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News: 2023 KTM Motocross

KTM unveil the 2023 bikes.

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Eight premier class FIM MXGP World Championships in 12 years. Over 300 MXGP and MX2 victories 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 still have the widest and most outstanding motocross range to be found on any circuit or in any dealership.

How do you better dominance?

Like any champion racer we search every single corner for gains, for performance and for perfection The 2023 KTM SX range will reshape the market as well as riders’ expectations. We have not changed our approach for outright excellence, so that means we have changed quite a bit for 2023.

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2023 KTM 85 SX

We still have 12 models that scale from electric learner bikes through to two-stroke minicycles (50, 65, 85cc) to larger two-stroke thrillers at 125, 250 and 300cc capacity. The KTM SX-Fs consist of 250, 350 and 450 four-strokes. A potential AMA 450SX winner or MXGP world champion can grow in orange from his or her first metres on the dirt right up until those last few corners as a winner at the very highest level. So, we have the bikes but why jump into the family? Why embrace the KTM DNA? Well, the KTM SXs are the most powerful in each class and have the finest components. They are the most race focused.

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

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2023 KTM 125 SX

Behind the gate: Preparation and equipment

We are market leaders with the use of cutting-edge ideas and technology throughout our motorcycle portfolio and the 2023 KTM SXs are primed. Partnerships with companies such as KEIHIN, PANKL, and Brembo means performance possibilities have expanded. The 2023 KTM SX range will count on two maps (one standard, softer and linear power and another for a more aggressive response), launch control*, traction control*, a roll-over sensor for large crashes, an hourmeter as standard with electronic fuel injection status and a fuel indicator through the Keihin engine management system. Other preparatory steps come through the tool-free adjustments now possible with the latest spec WP Suspension engineering. New 7.2 litre polythene fuel tanks can be filled (feeding into the protected one-piece fuel pump and filter) and a quick spin of the Excel alloy wheel rims is quicker and easier to check thanks to the fresh spoke nipple design. You’re READY TO RACE.

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2023 KTM 250 SX

Gate-drop and surging into action

Fired up with the electric starter (on all models) KTM SXs hammer along the straight and into the corners and jumps with aplomb. Our engine packages are more compact, more durable, more serviceable and offer the best power-to-weight ratio across the board.

New cylinder heads translates into performance gains but rearwards rotation of the engines by 2 degrees has given better centralization and a more profound effect for the chassis concept. Brand new 5-speed PANKL Racing Systems transmissions with an additional sensor for the four-strokes mean that up-shifts (from second gear onwards) are slicker thanks to the Quickshifter function. The Quickshifter can be disabled with a switch on the handlebar but a weight-optimised shift shaft in the transmission itself means that the operating force of the change is now less and, therefore, easier. A Brembo hydraulic clutch ensures top-of-the-range dependability whatever the conditions.

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2023 KTM 250 SX-F

With our 2-strokes, less carbs = more muscle. We have graced our KTM SXs with a new electronic fuel injection to ensure simplicity, enjoyment and uniqueness. Therefore, the SXs get a new 39mm throttle body with injectors positioned for pinpoint response. A ‘remix to the premix’ counts on a TPS-sensor for better behavior while idle and for the fuel-air mixture (not forgetting the cold start mechanism which is the same as the KTM SX-Fs). The effect is more: more power, more response, more assurance, more ease and more fun.

Finding the flow then attack the track

The demands of competition, fitness and the track set the tone for any moto. It’s in the depths of this hard, physical stage of a race when the connection and feeling with any motorcycle can make the difference and fully harness the excitement and fulfilment. We have taken our chassis and frame design principles back to the core and have sought better dynamics, stability and strength. Longitudinal rigidity is a key phrase and with accentuated rider feeling coming through an anti-squat philosophy. This has been achieved by a new frame and mounts, subframe, swingarm, engine repositioning, ergonomics and WP Suspension tech.

