 piston front calipers,
which provide incredible breaking performance
up front, but also the brake pads can
be quickly and easily replaced by removing
several small clips with needle nose pliers |
KTM boasts an industry first, four piston caliper
front braking system. While I thought this sounded
like one of those useless selling points manufacturers
use to fill up their brochures, I have to admit
I couldn’t have been more wrong. The best
way I can explain the braking characteristics
is effortless. As little or as much as needed,
in any situation the brakes are there ready
to deliver with the simple motion of your index
finger.
The rear brake action was more the same, always
seemed to be in the right place at the right
time. Whenever you were hard on the gas pounding
through whoops or jumps, it was never in the
way. But, as soon as a situation arose where
the rear brake was called for, it was always
quickly found. The pedal action was effortless
but controllable, allowing you to simply slow
down or if needed, easily lock the rear wheels
when setting for a corner.
The clutch is actuated by a Magura hydraulic
clutch system which makes for a completely effortless
pull. The system is self adjusting, and gives
a smooth consistent feel throughout long motos.
