Idk if it's because I'm a larger dude at 210lbs, but I just got a 2024 KTM mx bike and it's tying for second place in terms of my favorite chassis feel ever. I've had 20 dirt bikes in the past 20 years, at least. This 2024 KTM is so comfy and compliant, with barely any vibrations. I ride a crappy, ungroomed public track too. The reviews all say the opposite, and had me second guessing buying one for 2 years.
I had a 2022 KTM and the chassis felt too soft and the suspension valving too stiff. After adding fork pressure and changing the rear spring for my weight, I had no traction on that bike. That 2022 was probably the worst new bike experience I've ever had (including street bikes). Had to ride it softer, which came with its own set of flaws. The new ergonomics on the 2023-2026 feels much more like a Japanese bikes too, like Honda or Kawasaki.
What gives? Modern reviews nitpicking because bikes getting so good and so close together, or me thoroughly enjoy a flawed motorcycle because I'm flawed?
From what I know, It's because of your weight. You and I are close to the same weight, and I have a 2024 Gas Gas MC350. The "stiff frame" of 2024's feel much less "stiff" for people over 190lbs.
Just what I've noticed from myself and others.
Also, media outlet reviews are good, but not the end all be all.
Same experience, 23 .+ is very good if you are 200lbs or over. I kept my 2020.5, and riding it again it feels soft and all over the place.
Interesting. I've been relying on the big reviews for decades, but now that I'm in my 30s and heavier/slower, seems like I have to take things with more salt. Chris Keefer said the 2023 and 2024 were stiff, but he also kept a 2024 for a year alongside his Yamaha because he liked it so much. I took a break from KTM research for a while, but started back up recently and saw Keefers 2024-2025 stuff, and it gave me the confidence to buy. Keefer has never steered me wrong as a bigger guy, even though he's of average size.
I added the standard fork pressure for 165-187lbs to the 2024, but haven't even touched the shock yet (adjusting sag on stock, nor new spring for my weight), and the 2024 already feels so much better than the 2022 ever did after changing things. Can't wait to dial this 2024 in. I do plan on losing about 10-15lbs this spring, so we'll see what I even need to do beyond sag and clickers.
Yes the 2022 felt flighty at speed and moved around a lot more.
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I agree, at 95kg my 23 and 25 350sxf have been the best overall handling bikes I've ever owned, perfect blend of comfort and stability in my mind. Much better than my 19-22 models.
I also didn't really notice much difference between my 23 and 25 model which was ment to be a softer chassis, both felt equally as good.
The best bike for the likes of Sexton Webb and Tomac isn't necessarily the best bike for mortals. A deficiency for them may very well be a benefit for the rest. Unless of course you pound through 10 whoops at 50mph, at which point kindly disregard anything I say.
Ok now I know it' a personal size thing. Seems like KTM just engineered the 2023 for slightly heavier folk around 190lbs, and I need to start looking at things from the media slightly differently. I rarely demo bikes, and have lost a lot of money in the past buying new bikes I don't gel with. I'm pretty picky too, which sucks sometimes. Reviews called this thing too stiff and vibey, but it's very close to the best handling untouched (not even sag) bike I've ever had. I feel literally ZERO vibez in my mind, idk what they're going on about. Bikes from 10-20 years ago felt 2-3X as vibey. I was afraid to buy, but that was uncalled for and I'm kinda mad at some of the media.
I recently sold a 2022 KX 250 that was the best handling stock bike I've had the courtesy of piloting, and best ergos. Felt like bikes I've spent a lot of $$ to set up for me personally, but it had zero changes. I had some other issues with it, recalls and quality control, but man that bike handled well. Another bike that most media called "too stiff", but in this case in terms of suspension which I understand because it's supposed to be for 150lb 16 year olds, and it worked well for me at 210lbs lol. Keefer also called that one correctly.
This 2024 KTM is just barely behind that 2022 KX in terms of balance for me, but other qualities of KTM shine brighter, like fit & finish and that 350 engine character. I had a 2018 FC350 that I loved, but this new engine has a little more grunt off the bottom and doesn't rev as high, which I'm fine with. It's not a major difference, but it suits how I ride as I get older. The 2024 KTM ergos feel surprisingly similar to the modern Honda/Kawis, you've got a lot of room in front of you and you sit on top of the bike. 2022 KTM felt "different", to say the least.
Thank you for the insight on the 2023-24 versus 2025-2026 bikes. I was very curious and have read a few things, but you cleared up some thoughts for me.
What bikes are you comparing it to? What tracks or terrain are you riding on? Could be your size or you just have a different feel than other testers.
I’m 175-180 and sold my 23 husky after 20 hours because I just didn’t get along with it. The 25 does feel better to me, but not as good as 2019 KTM or current Kawi/yamaha. But that’s also my feel on the tracks I ride.
Going from 150-160lbs to over 200 will make same bike feel and work different. Some bikes look like cadillacs under big guys but are worst for lighter guys.
