Licks Cycles: KTMS 2024 ENDURO MODELS: YOUR FAQS ANSWERED

After testing KTM’s radically totally different 2024-model enduro bikes on the current worldwide media launch, we will now reply your most steadily requested questions on these landmark new machines.

As extensively anticipated, KTM’s 2024 EXC and EXC-F fashions have adopted a higher majority of the 2023 MX vary’s sweeping adjustments to engine, body, subframe, swingarm, bodywork and electronics. However are these 2024 enduro fashions actually as revolutionary as KTM claims? Has the all-new closed-cartridge WP fork materially altered the best way they journey and deal with? What have an effect on did the two-stroke fashions’ transfer from a TPI (Switch Port Injection) to a TBI (Throttle Physique Injection) fuel-injection system have on efficiency, and the way do these 2024 bikes nonetheless meet Euro5 emission regs? Has KTM performed job of adapting the MX fashions’ all-new and way more inflexible body to the PDS-shod (no linkage) enduro fashions? Why is it that the mods to the four-stroke engines appear to have been overshadowed? And which of the numerous contemporary elements on these 2024 enduro fashions genuinely bounce out as new and improved?

Sure, each time a producer unveils new-gen bikes, it tends to generate a barrage of questions. And that’s precisely what we’ve copped from our viewers within the wake of the current worldwide media launch for KTM’s 2024 enduro mannequin vary – not simply because actually 95% of those bikes’ components are new, but additionally as a result of they’re primarily based on a very new design philosophy: the ‘stiff body idea’. These 2024 fashions are arguably KTM’s most radically up to date enduro machines ever, which is why our first take a look at of this stuff has been each fascinating and revealing.

From the mountain of questions you guys have thrown at us since our preliminary video suggestions from the worldwide media launch in Lesotho, listed below are the solutions to your most steadily requested ones…

WERE THE BIKES AT THE INTERNATIONAL LAUNCH TESTED IN STANDARD TRIM?

Largely, however not solely. For added safety towards Lesotho’s excessive, rock-strewn terrain, all take a look at bikes had been fitted with Michelin mousse tubes and Metzeler 6-Days Excessive tyres (rather than the usual Maxxis hoops), a floating entrance brake disc, entrance disc guard, skidplate and handguards (as not all worldwide markets match each to all fashions), and the bar-mounted map-selector swap (which solely comes as normal gear on the four-stroke fashions in most international locations). Just a few of the take a look at bikes had been additionally fitted with the odd KTM PowerParts Accent, merely to present journos the chance to pattern their influence on efficiency.

EVERYONE IS REFERRING TO KTM’S 2024 ENDURO MODELS AS “NEW-GENERATION” OR EVEN “RADICALLY DIFFERENT”. BUT HOW NEW ARE THEY REALLY?

Understandably, numerous consideration has been centered on two key upgrades – the vary’s all-new closed-cartridge WP fork and the two-strokes’ TBI (Throttle Physique Injection) EFI system – partly as a result of neither had been extensively anticipated to look on these 2024 enduro fashions. However the actuality is that the 2024 refresh runs method, method deeper than suspension and gasoline injection upgrades. Actually, 95% of the vary’s elements are new. Brakes, clutch, hubs and wheels are just about the one bits carried over from their predecessors. The 2024 bikes are immediately recognisable as a result of in every single place you look – body, subframe, bodywork, engine, swingarm, suspension, plus a complete heap of working gear – they’re noticeably totally different from what got here earlier than them. All of which implies these 2024 fashions are each bit as “new-generation” as KTM’s landmark new enduro-model platforms launched in 2012 and 2017. The truth is, as a result of the 2024 vary makes use of a very new ‘stiff body idea’ design philosophy, you would argue they signify KTM’s most radically up to date enduro machines ever – or at the least since 1998. And while you first lay eyes on these bikes, you get the rapid sense they’ve leapt ahead a number of years in a single.

HOW DOES THE ALL-NEW WP XACT 48MM FORK – THE FIRST CLOSED-CARTRIDGE FORK TO BE FITTED TO A KTM PRODUCTION ENDURO MODEL – AFFECT THE BIKES’ OVERALL RIDE AND HANDLING?

