Motorcycle specifications KTM450 EXC-F 2019 A terror on the pitch

The road to success is paved with obstacles. The supremacy of the KTM 450 EXC-F owes nothing to chance: its staggering power-to-weight ratio enables it to rise to any challenge and aim for the podium race after race.

engine

small in size, giant in performance. Modifications to the 450 EXC-F's fuel-injected SOHC (single overhead camshaft) engine have made it one of the most compact and lightest 450 cm3s on the market, while maintaining a staggering level of performance across the entire rev range. A top-quality engine supported by cutting-edge technologies.

cylinder head

the single overhead camshaft controls intake and exhaust via optimized ports. The state-of-the-art combustion chamber and water jacket take care of combustion quality and heat dissipation. The four valves are operated by ultra-rigid rocker arms. To dampen vibrations, the engine is securely fastened to the frame by two side brackets.

crankshaft

the crankshaft of the 450 EXC-F uses a shortened connecting rod. More compact and lighter, the engine also gains in responsiveness. The crankshaft is equipped with a connecting-rod head bearing and two bearing shells press-fitted directly into the crankpin. This bearing is supplied with oil from the engine's pressure lubrication system. This type of design, combined with the connecting-rod bearing, greatly extends the crankshaft's service interval.

crankcases and covers

the design of molded crankcases offers two advantages: maximum weight reduction and a highly centralized shaft configuration, for even greater engine compactness and more efficient weight distribution. Crankcase covers feature a solid surface structure designed to reduce wear caused by the rider's boots.

cooling

kTM's proven integrated cooling system circulates coolant from the cylinder head via the frame wishbone to the aluminum radiators supplied by WP. Its incredible efficiency is due to improved management of internal airflow and advances in ventilation thanks to CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) calculations. Radiator guards offer the advantage of better heat dissipation. This is all the more true in the presence of mud. Integrated into the front of the spoilers, these radiator guards are particularly useful in the event of an impact.

gearbox

to enhance the reliability of the 6-speed gearbox, the sprocket surfaces have been specially treated for 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. The "zero dirt" design of the selector prevents the lever joint from clogging and jamming, and guarantees ultra-precise gear changes even on the muddiest terrain. All EXC-F 4-stroke engines are equipped with an engaged-gear sensor to adapt engine characteristics to each speed.

engine management

the Keihin electronic injection engine management system features a 42 mm throttle body. Thanks to the injector's unique position, engine response is truly instantaneous. And because idle and cold start do not use the same circuits, on-site adjustment is much easier. Once the engine is sufficiently warm, simply lower the throttle to deactivate the cold-start mode.

cylinder and piston

the 95 mm-bore cylinder houses a forged bridge-box piston with an ultra-light piston pin. The geometry of the piston head, perfectly adapted to the combustion chamber, features a rigid structure and reduced weight. Reduced oscillating masses give the engine its smooth, energetic character.

balancer shaft

to balance mass forces, the engine of the KTM 450 EXC-F uses a side-mounted multifunction balancer shaft that also controls the water pump. perfectly balanced, it minimizes vibrations even at full throttle.

clutch

The KTM 450 EXC-F uses a DDS (Damped Diaphragm Steel) clutch developed by KTM, featuring a wear-free steel clutch housing, highly heat-resistant clutch plates and nitrate-treated steel liners. This clever design is distinguished by the use of a diaphragm spring instead of the usual coil springs, giving the clutch greater flexibility. The diaphragm spring also leaves plenty of room for a damping system integrated into the clutch hub, to enhance traction and durability. The clutch is activated by a hydraulic system manufactured by Brembo, which plays an essential role in the clutch's progressiveness and flexibility.

electric starter

the KTM 450 EXC-F comes with an electric starter as standard, a decisive advantage when it comes to reducing lap times in competition. Operated at the touch of a button, this ultra-powerful electric starter coupled with a highly reliable lithium-ion battery won't let you down anytime soon. Still with a view to lightening the bike, the kick starter has simply been removed. But it can be reinstalled with a KTM PowerParts replacement kit.

mufflers

all EXC four-strokes feature a relatively short, high-end aluminum rear silencer mounted as close as possible to the engine. The benefits are threefold: more power, better mass centralization and enhanced riding pleasure. The internal design has also reached a significant degree of sophistication to keep noise levels well below recommended thresholds, while guaranteeing the level of responsiveness and performance you'd expect from a KTM.

chassis

year after year, KTM engineers strive to make their bikes lighter. The result is clear: the 2019 KTM EXC-F models are not only among the lightest and slimmest enduro bikes on the market, but also among the fastest in the corners. And with an electric starter available as standard, the powerful single-cylinder can be brought to life at the touch of a button.

