How KTM Plans To Wave The Two

Oct 03, 2023

Simple, with some modern updates for its two-stroke squad!

With three decades of off-road racing and 126 Enduro titles in the bag, it's safe to say KTM is the bikemaker to beat in the enduro world. Credit here goes to its extensive assortment of motorcycles that can take on anything you throw at them. Or anything you throw them at.

For 2024, Team Orange plans to level up its prowess further, courtesy of its new EXC range. The refreshed lineup boasts a plethora of updates (KTM says they’re 95 percent new) to the chassis, suspension, and engine, all aimed to make them better than ever. More importantly, KTM has some never-seen-before tech to make two-strokers easier to live with, so you can realize your two-stroke dreams.

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For 2024, KTM's enduro lineup comprises three two-stroke and three four-stroke offerings. The former includes the 150 XC-W, 250 XC-W, and 300 XC-W, while the latter has 350 EXC-F, 500 EXC-F, and 450 EXC-FW. In addition, there are two new 350 XW-F and 500 XW-F models which are legal for off-roading in 50 states, thanks to a pre-equipped USFS-approved spark arrestor as standard. In case you want full road legality, the only two options remain the 350 EXC-F and 500 EXC-F. With that out of the way, let's come to changes.

The most notable update comes to the underpinnings. All KTM EXCs boast an all-new hydro-formed, laser-cut, and robot-welded chassis. Finished in powder black, the frame is joined to a new subframe outback, crafted from reinforced aluminum and polyamide. KTM suggests the new chassis-subframe combination provides more feedback and improved straight-line stability in your beloved trails.

Another key benefit of the new chassis is a new engine placement for the four-stroke models. Their engines now tilt two degrees backward and the front sprocket sits three millimeters lower, both to ensure an improved center of gravity. Plus, the subframe now houses all electrical components for easier access and more safety when you’re jumping around.

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Besides, the 2024 EXC offerings now ride on new 48 mm WP XACT Closed Cartridge Spring forks. Unlike the previous WP XLOR forks, these have a new mid-valve piston setup to offer better oil flow inside the tubes, thus improving performance. Meanwhile, the WP XPLOR PDS shock (mounted directly to the swingarm) remains as it is. Both ends offer full adjustability (via hand knobs), in addition to 300 mm travel up front and 310 mm travel outback. Like the monoshock, the high-spec spoke wheels, Maxxis MaxEnduro tires, and petal rotors (260 mm front/220 mm rear) are also carried forward from the 2023 model.

Coming to the engine, KTM has whipped up a new electronic throttle body injection (TBI) setup for its two-stroke engines. It's said to offer a smooth power delivery equivalent to carburetor levels, albeit with no need for a re-jet at different altitudes. In addition, the reed valves have updated plastic flaps that ensure a better seal and prevent the fuel to be too rich in varied conditions. Also part of the package is an Off-road Control Unit (OCU). This eliminates the need for physical fuses and relays, as the OCU has red/green LEDs to notify whether the ignition, lights, brakes, fuel pump and fan run fine.

In the meantime, the four-stroke engines remain unchanged, thanks to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach. The 450 EXC-F's engine, however, is now compatible with a quickshifter (a first for enduros) and traction control, both sold as accessories. For horsepower figures of each EXC, head to KTM's official website.

Finally, all the 2024 KTM EXCs flex a new design. Gone is their old bodywork in favor of new plastic panels, developed in tandem with Red Bull KTM Factory riders. This promises an increased knee contact patch on the tank (whether you’re standing or sitting), in addition to revised ergonomics. A closer look reveals new 8.3-liter and 8.9-liter transparent, polythene fuel tanks for the four-stroke and two-stroke enduro motorcycles, respectively. These blend in with the new panels to let you monitor fuel levels with ease. As you’d expect, there's a new livery too, complete with orange-purple graphics, an orange seat, and a black exhaust.

If you like what KTM has done with its EXC range, you’re in luck because the EXC range will reach American dealerships in June. KTM USA will start things off with the 2024 XC-W and XCF-W, followed by the EXC-F and XW-F in late August. Check out their MSRPs below:

Punya is an avid motorcyclist who's always up for a ride to the canyons or the racetrack. He insists his riding skills are better than his writing skills, even though he's worked with some world-renowned automotive websites.