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2023 KTM 300 SX

The frame is hydro-formed, laser-cut and robot-welded. the wall thickness has been optimised to achieve improved rigidity in specific high stress areas such as the steering head and all new shock mounts. The KTM SX two-strokes have new parallel frame mounts. The design is sportier with sights on extra agility; an example comes through the new inwardly moved footpegs for even greater clearance in ruts and for dropping the bike flat for scrubs. New footpegs are even larger in surface area, even if the die casting means they are lighter than before. Stiffness has been dialed with lighter die cast hollow swingarms (new casting processes allow for even more weight saving) 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 shock’s smaller dimensions lower the chances of pollutants and dirt intrusion. The shape permits higher ground clearance with the linkage and advanced damping means better traction as the bike swallows the bumps with the new geometry setting. Entering corners or landing jumps, any KTM SX can take full profit from WP XACT forks with AER air technology featuring a new hydrostop for more effective performance and more bottoming resistance.

The 2023 KTM SXs are narrower and honed, but we have managed to increase contact area and surfaces to allow even more input into the handling of the bike. The flat orange seat – offering excellent grip and  greater control – and the reworked front fender are other identifiable marks. The mud flaps of the fender prevents excessive dirt being flicked up towards the rider and the radiator in particularly wet conditions.

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2023 KTM 350 SX-F

Finishing the moto strong

You have gone faster and longer than ever, but any Pro racer will tell you that the last two or three laps of any moto are key. This is where the versatility and usability of the new KTM SXs are further fortes. The rate of energy absorption is high thanks to the forgiving chassis and other components such as the fresh CNC milled triple clamps with optimised bar mounts and wider grip surface area. This leads to less handlebar twist. The whole unit is protected by a new number plate design. The subframe is now a finely engineered hybrid thanks to polyamide reinforced aluminum, applying strength into the lower part of the frame and extending flexibility for control and comfort in upper sections. The subframe has been designed with advanced finite element analysis and weighs less than two kilos.

Count on the last centimetres of traction and performance provided by the Dunlop GEOMAX MX33 tires; chosen for the 2023 KTM SX line-up after a careful testing and selection process.

Once across the finish line it will be time to recover, to reset and to think about the next outing. At this point riders will consider mods and this is when accompanying KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear will have you covered. Riding gear, protection, extra parts and much more can be found and have been especially crafted for our 2023 KTM SX incarnations.

Welcome to the future. But do not just take our word for it, watch out for a very special and exclusive video series on KTM digital channels to further breakdown the 2023 KTM SX range.

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2023 KTM 450 SX-F

2023 KTM SX Collection highlights

// New, innovative and highly advanced generation of KTM SX motorcycles with unrivalled feeling and performance across 12 different models and the most complete collection from kids to pro ass-kickers.

// Brand new anti squat frame concept with redesigned and revitalized chassis setting and architecture. Even more centralisation.

// Ergonomics bringing the rider in closer contact with the bike to help the stability, agility and feel.

// Lighter, more powerful engines and distinctive fuel injected two-stroke motors.

// Greater usability to make the motocross experience easier and more intuitive than ever before.

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Product News

RENEN Slope/Reset MX gear review

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RENEN was created in the early days of January 2021, not a long time ago in terms of a gear manufacturing company. But, with a guy like Pete Fox at the helm, it was always destined for big things.

The name RENEN originates from the German word “RENNEN” which means “race”. Pete liked the sound of that, decided to drop an “N” for aesthetics and there you have it. RENEN was born. Each piece of gear is carefully manufactured just outside Indianapolis, Indiana. This allows every piece of clothing to be overseen, right the way through the manufacturing process. Something they are very proud of.
All of their ranges are fully customisable with name and number on the back, as well as having the number on the shoulder too. The guys at RENEN were kind enough to put my name and number on the back as well as my number on the shoulders. For the custom name and numbers, it will cost you an additional $65 for all 3, but personally, I think it is worth every penny. This isn’t some shoddy shirt printing. They are sublimated into the material so there is no chance of it discolouring or it peeling off.
RENEN isn’t your typical gear company. They do not release a whole gear line every year, they do limited releases which are made to order. This allows them to release new colour ways whenever they see fit.

