2008 KTM 450 XC-W (R) Preview

Introduction

2008 KTM 450 XC-W (R)

One of KTM’s best Off-road Competition XC models, the 450 XC-W (R) has a rich visit card which speaks about loads of torque and enough performance to put an end to any dispute that may appear, but what seems to do the trick is the versatile and reliable chassis.

This off-roader is equipped with a single-cylinder, four-stroke, SOHC, four valves engine displacing 449.39cc. The thumper can be brought to life each and every time by using either the Kickstarter or the E-Starter while the weight remains as low as possible. Also contributing to that is the 25CrMo4 double cradle frame. By checking out the chemical elements on which it is based, you can easily get a brief of the lightness and rigidity of this unit.

Competition

2008 Husqvarna TE450

KTM’s most fiery competitor is clearly Husqvarna and in this case, the Husqy TE 450 Enduro model. Powered by a comparable 449cc four-stroke, four-valves, DOHC, liquid cooled single cylinder engine which is spoiled with a fuel injection system, the TE 450 is a real advantageous alternative as it is offered for an MSRP of $7,698. Shall I even mention that the semi-perimeter steel structure frame has oval and box tubes while the steering head angle situates between 26-28 degrees? Ok, I won’t!

2008 Yamaha WR450F

The 2008 Yamaha WR450F off-roader is one truly competitive motorcycle that not only plans on showing its muscles in any incursion down the trails, but intends on delivering awesome performance for those very aggressive climbs on the steepest hills. It manages to do so by relying on its 449cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-stroke; five titanium valves engine, but it also makes a point with the low suggested retail price. Only $7,199!

2008 Honda CRF450X

Immediately after the “King of Baja” you will find the Honda CRF450X also to be specialized in racing and it takes this attitude down the trails where it plans on showing the Yammie and the subject of this review a quick lesson as it would handle like no other thanks to the new Honda Progressive Steering Damper and a highly-tuned 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder Unicam four-stroke motor. MSRP for the Honda is $7,399.

2008 Suzuki DR-Z400E

The cheapest alternative to the KTM is not necessarily the weakest model. Suzuki hasn’t updated the DR-Z400E for 2008, but if we take in consideration the fact that you still get a reliable 398cc, four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, liquid cooled powered trail bike for only $5,199, you know you got yourself a winner. Not a healthy opponent for the 450 XC-W (R), but the choice of many for the low MSRP.

2008 Kawasaki KLX450R

Competitive in everything, performance and price, is Kawasaki’s 2008 KLX450R which inspired its creation on those KX Championship-winning machines. The bike is fitted with a 449cc four-stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, water-cooled engine that revs its way right next to the Honda and Yamaha, not to mention the KTM. Also close to the first two Japanese bikes takes it the $7,299 MSRP.

Exterior

2008 KTM 450 XC-W (R)

It can foul even the most trained eye and pass as a motocross bike, but the KTM 450 XC-W (R), despite its racy looks, is actually an off-road motorcycle. Compact built and well distinctive out where the paths become hard to follow thanks to the KTM Orange in which the model is covered, the XC, like all of its mechanical relatives, features a high front fender, mudguards and aggressively styled side panels. The seat is narrow so that it would offer better control to the demanding rider and the rear fender is also sharp-looking.

KTM likes to combine the Orange that made it famous with Black and as a result, the fork and rims are blacked-out, as well as the frame. Side panels, fuel tank and seat are all black, except the white “KTM” writing on each side. Ohh...I almost forgot. Front end of the bike is characterized through a number plate as a reminder of what you’re about to get on.

Price

KTM not only has what it takes in order to deliver one of the most competitive and desired motorcycle, but also knows how to appreciate its products and that reflects on the price. Offered for an MSRP of $8,048, the 450 XC-W (R) is one exclusive ride destined for demanding riders.

Conclusion

Reliable, powerful, good looking and thrusty are just a few of the brand new KTM 450 XC-W (R)’s qualities and we can only wait and see how things will evolve when the masses will become addicted to it. Usually, KTM models don’t drift apart from their initial goal and always get the job done in what concerns satisfying both the maker and the customer.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Engine and Transmission

Engine type: Single cylinder, 4-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves

Displacement: 449.39 cc

Bore x stroke: 95 x 63.4 mm (3.74 x 2.5")

Compression ratio: 11.9:1

Starter / Battery: Kickstarter and E-Starter / 4 Ah

Transmission: 6 gears wide-ratio

Carburetor: Keihin MX FCR 39

Control: 4 V / OHC with cam levers

Lubrication: Pressure lubrication with 2 Eaton pumps

Engine lubrication: 10W50

Primary drive: 33:76

Final drive: 14:50

Cooling: Liquid cooled

Clutch: Wet multi-disc clutch, operated hydraulically

Ignition: Kokusan digital 4K-3B

Chassis and Dimensions

Frame: Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4

Subframe: Aluminium, removable

Handlebar: Tapered Magura Aluminium Ø 28/22 mm (1.10/0.87")

Front suspension: WP USD Ø 48 mm (1.89")

Rear suspension: WP monoshock PDS

Suspension travel front / rear: 300 / 335 mm (11.81 / 13.19")

Front brake: 260mm (10.24") disc, Brembo double piston

Rear brake: 220mm (8.6") disc, Brembo single piston

Rims, front / rear: 1.60 x 21"; 2.15 x 18"

Tires, front / rear: 80/100-21"; 110/100-18"

Chain: X-ring chain 5/8 x 1/4"

Main silencer: Aluminium w /USFS spark arrestor

Steering head angle: 63.5°

Trail: Adjustable

Wheel base: 1481±10 mm (58.31±0.39")

Ground clearance (unloaded): 380 mm (15")

Seat height: 925 mm (36.42")

Fuel capacity: approx. 9.2 liters (2.43 gal)

Weight (no fuel): approx. 112.2 kg (247.36 lbs)