Custom KTM 450sxf Nightmare

by Dave Roil
(Auckland NZ)

I have a ktm 450sxf. It has a Doeksen space frame making it 80mm taller than stock. It's running Ohlins forks and shock and an Fmf megabomb exhaust. It has custom made 80mm risers that go forward as well as up. The sub frame has been slightly extended to accommodate the frame extension which requires the seat to be extended. I have Ben Townley’s old factory wheels, talon hubs with DID rims, and white plastics. The air box is also custom made. Um.. there’s plenty more I can’t think of.

It has been a bit of a nightmare lately - the cam chain tensioner failed and the cam chain skipped 5 teeth and blew the crap out of the valves and head.

The one comment I wanted to make was the ktm dealers in NZ are very difficult to deal with. It has taken 9 months just to get the parts. Very disappointed. The bike will probably be up for sale near Christmas.

Cheers,
Dave