The first thing you notice when your gear is delivered is the presentation. It doesn’t turn up in a clear plastic bag, it arrives in a cardboard box with the RENEN logo printed on it. Inside the box, you have your invoice/receipt which again is in a custom RENEN envelope. Diving deeper into the box, the gloves come in a material bag, similar to that of a goggle bag. The jersey comes in a RENEN ziplock bag and pants wrapped in dark tissue paper with a RENEN sticker holding it together. It really is the little things that make the biggest difference. Just going that extra mile, makes receiving your gear a nice experience.
The gloves I received were the RENEN GC-2 strapless gloves, which I am a big fan of. The only downside I have found with strapless gloves is that the seam can tear around the strap band after a while, so it will be interesting to see what the durability is like on the gloves. So far though, they are incredibly comfortable. You can’t feel any of the seams and they sit tight to your palm, so no danger of them moving around whilst riding and causing blisters.
On to the pants. In terms of touch the material doesn’t feel overly spectacular. It feels durable but not necessarily high-performance. However, as soon as I started riding the jeans felt light and not restricting in the slightest. The full stretch rear panel takes up any slack around the back of the pants so that they have an even fit all around the waistband. They use a traditional zip and buckle system like most motocross pants and both seem very durable and strong.
On the inside of the pants, RENEN has its own sweat-wicking DRYCYLE lining, which helps keep the moisture down and doesn’t rub and irritate your skin whilst riding. Overall, the pants are very comfortable and have a good tapered fit down the leg. They seem durable and also wash very well. Another point to add is that you do have the option of adding a butt patch. Something that you are not going to get with most gear brands.

Again, using their DRYCYCLE fabrics, the jersey is well-ventilated and a comfortable fit. The jerseys are available in both standard fabric and ventilated mesh. Being from England I opted for the standard fabric which still offered plenty of ventilation. Fully sublimated graphics, names, and numbers really make you feel like a factory rider. It doesn’t get much tricker than a sublimated jersey.
During the off-season heading into 2024. RENEN signed the Triumph America team, with Jalek Swoll, Evan Ferry, and Joey Savatgy. But possibly their biggest rider to date, they signed MXGP podium regular Jeremy Seewer. With all eyes on the new manufacturer in AMA Supercross, and Seewer at the front of MXGP, I fully expect to see RENEN a lot more throughout the paddock at more local and amateur races.
Another thing worth noting is that RENEN offers odd sizes in their gear. So if you’re floating between a 32” and 34”, no need for a diet you can order your jeans in a 33” waist. They are the only gear manufacturer that offers this and is a unique selling point for the brand.


Overall, the gear ticks all the boxes that you would expect. As well as ticking a few extras such as nice packaging, sublimation, and odd sizes. RENEN is certainly raising the bar for all other gear companies to follow.

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

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Tested: 5 modifications I like to make to my YZ450F before going racing

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MX Vice’s Tester, Brad Wheeler, Shares His Thoughts

Since picking up my YZ450F back in November I have been waiting under bated breath for the chance to race it. Practicing is all well and good, but nothing gets the blood pumping more than lining up at the start with 39 other racers.


Words: Brad Wheeler | Lead Image: Supplied


The lack of racing got me thinking, what are some of the things that I would like to do to the bike before I go to my first race on the BluCru. I have logged around 10-15 hours on the bike now and feel I have established a solid base setting and something I can build on moving forward. With that being said here are 5 modifications I will be making before my first race, which is looking like early March time.

I wasn’t going to do these in any particular order but I think it will be more beneficial for you all if I go from most important to least important, in my opinion.  

