2024 KTM 450XCF-W Hard To Ride? - First Impressions

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I'll answer the question posed in the title. No, it's not hard to ride in general, as long as the speeds stay a bit higher. This isn't a bike I'd want to spend much time in 1st gear on though... At the 2024 KTM offroad model launch event I was able to spend some time on the 2024 KTM 450XCF-W. While I don't think this is a bike I'd like to use for tight single track, or tighter woods riding like we had here, it was nice to get some time on a KTM 450 because it's been a while. The forks on these 24 bikes are really, really good from what I could tell on this ride day. And the softer map for this motor made the bike more manageable in the woods section.

I think I'd rather have the 500 cc bike over this one if I was going to use a big bore 4 stroke. They are more gentle and have more low end torque, where this is more of a "racing motor", but it's not a bike I'd want to be racing with because of the softer fork on the W models. I think if I was racing and wanted a 450 to do that, I'd not be on the W models.... I'd be on the XC for that. Deep thoughts, I know!

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[MuddyTubMedia]

Quick shifter and traction control on a dirt bike. Crazy times we live in.

[jetdr]

Have ridden this bike many times in the tight PA woods, very easy to ride, stall proof bike, traction everywhere.

[BLSdarrin]

I have a pair 23's, 300xc and 450xcf and love them both, I basically throw the dice as to which i'm riding. No problems with the 450 in the woods

[Zombierippa]

Alright Kyle, thank you for the video! You are the only one that has made a 2024 450xcfw video and I appreciate it 🤠

[jakebos]

Must say, TC really does make a difference. First time I took out my 2023 450 sxf trail riding I was absolutely amazed at how easily it crawled up hill climbs.

[justinsavs]

XCFW is exactly the bike you'd desert race.

[ShadowsFirst]

Just put up a video of this same bike on some rocky east coast single track. Not hard to ride at all. Loving it!

[ml]

I’m really interested in your thoughts of how the 350 XCW and 450 XCW compare in terms of engine power and handling.

[vino]

Personally, a 250-300 is the biggest size I’ll ever need for the type of riding I do. I don’t think I’ll ever need or want anything bigger 🤙🏽

[william]

We love the 450 excf in Australia we ride the hardest singles we have with them no worries

[dennissawyer]

I love your channel. That said i sure wish you would spend more time riding testing 350's. I have A 2020 350 fx and a 23 300 tx. I absolutely love both bikes and cant pick a favorite. How about giving the 350 some attention 👍🏼

[richardehair-kznp]

I went from a yz426 to an xcw200 and although the 426 had great power the 200 is more fun, less exhausting, and way easier on technical single track. Thanks for the video, I would love to hold that thing wide open and bang the gears.

[Montana_Motorized]

Kawasaki has the phone app like the Yamaha now

[DoctorMotorcycle]

Always wondered why no manufacturer put a quickshifter on a dirtbike, it's such a no-brainer. Not having to fan the clutch or let off to clutchless shift is such an obvious advantage.

[sevtowe]

I still wish KTM would do another 400 xcw that was one of my favorite trail bikes.

[robrozek]

For woods riding do you like the 2023 xc 300 or the 450 xcw l can get a good deal on the left over xc 2023 thank you in between my riding trips your chanel help gets me through .great content

[ryanpearson]

Hey Kyle, I don’t know man, I’ve been watching your riding progression through the years and it looked like you were jelling with that 450 pretty well! Was there any issues with flame out? Do you think it’d lug well in more tech?

[thekevinator]

Have you ridden a 450 XCF? I'm curious how this motor compares.

[jwsporn]

Wait! Not for woods riding? I thought the wide ratio tranny XCF-W was designed for slow technical single track riding. WTF?

[the_rocky_mountain_rider]

I owed a 2022 ex350f and put the map switch on it that ktm sold me. Honestly, could hardly tell the difference with the switch. I now own a 2024 ec300 and does not disappoint. I wonder if the 450 do better with map switch changes than the 350s?