2023 KTM motocross bikes – first look at 2023 SX and SX-F models

The 2023 KTM motocross bikes were unveiled today by Austrian motorcycle brand KTM AG. Here’s a first look at the newly launched 2023 KTM models, which is headlined by the claim that they’ve searched every corner for gains, performance and perfection. KTM claims their 2023 SX and SX-F motocrossers are sleeker, slimmer and more controllable.

Here are the details from the press release…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=/S9X2xjsJ71E

Eight top-class FIM MXGP World Championships in 12 years. Over 300 MXGP and MX2 wins since 2004. Five of the last eight AMA 450SX Supercross titles. Cairoli, Dungey, Herlings, Musquin, Prado, Webb, Vialle and more. The track is our treat. At KTM, we always have the widest and most outstanding range of dirt bikes that can be found on any track or at any dealership.

How do you improve dominance?

Like any racing champion, we seek every corner for gains, performance and perfection. The 2023 KTM SX will reshape the market as well as rider expectations. We haven’t changed our approach to absolute excellence, which means we’ve changed quite a bit for 2023.

We still have 12 models ranging from electric learner bikes to 2-stroke minicycles (50, 65, 85 cc) to larger 2-stroke thrillers with 125, 250 and 300 cc capacity. The KTM SX-Fs consist of 250, 350 and 450 4-strokes. A potential AMA 450SX winner or MXGP World Champion can turn orange from his first few meters on the dirt to those final corners as a top-level winner. So we have the bikes, but why jump in the family? Why adopt KTM DNA? Well, the KTM SXs are the most powerful in every class and have the best components. These are the most breed-oriented.

Racing informs us to empower you. The 2023 KTM SX are sleeker, slimmer, more controllable, the most desirable. They’re our best expression of ultimate motocross “racing,” so we’re ready for when you want to get really serious.

Behind the Door: Preparation and Equipment

We are market leaders through the use of cutting-edge ideas and technologies across our entire motorcycle portfolio and the 2023 KTM SX are ready. Partnerships with companies such as KEIHIN, PANKL and Brembo mean the performance possibilities have expanded. The 2023 KTM SX range will count on 2 maps (one standard, smoother and linear power and another for a more aggressive response), launch control*, traction control*, a ‘roll-over’ sensor for big accidents, an hour meter as standard with electronic fuel injection status and fuel indicator via the Keihin engine management system. Further preparatory steps go through the tool-free adjustments now possible with the latest WP suspension engineering. New 7.2L polyethylene fuel tanks can be filled (supplying the protected one-piece fuel pump and filter) and fast spinning Excel alloy wheels are quicker and easier to check thanks to the new design of “nipple” of rays. You are READY TO RUN.

Gate-dropping and taking action

Ignited with the electric starter (on all models), the KTM SXs pound along the straight and into the corners and jump with aplomb. Our engine sets are more compact, more durable, easier to maintain and offer the best power-to-weight ratio across the board.

The new cylinder heads result in performance gains, but rotating the engines back by 2 degrees gave better centralization and a deeper effect for the chassis concept. All-new PANKL Racing Systems 5-speed transmissions with an additional sensor for the 4-strokes mean that gear changes (from 2nd gear) are smoother thanks to the Quickshifter function. The Quickshifter can be deactivated with a switch on the handlebars, but a weight optimized shift shaft in the transmission itself means that the force to operate shifts is now less and therefore easier. A Brembo hydraulic clutch ensures top-of-the-line reliability whatever the conditions.

With our 2-strokes, less carbs = more muscle. We have fitted our KTM SX with a new electronic fuel injection to ensure simplicity, fun and uniqueness. As a result, the SXs get a new 39mm throttle body with injectors positioned for precise response. A “remix to the premix” counts on a TPS sensor for better behavior at idle and for the fuel-air mixture (not to mention the cold start mechanism which is the same as on the KTM SX-F). The effect is ‘more’: more power, more response, more confidence, more ease, more fun.