1) A genuine Yamaha holeshot device:

More often than not if you look down the starting line at any level of racing you will see bikes with a holeshot device. The point of the device is to preload the front fork. This does several things. It makes the bike lower to the ground, meaning you have a lower centre of mass and more control getting off the line. Secondly, it allows you to get more weight over the front of the bike, meaning you can hit the power harder and not have to worry as much about going into a wheelie. Finally, it also increases balance. Being lower to the ground you can touch the floor more comfortably. 

I have used several different brands in my time, from cheaper to more expensive and I have found that if the OEM makes their own, that is the way to go. In this instance, the Yamaha one is easy to install and simple to use. The clamp opens right up so no need to remove the fork leg. It also has a big button making it easy to engage if you are trying to set your own device. In my opinion, if you are serious about racing, a holeshot device is an absolute must.

TIP: The buttons can work themselves loose over time on any brand of device so be sure to check them regularly.  

2) ProGrip 799 ultra soft grips: 

It’s no secret that Japanese standard grips are not built with comfort in mind. They will most likely outlast any aftermarket grip on the market, but I’m looking for a bit more out of my grip. 

If you’re doing qualifying and 5 motos over the course of a weekend you’re looking at around 120-150 minutes of riding. That’s a lot of holding on. So I want a grip that is kind to my hands and also makes it easier to hold on.

Step forward Pro Grip 799 ultra soft. I have used this grip for as long as I can remember, all the way back to 50cc days. The grip is incredibly comfy and almost moulds to the shape of your hand. Don’t get me wrong, one little slide off and you can kiss the end of the grip goodbye, but that is the price you sometimes have to pay to have a comfier ride. Rather than spending thousands on suspension, try a softer grip first. You’d be amazed at the difference it can make.

3) GYTR factory racing seat cover: 

For me, this really only applies to 450s. My Yamaha 450 is a rocket ship and pulls like an express train. This is great when my arms are fresh and I can hold myself forward, but as fatigue sets in, the sheer torque of the motorcycle pushes me back towards the rear of the seat. 

The standard seat is relatively grippy and as stock seat covers go, is one of the better ones. However, the GYTR factor seat cover has 5 ribs up the seat which aid in keeping you up the front of the bike. The material of the cover itself is stickier than the stock seat cover.  

Other seat covers are available, GUTS does several different varieties of gripper seats but the GYTR is similar to the factory cover that Jago Geerts and Maxime Renaux use, and who doesn’t want to look factory?  

4) Raptor RME013 edge titanium footpegs: 

Footpegs can often be something that people overlook. They’re one of the points of contact between yourself and your machine yet get neglected. Standard footpegs have come a long way from the breadsticks they used to stand on back in the 80s. Even so, the increased grip and strength you get with the Raptor titanium peg is second to none.  

The peg bites into your boot making it virtually impossible to slip off of it. Titanium is not only lighter than steel but is also stronger. Over time the areas under stress on a steel peg become weak and are likely to fracture. However, with titanium, it would take a long time and an incredible amount of force to crack a titanium peg.  

I’m not sure if I am supposed to say this but Star Racing Monster Energy Yamaha actually BUY these pegs for their race bikes. That’s right, Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, Justin Cooper and the other 36 250 riders they have all use Raptor titanium footpegs.  

Another plus is that the RME013 model doesn’t have the middle section you see on most pegs. This stops mud from getting jammed in there. Raptor also offers a variety of different offset pegs which is something we will be playing around with throughout the year.  

5) GYTR Akrapovic Full Exhaust System: 

The final modification that I will be making before I go racing is the addition of a GYTR  Akrapovic. For me, this is the lowest priority of the 5. Riding a YZ450F, I am not looking for more power, and the ability to move the power around with an exhaust system has been bypassed by the tuner apps available these days. 

That being said, it still has its perks. The GYTR Akrapovic (which I’m almost 100% the same as the Akrapovic Evolution system) weighs 0.85 kgs less than the standard system.  Titanium is also a stronger and more durable material, so will be less prone to cracks in weak spots like welded joints. 

