Customer Project Bike: 2017 KTM 450 EXC-F
KTM 450 EXC-F Enduro Bike converted to Supermoto using AS3 Performance Upgrades
One of our bike builders and content creators in Switzerland - Hendrik Koller @hendrik.exc - has recently shared with us a video and pictures of another one of his bike build conversions. Like he did with a KTM 500 EXC-F, he has totally changed the look and performance of a 450 EXC-F Enduro bike, converting it to full Supermoto spec! Click here for the video of the before and after - the result is insane! Below we feature pictures and details of the AS3 Performance parts used in the conversion and upgrade of the 2017 450 EXC-F. To see the article on Hendrik's 500 EXC-F conversion to Supermoto, click here.
KTM 450 EXC-F right side engine shot
Clutch Cover
Hendrik replaced the OEM clutch cover with our CNC machined, billet aluminium clutch cover. Because our clutch covers are machined from a solid block of aluminium, this makes them much stronger than OEM clutch covers. They look great too with our laser-etched logo - the clutch cover is a defining feature on this particular conversion, complementing the black and white finished look perfectly.
Close-up shot of our clutch cover on the 450 EXC-F
Foot Pegs
The OEM foot pegs have been replaced with our black anodised Supermoto foot pegs. These come complete with plastic sliders, as you can see in the picture below. With a 57mm wide by 83mm long platform, as well as 34 teeth between both foot pegs, they provide greater stability and grip compared to the OEM foot pegs. They are also available anodised in orange for all KTM models!
Close-up shot of our supermoto foot pegs with plastic sliders on Hendrik's KTM 450 EXC-F
Fuel Cap
Hendrik choosing to replace the OEM plastic fuel cap and exchanging it with our billet aluminium black version, has created another huge visual improvement to the build. Our fuel caps are also lighter and stronger than the OEM fuel caps, making them much less likely to leak or split. The breather pipe and vent supplied with the fuel cap is much more practical than the long OEM rubber tubes usually supplied with the OEM plastic fuel caps.
Close-up of our fuel cap on Hendrik's 450 EXC-F
Handlebar Clamps
Our handlebar clamps are direct replacements for the OEM handlebar clamps and Hendrik has chosen to run our black anodised, standard height ones on the KTM 450 EXC-F. We also offer a 10mm higher than standard version plus a 10mm lower than standard version. All are made from 6061-T6 aluminium, they are CNC machined and they fit all 28.6mm handlebars (fat bars). Also available anodised in orange, they are a popular choice for Enduro, Motocross and Supermoto riders.
Steering Stem Nut
Hendrik has replaced the OEM stem nut with our version, simply to improve the triple clamps look. Although a subtle addition, the polished anodised finish looks much better than the standard steering stem nut and the fit is precise due to being CNC machined from billet aluminium. We have steering stem nuts available in a variety of colours for most bike models.
Close-up shot of our steering stem nut on the 450 EXC-F
Fork Adjusters
Another subtle but stand-out addition by Hendrik to this build are our black anodised aluminium suspension fork adjusters. As well as looking visually better, they are also stronger than the OEM plastic versions and feature a + and - with arrows, so the fork compression can be easily adjusted if needed.
Close-up of our fork adjuster on the KTM 450 EXC-F
Front Brake & Clutch Levers
Hendrik has replaced the OEM levers with our black anodised, cold forged aluminium front brake and clutch lever versions. They are direct replacements for the standard levers and are very popular with all our KTM riders, being one of our best selling products. Visually, they look much better than the OEM levers and they will have a similar feel to the standard KTM levers. Not only that, due to the process of cold forging, they will never snap on any hard impacts, only bend! This is much unlike the OEM levers, which a liable to snapping.
Close-up of our forged clutch lever on the 450 EXC-F
Side Stand
Hendrik has chosen to add an AS3 Performance side stand. This doesn't take anything away from the look as this one we offer is black anodised and has a sleek look on the bike. Our side stands are also cold forged, preventing them from snapping upon any hard impacts and they feature a broad, injection moulded plastic base for better stability.
Close-up of our side stand on Hendrik's KTM 450 EXC-F
FAQ's
Below we answer some FAQ's including some general supermoto questions, as well as some more specific KTM focussed questions.
What parts do you need to turn an enduro bike into a supermoto bike?
The main parts needed are 1. WHEELS - Enduro bikes typically have a 21 inch front wheel and an 18 or 19 inch rear wheel, both with nobbly tyres fitted. A supermoto bike typically has 17 inch wheels both front and rear, with slick tyres fitted due to the faster, mixed terrain. 2. BRAKES - Enduro bikes typically run a 240mm diameter front brake disc, whereas supermoto bikes need bigger front brake discs, typically running 300mm diameter, due to the higher speeds. 3. GEARING - Enduro bikes typically have lower gearing ratios compared to Supermoto bikes. Supermoto bikes generally take a smaller rear sprocket and larger front sprocket.
Do KTM make a supermoto bike?
Yes - The 450 SMR was first released in 2004 and was produced until 2014. After a few years of not being produced, it was reintroduced in 2021 and KTM are still producing it today. KTM also released a 525 SMR in 2004 but this was only produced for two years, with the last made in 2005. Similarly, a 560 SMR was released in 2006 and 2007, but then production of that model stopped too.
What is the difference between the KTM 450 EXC-F and the KTM 450 SX-F?
The main differences between the 2025 EXC-F (Enduro bike) and 2025 SX-F (Motocross bike) are. 1. GEARS - The 450 EXC-F has 6 gears, whereas the 450 SX-F has 5. 2. FUEL CAPACITY - The 450 EXC-F has an 8.5 litre tank, whereas the 450 SX-F has a 7.2 litre tank. 3. WEIGHT - The 450 EXC-F is heavier (107.4 kg) than the 450 SX-F (102.6 kg). 4. WHEELBASE - The 450 EXC-F has a slightly smaller wheelbase (1489 mm) compared to the 450 EXC-F (1493 mm) and 5. SEAT HEIGHT - The seat height on the EXC-F is slightly higher at 963 mm compared to the 450 SX-F at 958 mm.
Do any KTM models come in white as standard?
Before 1996, all KTM models were white. The signature orange colour only came in on Motocross bikes from 1996. Since then, all models have been predominantly orange. No models come in white as standard nowadays and the only models released in predominantly white are some of the Six Days Enduro model editions, released to coincide with that year's International Six Day Enduro (ISDE). For example, last years ISDE was in Argentina and some of the white KTM models released were the 300 EXC 2 stroke, 250 EXC-F and 350 EXC-F. Click here for a video of the 350 EXC-F Six Days Edition from EICMA 2023.