Briefly, it creates a noticeably firmer and racier really feel to the 2024 bikes’ general journey and rewards riders who can push it. In contrast with the XPLOR open-cartridge fork, WP’s XACT Closed-Cartridge fork in all probability offers away a bit initial-stroke plushness in slow-speed, technical terrain (utilizing the usual compression clicker settings, anyway), however it delivers noticeably extra management and development by means of the stroke and much more bottoming resistance in the case of large hits and G-outs. And that added versatility – which is what precisely what you’d anticipate from a closed-cartridge fork – means a extra comfy journey throughout a wider vary of terrain. Most importantly, although, this new fork offers the 2024 chassis a way more impartial front-to-rear weight bias – particularly on the four-stroke fashions – by holding the fork up in its stroke extra constantly. Gone is that nose-down really feel that heavier, quicker riders have lengthy criticised the XPLOR fork for and, in consequence, the brand new rolling chassis has a extra steady, planted, sure-footed really feel – notably at excessive pace. These new bikes are much less vulnerable to getting unsettled or knocked off line by giant impacts, and that offers you the arrogance to assault larger obstacles with extra aggression. For these of you’ve sampled WP’s $2000 aftermarket XPLOR Professional 6500 Cartridge-Package fork … nicely, this XACT Closed-Cartridge fork feels a lot the identical. Which is smart as their designs are very comparable. Admitted, there’s no exterior spring preload possibility on the manufacturing XACT CC fork, however this may be bought as a PowerParts Accent.

DO THE DIFFERENT CAPACITIES STILL USE THE SAME SPRINGS RATES AND DAMPING SETTINGS?

Fortunately, no! For 2024, KTM has reverted to utilizing devoted spring charges and valving settings for the totally different capacities, slightly than the one-size-fits-all strategy that they took with a number of EXC and EXC-F fashions between 2020 and 2023. Given the totally different weight bias and engine braking character throughout the mannequin vary, it is smart that suspension settings are not a part of the design standardisation course of.

DIDN’T THE PDS SHOCK ALSO COME IN FOR SOME NOTABLE CHANGES?

It certain did. In contrast to the brand new WP XACT CC fork, it’s nonetheless known as a WP XPLOR PDS shock absorber, however it’s had a serious overhaul for 2024. It’s extra compact, 380g lighter, and will get a bunch of recent internals – all designed to work in concord with the all-new anti-squat, stiff body idea. Whilst you can perceive why the brand new closed-cartridge fork has stolen the limelight, the much-revised PDS shock’s efficiency beneficial properties shouldn’t be underestimated. Identical to up entrance, this new shock offers the 2024 bikes a noticeably extra planted and confidence-inspiring rear-end journey, below each acceleration and braking. And it appears to work particularly nicely in combatting undesirable wheelstands when climbing snotty hills. Notably, this new PDS shock additionally comes with two added conveniences: similar bearings for its higher and decrease mounts, and tool-free clickers all-round.

HOW HAS KTM MANAGED TO ADAPT THE MX MODELS’ RIGID FRAME TO THEIR 2024 ENDURO MODELS, AND STILL ENSURE THEY DELIVER A COMPLIANT RIDE FOR OFF-ROAD TERRAIN?

On paper, it could seem to be the all-new fork and shock headline these 2024 fashions’ upgrades. However in actually, probably the most important change to the 2024 enduro vary is the body, which is now a lot nearer to the frames used on their MX-model counterparts than ever earlier than. And in contrast with the 2023 EXC/EXC-F fashions, the 2024 enduro body is between 20 and 30% extra inflexible – relying on which axis you’re speaking about. This ‘stiff body design idea’ – defined at some size by KTM’s Off-Highway Product Supervisor, Fabian Gusta – is the platform round which all the opposite adjustments revolve. And that flies within the face of standard knowledge. What can we imply by that precisely? Properly, up to now, KTM’s enduro-model frames used a special geometry, totally different wall thickness in a number of areas, and visibly much less gusseting across the steering head in comparison with the MX fashions – all of which was designed to present them a extra forgiving and compliant off-road journey. However for the 2024 enduro fashions, slightly than constructing that further flex into the body itself, KTM’s design staff has created compliance by focusing on different design parts the place flex traits could be higher managed. For instance, the enduro body’s all-new lateral bridge (which homes the PDS’s higher shock mount) is important in introducing longitudinal flex into the body. Equally, the enduro fashions’ frames are extra versatile across the swingarm pivot (in that solid part that hides behind the body guards) as a result of that works way more successfully with the PDS shock absorber. Plus, different elements on the enduro bikes – such because the triple clamp meeting and engine mounts – are additionally designed to be extra versatile than their MX-model equivalents. In different phrases, the ‘stiff body’ is there to put the inspiration for straight-line stability, whereas the fork and shock are left to do what they’re speculated to do: independently take in impacts.

