Having ridden the 2020 Husqvarna FC 450 only one week prior, we were excited to take the KTM for a spin. From the first bump we hit on the track, it was apparent that the KTM remains an aggressive, bred-for-racing motocross bike. The suspension is firm and likes to be pushed, and the stiffer settings actually give the bike a lighter feel than its white sister, which has a somewhat wallowy feel with its softer setup. The Fox Raceway main track has been left largely intact since the Lucas Oil MX National event held there last month, and its layout is laden with numerous large jumps and big rollers. With some proper setup, the bike handled predictably and handled everything the track had to offer. Senior test rider Pat Foster stiffened up both ends a few clicks and also slowed the fork and shock down with the rebound adjuster a tad, as he prefers a calmer feel at speed. Years ago when almost every manufacturer came equipped with air forks, the KTM's WP units reigned supreme, but now that all of the Japanese manufacturers have returned to traditional mechanical spring forks, the WP air fork isn't quite as appealing. Though they work well enough and are hard to beat on super-hard landings, the fork does lack the initial feel and compliance of a mechanical spring fork. A WP Cone Valve spring fork in 2021? We can wish...
