2024 Model Updates / KTM Enduro Lineup: Two

May 04, 2023

The updated 2024 KTM 300 XC-W in action. The two-stroke series gets a new fuel injection system for 2024. Photo: KTM

The KTM enduro lineup is updated for 2024 with 95 percent new parts, says KTM. From what we can tell, most of the changes come to the chassis, where the two-stroke and four-stroke models all see updates. However, there are also some interesting electronics updates, as the 2T models get new EFI and the 450 4T model now has traction control and quickshifter available.

On the two-stroke side, KTM brings the 150 XC-W, the 250 XC-W and 300 XC-W back for 2024. The US market will get the four-stroke 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F as street-legal options. Aside from those dual sports, there's also the race-only 450 XCF-W and the new 350 XW-F and 500 XW-F, which are legal for off-road riding in all 50 states, coming complete with USFS spark arrestor. Other markets (Canada, Australia, Europe), will get the same basic platforms, but depending on rules over street legality and the demands of your market, you may see some slight repackaging. Expect 150, 250 and 300 two-stroke options, and 350, 450 and 500 four-stroke options even if you can't street-plate them all.

The changes start with the frame itself. The 2T and 4T KTM enduro lineups both get a new hydro-formed/laser-cut/robot-welded frame for next season. KTM promises the usual "new longitudinal and torsional flex parameters for unmatched rider feedback, energy absorption, and straight-line stability" that we see every time a manufacturer does this. There's a new 48mm WP XACT closed cartridge fork, with a new mid-valve piston design. In the back, KTM sticks with progressive damping instead of a shock linkage, utilizing a new WP XPLOR PDS shock. Front and rear suspension are fully adjustable for compression and damping via clickers, and KTM says rear preload is easy to adjust.

Once again, KTM includes a lightweight aluminum/plastic rear subframe. Now, all the bike's electronics are caintained in the subframe, which is intended to make for easier access and better protection.

A big benefit of the new frame is revised placement of the engine. It's now tilted two degrees backward, with the front sprocket positioned 3mm lower. KTM says this makes for a better center of gravity, and says the new chassis has much better anti-squat behavior as a result.

The overhauled plastics and new gas tank are supposed to offer improved control. Photo: KTM

The enduro series also gets new bodywork, which is supposed to improve rideability, with better knee contact with the bike. The new gas tank should also help here. Capacity is 8.5L for four-strokes, 9L for two-strokes, and it's translucent so you can easily keep an eye on your fuel level.. The new front fender is also supposed to reduce the amount of muck flung backwards at the rider and machine.

KTM adds new Throttle Body Injection technology to its two-stroke models. It's supposed to offer smooth power delivery, and it's paired with a new reed valve case, which gets plastic flaps on the outside which are supposed to offer better sealing. In turn, this is supposed to avoid the problem of excess fuel in extreme uphills or downhills, which KTM says resulted in the bike running rich.

A beneficial side effect of the new electronic fuel injection and the ECU is implementing the new electronic exhaust control, allowing for two different engine maps, selectable via an optional Map Select switch.

Wot, no fusebox? This Offroad Control Module is what you get instead. Photo: KTM

As part of its changes to the electronic system, KTM has done away with the usual collection of fuses and relays, and instead developed what it calls an Offroad Control Unit. As mentioned above, this is tucked away in the rear subframe, under the seat. It's intended to make it easy to diagnose electric faults, as an LED will indicate if there's trouble in a circuit.

On the competition-only 450 XCF-W model, KTM also offers traction control as an option, and a quickshifter. It's an upshift-only quickshifter, only operating from 2nd through sixth gear. Like the engine mapping on the two-stroke models, the 450's new electronic options are controlled via the Map Select Switch, which is also optional.

KTM's updated XC-W and XF-W models should start arriving at North American dealers in June, 2023. The EXC-F and XW-F models start arriving in August. For a more detailed bike-by-bike breakdown of changes, visit KTM's website. As usual, there are no MSRPs listed there; check with your local dealer for those details.