THE 2024 BIKES’ BODYWORK SURE LOOKS DIFFERENT, BUT IS THERE A NOTICEABLE CHANGE IN THE FEEL OF THE ERGOS WHEN RIDING?

Completely there may be – and for a couple of causes. For one, though the brand new radiator shrouds seem very lengthy and pointy from side-on (resembling the shrouds on KTM’s 2012-model MXers), they really bend inwards considerably at their ideas – a lot in order that the fork legs solely simply clear them at full lock. While you mix that with the shrouds’ bevelled-over higher edges, the entire front-end of the bike is now method narrower. And that makes it much less prone to snag your boots when cranked over in deep ruts (regardless of the marginally lower-bend bars for 2024). For one more, with the all-new footpegs being a bit decrease, additional again and mounted farther inboard, the brand new peg/seat/handlebar triangle creates a stronger stance on the bike. And while you mix that added ankle- and calf-area leverage with the revised form of the plastics across the bike’s girth, the result’s larger and extra symmetrical contact ‘patch’ in your boots and knees, which provides you noticeably extra buy on the bike and takes weight off your arms.

WHAT ARE THE NOTICEABLE CHANGES IN THE 2024 BIKES’ POWER DELIVERY COMPARED WITH THEIR PREDECESSORS?

To be sincere, it’s troublesome to reply that query with a lot conviction at this stage as a result of our complete take a look at journey in Lesotho was performed at excessive altitude – like, between 1600 and 2400m above sea stage – which sucks energy from any inner combustion engine. What we will say is that, even within the skinny environment, the fuelling on each the two- and four-strokes was impeccable. And regardless of the technical nature of the terrain, it was spectacular to look at that there was barely a flame-out all day.

IS IT TRUE THAT THE EFI SYSTEMS AND/OR MAPPING HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED ON BOTH THE TWO- AND FOUR-STROKES?

Yup. The truth is, that’s an understatement. However after we’re speaking enhancements in EFI, it’s the two-strokes that steal the present. So, let’s begin together with your questions on two-strokes as a result of their EFI system has are available for probably the most important change in 2024.

HOW BIG A DIFFERENCE DOES THE NEW THROTTLE BODY INJECTION (“TBI”) MAKE ON THE TWO-STROKE MODELS’ PERFORMANCE?

A giant distinction – a lot of which, it’s bought to be stated, has to do with the simultaneous introduction of the all-new digital power-valve system to those two-stroke fashions. You’ll be glad to listen to that the transfer from TPI to TBI additionally makes these previous TPI idiosyncrasies a factor of the previous. No extra ‘searching’ revs at fixed throttle openings. No extra inconsistent idle pace. And no extra questioning which power-valve spring to make use of. However extra importantly, the TBI bikes’ energy supply feels extra like a carb-fed two-stroke than the super-linear energy that has polarised opinion concerning the TPI-fed fashions ever since their look in 2018. In different phrases – and simply as we discovered with KTM’s 2023 two-stroke MX fashions – the TBI-fed energy has a extra ‘conventional’ two-stroke character. Clearly, the ability supply differs relying on the mannequin’s capability, however usually phrases you may load the TBI bikes up at very low revs and chug effectively up slippery rock ledges, after which open the faucets to unleash a noticeably extra thrilling surge of two-stroke energy when it comes onto the pipe at increased revs. And regardless of widespread scepticism that this TBI fuel-injection system wouldn’t have the ability to meet Euro5 emission requirements, they’ve – thanks largely to advances in thermo dynamic evaluation, in line with KTM’s engineers.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TWO-STROKE, AND WHY?

