2009 KTM ATVs 450SX & 505SX: KTM Off Road ATV Flash Review KTM ATVs Austrian based manufacturer currently has no desire to be in the utility market, but it does have every intention of being a force in the Off Road ATV world. Last year KTM engineers started their efforts by introducing the KTM 450 and KTM 525 XC models into the off road atv market. After only one season KTM ATVs have already claimed several atv quad racing successes with its powerful machines. With its successful debut in off road atv racing now in the record books KTM is poised to take on all the manufacturers competing in ATV motocross. The 2009 KTM 450 SX and KTM 505 SX machines combine KTM ATVs moto racing ingenuity in a package truly designed for motocross. Among the long list of new innovations the KTM engineering team presented us with, a few race-specific innovations which deserve attention. These included the powerful engines, wide axle and A-arm placement, special WP suspension components, DWT wheels with beadlock, Razr MX tires, Magura factory installed parts, nerf bars, and a factory installed tether cable kill switch. The new KTM SX power plants are identical except for the obvious difference in displacement. The KTM 450 is strong on the moto track providing an excellent blend of power and performance. The KTM 505 shows off its extra power with fantastic hole shots and low-end torque. There's plenty of power in the new KTM ATVs to clear the doubles. The KTM 450 is a 449cc DOHC 4-valve liquid cooled single with a 97 mm bore, 60.8 mm stroke, and a compression ratio of 12.5:1. The KTM 505 (which uses the same block) boasts a 477cc displacement as a result of its larger 100 mm bore, but identical stroke and compression. What’s new for KTM Off Road ATVs this year is a re-design that better ventilates the engine and the positioning of the engine has been lowered to bring down the center of-gravity. This new design also allows for a deeper oil sump increasing engine performance with an increased oil capacity of two liters. This oil lubricates the engine, clutch, and gearbox and the single oil filter is in an easy access location, keeping maintenance simple. Both motors utilize a Keihin FCR-MX 41 mm flat slide carburetor with an acceleration pump and TPS (Throttle Positioning Sensor). The KTM SX airbox features an exclusively designed snorkel for increased air intake and is mounted high under the seat to avoid water and mud collection. The seat has a quick release lever and the no-tool airbox allows for simple service The KTM SX uses a standard motocross-style transmission with five gears and no reverse. The KTM transmission is coupled to a Magura hydraulic clutch with a maintenance free design featuring automatic adjustment, stainless steel braided line, and quick-change clutch covers. A lightweight powder-coated Chromoly steel frame is based on the proven XC design. It has an easily removable lightweight subframe, made of aluminium, and a rear grab bar that can also be quickly removed. KTM has simplified this removal by not attaching any of the bike’s electrical parts such as CDIs, modules and wires to it. KTM ATVs engineers claim the SX suspension is also moto race-ready. The SX models feature Chromoly steel A-arms with a 1,265 mm wheelbase that can be adjusted to reflect individual tastes for caster and camber angles. The SX uses fully adjustable WP piggyback shocks on the front with high and low speed compression preload and rebound adjustments. The springs are dual rate and with adjustable crossover the SX has a total of 244 mm of front wheel travel and it’s easy to make fast adjustments. The suspension is easy to adjust, so you can quickly set it up for any motocross track condition. A hallmark of KTM's off road atv design is simple maintenance with replaceable needle bearings, upper/lower ball joints and Heim joint bearings. Also the Chromoly rear axle is easy to lubricate with high performance roller bearings and the WP shock has preload features, high and low speed compression as well as a rebound adjustment. This axle also has an adjustable width and can quickly go from 1,213 mm to 1, 265 mm thanks to the self-locking rear axle nut. This rear-end uses a no-linkage design for reduced weight, and with dual rate springs provides a total of 264 mm of rear wheel travel at a low weight. And that weight is impressive. KTM says the both SX models weigh in at 363 lbs with all fluids except fuel. KTM USA engineers have teamed up with Maxxis for motocross-specific RAZR MX tires - 20x6-10 in the front and 18x10-8 in the rear. The tires support DWT (Douglas Wheel Technology) powder coated aluminium rims designed especially for KTM. The rears have an eight-inch bead-lock rim - a standard on most moto applications. The Maxxis RAZR MX tires provide solid traction. Getting the new KTM SX rolling isn’t a problem thanks to all of KTM’s innovations. But how about stopping the new bike? Magura supplies a specially designed hydraulic brake system exclusively for KTM. It features a four-piston fixed calliper with 180 mm floating disc. It’s well vented, cleans itself, and is fitted with a lightweight parking brake. In keeping with KTMs race-ready philosophy, these front brakes are easily serviced and cleaned. The front brake pads can be removed in a matter of moments using nothing more than a pair of needle nose pliers. For the rear Magura has provided a single-piston floating calliper with a larger 200 mm disc and an integrated reservoir and master cylinder. Also giving the KTM ATVs an edge on the competition are wide serrated foot pegs, stock heel guards that provide the rider with excellent stability and standard bolt-on nerf bars. Stability isn't a problem, thanks to the wide footpegs and stock heel guards. Just like the KTM XC, a four clamp adjustable Magura handlebar made of tapered aluminium is standard on the SX but was redesigned to be 10 mm taller than its sibling. The SX also comes prepared with a standard steering stabilizer mount for an optional Ohlins steering stabilizer. All plastic on the body can be easily removed for quick access to the engine and chassis or for racing purposes. KTM ATVs engineering team has built a truly competitive stock machine that is capable of competing at the national level – for both novice or experienced moto racers.
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