The 2009 SX models feature the
racing standard 49.8 inch width benchmark for
motocross racing, held up by fully adjustable
WP Suspension. The WP suspension if full of today’s
latest high tech features usually featured on
today’s high dollar aftermarket suspension.
Both high and low speed compression adjustment
combined with dual rate springs with adjustable
crossovers make for a very tune-able package.
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The
KTM 450SX & 505SX comes stock at 49.8"
wide, which is just below the AMA limit
of 50" and WP Shocks are utliized
front and rear, which are fully adjustable
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The Swingarm, rear shock, and leverage ratio
are all unique to the SX. The A-arms are of
course wider, and also feature a unique leverage
ratio specific to the SX. The a-arm ball joints
are completely serviceable, and rebuildable.
The quality of fabrication seems to be on par
with the best aftermarket companies, and with
hiem-joints mounting the upper a-arms to the
frame, the adjustability is on par as well.
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KTM
is the only major 450 class ATV manufacturer
with a no link rear shock |
The WP suspension was specifically designed
to work with the KTM SX chassis, and the components
complement each other very well. I will say
when I took my first few laps on the SX the
shocks felt overly harsh on the small square
edge bumps exiting and entering corners. With
a little feedback to the KTM techs they were
quickly able to dial in the shocks to my liking.
After these changes the shocks were much more
compliant over the rough sections, but remained
plenty firm enough to take on large jumps with
confidence.
While the SX comes in at a salty $11,498 compared
to the LT-R450s $7399, the serious racer is
going to stack a couple grand on the stock LTR
in a matter of days getting the LT-R truly track
ready. For instance, take Douglas ultimate beadlocks,
wrap them in RazR soft compound tires which
comes standard on the SX and you are close to
a $1,000 already. To top that off you can’t
go to an AMA track without ordering and waiting
for Nerf Bars and a kill switch. Love it or
hate it, affordable or not, KTM’s whole
mindset was to provide serious value to the
serious racer. From my time spent on the KTM,
I will say they have succeeded in just about
every function of the new KTM 450 and 505 SX.
www.ktmnorthamerica.com
