The 2023 GasGas MC450F has all the great parts of its Husky and KTM stablemates and costs $700 less. Equipment: Jersey: FXR Racing Podium Pro, Pants: FXR Racing Podium Pro, Helmet: 6D ATR-2, Goggles: Viral Brand Works Series, Boots: Gaerne SG-12.
A: No, it’s the same. In fact, the 2023 GasGas MC450F hasn’t changed much since its introduction in 2021. This seems to be a GasGas bug, but turns out to be one of the positive features of GasGas. We will talk about it later.
A: If you’ve followed KTM’s production process, you know they rely on “platform sharing” to achieve three goals:
(1) Speed up production. When KTM bought Husqvarna from BMW in 2013, they knew it would normally take four years for a new model to get from the proposed design to the showrooms, but if the Austrians used KTM’s technology (frame, wheels, engine, suspension and components) in 2014 Husqvarna. The only parts that are specific to Husqvarna are plastic parts (fenders, tank, side panels, airbox) and parts sourced from third parties such as rims, handlebars, graphics and color options.
(2) Reduced production costs. Stefan Pierer believes KTM can emulate the automotive industry’s approach to platform sharing. Volkswagen, for example, uses the same principles for its VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda brands. Stefan Pierer did the same with KTM and Husqvarna. In short, KTM doesn’t need to make changes for new engines, frames, or suspension components. They simply use existing structures. This is how the term “white KTM” was born.
(3) Product pricing. Platform sharing does not save money on major Husqvarna or KTM components as individual parts still cost the same no matter which brand is used; however, there are some economies of scale and reduced R&D costs. If you double the number of handlebars, brakes, rims, tires and related parts you buy from outside sources, a large buyer can outbid the supplier at a lower unit price.
A: Until 2021, GasGas is a struggling Spanish brand. Stefan Pierer thinks this is a good fit for his concept of three brands operating on the Austrian assembly line. KTM will be a high-end race bike, Husqvarna will be a respected legacy brand, and GasGas will be a stripped down economy version of KTM.
The acquisition of GasGas allows Stefan Pierer to compete with Japanese brands. GasGas is not meant to compete with KTM or Husky; it is designed to roll off the assembly line at the same retail price as a Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki. GasGas opened up a new demographic for the KTM group – budget riders who were put off by the price of the KTM 405SXF or Husqvarna FC450. It’s a cheaper bike, but it still has a precise chassis, class-leading diaphragm clutch, a Pankl gearbox and a wide available powerband from KTM and Husqvarna.
The 2023 GasGas MC450F is the lightest 450cc race bike. See on the track and weighs 222 pounds. It’s lighter than most 250s.
tire. GasGas uses Maxxis MaxxCross MX-ST tires instead of Dunlop MX33 tires from KTM and Husqvarna.
Triple clamp. Instead of CNC machined aluminum triple clamps from KTM or Husky, the GasGas MC450F features forged aluminum triple clamps from existing KTM off-road models.
disks. While they are unbranded, they are basically the same Takasago Excel rims on the KTM 450SXF, but you save money by not anodizing them.
Extraction system. At first glance, you may not notice that the GasGas MC450F exhaust does not feature a two-stroke resonance chamber.
timer. KTM and Husqvarna have chronographs on the top triple clamps. GasGas does not, mainly because there is no extra space in the forged triple fixtures.
Map switching. The GasGas does not have a map switch on the steering wheel that the FC450 and 450SXF have. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have dual maps, traction control and launch control in its ECU, just that you need to buy a map switch from your friendly local dealer for $170 to get access to them. Without a switch, GasGas is always on map 1 on the KTM.
brake. While early 2023 GasGas models were fitted with Brembo brake calipers, master cylinders, levers and pushrod, later models were fitted with Braktec hydraulic components due to lack of piping. Braktec components are used on some Husqvarna, KTM and GasGas off-road models.
