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If you paid me every time I heard “if KTM put a spring fork on their bikes, it would win every shootout”, I would have at least a few hundred bucks. Hell, I think I have said that a few times as well. Sure, a spring fork does help bump comfort consistency as well as front end traction but what about the updated 2025 chassis? In 2023 KTM went stiffer on their chassis design which in my opinion hurt the overall comfort of these machines but improved lean angle cornering character. Since 2023 we (as in most test riders and KTM consumers) have been searching to get more comfort through our hands and feet from the orange pumpkin. In 2025 the KTM R&D group made some revisions to the frame to try and “relax” the feel of the chromoly out on the track. This was a step in he right direction but in my opinion it still needs more comfort (I am talking 2018 KTM comfort) on bump touch and jump landings. Vibration is also a real thing when it comes to the Austrian brand. Unlike a Yamaha, the KTM does vibrate more through the rider’s feet and hands. Although I am not sitting here telling you that these torque settings below will alleviate ALL of these worries above, I can tell you that it does make living/riding your KTM a little more fun.
You will also hear from some certain engineers that torque values on certain points of the machine will not make your machine feel more compliant or less compliant, depending on which way you torque your chassis bolts. Although I am no engineer and understand I may be a big dummy when it comes to engineering, I can tell you that I am pretty good at feeling my way around a motorcycle when I am riding it. SOME (NOT ALL) torque settings DO make a difference on certain motorcycles and KTM is one of those motorcycles that are finicky with chassis torque points. I am not oblivious to the fact that some of you reading this may not be as sensitive as me when it comes to torque settings and that is ok, but I will say these torque values are FREE. That’s right, FREE. If these torque values below make your bike feel better, awesome! If you feel nothing, you’ve lost ZERO dollars. It’s really that simple. Some engineers don’t want you to like or feel torque settings because it hurts their business. If you like these torque settings and you feel like your KTM is more compliant or less “edgy” on the track then maybe you won’t spend any more money on your KTM and that is a threat to some aftermarket chassis part companies. I have said a million times, sometimes some bikes respond well to aftermarket triple clamps, engine hangers, etc. and some don’t. The 2023-2025 KTM’s do benefit from aftermarket triple clamps, engine hangers and you guessed it, reduced torque values in some areas. Remember some of these torque values are lower than OEM spec so checking your bolts every other or ride or so to ensure they are not backing out is a good idea. This is a KTM after all… Bolts will work their way out over time because of the vibration the machine has. A little Blue Loctite won’t hurt either.
Modified Torque Values:
-Center Of Swingarm Pivot To Center Of Rear Axle: 600-606mm
– Top Engine Hanger: 20 Nm (Stock 25 Nm)
– Front Brake Caliper: 25 Nm (Stock 25 N/m)
– Subframe Top: 30 Nm (Stock 35 Nm)
– Subframe Bottom: 30 Nm (Stock 30 Nm)
– Triple Clamp Top Pinch Bolts: 15Nm (Stock 17 Nm)
– Triple Clamp Bottom Pinch Bolt: 12 Nm (Stock 12 Nm)
– Top/Bottom Shock Bolts: 52 Nm (Stock 60 Nm)
– Rear Axle Nut: 75 Nm (Stock 80 Nm)
– Swingarm Pivot: 90 Nm (Stock 100 Nm)
– Bottom Engine Bolts: 55 Nm (Stock 60 Nm)
– Fork Lug Bolts: 15 Nm (Stock 15 Nm)
So what exactly should you feel from the above settings? Again, this is my educated opinion, but these values help the KTM feel like it has less of a harshness/bite to it when on the edge of the tires while under load/acceleration. The KTM bikes in general (in stock form as well as stock OEM torque values) have a stiffer feel when on edge of tire (under acceleration) and that makes the bike deflect/feel harsh. These torque values help lessen that feel. It will NOT completely alleviate the KTM’s harsh feeling but it does cut it down somewhat. These free torque values are like a band aid for the consumer in order to help a character this bike has, that needs attention.
The best way, if possible, is to print out this sheet, take it to the track with you and ride one moto with stock OEM values and then our values to ensure you can feel the difference. Let me know what you guys think once you tried. Email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com and send me your thoughts. Have fun, ride safe and enjoy your new feel of your KTM.
If you want to check out some of the best mods you can do to your KTM 450 SX-F, check this video out here:
