MIKE BROWN’S KTM 450SX: BEHIND THE BUILD

The staff of Dirt Bike always jumps at the opportunity to work with Mike Brown any way we can. He is always a blast to have around, a very genuine human being and is usually up for just about anything. Our latest project with “Brownie” came in the form of a 2023 KTM 450SX-F race bike for the Dubya World Vet Championship held at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California.

Here are some of the parts involved in this build:

FCP Racing engine mounts are designed to improve overall handling and feature CNC-machined top mounts and titanium front mounts. The are used under the radar by many factory-level professional Supercross and motocross teams.
The Dunlop MX14 optimizes tread blocks that can more effectively penetrate and scoop sandy/muddy terrain due to the new Reinforced Scoop Technology (RST) and V-Block Technology Advanced (V-BT Advanced) designs.
The 6mm HDPE skid plate from AXP is made for Supercross and motocross. The plastic construction is designed to absorb impacts while limiting vibration and is 40 percent lighter than aluminum.
The Evo handlebar is ProTaper’s flagship unbraced handlebar. This bar is designed to increase flex and impact absorption over conventional handlebars, offering rider-improved comfort and reduced fatigue.
Designed, tested and manufactured 100 percent in the USA, the Twisted Development 2023 KTM 450cc four-stroke exhaust flange features a billet stainless steel construction that is CNC-machined for factory-level fitment. The proprietary design was developed to provide improvements to the OEM power delivery throughout the entire power curve. No ECU mapping is required, but Brown’s bike does also have a Twisted Development ECU and mapping.
Twin Air’s PowerFlow kits are designed to ensure a leak-proof, fool-proof fit with a rigid, lightweight, billet-aluminum cage that replaces the plastic stock cage and a billet-aluminum flange with a rubber seal that bolts tight to your airbox. A dual-stage air filter is also included in each kit.

Ryan Pursley and his son Brandon at Throttle Syndicate worked together to come up with a very clean *Dirt Bike Magazine*-inspired custom graphic design that gave Mike Brown’s KTM 450SXF the perfect look.

The Pro Circuit Ti-6 improves performance throughout the power curve. Constructed of titanium throughout the head pipe, mid pipe and canister, this system is also equipped with a removable spark arrestor.

Dubya USA built a set of brand-new wheels that featured HAHN magnesium-colored hubs, stainless steel spokes, black Excel A60 rims, and those are wrapped in the new Dunlop tires.

WP Pro Components’ suspension has a new look and a new name. The new XACT Pro closed cartridge, Cone Valve fork and XACT Super Trax shocks are used by Husqvarna and KTM’s factory-level race teams around the world. These components are now available to the general public.

The 7075-T6 aluminum Race Spec rear sprocket is heat-treated for durability and anodized orange for some added bling factor.