frame

the high-tech chromium-molybdenum steel frame is a model of lightness, flexibility and handling.the high-tech chromium-molybdenum steel frame is a model of lightness, flexibility and maneuverability, offering excellent stability and devilishly precise cornering. Thanks to its high torsional stiffness and low longitudinal rigidity, this frame absorbs the energy generated by the front and rear suspensions when jumping or going over a bump. The ride is more comfortable and less tiring. The aluminum brackets that link the cylinder head to the frame are as light as ever. Side-mounted, they also help to limit vibration levels and refine the bike's trajectory when cornering. The engineers can be proud of their work, as the frame is now one kilo lighter than the lightest competing frame on the market today. Every effort has also been made to facilitate maintenance and free up space for the tank and other components. The ultra-light buckle, made of stable aluminum profiles, weighs in at less than 900 grams.

swingarm

the latest-technology swingarm optimizes the position of the PDS shock absorber for even smoother entry into action. In addition to weight savings, cast aluminum is ideal for bending. The one-piece molding process eliminates the imperfections inherent in welding, guaranteeing more consistent manufacturing quality.

wheels

featuring ultra-light CNC-machined hubs and top-of-the-range Giant rims, the EXC-F's wheels guarantee maximum stability despite limited weight. And since they are shod with MAXXIS tires, the bike is just as comfortable and safe off-road as it is on the road.

front suspension

the WP XPlor 48 upside-down fork is a fork with separate damping circuits, developed by WP in close collaboration with KTM. Each fork arm has its own spring, and each has a different function: the left arm handles compression damping, while the right arm handles rebound. To fine-tune each of these settings, simply turn the knob at the top of the fork. To limit the risk of bottoming, the fork is equipped with a watertight hydraulic stop. High-quality materials, an ultra-sophisticated production process, 300 mm of travel: nothing has been left to chance to make the WP XPlor 48 fork the ultimate in responsiveness and damping. The preload ring (available as retrofit) allows easy adjustment of spring preload to three levels (standard, +3 mm, +6 mm), without the need for tools.

rear suspension

a true KTM trademark, the PDS shock absorber is connected directly to the upper part of the swingarm. As a result, engineers were able to mount it in the most appropriate position for even more progressive damping. As the shock absorber has been moved closer to the central axis, the loads exerted on the swingarm and frame are virtually symmetrical. This also frees up space for the exhaust system. The second piston, combined with a cup-shaped limit stop (instead of a needle-type one) and supported by a progressive-action spring, guarantees excellent resistance to bottoming. With its various machined and anodized components and its characteristic WP color scheme, this ultra-sophisticated shock absorber makes a strong impression compared to less well finished competing products.

brakes

more responsive, more efficient and more powerful than ever, Brembo calipers will cope with any situation. These little jewels of technology are combined with Wave brake discs, renowned for their lightness. The stainless-steel front brake hose features effective protection and a cable guide for the speedometer wire.

fuel tank

thanks to its transparent plastic, the ultra-light 8.5-liter polyethylene fuel tank lets you know at a glance how much fuel is left. To refuel, simply press the orange button in the center of the fuel cap to open the bayonet mechanism. This model features an integrated fuel pump system and fuel level indicator. The 90-degree fuel line connection further protects the fuel tank from damage.

air filter housing

the air filter housing has been designed to protect the air filter from clogging and ensure optimum air flow. The cage in which the extra-large Twin Air filter is housed is totally rigid, helping to hold the system in place. The design is so simple that you could replace the filter even with your face covered in mud. And all in a matter of seconds, with no tools required.

handlebars

when it comes to handlebars, KTM engineers have always known which way to go. This NEKEN handlebar, with its high-strength aluminum profile, is no exception. It features a throttle response mechanism, sturdy aluminum handlebars and an ultra-simple guard adjustment system. right: an ODI vulcanized handle; left: the ODI lock-on handle, as comfortable as it is practical, thanks to its glueless, wire-free mounting system. And thanks to two interchangeable cams (retrofittable), you can adapt the throttle response to suit your riding style. An optional power curve button lets you change engine mapping and activate the traction control system for extra punch in wet conditions.

footrests

sophisticated "zero-dirt" footrests prevent the gear selector from getting dirty, even when passing through deep ruts. To enhance ground clearance, the gear selector on EXC models is 6 mm higher than on SX models.

electronics

the engine of the KTM 450 EXC-F is controlled by the state-of-the-art Keihin management system, featuring a 42 mm throttle body. It ensures smooth power delivery throughout the rev range.

battery and wiring harness

the starter motor is fitted with a powerful lithium-ion battery, which represents a significant weight saving compared to the previous model. The battery and wiring harness are grouped together in a compartment above the air-filter housing, to avoid interference with the electrical circuit when removing the buckle. Mechanics and do-it-yourselfers will appreciate this.

News and media credits: KTM