Here we have a real-life 2024 KTM 450 EXC-F project in the wild. That means it gets ridden, dropped, cartwheeled, wheelied, smashed through single trail and up over whoops – and sometimes straight into the face of them. It’s serviced at home, improved, broken, fixed, and improved again. The WP Pro upgrades have been installed by Daniel Banks – a pro – and the suspension settings tuned to suit. But the routine maintenance happens in my shed.
LIFE-CHANGING OR WASTE OF COIN?
Every rider who’s experienced great suspension will tell you how transformative it is. I’ve had racers tell me they feel 30% faster. Most pros will say it’s the most important aspect of the bike – and where you should invest first. It was the biggest eye-opener for me, too. If you’re still riding with WP air forks, a WP 6500 or 7500 kit (with cone valves) will make a huge difference. You’ll love it. Same goes for a Pro Trax shock and springs for your weight.
The 2024 enduro models come with vastly improved closed-cartridge spring forks compared to the 2023s, so the upgrades are more subtle. The last two generations of KTMs (and siblings) were far too soft. Now they’re too stiff – which is better – but tuning some of the ADHD behaviour out pays dividends. It might even save you a digger (that’s American for crash).
STEG IT OUT
Most riders go straight for Steg Pegz as their first mod, and it’s easy to see why. You get more control, better grip through your legs, and less arm fatigue for around $250. The downsides? They’re annoying to fit on this model, they can damage plastics, and I’ve already wrecked a set. Still, the upsides far outweigh the negatives.
TRACTION AND TUBES
Upgrading to Michelin Starcross 6 tyres with heavy-duty tubes is a no-brainer – just do it. There’s more grip from the deep tread and better durability. The WP wheels? Honestly, I can’t feel much difference, but having a spare set is handy, so let’s call them optional.
The map switch gave me a small but pleasant improvement for trail riding, especially with the green mode giving a little more punch. It made the engine feel snappier and the bike quicker overall. But it came off in a prang and is now somewhere flattened in the forest. For $150 it’s not a huge outlay, but I often forgot to use it – so again, optional.
SHOCK AND AWE
The Trax shock is my favourite mod. On KTMs, especially with PDS, it gives me that little extra insurance. I find the standard setup kicks harder on square edges and feels a bit more on-edge compared to linkage. The Trax shock makes things safer when you’re pushing on, and there’s always more traction. If you can afford one, you won’t be disappointed – and they hold their value well.
EXHAUSTED IDEAS
I did fit an FMF pipe from my previous bike, but with a thick sand/desert air filter, it ran like a bucket of bolts. It clearly wasn’t getting enough oxygen, and the ECU needs adjusting to suit it. I miss the FMF bark, so it’s back on the to-do list – along with an ECU remap.
TRIPLE CLAMPS & CONE VALVES
The WP Pro triple clamps are the older model (pre-’23), but they still fit and they’re bloody good. Lyndon Poskitt recommended them because of the nav mounting holes on top – perfect for GPS or rally towers. I’m not using that feature right now, but I have noticed less chatter through the bars and a more comfortable ride. They may also reduce weight. A solid upgrade that can transfer between bikes – that’s a win.
The WP 7500 cone valve fork inserts? I love them. The bike is noticeably calmer, faster, and safer through the rough. I used to deflect off rocks and lose the front – not anymore. They soak everything up and keep the bike tracking straight. My setup is still stiff – set up for a pro racer – even though I’m just an 80kg trail punter. And yet, I’m not having any trouble at low speed or in choppy terrain. The faster you go, the better it gets – and I’m not even getting close to the limit. Once I soften it a touch, it’ll be a magic carpet ride. If you can afford the 7500 kit – do it.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Next on the wishlist: PHDS bar mounts to reduce chatter and raise the bars (I’m tall and want more height for standing). A new steering damper – preferably a Precision – is high on the list, but they’re bloody expensive. If I can justify it, I’ll also look at an ECU remap to suit the FMF, a 12L Acerbis tank for longer rides, and some proper lighting.
Why lighting? Because I did a night ride with my mates Tom Pearce and Tim Pengilly who are training for the 24 Hour Reliability Trial. They had those mad rally-style lights. I had the stock KTM headlight (which is decent now) and a dinky mountain bike light strapped to my bars. It was still a blast – night riding adds a whole new layer of fun. But I definitely need more lumens if I want to keep up.
PRICE LIST
- WP Xplor Pro 7500 Cartridge RRP $2500 (on sale $2150 – Banks Race Development)
- WP Xplor Pro 8946 Shock Absorber RRP $3699 (on sale $3000)
- WP Factory Triple Clamps – $915
- WP Factory Wheels – Front RRP $810 (sale $700), Rear RRP $980 (sale $800)
- Michelin Starcross 6 Tyres – $315 (set)
- Steg Pegz (Desert Kings) – $244
- KTM Map Switch – approx. $175
- SKDA Sticker Kit – approx. $330
LATEST MODS
The latest three additions to the build are:
- WP Pro 7500 (Cone Valve) Cartridge Inserts
- WP Pro Triple Clamps (older model)
- WP Banks & SKDA sticker kit
Previously fitted:
4. WP Pro Trax Shock
5. WP Excel Rims (front & rear)
6. Michelin Starcross 6 tyres with HD tubes
7. KTM Map Switch
8. Steg Pegz