A: You knew there would be a trap, that’s all. Back in 2021 and 2022, the GasGas MC450F retailed for $9599, exactly the same as the Honda CRF450 or Yamaha YZ450F, $200 less than the Kawasaki KX450, $700 less than the KTM 450SXF, $800 less than the Husky FC450, and smaller than KTM. The 450SXF costs $600 less. Suzuki RM-Z450 (if Suzuki dealer charges MSRP).
Blame it on the pandemic, shortages in supply lines and rising commodity prices, but the 2023 GasGas MC450F now sells for $10,199 while the CRF450 and KX450 stay the same (2023 YZ450F goes up to $9,899).
The previously cut-down GasGas MC450F now costs $600 more than a Honda CRF450 or Kawasaki KX450; however, the GasGas MC450F is $700 less than the 2023 KTM 450SXF as they will both increase in price in 2023.
A: MXA always thought GasGas would sell cheap in GasGas spec – cheaper rims, cheaper OEM tires, cheaper suspension components – to avoid raising retail prices. We were wrong! By raising the price by $600 in one model year, the GasGas looks like price gouging. think about it! Yamaha built a new YZ450F motor, chassis, plastics, and WiFi tuners, plus they dropped 4-1/2 pounds, borrowed a KTM steel diaphragm clutch with Belleville washers and finger-adjusted fork clickers, the retail price only went up $300.
If GasGas upgraded the MC450F by the same amount, you could argue that GasGas doubled their 2023 price increase to double the Yamaha YZ450F, but they didn’t. The 2023 GasGas MC450F is the 2022 GasGas MC450F. What do you get for the extra $600? The radiator wing pattern has a shadow below the GasGas logo. oh!
A: For the first time since the Spanish brand moved to KTM’s production facility, the GasGas MC450F is not “platform split” with the 2023 KTM 450SXF. GasGas has only a few parts in common with the 2023 KTM 450SXF, these parts do not include engine, frame, rear shock, lift linkage, airbox, subframe, 3mm countershaft lower sprocket, pedals, swing arms, rear axle, triples clips or electronics. .
This might lead you to think that the GasGas MC450F is a bad bike, but the opposite is actually true. Many riders prefer the GasGas kit. Compared to the 2023 Husky and KTM, it is pristine. While KTM and Husky do have new frames and engines, they aren’t necessarily better than the 2022 GasGas combination – the latter is lighter, more reliable, and parts are readily available.
There are many riders and test drivers who are grateful to GasGas for not updating the 2022 model until 2023. It’s a proven package that not only delivers usable power but doesn’t take too long to break in the frame or frame. The 2023 KTM and Husky are gaining 6 pounds. The 2023 GasGas is the lightest 450cc motocross bike. cm, which weighs 222 pounds (11 pounds less than the 2022 Honda CRF450).
For riders who don’t want to mess around with failed first year models, the GasGas MC450F is a known quantity.
A: The GasGas XACT forks are just as good as the KTM or Husqvarna versions, however they have different valving and configuration than their Austrian cousins. The thump of bumps, rolling whoops, and big jumps make them softer and more enjoyable. Compression and rebound damping is lighter than the KTM 450SXF, but they are stiff enough at full stroke to resist flex.
They are too soft for pros and fast intermediates, but a true pro won’t use stock forks on any brand of bike, including the highly acclaimed Kayaba SSS forks. The GasGas forks are for the average rider – someone who buys their own bike, doesn’t race supercross and has seen a lot of dual races but isn’t about to jump; in other words, for the vast majority of motocross riders.
A: The shock reminds us of a 2019 Husqvarna shock, all the way down to the 42 N/mm GasGas shock spring (the 2023 KTM and Husky have a 45 N/mm spring). The vibration feels very smooth. We didn’t deviate much from the stock settings, however, if you’re over 185 pounds or weigh fast, you may need a 45 N/mm spring.
