The New Frame is Better! 24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition First vs 24 Gas Gas MC450 Back to Back!

24.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition back to back with a 2024 Gas Gas MC450. Is updated chassis on the 24.5 450 Factory Edition better than the current 24 Gas Gas MC450 chassis?
Both bikes have modified suspension. I am running my favorite set of WP Cone Valve spring forks along with a stock rear shock re-valved by Brad at RideWorx on my 24.5 450FE. This Gas Gas MC450 has suspension dialed by Brad at RideWorx including KYB spring inserts in the WP forks and a WP Pro Component rear shock. Has a 60hp 450F ever been so easy to ride? Both bikes have smooth and long pulling power that makes these bike so fun and easy to ride. On the rough and choppy and hard pack track I am riding today the updated chassis on the 24.5 450FE does have more compliance and with the CV spring forks and RideWorx re-valved rear shock has a very plush overall feel. The 24.5 450FE has excellent traction feel - especially in the corners. The KYB fork inserts on the GG MC450 have plush overall feel and the WP Pro rear shock on the MC450 works great - noticeably better overall with excellent ramp up of damping on the rollers and still great bump absorption on the acceleration chop.
The new 24.5 450FE chassis does not obsolete the current 24 chassis. If you are a weekend warrior and not so picky about your bike take advantage of the current deals on 24 models Austrian bikes. However if you are more picky rider and notice changes on bikes and/or you like having the latest stuff and need an excuse to upgrade to the new chassis on the 25 model year KTM/Husky/Gas Gas bikes it does have more tire contact patch feel and compliance especially on dry and hard pack tracks.

[@RobPafford]

all that little chop is a great suspension test! Brad has that stock shock dialled a revalve is a nice mod for guys that do not want to spring for the $$$ fancy shock. Bikes are so expensive these days, it is nice to be able to ride stock or close to stock bikes and be happy!

[@mxengineer1]

Yes usually buy the Austrian cross country model (KTM XCF or Husky FX) as they come with a GNCC style suspension setting that more closely matches my preference and riding conditions. However I like Factory Editions too so easy enough to just have Brad move a few shims arounds to dial in the stock shock!

[@Davis2you]

Your videos are so great. Could you please give me opinion on the power comparison of the 300 beta race to the KTMXCW 300?
They would help me immensely in purchasing a new bike. Thank you.

[@mxengineer1]

The SX/XC 300 TBI engine makes 55hp at the rear wheel (according to MXA). That engine is FAST and responsive in the white map and beast mode in the green map. I ride my TX300 back to back often with my Beta 300 Race Edition and while the Beta makes significantly less peak HP than the Husky TX300 it never feels lacking in power. The KTM 300XCW makes 9 hp less than the 300XC (according to KTM) and I can notice the loss of peak power compared to the XC version but it does not feel like 9hp less. The 300XCW makes a very smooth power and still has great roll on torque feel. With oil injection on the 300XCW there is no need to mix gas and oil. Here is a back to back ride where I compare the engine character of the 300 TBI and 300 Carb... ua-cam.com/video/676ror78-OE/v-deo.html
The 300XCW will come with a more woods focused suspension setting and PDS which has a little taller seat height and can feel more active while riding and offers the simplicity of no linkage. The Beta 300RE has a woods focused setting on the KYB suspension. I think Husky has $1000 rebates on 24 TE300's now and I believe $500 on 300XCW. There is also $1500 back on Husky TX300's now and that bike has a very cool spring fork for 2024. The Beta 300RE and KTM 300XCW have lighting and speedometers which is nice. Both are great bikes - no wrong choice! Let me know which one you buy!

[@westmetal17]

Do you know what your friend had to do to update his ECU to accept the connectivity unit?

[@mxengineer1]

No update - I am pretty sure it was just plug and play

[@mikeschlup5279]

How do you like the MX 34's?

[@mxengineer1]

I've ridden the MX34's and MX33's back to back and I think the MX34's have a little better traction overall (lean angle and flat corners).

[@ericwinner3587]

Is that Brad out of ride works?

[@mxengineer1]

Yes Brad at RideWorx knows suspension (moto and MTB) www.rideworxsuspension.com/