Eight premier class FIM MXGP World Championships in 12 years. Over 300 MXGP and MX2 victories since 2004. Five of the last 8 AMA 450SX Supercross titles. Cairoli, Dungey, Herlings, Musquin, Prado, Webb, Vialle & more. The track is our treat at KTM. We still have the most comprehensive and outstanding motocross range on any circuit or dealership.
How do you better dominance?
Like any champion racer, we search every corner for gains, performance, and perfection. The 2023 KTM SX will reshape the market and riders’ expectations. We haven’t changed our approach for outright excellence, so we’ve changed quite a bit for 2023.
We still have 12 models that scale from electric learner bikes to 2-stroke mini-cycles (50, 65, 85cc) to more significant 2-stroke thrillers at 125, 250 and 300cc capacity. The KTM SX-Fs consist of 250, 350 and 450 4-strokes. A potential AMA 450SX winner or MXGP world champion can grow in orange from their first meters on the dirt until those last few corners at the highest level.
So, we have the bikes, but why jump into the family? Why embrace the KTM DNA. The KTM SX are the most powerful in each class and has the finest components. They are the most race-focused.
Racing informs us to empower you. The 2023 KTM SX are sleeker, slimmer, more controllable, and the most desirable. They are the best expression of the ultimate motocross ‘race’, so we get serious.
Behind the gate: Preparation and equipment
We are market leaders using cutting-edge ideas and technology throughout our motorcycle portfolio, and the 2023 KTM SX are primed. Partnerships with KEIHIN, PANKL. And Brembo means performance possibilities have expanded.
The 2023 KTM SX range will count on two maps (one standard, softer and linear power and another for a more aggressive response), launch control*, traction control*. A ‘roll-over’ sensor for large crashes, an hour meter as standard with electronic fuel injection status and a fuel indicator through the Keihin engine management system.
Other preparatory steps come through the tool-free adjustments now possible with the latest spec WP Suspension engineering. Can fill New 7.2l polythene fuel tanks(feeding into the protected one-piece fuel pump and filter). And a quick spin of the Excel alloy wheel rims is faster and easier to check, thanks to the fresh spoke ‘nipple’ design. You’re READY TO RACE.
Gate-drop and surging into action
Fired up with the electric starter (on all models), KTM SX hammer along the straight and into the corners and jumps with aplomb. Our engine packages are compact and durable. And serviceable and offer the best power-to-weight ratio.
New cylinder heads translate into performance gains, but a rearwards rotation of the engines by 2 degrees has given better centralisation and a more profound effect on the chassis concept—brand new 5-speed PANKL Racing Systems transmissions. With an additional sensor for the 4-strokes mean that up-shifts (from 2nd gear onwards) are slicker thanks to the Quickshifter function.
The Quickshifter can be disabled with a switch on the handlebar. But a weight-optimized shift shaft in the transmission itself means that the operating force of the changes is now less and. Therefore, more accessible. A Brembo hydraulic clutch ensures top-of-the-range dependability, whatever the conditions.
With our 2-strokes, fewer carbs = more muscle. We’ve graced our KTM SX with new electronic fuel injection to ensure simplicity, enjoyment and uniqueness. Therefore, the SX get a further 39mm throttle body with injectors positioned for a pinpoint response.
A ‘remix to the premix’ counts on a TPS-sensor for better behaviour while idle and for the fuel-air mixture (not forgetting the cold start mechanism, which is the same as the KTM SX-Fs). The effect is ‘more’: more power, more response, more assurance, more ease, more fun.
Finding the flow and then attacking the track
The demands of competition, fitness and the track set the tone for any moto. It’s in the depths of this complex, physical stage of a race when the connection. And feeling with any motorcycle can make the difference and fully harness the excitement and fulfilment. We’ve taken our chassis and frame design principles back to the core and have sought better dynamics, stability and strength.
‘Longitudinal rigidity’ is a crucial phrase with accentuated rider feeling coming through an ‘anti-squat’ philosophy. It has been achieved by a new frame and mounts. Subframe, swingarm, engine repositioning, ergonomics and WP Suspension tech.
The frame is hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded. The wall thickness has been optimised to achieve improved specific rigidity in high-stress areas such as the steering head and all new shock mounts.
The KTM SX 2-strokes have new parallel frame mounts. The design is sportier with sights on extra agility; an example is the new inwardly moved footpegs for even greater clearance and dropping the bike flat for jump scrubs.
Components
New footpegs are even more significant in surface area, even if the die casting means lighter than before. Stiffness has been dialled with lighter die-cast hollow swingarms (new casting processes allow even more weight saving) and a new rear axle.
The WP Suspension XACT shock is shorter and lighter. The internal flow of liquids is more flush, reliable and resistant, and the shock’s smaller dimensions lower the chances of pollutants and dirt intrusion.
The shape permits higher ground clearance with the linkage, and advanced damping means better traction as the bike ingests the bumps with the new geometry setting. Entering corners or landing jumps, any KTM SX can profit from WP XACT forks with AER air technology featuring a new hydro-stop for more effective performance and more ‘bottoming’ resistance.
The 2023 KTM SX is narrower and honed, but we have increased contact area and surfaces to allow more input into the bike’s handling. The flat orange seat – offering excellent grip and a stance emphasising greater control – and the reworked front fender are other identifiable marks. The ‘mud flaps’ of the fender prevent excessive soil from being flicked up towards the rider and the radiator in particularly wet conditions.
Finishing the moto strong
You’ve gone faster and longer than ever, but any Pro racer will tell you that the last two-three laps of any moto are critical. The versatility and usability of the new KTM SX are further fortes. The energy absorption rate is high thanks to the forgiving chassis and other components, such as the new CNC milled triple clamps with optimised bar mounts and wider grip surface area.
It leads to a more petite handlebar ‘twist’. The whole unit is protected by a new number plate design. The subframe is now a finely engineered hybrid thanks to polyamide reinforced aluminium, applying strength to the lower part of the frame and extending flexibility for control and comfort in upper sections. The subframe has been designed with advanced finite element analysis and weighs less than two kilos.
Count on the last centimetres of traction and performance provided by the Dunlop GEOMAX MX33 tires; chosen for the 2023 KTM SX line-up after careful testing and selection.
Testing
Once across the finish line, it will be time to recover, reset, and think about the next outing. At this point, riders will consider some ‘mods’, which is when accompanying KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear will have you covered. Riding gear, protection, extra parts, and much more can be found and have been specially crafted for our 2023 KTM SX incarnations.
Welcome to the future. But don’t just take our word; watch for an exceptional and exclusive video series on KTM digital channels to further break down the 2023 KTM SX range.
2023 KTM SX Collection highlights
- // New, innovative and highly advanced generation of KTM SX motorcycles with unrivalled feeling and performance across 12 different models and the complete collection from kids to Pro ass-kickers
- // Brand new anti-squat frame concept with redesigned and revitalised chassis setting and architecture. Even more centralisation
- // Ergonomics bringing the rider in closer contact with the bike to help the stability, agility and feel
- // Lighter, more powerful engines and distinctive fuel-injected 2-stroke motors
- // Greater usability to make the motocross experience easier and more intuitive than ever before
via KTM
