Racing test: KTM EXC 450 2011

The deal was like this: I buy a motorcycle, and if it dies, I will write that it is dead. Boštyan from Labe agreed.

Download PDF test: KTM KTM EXC 450

Matevž Gribar, Petr Kavcic

• Video: Crosscountry Thigh 2011
• Video: Crosscountry Orehova vas 2011
• Video: Crosscountry Škedenj 2011

There is something international presentation: there we ride motorcycles for an hour or three, just enough to impress and prepare for the fact that "we were driving." Our other test: we ride a motorcycle on the roads (terrain) we know for several hours and take the time to one or another setting, measurement and detailed inspection - then the “test” happens. This is it firsthand experience with a hard enduro motorcycle: from the chassis, tightening the bolts, adjustments, races (seven two hours in the cross-season plus one more hour-long "fire" in Fat), washing, disassembling, changing the oil ... At the beginning of the season, the question was: is it or not? "Ready to Race" viz.

Does the motorcycle need the finishing touches before the race? He could have done without it too, but I still fitted him with an aluminum motor guard and an Acerbis closed guard with radiator guard (unfortunately, only after the first awkward fall (). For cross-country riding, I also recommend buying a windmill for additional cooling or at least replace the water pump with a bigger one that can push more water through the cooler.At the first race in Dragon, the engine spit out some water near the end when the radiators were dirty from the mud bath.Under normal conditions, there was no overheating but you know - enduro does NOT work under normal conditions ...

A cold engine will always start reliably after using the hand throttle and in all respects. impressive power and torque. Too high a gear in a tight corner before a steep hill? Do not panic - add gasoline and a little less than half a liter will save you from the dilemma. Of course a big engine means slightly worse maneuverabilitycompared to the EXC 250, 350 and two-stroke models, but I can say with great confidence that this volume is a very versatile solution. It also flies well on high-speed gravel roads and develops serial transmissions. cunning up to 145 km / h.

I noticed it as a weakness in racing slightly harder to ignite a hot enginea (the required amount of gas must be added) and oil consumption about a deciliter for 10 working hours. I admit the possibility that the engine oil consumption (refueling in the gearbox was not required) is the result of the race in Slovenj Gradec (carrier's photo!), When the submerged engine was drawing water through the vent hole or through the air filter ...

Yes it rear wheel bearing diedIt was my own fault too, when I drove onto the motocross track with the nut on the rear axle too tight. Every effort was to be expected to adjust the spoke tension on the wheels.

The overall positive picture also includes a very good impression of how Austrians assemble their bicycles. Hex head bolts and torx head (so that they can be unscrewed with one or another wrench!) Are easily accessible, contacts are accurate, there was no oil leak anywhere, all the components essential for basic maintenance are in accessible locations. Together with excellent instructions for basic service With the right instruments and a mechanical vein, many things can be done at home, avoiding support visits.

Conclusion: since I haven't tested other bikes in such detail, I wouldn't say it's the best, but the 450 EXC 2011 is definitely a great choice for amateur or professional enduro use.

text: Matevж Gribar, photo: Petr Kavcic, Matevж Gribar

Cost after 35 hours of work in EUR

ALU engine cover (www.ready-2-race.com) 129

Acerbis steering wheel protection (www.velo.si) 97

Front lamp (drop) 3,5

Welding radiator left (drop) 20

Main switch on handlebars (drop) 40,8

First Service (www.motocenterlaba.com) 99

Service after a failed dive (www.motocenterlaba.com) 126,48

Front fork shield bolt 0,96

Rear side plastic screw + washer 7,02

Service (rear wheel bearings, valve adjustment, spoke and suspension adjustment -

Bogdan Zidar Racing Service) 63

Rubber grips (www.motocenterlaba.com) 15

Sava Enduro Rider MC33 EH1 (www.savatech.si) 90

Reassembly of gum (Todivo) 10

Service (oil, filter, www.domača-garaža.com) 63

Air filter maintenance kit (www.motoextreme.si) 54

Motorex offroad 15 chain spray

Refrigerators grates (used) 40

Total 874

• Basic data

  Sales: Motocentre Laba (www.motocenterlaba.com), Axle (www.axle.si)

• Technical information

  engine: single cylinder, four stroke, 449,3cc, 3: 11 compression ratio, Keihin FCR-MX 9 carburetor, electric and kick start

  Power: np

  Torque: np

  Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.

  Frame: tubular steel, auxiliary aluminum

  brakes: front disc Ø 260 mm, rear disc Ø 220 mm

  Suspension: front adjustable inverted telescopic fork WP Ø 48 mm, 300 mm travel, rear adjustable WP single damper, 335 mm travel

  Tires: 90/90-21, 140/80-18

  Growth: 985 mm

  Fuel tank: 9,5

  Wheelbase: 1.475 mm

  Weight: 113, 9 kg.

• Test errors: Failure of the rear wheel bearing, the screw on the wiring is unscrewed

We praise and reproach

engine (power, torque, reliability)

suspension for enduro

brakes

high quality plastic

transparent fuel tank

simple basic maintenance

workmanship, screws

moderate fuel consumption

driving performance (stability, maneuverability)

excellent service manuals and spare parts catalog

availability of spare parts

overheating of the engine during extreme driving or when the refrigerators get dirty

slightly worse ignition of a hot engine

engine oil consumption (read the text!)

maneuverability compared to smaller engines

more tiring engine compared to newer electric injection engines

exposed front exhaust pipe

sensitive color on engine side covers