Posts
40
Joined
11/21/2023
Location
Waite Park, MN, USA
Hey guys,
Heard on the Kris Keefer podcast that there will be frame updates coming this winter to the new KTMs being unveiled. This would be for the 2024 KTM 250/450 factory editions or 2025 KTMs. Word on the street is KTM will drop this the first week of December.
Does anyone have any idea what changes/mods KTM is bringing to the table?
I heard a rumor that the linkage hardware all went to a thinner diameter. This in theory, could help compliance.
Heard that too. Was hoping that it would be more of an impactful update. Also heard the wp 6500 springs might be the new suspension moving forward.
I’m sure it’s more than just the hardware change, there was photos of a MXGP bike that had “windows” cut out of the rear shock mount arch. But that was like a year ago.
I doubt they would put the full 6500 in when they have the less expensive CC forks already in the XC/XCF models. If you are going to revalve anyway the 350 and 450 xcf are the way to go if you want spring forks. I would avoid the 250 XCF because the transmission ratios are spaced too far apart.
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I’ve heard about the linkage bolt diameter change for awhile now and it really sounds like a band aide fix to a larger problem to me.
They changed the linkage bolts on the latest chassis (2023-2024) from the more "standard" bolts on the previous generations. The bolts all got larger in diameter, which was a step in the wrong direction as they all got heavier (as did the rest of the linkage). It would be great if they moved back to the bolt sizes of the previous generation bikes as it would be lighter. It really won't do anything for the feel of the bike, though as it's a rather insignificant change in stiffness, and in the same direction as the shock motion. To change the overall feel, they really need to revise the chassis.
still not sure what the problem is with this chassis, its works awesome! You can work around the stiffness with a few tweaks. But what really matters is performance and it fricken works!
IMO I think the 24 platform is excellent as well. A significant step forward from the previous generation bike.
the harder and faster you ride it the better it handles.
I read these chassis/ linkage/ knuckle change threads about the 23-24 chassis and wonder to myself what am I missing? I ride the sand mostly but also intermediate and hard pack as well. Usually a couple clicks on the shock and moving the fork up/down in the clamps gets the job done. I agree the chassis is stiffer but when I am riding aggressively and charging the chassis feels great. Maybe I”m not as sensitive to these things as you all are…
The sand and soft dirt is a big factor. I’d love to ride a KTM if the track was always soft. In the mornings, I really enjoy the KTM/Husky, but as it drys out and get hard/square edge (In Southern Cal), I don’t enjoy the bike as much.
Compared to a bike like the Yamaha that is pretty dang consistent from morning to afternoon.
Its ok that not everyone thinks it’s stiff. These are just opinions and maybe everyone doesn’t feel the same feels.
Maybe try going back to the chassis that won all those titles, just a thought
I recently installed the rep link/knuckle and after all the money I’ve put into mine, and messing with setup, I’m starting to think the biggest issue people are having is strictly related to setup (air pressure/sag). I’ve talked to a few guys that don’t get paid to say the bike is good, and they say it. The thing they all have in common is they are good at bike setup, which I am not apparently.
I think my issue with the rear has been the wrong spring rate (which is correct for me according to the manual). I’ll be changing that out next week and running around 40mm static sag rather than 35-36, thanks to input from guys on here.
Honestly I have zero complaints about my bike when I’m fresh. It’s when I get fatigued that the chassis beats me up but could just be a result of being fatigued.
just a crazy thought … what if the chassis is actually softer than the last gen frame … wonder if anyone has actually looked into that? 🤔
During the 23 shootouts we rode the GasGas back to back with KTM/Husky the new chassis is noticeably stiffer to me. Just my 2 cents.
This is something I thought was funny, and says a lot about my ability feel different chassis/bike characteristics. I rode a friends 23 yz450 with engine mounts, full akro exhaust and setup 20-30lbs lighter than me. Other than the weird bars set back pretty far, it felt really similar to my bike and I was comfy right away. Even the power was really smooth and didn’t feel too crazy to me
Yeah but it’s no problem if someone doesn’t feel any difference. We are also getting on bikes to feel differences and trying to pick them a part.