You sound just like me ha ha. I've had 12 bikes over the last 3 years, owning 2 or 3 at a time and comparing trying to find my perfect bike. I don't like to call it wasting money I call it expensive learning 🤣
What I've learnt is that all 450's are basically the same, and you'll be fastest on the bike you stick with and get familiar with.
If you want something different and actually fun get a 350 or a 2 stroke. I did both and just added a 25 250sx to join my 350.
Also just to note comparing the 23 to the 25 I was going from a 60 hour old 23 to a new 25 so that could have had an effect for sure.
I’m 160, I love mine. Much higher end suspension on mine but I’ve ridden stock ones and didn’t have an issue. I’ve also ridden all the other new bikes except the new Honda.
Go to KTMTalk and your swear the new bikes are unrideable because of the fuel pump location
I used to buy into reviews until I rode a Suzuki.
After riding a couple YZ450s and a CR450, I don’t think my ‘24 KTM feels overly stiff. Honestly I could ride any of the three and be happy. The 350 motor is the bees knees though!
I like the 23-25 chassis, I know they made some changes to the 25”s vs 23”s but for me the difference is minimal..195lbs…w/out gear… I run 105mm sag and slide forks up/down in clamps to get the turning accuracy I”m looking for….. my 300SX works great in the woods or on MX tracks with just slight adjustments….
The vast majority of those reviewers are paid shills. Listen to those idiots at your peril.
If you have some harshness from the front end on square edge try the 2025 engine mounts. They take some of the sting out.
What is the “issue”? The pump location can’t access the last bit of gas when you’re running low?
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I am only 5'6 150lbs. Got to ride a 23 and 25 frame on the same day before I sold the 2023. IMO it was a noticeable increase in compliance and comfort (For my weight). 23 was fine to me, but 25+ seems to be a slightly better upgrade if you are on the lighter side. The 23 got much more comfortable to me when I started adding weight. (Oversized IMS tank, radiator braces, spring fork conversion and brake disc protectors) Moto, like most things is subjective. I wasn't a huge fan of the 19-22 chassis either, but this frame seems to be one of the most polarizing chassis I have ever seen. Also want to throw in, this is my all time favorite chassis! So pumped you dig it!
24 300sx become a totally different bike when I added -10mm down and -10mm back foot pegs. No longer feel like my legs are cramped and I'm only 5'10". Pro taper fusion bars stopped my hands from going numb. Love the bike now. 250lb rider
Yeah it is only a problem on roads. It doesn’t take much bouncing to keep fuel at the pump.
I don't doubt anyone, however fucked if I could ever tell if a chassis was too stiff, or soft.
Suspension issues, yes, swingarm flexing and the chain popped off, yes.
But modern frames stiff, soft, they are what they are.
As a 210lb guy riding a `24 Husky FC 450 (low suspension) and upgraded it with the new style engine brackets and bike handles great and also is super stable... nothing to complain. Also tried the MY25 bike as well and also didn`t notice that big diffrence...
I think chassis geometry and "feel" are highly, highly overrepresented. Sure, pros can tell the difference and it ruins their day when the frame only flexes 0.01 inches instead of 0.02, but for the rest of us, just get used to the way it turns and you'll be fine.
My bike felt like a works bike after greasing random bolts and removing 1 engine hanger bolt…..I also run a scoop tire mounted backwards for factory like braking….
Sand Pits?
There's a brand new 24' left over at a local shop for a good deal I've been eyeballing. Either that or go complete VET and put a deposit on the 26' Factory Edition.
Magazine testers having to justify their existence when every bike available is basically amazing in the last 5 years (vs the 40 before that when there actually were BAD bikes) means you should take everything they say with a grain of salt - unless you are their same weight, speed, ride almost exclusively at GH and have to say XXX words about the bike to justify your paycheck (and likely ego).
Doesn't mean they don't say things of some value, but again - grain of salt.
When things go off the rails entirely is 1lb/ft of torque or whatever on a previously tightened bolt - throw all that crap in the dumpster.
That’s what I did. I found a brand new 2024 350 SX-F almost 2 weeks ago for $7600 OTD in California. Came from a 2022 250 SX 2T. Immediately more comfortable and confident on the 2024. Feel more traction, like the suspension is working a lot better, and the stiff chassis makes it so accurate. My two stroke track days are almost over (still enjoy them in the woods though), but I grew up riding them and preferring them, so I know it’s not a 2T vs 4T thing for me. 2022 suspension felt harsh for me, and the chassis soft.
I’ve seen a couple more 2024 KTMs on sale new leftover for similar deals, and 2024 GasGas/Huskies for even cheaper! Grab em up!
Pre-COVID prices almost seem back on all but Yamahas around me. I was out of the loop for a bit, and seeing much higher prices for a while on the popular bikes even when leftover.
Terrified? It's not a YZ 490 or something. No modern bikes are terrible. I'm very happy with my '25 SX-f 450.
Terrified to lose money on another bike I couldn’t get along with. Doesn’t happen often, but it just happened with my 2022 and I was on alert.
Post a reply to: Been terrified of the newer (2023+) KTM chassis because of professional reviewers descriptions. The reviews are BS IMO.