KTM Sets New Standard with 2024 450 XCF-W Redesign
KTM has taken the 450 XCF-W to extraordinary new heights for the 2024 model year. The Austrian firm fully redesigned their proven off-road weapon from the ground up. With a revised motor, lighter chassis, upgraded suspension and refined ergonomics, the 450 XCF-W represents a total reimagining of KTM’s open-class enduro and desert platform.
As passionate KTM riders, we were salivating at the chance to put the new 2024 iteration
through its paces across varying terrain. After comprehensive testing across a wide variety of terrain, it’s abundantly clear the reengineered 450 XCF-W stands atop the mountain as the most capable off-road bike in its class.
The myriad of refinements add up to a supremely rideable machine ready to conquer every environment straight from the showroom floor. From technical rock gardens to screaming across sandy whoops, the new 450 XCF-W blows away the competition in every measuring stick.
Simply put, KTM nailed it with this new model.
In this multi-part review, we’ll cover our in-depth impressions of the notable improvements, detail how the changes translate to real world performance gains, and explain why the 2024 model sets a new high watermark for off-road excellence. We’ll also outline planned.modifications to further unlock this stellar platform’s immense potential.
Revised Motor Delivers Smooth, Potent Power
The revised 450cc single cylinder motor proves KTM wasn't resting on its hard-earned reputation. While the proven SOHC configuration carries over, the internals have been significantly lightened for 2024. This reduces reciprocating mass and mechanical losses.
The previous steel valve train is replaced by a lighter titanium finger follower design that allows opening up the exhaust valve size to 36.4mm, improving top end pull and over-rev capabilities compared to prior models. The enlarged valve and revised cam timing optimize gas flow for more power through the rev range.
The excellent Keihin EFI system provides precise fuel metering and crisp throttle response in all conditions, aided by the enlarged airbox breathing better. Power character is more linear with a stronger mid-range punch yet still delivers a healthy wallop of bottom end torque.
The hydraulically actuated clutch offers exceptional feel and consistency throughout long, hard rides in varying terrain. This is a clear step up over the cable-actuated clutch design on older models prone to fading and vagueness after abuse.
Overall the motor upgrades add up to a powerplant that churns out smooth, tractable torque down low then rips into a hard charging surge through the midrange. Top end pull feels almost endless, able to loft the front wheel whenever you dare twist the throttle.
Lighter Chassis Amplifies Precise Handling
KTM redesigned the 450 XCF-W's chassis from the ground up to achieve ideal off-road handling traits. The move from an aluminum composite frame to lightweight chromoly steel trims significant weight while boosting front end feel and precision.
The revised geometry provides razor quick steering response and incredible agility, enabling diving inside ruts in the blink of an eye. At speed, the chassis feels like it's on rails, carving around berms with precision and tracking straight as an arrow through the whoops.
Engineered flex zones in key areas absorb impacts from high speed whoops or square edged bumps far better than the older rigid alloy frames. The carefully tuned rigidity provides exceptional stability and bump absorption without losing precision. The lighter overall chassis mass pays big dividends in transitioning left to right quickly with minimal effort. The frame enhancements result in a machine that handles like an extension of the rider’s body.
Upgraded Suspension Conquers All Conditions
The 450 XCF-W comes equipped with significantly upgraded that marks a major step forward The new XACT fork provides an ideal balance plush small bump compliance and excellent bottoming resistance when slammed through bigger rocks or G-outs. The more rigid triple clamps and precise steering stem area relay surface feedback straight to the rider’s hands. Out back, the revised WP Xplor PDS shock without a linkage delivers a very progressive, bottomless feel across high speed whoops and square edged hits. The shock provides ample stroke to absorb larger impacts and big landings without harsh bottoming.
Hardcore Ergonomics Ready for Off-Road Combat
In addition to the motor and chassis upgrades, KTM put significant work into optimizing the 450 XCF-W’s ergonomics for enduro and wide open desert warfare. The flatter, smoother seat profile provides unmatched freedom to shift weight forward or backward depending on the terrain. The seat/tank junction also enables easy transitioning from sitting to standing even in the most rough conditions. There’s ample room to flow between positions while retaining maximum control and stability when racing across sandy whoops or negotiating tight switchbacks. The slimmer radiator shrouds offer enhanced grip leverage thanks to the flatter profile right where the knees contact the bodywork.
