2009 KTM 450 XC-W Bike Test Photo Gallery

KTM has greatly enhanced the 450 XC-W for 2009. We put the new dirt bike right to the test with a race evaluation and then continued to flog it across Southern California. Check out the full story in our 2009 KTM 450 XC-W Bike Test.

2009 KTM 450 XC-W

The fork keeps the front end higher in the stroke letting it easily skim over many obstacles and take big hits without bottoming hard.

Does the KTM Ready To Race mantra work for MotoUSA? We sourced a 2009 KTM 450 XC-W and 2008 AMA Hare & Hound Sr. Class Champion Chilly White to test it out.

David Kamo was on hand for photo duties and he found the 450 XC-W a willing partner.

The 2009 KTM 450 XC-W suspension is improved, with revised internals and stiffer spring rates.

Where the more aggressive moto bikes were struggling for traction and control, I could just chug up the worst sections, typically in second gear.

White's season-opening efforts in the Hare & Hound series are promising aboard the KTM 450 XC-W.

At first glance if would seem that the ‘09 XC-W line is just a set of bold new graphics away from the models that debuted in 2008. Yet underneath there are a number of significant changes for the new year.

Alright, it's easy. Just hop on top of the giant boulder and hold a wheelie while I snap a photo. Oh, and make look easy too!

The stock oil height is probably just a little high, but it provides excellent bottoming resistance. Next on the work list is to try some stiffer spring rates front and rear that are more suited to my weight.

After 30 hours of use, our valves have stayed within spec and no adjustments have been required.

Test rider Chilly White calls it 'The Charmer' and hopes the KTM 450 XC-W will be a championship winner.

Oh yes, call me old fashioned, but I still prefer the comfort of having the XC-W’s kickstarter, even though both of these bikes start very easy.

2009 KTM 450 XC-W

Overall the shock is super stable and predictable. At times I would swear it has linkage.

We put on over 50 miles by lunch and I had yet to switch the 2.4-gallon tank onto reserve, this was fairly easy riding but I am sure it was good for 60-plus miles in those conditions.