2006 KTM 450 EXC Photo Gallery

We got our hands on a 2006 KTM 450 EXC for our 2006 450 Enduro Shootout, and we push it to its limits. Check out how KTM 450 EXC did in our 2006 450 Enduro Shootout.

We wish it had the same black rims as the SX models, but there’s no denying the EXC is one bad looking machine.

The enduro computer is more advanced than some and is as easy as any to figure out without the use of an instruction booklet.

The steering on our KTM 450 was incredibly light. Maneuvering tight trails was almost too easy on the EXC, but we were pleased to discover that it is also very stable at speed.

A startling lack of engine protection fits with the KTM slogan 'Ready to Race,' but we wonder if it’s ready to last over the long run.

While the headlight didn’t work the best out of the group, the fender brace was definitely a nice addition. We never crashed hard enough to test it, but little things go a long ways with us.

A slim profile makes riding this bike a simple task. Light steering and easy body positioning are two of the big reasons why we could pick our way through rocky terrain with such ease.

This was our favorite front brake of the test. KTM definitely knows what it takes to build a worthy off-road bike, and it's apparent in the attention to detail.

Without Brian 'Big Air' Chamberlain on hand for our Southern Cali testing, JC was left with the aerial duties for our camera.

JC tries not to get distracted by the glaring sun as he negotiates a rock shelf in Corral Canyon.

We failed to make it up all of Corral Canyon's treacherous climbs on the first try, but it wasn't for a lack of machinery. The KTM does a marvelous job of conquering technical riding. Now if we could just get JC to quit laying down on the job he might actually climb something.

A strong motor and six-speed tranny make the 450 EXC as versatile as it is beautiful. We’ll drift the rear end or bounce through single-track any day as long as we can do it on the KTM.

A quarter-turn gas cap is simple and practical for off-roaders. We’ve heard some complaints about the new style, but we failed to find any truth to back them up.

It’s a wheelie-poppin’ good time with the KTM.

JC found the KTM to be the perfect bike for enjoying rugged scenery whether it was a view from the top of a rocky peak or in the expansive wasteland of desert terrain.

Notice the lack of heat guards on the pipe. We melted our pants just behind the subframe attachment. Sure, the naked pipe looks good, but that quickly disappears once it’s covered in goo.