The minimalist, compact bodywork is designed to prevent snagging on trees, bushes or other obstacles when slicing through dense underbrush or wooded trails. There are very few protruding parts on the chassis that could potentially catch on obstacles and cause issues. The bike maintains a very slim, nimble feel beneath the rider that builds confidence blasting through tight sections. The footpegs have been slightly lowered for better ergonomics when seating and also allow easing weight further back for negotiating steep ascents.
Overall KTM ticked all the boxes designing the 450 XCF-W cockpit.
First Ride Review - 2024 KTM 450 XCF-W
We recently took KTM’s redesigned 2024 450 XCF-W for a thorough shakedown ride in Lake Arrowhead, California. This gave us a chance to experience the overhauled open-class off-road machine in its natural habitat and see how the updates translate to real world performance.
The riding area provided the perfect mix of tight woods trails, technical rocky sections, fast fire roads, and steep ascents to test the 450 XCF-W’s well-rounded capabilities. Overall the new model made an outstanding first impression and proved KTM did its homework to build an incredibly potent yet usable hardcore enduro weapon.
The powerplant rips with very usable thrust across the RPM range thanks to the enlarged exhaust valve and finger follower valve train. The motor churns out torquey, tractable power down low then pulls hard through the mid-range. Top end power feels limitless, with the ability to loft the front wheel whenever you dare twist the throttle.
Yet the motor never feels too aggressive or overwhelming, even for less experienced riders.
Credit the smooth hydraulically actuated clutch and refined fuel injection for the manageable power delivery. Clutch pull is light and engagement incredibly smooth, reducing fatigue through long rides and tricky sections.
Chassis balance and dialed suspension make it easy to put the power down. The WP XACT fork provides plush small bump compliance to maintain traction across roots and rocks. The precise damping absorbs rapid stutter bumps and braking chatter with barely a shudder through the chassis. The forks float over small impacts while the frame remains laterally stiff, resisting deflection when landing hard or railing berms. The WP Xplor shock matches the compliant yet controlled front end feel. The progressive, bottomless rear end feel handles square edged bumps and high-speed whoops with ease.
Overall, the balanced suspension and rigid chassis work in harmony, allowing charging ahead without getting deflected off line by rocks, holes and other obstacles. The suspension calibration instills confidence pushing the pace through the technical Lake Arrowhead trails.When the pace picks up hammering down fire roads, the rigidity-tuned chromoly steel frame exhibits excellent stability resisting deflection. The 450 XCF-W carves berms with precision and tracking straight as an arrow through braking bumps and holes. The chromoly chassis provides noticeable feedback yet still absorbs sharp hits and big landings.
Ergonomic enhancements like the slimmer radiator shrouds and flatter seat allow easily shifting weight for vision and control. The minimal layout prevents snagging when leaning through narrow trees and overgrowth. Simply put, the chassis instills confidence charging into the nastiest sections thanks to the balanced handling.
While very capable straight off the showroom floor, we did notice a couple areas with room for improvement that we plan to address:
- Stock exhaust limits top end pull
- Seat allows sliding around during aggressive riding
- Suspension too soft for faster paced riding
After a full day of hammering trails and pushing the limits in Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear, CA., the new 450 XCF-W proves it’s ready to conquer any hardcore enduro or desert
environment. We came away mighty impressed by the broad capabilities KTM engineered into this new model. It truly represents a benchmark open-class off-road machine. We can't wait to upgrade key components and unlock the full potential!
Unleashing the New 450 XCF-W’s Potential
While the extensively redesigned 2024 450 XCF-W blows us away straight off the KTM
showroom floor, we have big plans to immediately begin modifying and upgrading key
components. The excellent base package provides the ideal foundation for enthusiasts to build their dream off-road machine.
FMF Titanium Exhaust
Bolting on a new FMF titanium slip-on exhaust will liven up the ride. The lightweight pipe improves flow and reduces restrictions to unleash the motor's potential through the heart of the powerband. Less weight also boosts agility and throttle response. This pipe breathes easier, unlocking usable mid-range power that's felt immediately. The snappier and lighter feel from this canister makes the bike come alive. Finding ways to gain power while shedding weight is what performance mods are about. This FMF slip-on delivers the best of both in one hard-hitting upgrade. The trail will feel like it shrinks beneath you once this pipe starts helping the motor breathe deeper and the chassis dance quicker. Get ready to experience the true character of the machine once this titanium canister works its magic.