This is Yamaha’s recommended after-market pipe of choice, so you know it is going to work well with the engine. Even if it isn’t more hit you are looking for, it is always nice to have your machine running smoother and sounding a little more factory than your buddies.  

Last but not least, and this cannot be understated, just how awesome the system looks. I truly believe there is something in the whole “look good, feel good” saying. I know if I pull up to the track and I have fresh gear and my bikes looking good, I am already in a positive mindset heading to the line. And as we know motocross is just as mental as it is physical.  

These 5 modifications are not gospel. What works for me, may not work for you. But, I have been racing for 22 years and my experience has taught me that these are the 5 things that make the biggest difference to myself. If you have any questions about the  

above products drop me an email at [email protected] and I will assist in any way I can.  

Tested and written by Brad Wheeler

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MX Vice News

Fox Racing Announces New Adventure Collection

Everything You Need in Adventure-ready Gear. Nothing You Don’t.

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Fox Racing, the global leader in motocross and mountain biking gear and apparel, announced the  expansion into the adventure market with a purpose-built ADV Collection that inspires performance on dirt. The all-new ADV Collection includes three jacket and pant offerings—Recon, Defend, and Ranger—built with a  minimalist chassis, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and CE protection across the board. The collection launches this  Spring on www.foxracing.com, and at participating Fox Racing dealers and channels globally.  


Words: Press Release | Lead Image: FOX


Expanding the brand’s commitment to Equip and Inspire riders, the ADV Collection draws from Fox Racing’s deep  racing heritage and appetite for performance innovation. “We recognize that off-road riding is no longer contained  to tracks and the trailheads of mountains and deserts. It can now be an extension to a rider’s commute or  countryside tour where every technical feature matters to maximize the experience on the bike. The ADV Collection was built with this in mind—connecting riders to dirt with highly versatile gear that has everything you  need and nothing you don’t. It’s a differentiated point of view in an evolving category that’s authentic and credible  to our brand,” said Michael Crocco, Sr. Global Marketing Manager at Fox Racing.  

Developed and tested over the course of three years, the all-new ADV Collection blends the brand’s expertise in  performance racewear with the utility adventure riders demand. Performance starts with the minimalist chassis  design approach and a closer-to-body fit to inspire movement in variable terrain. The main body is GUARANTEED  

TO KEEP YOU DRY with fully seam-sealed GORE-TEX materials, the gold standard in waterproof-breathable  technology. CE protection comes in the form of removable D30® back, shoulder, elbow, and knee protectors, and  reinforced fabrics to increase abrasion resistance and durability. Other features such as stretch fabrics, ventilation, and storage vary across the three product tiers to meet the demands of a multi-day or an out-and-back ride.  

The Recon GORE-TEX ADV Jacket and Pant are 949.95€ and 899.95€, respectively, and deliver maximum mobility and breathability with a minimalist fit for peak performance on dirt. The Defend GORE-TEX ADV Jacket and Pant  are 699.95€ and 649.95€, respectively, and offer maximum storage and ventilation for adaptability on the move. 

The Ranger GORE-TEX ADV Jacket and Pant are 549.95€ and 499.95€, respectively, and are the most accessible offering for essential performance on the bike. 

PRICING

Recon jacket 949,99£ / 949,95$
Recon pant 899,99£ / 899,95$
Defend jacket 699,99£ / 699,95$
Defend pant 649,99£ / 649,95$
Ranger jacket 549,99£ / 549,95$
Ranger pant 499,99£ / 499,95€

Follow @foxracing on Instagram for the official release date of the ADV Collection plus exclusive information  celebrating the brand’s 50th anniversary for 2024.  

About Fox Racing 

For over five decades, Fox Racing has been the global leader in motocross and mountain bike gear and apparel.  Fox outfits the world’s best competitive action sport athletes and enthusiasts with products that combine  innovation and style, rooted in the brand’s original competitive motocross spirit. The company is based in Irvine,  California, with offices, retail stores, and an international roster of sponsored athletes, located around the world.  www.foxracing.com

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