Off-road ranges updated for 2024 By Ben Purvis
Motocross and enduro bikes are traditionally launched long before their road-going cousins in preparation for a winter's off-road season, and many of the updated 2024 models from a variety of brands have already been released. Here's a round-up of the main changes seen so far.
Kawasaki
The Kawasaki KX450 motocross bike and KX450X cross-country competition model are both essentially the same, and for 2024 they're being classed as 'all-new' machines.
The updates start with an engine that has a completely revised intake, including new valves, moved in the head to be more vertical and match the reshaped ports, a change claimed to increase power throughout the rev range. On the exhaust side, there's a new pipe, mounted in the centre of the bike for better mass centralisation, and the whole lot is bolted to a redesigned aluminium perimeter frame which optimises rigidity.
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| Kawasaki KX450 |
The brakes are completely new, with Kawasaki switching to Brembo as a supplier for the first time, although the rear caliper is still from Nissin. Of course, there's new bodywork as well, designed to make it easier to shift around on the bike and adding a quick-release side cover to access the air filter without tools.
On board there are new bar controls, with a traction control and power mode switch on the left, and the bike's power modes can be accessed and tweaked via Kawasaki's Rideology smartphone app.
KTM
KTM's focus so far has been on its 2024 enduro range, with an EXC line-up that's claimed to feature 95% new components including a new frame and new suspension.
The new frame is made of laser-cut, robot welded steel, claimed to improve rider feedback with a balance of rigidity and flex. Both the two-stroke EXC and four-stroke EXC-F models have new 48 mm WP XACT forks, matched to an updated version of the WP XPLOR PDS rear shock. They also get a new two-piece subframe made of polyamide and reinforced aluminium, plus all-new bodywork.
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| KTM 300 EXC Hardenduro |
The two-stroke models - the 150 EXC, 250 EXC and 300 EXC - have new throttle body fuel injection, claimed to give smoother power delivery reminiscent of carburetors, but without the need to change jets for different altitudes. They also have a new reed valve case that prevents rich running under extreme up or downhill conditions, and two selectable engine maps.
The four-stroke EXC-F machines, in 250 cc, 350 cc, 450 cc and 500 cc forms, have their engines tilted back by two degrees and mounted lower, improving mass centralisation and traction. They also get traction control for the first time, as well as a quickshifter to allow clutchless upshifts.
For 2024, KTM has also introduced the new 300 EXC Hardenduro model, loaded with more parts, including extra protection in the form of new hand guards, clutch slave cylinder guard, a composite skid plate and brake disc guards.
Husqvarna
As usual, Husqvarna's off-road models ape the changes made to their near-identical KTM counterparts. That means the two-stroke TE 150, 250 and 300 models get the same throttle body injection as the KTM EXCs, and the four-stroke FE 250 and 350 have the same engine position changes as the EXC-Fs. They also get the same all-new frame used on the KTMs, and the same suspension upgrades.
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| Husqvarna TE 150 |
The Husqvarnas do differ in their bodywork, featuring marque-specific plastics and colours.