Acerbis 3.2 Gallon Fuel Tank
I'm excited to expand my off-road range by installing an oversized Acerbis fuel tank. With the ability to carry extra fuel, I'll be able to maximize the distance I can cover between fill-ups when riding in remote areas far from gas stations. No more range anxiety about running low on gas when I'm way out on the trails! This bigger tank is just what I need to push deeper into the backcountry without worrying about fuel supply. Now I can focus purely on the riding experience itself rather than how much gas I have left in the tank. The added capacity gives me the freedom to explore new terrain and take the long way home without compromising the adventure. With this Acerbis tank, I've got the range to disappear into the wilderness all day long.
No more cutting epic rides short or sticking to familiar loops. The extra fuel load is my ticket to pushing the boundaries and experiencing the trails to their fullest.
I'm pumped to add serious protection to my bike's exposed underside with a Molecule skid plate. The smooth UHMW material won't snag on rocks or debris that could crack my cases open or dent my frame without armor. Now the most exposed parts have a barrier to absorb hits and take the sliding damage instead. I'll rip through rocky sections with peace of mind knowing my engine and frame are safe from potentially ride-ending impacts. The extra protection is worth the minimal weight gain for worry-free rides all season. My bike will be way more trail-ready with a skid plate guarding my critical components from rocks, crashes and other trail junk. Thanks to Molecule, devastating underside damage will no no longer be a concern.
Unlike your thin, hard stock saddle, the Seat Concepts model provides unmatched comfort and control with its grippy top to prevent sliding, ergonomic shape to relieve pressure, and dual- density foam to isolate vibrations. While a stock seat causes discomfort and instability with its basic design, the Seat Concepts saddle offers customized comfort, stability, and confidence to charge any terrain thanks to specialized materials and construction. Ditch your uncomfortable stock seat and upgrade to the Seat Concepts saddle for superior comfort, performance, and control on all your rides.
Installing a Rekluse Radius CX auto clutch will allow me to finesse technical sections
without worrying about stall-outs. The centrifugal design automatically disengages the clutch plates at low rpm to provide smooth power delivery from idle. This eliminates the need for constant clutch lever pulling and perfect clutch-throttle coordination in tricky situations. By preventing stalls, the Rekluse clutch enables maintaining momentum up difficult climbs, reducing run-ups that lead to fatigue. The modulation enhances slow speed throttle control, allowing precise line choices without stalling. With this clutch, the rider can stay on the gas through rough or tight sections. This results in faster ascent times, less fatigue, and the confidence to attempt climbs that were problematic before. The Rekluse clutch is the ideal upgrade to master technical terrain and obstacles without loss of momentum. It gives the tools to conquer tricky sections with enhanced throttle finesse.
Suspension Tuning by TBT Suspension
Finally, we will take suspension performance to the next level with professional tuning from Travis at TBT. He will expertly dial in custom valve settings and clicker adjustments to match your unique riding style, weight and local trail conditions. This customized analysis helps optimize your suspension for peak gains you can't achieve on your own. Benefits include increased traction for confident cornering and braking, plus a smoother, more controlled ride that prevents harsh bottom outs. Travis' tuning delivers greater comfort on big hits and faster lap times with less fatigue over long days riding.
The new 450 XCF-W provides an ideal platform ready for customization. With carefully chosen upgrades it will allow fully stretching the legs across any terrain and unlock every ounce of performance.
SPECIFICATIONS 2024 KTM 450XCF-W
ENGINE Single cylinder four stroke
DISPLACEMENT 450cc
BORE X STROKE 95 x 63.4mm
STARTING SYSTEM Electric
FUELING Keihin EMS with 42mm throttle body
CLUTCH Wet-multi-disc clutch with Brembo hydraulics
TRANSMISSION 6 speed
FINAL DRIVE 520 x-ring chain
FRAME Central double-cradle with 25CrMo4 steel
FRONT WHEEL 21 x 1.60
REAR WHEEL 18 x 2.15
FRONT WHEEL TRAVEL 11.8 inches
REAR WHEEL TRAVEL 12.2 inches
FRONT SUSPENSION WP XACT-USD 48mm
REAR SUSPENSION Linkage-less fully adjustable WP Xplore
FRONT BRAKE 260mm disc with Brembo caliper
REAR BRAKE 220mm disc with Brembo caliper
SEAT HEIGHT 37.9 inches
GROUND CLEARANCE 13.6 inches
FUEL CAPACITY 2.24 gallons
WEIGHT 237 lbs (dry)
MSRP $11,999