That’s a good point. I’m hoping to be more sensitive to bike feel once I spend some time on a bike I really like
Pit Row
I think to really feel the chassis stiffness you need to ride It with the old and New suspension. Rigid feel Come from chassis, suspensions or both.
So many variables.. suspension settings, clamp offsets, engine mounts, wheelbase, tire pressure, rider ability, soft/ hard dirt, rider ability’s…It’s easy to get lost when you start changing knuckles, links & clamp offsets..
Is this why you moved to the Yamaha Joe?
So FE will get new linkage and window cutout in frame?
Might not be the place for this but I'm on a 24 300 XCW. Old bike was 22 300 XCW. I'm a single track tight woods rider. Old bike was perfect and had WP Pro components front and rear. New bike has same. After riding for 4 hours my back is killing me. Been playing with sag and went from 105 to 110 and it's better but still incredibly stiff. Removed top motor mount bolt. A little better but still stiff. Changed triple clamps and bar mounts and will see if that helps. Seems to be a lot more work to get this bike where I like it compared to any bike I've owned since 2017. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
this is what I did and its fricken amazing
RE 23.5 split clamps, individual bar mounts, not one piece!
pro taper evo bars
14 tooth counter sprocket
66 ft lbs swing arm nut
RE link
Works connection floating axle
KYB conversion spring forks
engine mounts cutout
AME real rubber grips, throw that odi shit in the trash
this list changed everything!
I agree with you guys. I love the new chassis.
Yep, once you get used to it the old one feels like a wet noodle.
I read a lot of this stuff and feel myself getting sucked in thinking I need upgrades... no I don't! 23 450sxf mods are 6500 kit only because I've not run springs in 10 years and wanted to try it, I don't know if they are better or just different.
50 from 51 back sprocket and 10mm back raptor pegs get more leverage on stock shock and all is good to do.
Hoping my best upgrade will be orange and black plastics and new graphics because the white, orange, black purple set up is too much for me.
Last two weekends I've put down 4 to 5 hours on track over both days, and I am no Mike Brown even tho we have the same hairdresser.
Yeah, just looking for something consistent and more forgiving.
Not sure if you are only at 4 hours total, but a pretty universal comment on this chassis is that it takes a good 10-15 hours to break in and develop different flex characteristics. Te cure may be to just ride.
I own both the 2023 KTM450-SXF and 2023 YZ450 and I can tell you for a fact if you think the KTM feels good on a given track at the end of the day go ride a Yam or a Kaw then get back on the KTM you won't be happy. I have a KYB fork on the KTM with the same valving and spring rate and it doesn't feel the same, I really hope KTM can dial in the frame/chassis feel because that is the only real complaint I have with the bike.
First question would be, is the suspension set up for the new bike and your skill level?
Second, as stated above, you will need to give it at least 10 hours to break in. I’d say it’ll keep getting better until the 20 hour mark. I know, super long break in process but that’s how these KTM frames are. It’s also going to holdup longer (maintain its “pop” longer) versus the previous gen frame.
I’ve struggled slightly with the new frame but honestly, I will agree that’s it’s an improvement over the last generation. Yes it is more stiff and rigid but it’s not a deal breaker for me. Give it time and see how you like it.
Here’s what I’ve personally done to help alleviate some rigidity but please note that this is not a fix all solution. This is the characteristic of this gens frame. This is all solely my opinion and I have only. 5 hours on these components so my opinion will change as time goes on. Anyways, here’s what I did.
- FCP engine mounts - I did notice an improvement. Although with the price tag that comes from it, it’s hard to justify in the future.
- WP XACT pro suspension - definitely a game changer. Would recommend if you want to fork over the money but you can get very good alternatives for a fraction of the price. Would recommend a revalve and 6500 inserts.
- REP Linkage - Much more plush and raises the rear 5mm. Mark knows what he’s doing over at REP.
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