Racing test: KTM EXC 450 R
If a motorcycle is supposed to be "ready to race," the only real test of such a machine is called a race. The Slovenian Cross Country Championship is ideal for this: firstly, because you can race without a racing license, secondly, because the races are relatively close, and thirdly, because all races are held on Saturday; so you can heal (or at least clean up) the battle wounds on your motorcycle and all your gear on Sunday. The two-day races require significantly more time, which we all in turn lack.
The first race was in Dragonj and we brought the test EXC there literally from the first service. Three hours later, Simon in Lithium changed the oil filter, oil (Motorex 15W50), checked the valves, the spokes on the wheels and cleaned the exhaust pipe in the front of the engine, where I immediately fryed my pants on the first day. An indispensable accessory that KTM does not offer as standard (however, the tube frame has all the required threaded holes) is the engine guard. You can opt for plastic, but the metal is more "tenacious", although it is heavier and adds an unpleasant flattened accompaniment to the rumble of a single-cylinder engine. Which won't scare anyone, why the engine suddenly grinds like there is no oil in it. On the last day before the race, he was in their warehouse in the Shire (www.ready-2-race.com). Literally an hour before the start, we found out that the left rubber lever pivots on the steering wheel, which can be a real nightmare during the race. Thanks again to Dejan and whoever borrowed the telegram.
And how did the bike perform on the almost three-kilometer track that we drove for two hours? In the first laps we were both somewhere wooden, then glass, and after 20 laps I finished ninth out of 39 riders in the E2 R2 class. On the penultimate lap, I noticed that at lower speeds it was smoking from the liquid cooler, and the problem was most likely the dirt that accumulated around the “killer”, because of which it could not dissipate enough heat. In this case, EXC will not hesitate to spill hot water on the surface, since it does not have an expansion tank and forced cooling (as standard). For two hours, refueling was not required, since he barely ate half of the transparent container.
Before the race in Slovenj Hradec, I have to replace the clutch and brake levers with derailleurs or install closed steering guards so that the race does not end prematurely due to an innocent fall. Now I am also happy with the gearbox, which was heavy during operation, but at idle speed. However, the harness will need to be adjusted to the weight to prevent it from getting stuck after long jumps. Six more races await the bike, and we promise a radical report at the end of the season.
Let's see if the KTM slogan holds up or not.
text: Matevž Hribar, photo: Uroš Modlič (www.foto-modlic.si), Matevž Vogrin, David Dolenc, Matevž Hribar
How much does it cost in euros?
First service (oil, filter, consumables, work) 99 EUR
Aluminum motor shield X FUN 129 EUR
KTM EXC 450 R
Test car price: € 8.890.
Technical information
engine: single cylinder, four stroke, 449 cc, compression ratio 3: 3, Keihin FCR-MX 11 carburetor, electric and foot starter.
Maximum power: np
Maximum torque: np
Energy transfer: Transmission 6-speed, chain.
Frame: tubular steel, auxiliary aluminum.
brakes: front coil? 260mm rear coil? 220 mm.
Suspension: front adjustable inverted telescopic fork WP? 48mm, 300mm travel, WP single adjustable rear shock, 335mm travel.
Tires: 90/90-21, 140/80-18.
Seat height from ground: 985 mm.
Fuel tank: 9, 5 l.
Wheelbase: 1.475 mm.
Weight (without fuel): 113, 9 kg.
Representative: Motocentre Laba, 01 899 52 13 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting
01 899 52 13 end_of_the_skype_highlighting, www.motocenterlaba.com, Axle Copper, 05 / 663 23 77 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 05 / 663 23 77 end_of_the_skype_highlightingwww.axle.si.
THANK YOU
driving position
flexible and responsive engine
reliable engine ignition
transparent fuel tank
production, quality components
GRADJAMO
exposed front exhaust pipe
delicate color on the engine
