Yoshimura RS12 Exhaust for 2023 KTM 450 SX-F | Track Tested

 

$1,299.00

By Dominic Gaytan

Photos by Bermside Photography

A couple of months ago, we tested a Yoshimura RS12 on our 2023 KTM 350 SX-F and were blown away by the power gains that the exhaust provided. In fact, we went so far as to claim that it was the biggest gain we’ve ever encountered with an aftermarket exhaust on a four-stroke dirt bike! We wanted to see if its system would do the same for the 450 SX-F, too… We have been riding our 2023 KTM 450 SXF for about eight months now with the stock exhaust system intact and are very pleased with the bike’s performance. KTM put together a great package in 2023 and according to them, the stock exhaust system would be tough to beat.

After pulling this system out of the box, I was hesitant to even bolt it onto the bike because it looked so amazing. It is a true work of art. It. On our initial day of testing, we headed to Barona Oaks MX. After riding a moto with the standard exhaust, swap and I bolted it on in minutes and found that the hardware and fit were second to none. The pipe even comes with a spring puller! Once on the bike, it made the bike look even better. Now looks don’t always transfer into performance, and to be completely honest I was not blown away on my first day of riding with the Yoshimura system installed. Because Barona Oaks is not a track that we frequent, I chalk it up to unfamiliarity with the course and its rocky dirt. At Barona, I felt that the big low-end hit of the KTM was tamed down a bit too much for my liking, but I waited to get the bike on one of my regular ride spots to pass final judgment.

Once on the Glen Helen MX track the following weekend, I noticed how much the Yoshimura system changed the power delivery of the bike. Once again, it took me a few laps to get used to the different powerband. KTMs are known for having one of the strongest engines in the 450 class. The Yoshimura RS12 Titanium Exhaust really made the bike easier to ride when powering out of corners by smoothing out the hit of the engine. Roll-on power is excellent, yet controllable. I don’t like a big arm-jerking hit because that causes fatigue to set in quicker, as that is when mistakes happen. When climbing up Mt. Saint Helen hill at Glen Helen, the bike pulled to the moon with a strong, yet controlled power from the bottom to mid to top end. It revs so far in each gear, I was almost worried I would blow the bike up!