Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
As they seem to do every two years, KTM North America gathered the media yesterday for the launch of the next generation Factory Edition 450SX-F. With their new Supercross test track as the back drop, the KTM crew introduced this new motorcycle, as well as their team riders. Once the intros were complete, all of the KTM supported riders hit the track for a 45 minute practice session. It was a pretty incredible way to kick off the upcoming season and this new bike.
To begin the festivities properly, KTM’s head boss, John Heinz, brought out newly retired legend Ryan Dungey to speak about the new 2018 Factory Edition model. Since Dungey began his tenure with KTM, he has been instrumental in the development of the Factory Edition 450 models, and it was no different this time around. Dungey even related a story about the day following his retirement press conference when he was out testing this new bike. For the record, Dungey looked good and appeared completely content with his decision to retire. It’s still hard to believe that Dungey won’t be on the starting at Anaheim 1 next month; his absence will be noticeable for some time. Once Dungey was finished speaking, the Red Bull KTM, the Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC-WPS KTM Team, and the Red Bull TLD KTM Team were all introduced. It was cool to hear from all of the KTM mounted riders as they’re now in their final month of preparation for the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Series.
It was great to see Ryan Dungey smiling and enjoying retired life. Photo by James Lissimore
With all of the introductions complete, the riders got dressed and hit the track. This new KTM SX test track has been in the works for two years, and unlike the old one that was 30 minutes away from the KTM HQ, this new track is literally a stone’s throw away. This new test track was just recently completed so none of the riders had even been on it prior to yesterday. Also, the difficulty of this track was very high, especially the whoop section, which gave every rider except Blake Baggett troubles. During Baggett’s interview, he mentioned that he is now fully recovered from his late season thumb surgery and has been testing SX for a month now. Well, it showed as BB4 looked really confident on the challenging track. His speed and commitment through the tough whoop section was unmatched all day long.
Of all of the riders in attendance yesterday, Blake Baggett looked the most comfortable and aggressive. Photo by James Lissimore
As you can imagine, it was very cool to sit trackside (and I mean trackside) and watch a few of the sport’s top riders pound laps on a real SX test track. Red Bull KTM Team leader Marvin Musquin had just landed the night before from the Geneva SX so he was understandably tired and only rode at about 75%. However, near the end of the session, Musquin did turn the throttle up for a few laps and his speed was amazing. With Dungey retired, many feel that 2018 could be Musquin’s year in both SX and the outdoor series. Now, I’m sure that Eli Tomac, Dean Wilson, Ken Roczen, and even Blake Baggett will have something to say about that, but I can say that Musquin looks to be in top form.
Fresh off his flight home from Geneva, Marvin Musquin rode smooth and cautious on the new KTM test track. Photo by James Lissimore
Once the riding was done, all in attendance gathered under the KTM tent for a homemade Mexican lunch. It was an awesome day and one that we won’t soon forget. Once again, KTM must be applauded for their innovation and their constant need to improve. This new bike is the perfect example of KTM’s innovative thinking and their long term goal of winning more championships worldwide. With their top rider Ryan Dungey now on the sidelines, KTM knows that this is an important time and they must be proactive. Dungey has left behind some pretty big shoes to fill with his departure from the top of the sport. However, with this new 2018 Factory Edition KTM450SX-F and a host of motivated riders who want to win just as badly as Dungey did, we think the orange team is in pretty good shape heading into next year and beyond.
It was cool to see newly signed Red Bull KTM rider Broc Tickle on the track. Photo by James Lissimore