Find the flow then attack the track

The demands of competition, fitness and the track set the tone for any motorcycle. It’s in the depths of this challenging, physical stage of a race that connection and feeling with any bike can make the difference and harness the excitement and fulfillment to the full. We took our chassis and frame design principles back to basics and sought out better dynamics, stability and strength. “Longitudinal rigidity” is a key phrase and with a driving feeling accentuated thanks to an “anti-squat” philosophy. This was achieved by a new frame and mounts, subframe, swingarm, engine repositioning, ergonomics and WP suspension technology.

The frame is hydroformed, laser cut and robot welded. The wall thickness has been optimized to achieve improved specific stiffness 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 additional agility; one example comes from the new footpegs moved inboard for even greater clearance in ruts and to drop the bike flat for jump scrubs. The new footpegs are even bigger in surface area, though die-casting means they’re lighter than before. Stiffness has been tuned with lighter die-cast hollow swingarms (new casting processes save even more weight) 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 reduced dimensions of the damper reduce the risk of intrusion of pollutants and dirt. The shape allows for higher ground clearance with the linkage and advanced damping means better traction when the bike ingests bumps with the new geometry tuning. Entering corners or landing, any KTM SX can take full advantage of WP XACT forks with AER Air Technology featuring a new hydrostop for more efficient performance and greater ‘bottoming’ resistance .

The 2023 KTM SX’s are narrower and more refined, but we’ve managed to increase the contact patch and surfaces to allow even more entry into the handling of the bike. The flat orange saddle – offering excellent grip and a position that favors better control – and the reworked front fender are other identifiable marks. The fender’s “mud flaps” prevent excessive dirt from being thrown towards the rider and radiator in particularly wet conditions.

Finish the bike strong

You went faster and longer than ever before, but any Pro racer will tell you that the last two or three laps of any bike are key. This is where the versatility and user-friendliness of the new KTM SX are even stronger. The energy absorption rate is high thanks to the forgiving chassis and other components such as the new CNC milled triple clamps with optimized bar mounts and wider gripping surface. This leads to less “twisting” of the handlebars. The set is protected by a new license plate design. The subframe is now a finely crafted hybrid thanks to polyamide-reinforced aluminum, applying strength in the lower section of the frame and extending flex for control and comfort in the upper sections. The subframe was designed with advanced finite element analysis and weighs less than two kilos.

Count on the last few inches of traction and performance provided by Dunlop GEOMAX MX33 tires; chosen for the 2023 KTM SX lineup after a thorough testing and selection process.

Once you cross the finish line, it will be time to recover, reset and think about the next outing. At this point riders will consider some “mods” and that is when KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear have you covered. Additional riding gear, guards and parts and much more can be found and have been specifically designed for our 2023 KTM SX incarnations.

Welcome to the future. But don’t just take our word for it, watch out for a very special and exclusive series of videos on KTM Digital Channels to further detail the 2023 KTM SX lineup.

2023 KTM SX Collection Highlights

// Innovative and highly advanced new generation of KTM SX motorcycles with unparalleled feel and performance on 12 different models and the most comprehensive collection, from kids to pro ass-kickers
// All-new anti-squat frame concept with a redesigned and revitalized frame and chassis architecture. Even more centralization
// Ergonomics bringing the cyclist closer to the bike to promote stability, agility and sensations
// Lighter, more powerful engines and distinctive fuel-injected 2-stroke engines
// Greater usability to make the motocross experience easier and more intuitive than ever

2023 KTM 250SX-F

2023 KTM 250SX

2023 KTM 300SX

2023 KTM 350SX-F

2023 KTM 450SX-F

2023 KTM 50SX

2023 KTM 50SX Mini

2023 KTM 65SX

2023 KTM 85SX 16/16

2023 KTM 85SX 17/14

2023 KTM E5 SX

More motocross