Like most journos I spoke with on the launch, two two-stroke fashions stood out – the 150EXC for its sheer efficiency, regardless of being a small-bore at altitude; and the 300EXC for its capacity to each rock-climb and rev higher than the 250EXC – albeit with a barely much less agility when being flicked facet to facet in tight terrain. And seeing because the 300 and I made it simply up a couple of intimidating rock ledges the place I used to be sure issues would finish in tears, this big-bore will get my vote. The opposite factor value noting concerning the two-strokes is the very fact their new digital power-valve has given them real dual-map versatility. Quite than their predecessors (which solely made ignition timing adjustments for Map #2), the addition of the EPV signifies that Map #2 now adjustments each ignition and gasoline settings and is noticeably livelier than the usual Map #1. Fortunately, that additionally means the two-strokes lastly fall in keeping with the four-strokes in that the inexperienced Map #2 is now an aggressive model of Map #1, slightly than the opposite method round. Sadly, it appears to be like just like the map-selector swap gained’t come normal on the two-strokes in most markets, and should be bought as a PowerParts Accent.

HEY, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RIBBED EXPANSION CHAMBER ON THE TWO-STROKES?

Good query, and one which I used to be fast to ask of KTM’s design staff after I first clapped eyes on these two-strokes. In any case, when the ribbed pipes had been launched again in 2017, KTM had instructed us they had been an unequivocal win-win; that they had been stronger than a traditional enlargement chambers and they managed to assist muffle noise emissions. It seems that, with the change from the centrifugal to digital power-valve for the 2024 fashions, the extra house created allowed KTM to route their enlargement chambers in a extra compact method – nearer to the engine and body and with extra floor clearance – and nonetheless discover efficiency beneficial properties. In different phrases, the brand new design negated the necessity to reinforce the pipe with ribs, and this additionally eradicated buyer complaints concerning the added prices related to eradicating dents from the ribbed pipe.

WHAT ABOUT THE FOUR-STROKES? WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE THUMPER MODEL?

Driving all 4 capacities back-to-back actually bolstered the variations of their character and talents, however I discovered it tougher than ever earlier than to choose a transparent favorite as a result of I reckon each capability has taken a step ahead for 2024, and since every does at the least one factor higher than the remaining. And, similar to the two-strokes, the mapping on the four-strokes was spot-on – they had been a lot much less inclined to flame-out than their predecessors, even while you gave them a handful of throttle from low revs at over 2000m altitude! As all the time, the 250EXC-F is brilliantly agile and punches method above its weight by way of each energy and torque – and that’s regardless of its transfer to an over-square bore-and-stroke configuration for 2024. The 450EXC-F stays the quickest-revving, most aggressive, raciest engine of the 4. With the 500EXC-F delivering its longer-stroke, torquer energy by means of a taller ultimate gearing combo, it stays the clear stump-pulling tractor of the quartet, plus it feels prefer it’s been the most important beneficiary of the brand new anti-squat chassis with the rearward tilting of its taller engine paying large agility dividends. That leaves the 350EXC-F, which is also known as the best-of-both-worlds all-rounder. For me, the longer I rode the factor, the extra I realised it stays the right trade-off between energy, agility, rideability, enjoyable issue and all-terrain versatility.

DID YOU TRY THE NEW QUICKSHIFTER ON THE FOUR-STROKES?

I did. And it’s been cleverly integrated into the bar-mounted switchblock that homes the map-selector and TC bottons. However to be sincere, the technical terrain on the launch didn’t precisely lend itself to pinned-throttle gearshifts. And, simply as we discovered 12 months in the past when this know-how first appeared on KTM’s MX fashions, it does take a while to get used to. Then once more, while you come out of the bush after a day’s using together with your mates and reduce a couple of racy laps round a grasstrack earlier than calling it a day, you simply would possibly come to understand the Quickshifter. In any case, it’s there as a regular possibility, and could be switched on or off at any time on the fly.

HAS THE ‘STANDARDISATION’ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY FILTERED THROUGH FROM KTM’S 2023 MX MODELS TO THE 2024 ENDURO RANGE?

