First Look: 2023 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition

As is their custom in the lead-up to the opening round of the AMA Supercross Championship in early January, KTM has whipped the covers off their 2023-model Factory Edition 450SX-F machine. Here’s what the Austrians shared about this up-specced, limited-edition model…

The 2023 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition is a fully optimised and race-ready sculpture of the current KTM 450SX-F that created a fresh standard in the industry for handling, power, engineering and competitiveness upon its presentation during 2022. The SOHC four-stroke engine delivers a knockout 68hp and weighs less than 27kg. The motor oozes usable torque from every square centimeter and is harnessed through launch control, a Quickshifter, two maps, a redesigned airbox, exhaust system and a series of other modifications befitting a motorcycle expected to fight for title success.

The altered ergonomics have improved the rider ‘triangle’ for tight centralization and enhanced feeling. The innovative ‘anti-squat’ concept of the frame and chassis (with reinforced aluminum subframe) complements the revised engine position for increased centralization. The whole bike is augmented with cutting-edge hardware from WP Suspension and the fork and rear shock can be adjusted easier than ever, thanks to the tool-free configuration. The suspension benefits from refined settings, which have been mined from all the R&D work and data sourced from Motorsports.

The new generation of KTM SX-Fs blasted out of gates and straight into contention during 2022. Cooper Webb and Marvin Musquin were both searching for AMA 450SX podiums and victories, while the KTM 250SX-F saw the quarter-liter incarnation immediately racking Grand Prix wins and ultimately the 2022 MX2 world title with Tom Vialle, who now takes the bike into AMA 250SX Supercross for ’23.

For the 2023 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition, KTM has applied a litany of KTM PowerParts to boost the function, the aesthetics and the exclusivity of the model. The bike is immediately distinctive due to the orange frame and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing graphics set. These details define the KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition on any track or trail. Elsewhere the orange factory racing seat, wheels, triple clamp, carbon skidplate, carbon front brake disc and guard come with an Akrapovič slip-on exhaust kit, Hinson clutch cover, WP start device and ODI lock-on grip set among other additions.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will soon roll into action. The stadium lights will flick on and illuminate the 2023 AMA Supercross season from January 7 at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium in California, before visiting 12 states for 17 rounds and then wading into the three-race spectacle that is the inaugural SuperMotocross contest in October. Those riding and racing the 2023 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition might not reach the speed or skill of Musquin, Webb, Aaron Plessinger or Vialle, but they can look the part and reach the nearest performance specs to nudge nearer to the dream.

2023 KTM 450SX-F FACTORY EDITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Factory racing seat (orange)
• Factory wheels (black rims, orange hub, orange sprockets, black spokes)
• Akrapovič ‘slip-on’ line
• Semi-floating front brake disc
• Factory racing front brake disc guard (carbon reinforced version)
• Factory racing skidplate (carbon reinforced version)
• Factory racing triple clamp (orange anodized)
• Factory start device (WP)
• ODI lock-on gray grip set
• Hinson outer clutch cover
• Vented airbox cover
• Orange sprocket
• Golden chain

The 2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition will be produced in limited numbers, and enquiries can be made at any authorised KTM dealer, with availability expected from April 2023 onwards in Australia and New Zealand.

For any additional information, visit ktm.com.