The 2024 KTM 450 XCF-W is the flagship headlight-equipped enduro bike from KTM, and the lone four-stroke in its XC-W off-road lineup. It gets an all-new chassis and electronics updates for 2024, and it sells for $11,999.
The 450cc SOHC single pairs with a wide-ratio 6-speed transmission and a self-adjusting, hydraulically actuated clutch. An optional PowerParts switch, priced under $200, unlocks two engine maps, defeatable traction control, and an upshift-only quickshifter that works from 2nd through 6th gear. Each map runs with or without traction control, giving four power deliveries, from smooth for sloppy, technical woods to sharp for wide-open grass tracks.
An Offroad Control Unit under the seat replaces vulnerable fuses and relays, shutting down a problem component and identifying it with green and red lights. A rollover sensor shuts the engine off in a crash.
The new chromoly steel frame is hydroformed, laser cut, and robot welded, with flex tuned for feedback and stability. The engine is rotated two degrees rearward, the swingarm is die-cast aluminum, and the polyamide-reinforced aluminum subframe is designed to flex back into position after a fall. More flex in the steering stem reduces fatigue over a long race.
The WP Xact fork now uses a spring with a closed cartridge, plus a hydrostop to resist bottoming over its 11.8 inches of travel. The linkage-less WP Xplor shock has progressive damping and 12.2 inches of travel, and with no linkage hanging low, it is well suited to rocks and logs. Damping is adjustable without tools at both ends.
Ergonomic updates include a flatter seat, larger footpegs shaped for clearance in ruts, a Neken handlebar with the SX bend, and grippier frame protectors. A transparent 2.2-gallon fuel tank, tool-free air filter access, and an exhaust that comes off without pulling the shock simplify maintenance. The seat height is 37.9 inches, and the 450 XCF-W weighs 250 pounds wet.
Benda motorcycles are beginning to make a ripple on US shores with four intriguing and competitive models, courtesy of its partnership with Keeway Group. We were impressed with the Napoleonbob 500 and have now gotten our gloves on the persuasive, entry-level 2026 Benda Chinchilla 300, with its modest MSRP of $4999. It would be difficult to design a more welcoming entry-level cruiser than this easy-handling, visually appealing boulevard bobber. Editor Don Williams and Associate Editor Kelly Callan discuss the Benda Chinchilla 300 and how it actually rode for them.
* * * * *
Our guest this episode is Jesse Merriman, Chief Technician for Jeremy McWilliams at the Arch Motorcycle racing project. Arch Racing was founded by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reevs to compete in the Moto America Super Hooligan race series. Teejay Adams chats with Jesse about the Arch motorcycle and the challenges of extracting the absolute most from an air-cooled V-Twin racing engine and custom chassis.
* * * * *
Here’s quick reminder to check out our monthly digital magazine. It’s filled with everything you want to read on motorcycling, including some things you’ve probably not seen elsewhere. It’s absolutely free and you will find it on the Apple App Store and of course on Google Play as well.
Don’t forget to leave us your comments on our social media—we’re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback… so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, we’d love to hear those ideas too!
We use cookies and browser activity on this website
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Advertising helps us keep our content available for free, so adjusting your ad blocking settings will help us.
We appreciate your support!
i
How to Allow Ads on This Site
Depending on your setup, ads may be blocked by a browser extension, VPN, antivirus software, or other application. Here are some common ways to allow ads:
Browser Extensions (e.g., Adblock, uBlock, etc.)
Click the extension icon in your browser toolbar.
Look for an option like "Don't run on pages on this site" or "Pause on this site".
Save the change and refresh the page.
VPNs with Ad Blocking (e.g., NordVPN, Proton VPN, etc.)
Open your VPN app.
Go to settings or features.
Disable any ad blocking or tracking protection features.
Refresh the page.
Antivirus Software or Other Privacy Tools
Check for web protection, ad filtering, or browser privacy settings.
Click the power button to disable it for this site.
Refresh the page.
Not sure what's blocking ads? Look for tools with privacy or filtering features, or check your browser extensions. We only use respectful, non-intrusive advertising.
![2024 KTM 450 XCF-W Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]](https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2024-ktm-450-xcf-w-first-look-9-768x512.webp "2024 KTM 450 XCF-W Buyer’s Guide [Specs, Price]")
