KTM 450 EXC (2010-on) Review

Highlights
- One of the best enduro bikes out there
- Exceptional suspension
- Build solidly with loads of kit
At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Power: | 50 bhp |
Seat height: | Tall (38.8 in / 985 mm) |
Weight: | Low (249 lbs / 113 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesUnless you’re enduro god David Knight who prefers the extra grunt of the 530, the KTM 450 EXC is everything you could want in an enduro bike.
- Related: Best off-road motorbikes
- Related: KTM reveal 2020 EXC range
Light, more power than most of us know what to do with and it’s fitted with some of the best quality suspension fitted to any motorcycle.
There's a great online community for KTMs at the KTM Owners Forum.
Watch Michael Guy try out the KTM 450 EXC in this video

Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineIt pushes through mud with a secure feeling that anything will move out of your way yet when the trail gets more nadgery the steep geometry means it will flick round rocks and over obstacles.
The 250 is slightly lighter but the 450 is hardly lardy. Suspension can be adjusted to make even the biggest rocks feel like a small inconvenience rather than an obstacle.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityStick it in third gear, ride the torque and the 450 will give you a relatively easy time off road, but use the power and it’s a lightning quick off road weapon that will delight anyone who enjoys being terrified ever so slightly. Just make sure you’re hanging on!
In fact, the KTM 450 EXC is so easy and capable, one-legged Joacim Bovie is a huge fan too. Watch his video here.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueBuild-quality would shame a Bentley, probably. The thing is so well made that every single part of the bike just works both visually and technically. It needs servicing after 15 hours, but make sure you do that and it’s unlikely to ever let you down.
Our KTM EXC 450 owner's review doesn't indicate anything too concerning from a reliability perspective.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentCompared to a £2000 Yamaha WR250 the KTM is poor value, but add up the price of the kit on the bike, work out that you’re getting one of the purest, most hardcore enduro bikes ever made and the price could almost be considered a bargain for something so racy, so pure and so beautiful to look at.
Used prices for the KTM 450 EXC are incredibly diverse given the huge age range of bikes on offer.
Equipment
WP upside down forks, fully-adjustable linkless rear suspension, Brembo brakes and master cylinder, wavy discs, Excel rims, fuel injection, Akrapovic pipe, the list goes on. In fact there’s not much this bike hasn’t got, just bolt-on hand guards and a sump guard and it’s ready to race.
Specs |
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Engine size | 449cc |
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Engine type | 4v, OHC, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder four-stroke, 6 gears |
Frame type | Steel double cradle, aluminium rear subframe, 48mm WP upside down front forks |
Fuel capacity | 9.5 litres |
Seat height | 985mm |
Bike weight | 113kg |
Front suspension | Rebound, compression and preload adjustment |
Rear suspension | Rebound, compression and preload adjustment |
Front brake | Dual-piston Brembo calliper, 335mm wavy disc |
Rear brake | Dual-piston Brembo calliper, 335mm wavy disc |
Front tyre size | 90/90 x 21 |
Rear tyre size | 140/80 x 18 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 38 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £84 |
Annual service cost | - |
New price | £7,349 |
Used price | - |
Insurance group |
10 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | One year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 50 bhp |
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Max torque | 114 ft-lb |
Top speed | 93 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | - |
Tank range | 80 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
- 2010: Bike introduced.
- 2017: Updated, EXC-F four-stroke introduced.
- 2020: Further update including launch of Six Days version.
Owners' reviews for the KTM EXC450 (2010 - on)
1 owner has reviewed their KTM EXC450 (2010 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your KTM EXC450 (2010 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: |
Year: 2016
Regardless what anyone say try one before you buy that's the easiest way . First ride and I know that will be my thing from the first moment , I was 2times quicker then on my older Kawasaki with more confident and quality time . Would anyone who want a best kit on the market
I could "complain" about the front shock being a bit to soft even after a reset great for endure but could be a bit to soft for hard mx jumpers
God Such A Power You Won`t Believe It But Still Control Able Not As Jerky As The 2T-s
Immortal Plastic / Ultra Reliable Engine
lot of value for a lot of money simple as that :)
KTM racing kit worth the money all day long :)