Gratitude for this subreddit and some KTM 450 SMR content
FIrst; a bit thank you to the gang here. It's been a big help as leap head-first into supermoto.
As I [posted](https://www.reddit.com/r/supermoto/comments/1ccxkxr/new_ktm_450_smr_and_i_need_peg_sliders_what_are/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) recently, I impulsively bought a new KTM 450 SMR as a way to fill up the garage and as a training tool for track days. I quickly learned that a bit of prep was needed, so I scrambled to kit the bike.
KTM has a crash bung set for the front axle, which was easy. KTM part number: A46009945000
The rear, not so straightforward. While KTM does not list the rear axle sliders as fitting the 450 SMR, they in fact to fit. You lose the axle hole and the ability to use the paddock stand. Nonetheless, it worked for the first track day. These sliders are listed for the 2023 and '24 450 SX-F KTM part number: A46010945000
Next up were the pegs. I love the new-gen OEM pegs. Unfortunately, the aftermarket doesn't yet have a bolt-on slider like they did for the prior generation. Knowing that a full peg set wouldn't arrive in time for the first go on track, I had to improvise.
A hole saw, old cutting board, and some safety wire had me good to go in a short period of time.
However, a permanent solution is in order, so a quick call to Superbike Unlimited had the right parts on order in no time. Despite the parts shipping all the way from the east coast to the west coast, I was rather pleased that they not only answered the phone to tell me about inventory, they also answered a handful of questions. That's the kind of service that gets my business.
Shorter and with replaceable sliders makes these pretty trick, and they're adjustable.
The rear axle was a bit more effort. While the KTM PowerParts slider kit worked well, I lost the ability to use the paddock stand and that make moving the bike around a bit of a chore. WIth virtually no readily available information on how to remove the OEM chain adjuster block off the rear axle, I was able to find some dude in Scotland that mentioned this when talking bout his Husky 701 SM. After attempting the removal myself, I found a local machine shop, who were able to get the block off with heat from a cutting torch, chucking the axle in a lathe, and several persuasive blows from a brass drift.
Much better!
Lastly, I needed a catch can for coolant overflow to comply with the local kart and supermoto tracks. Motion Pro sells one, and IMS has a much spendier option, but I was after something a bit more trick. KTM PowerParts to the rescue again. Their coolant overlow tank is listed as only fitting race bikes up to 2022 and enduro bikes up to 2023. However, I don't think the downtube in the frame changed much, as this is where this tank lives, which is super cool. Part number: 79635965044
The install is straightforward. The coolant tank uses existing holes in the frame downtube. It's a tight fit with the holes used up top, but it all comes together and is unobtrusive. I like.