Sure, and for all the explanations spelled out by the KTM Group’s Rob Twyerould after the discharge of the new-gen MXers from KTM and Husky a yr in the past. This isn’t the primary time KTM has constructed bikes utilizing a shared platform technique between MX and enduro fashions, however it’s honest to say that KTM has taken their standardisation technique a step additional with their 2024 enduro machines. And never simply with the shared most important body and subframe. The MX and enduro fashions now share the identical body geometry, seat, bodywork (except for tank and headlight, after all) and footpegs – simply to call a couple of. After which inside the enduro vary itself, there are solely three totally different frames (one for the 150EXC, one for the 250/300EXC, and one for the 250/350/450/500EXC-F four-strokes) and two totally different transmissions (one for the 150EXC, and one for the opposite six fashions) – albeit with totally different secondary and ultimate gearing. Primarily, KTM has now unified many components, however solely the place it has made sense.

WHICH OF THE 95% OF NEW COMPONENTS REALLY STOOD OUT AS GENUINELY NEW AND IMPROVED?

While you’re eyeballing at a spread of bikes that boast so many new components, it’s troublesome to know the place to look and what to attract consideration to. However listed below are the objects that made their method into my pocket book after poring over these new machines on the launch after which using them for 140 of probably the most gruelling kilometres I’ve ever performed:

Sidestand – solid, smooth and robust, however a bit awkward to flick down with a set of trainers on.
Chain information and chain slider – cleverly made, extra sturdy variations of their predecessors.
Handguards – large, sturdy, efficient safety towards tree strikes and crash injury, however not the prettiest issues.
Headlight – now LED and thrice extra highly effective than the 2023 model.
Skidplate – conforms to the body cradle method higher than earlier than and provides the engine circumstances noticeably extra safety.
Switchblocks – smooth, fashionable and purposeful, with the recessed kill swap stopping inadvertent chest strikes.
Software-free clickers (on each fork and shock) – what higher option to encourage homeowners to fiddle with suspension settings and discover the optimum set-up for them?!
Electronics – the under-seat OCU (Off-road Management Unit) headlines an all-new electronics package deal by not solely putting off these agricultural-looking fuses and relay switches; but additionally serving to with electrical troubleshooting. The addition of the ‘rollover’ tech makes numerous sense for enduro using too.
Handlebar mounts – extra crash-proof, because of the brand new one-piece higher bar clamp and bigger clamping floor space.
Bar pad – larger is healthier until it’s getting in the best way of your view of the instrument (which it doesn’t).
Textured surfaces – from gripper seat to particular patterns on body guards, engine covers and shrouds, KTM has clearly put numerous thought into the sturdiness of each single part.
High quality plastics – gone are the times when plastics seem one step faraway from ice cream containers; this stuff at the moment are excessive gloss, super-strong precision components.
Rear wheel wizardry – an ingenious little lip has been machined into the LHS swingarm and rear brake calliper, so the rear wheel now sits in place with out the axle inserted.
Radiator louvres – the elimination of the decrease cross-member means leaves and grass can now be simply cleared, plus the entrance guard’s fins are designed to deflect mud away from the radiators.
Serviceability – with key bolts’ torque settings and “oil” or “fluid” now solid into engine circumstances, and arrowed reminders the place copper washers have to be fitted, proprietor upkeep is now idiot-proofed.

ARE THESE BIKES LIKELY TO COME WITH HEFTIER PRICE TAGS WHEN THEY ARRIVE ON AUSSIE AND KIWI DEALER FLOORS IN SEPTEMBER?

KTM Australia is but to announce pricing for the 2024 fashions, however you’d should suppose an MSRP improve is on the playing cards – as a result of if there was ever a compelling purpose to hike costs, these new-gen 2024 fashions present it. Then once more, for those who take heed to KTM sellers – who say a big proportion of buyer have been paying for mods to the usual XPLOR fork (or becoming WP’s $2000 XPLOR Professional 6500 closed-cartridge package) earlier than their bike even leaves the showroom – then the web price for these prospects could even come down a tad in 2024. Pricing is all the time an evocative challenge, so it’ll be attention-grabbing to see what transpires.

HOW WAS IT GETTING TO RIDE THOSE NOTORIOUS ROOF OF AFRICA TRAILS IN LESOTHO?

Epic! It was a memorable expertise in mesmerising terrain, however I felt like I’d been run over by a bus for a couple of days afterwards!