One note: if you push the GasGas MC450F straight out of the showroom onto the track, the fork and shock are terrible. They are set to tight tolerances at the WP factory, meaning they take hours of driving to get the seals, bushings and gaskets to start leaking. MXA test riders don’t waste time looking for the perfect clicker setting before the three o’clock mark because the shock and fork change with every hour of riding. After three hours, you can safely set the clickers and air pressure to the parameters you need.
GasGas MC450F is a stripper, it has all the details of a hot rod. You just need to connect some dots to make it fly.
A: The GasGas is a more forgiving and comfortable bike than the 2023 KTM 450SXF and Husqvarna FC450. Unlike the rigid frames of the 2023 FC450 and 450SXF, the MC450F frame is more stable. All in all, the GasGas MC450F is a dream come true. From a bouncy chromoly steel frame to a completely neutral geometry, sleek bodywork, remarkably manageable powerband, softer shock springs and fork valving, the MC450F will make you a better rider.
If there is an imp in the processing picture, then this is a forged triple clamp. First, forged aluminum clamps are more forgiving and flexible than CNC machined steel clamps from KTM and Husqvarna. On steep, fast straights and sharp braking bumps, GasGas forged clamps enhance rider comfort. However, while test riders liked the comfort of the forged triple clamps, they complained about the blur when turning. The flex of the forged triple clamps caused the typical “oversteer” and “understeer” situations.
There is no doubt that blank-made triple clamps from e.g. Xtrig, Ride Engineering, Pro Circuit, Luxon, PowerParts and even standard KTM Neken clamps can provide more accuracy with less wiggling, wobbling or roll.
A: As you’d expect, the GasGas has the same dyno curves as KTM and Husqvarna as all three have crescendo motors that deliver consistent power at revs. KTM was the most responsive, Husky was second and GasGas was third. The GasGas is not as fast as the KTM 450SXF and not as soft and smooth as the Husqvarna on the track. At the bottom, it seems weaker, but this is an illusion, because the MC450F develops more power in the range from 7000 to 9000 rpm. MXA never expected GasGas to perform as well as its Austrian counterpart. why not? Three reasons.
(1) Air box cover. Unlike KTM and Husqvarna, GasGas does not offer an optional vented airbox cover. Our first experiment with the GasGas airbox was to remove the restrictive GasGas cap and replace it with a KTM vented cap. The standard GasGas airbox cover has a small wing inside the airbox vent that is designed to ward off dirt but also block air from entering the airbox. We compared it to the KTM airbox cover and found that the KTM winglets were less restrictive than the GasGas. So, we cut off the GasGas wing. What’s more, we switched to a vented GasGas cover (available from UFO Plastic) for KTM-style throttle response.
(2) Maps. GasGas doesn’t have a KTM map switch that allows you to switch between two different ECU maps, but that doesn’t mean GasGas doesn’t have map 1, map 2, traction control, or launch control; it just doesn’t have the switch to access them. You can order a multi-switch for around $170 from your friendly local KTM dealer. It is inserted into the mount behind the front number plate. Without a switch, GasGas is always on map 1 on the KTM.
(3) Silencer. Do you remember the 2013 KTM 450SXF? Not? How about a 2014 Husqvarna FC450? Not? Well, trust us, both models are equipped with an ice cream cone-shaped restrictor inside the perforated muffler core. Unfortunately, the ice cream cone keeps reappearing. While Husky ditched the ice cream cone restrictors for 2021, they’re back on the 2021-2023 GasGas MC450F.
Limiters are not needed on motocross bikes, and it turns out that when they were removed, the mufflers still passed the AMA and FIM sound tests. We replaced the GasGas muffler with a 2022 Husqvarna FC450 muffler without an ice cream cone and can feel the difference.
(1) Flight case. Cut the wings on the airbox cover or order the GasGas vented airbox cover from UFO Plastic.
(4) Preload ring. The plastic pretension ring needs to be strengthened and is easily chewed. The preload rings on 2023 KTMs and Husqvarns are even better.
(7) Spokes. Always check the spokes next to the rear rim lock. If it is loose – and it will be in 5 cases out of 10 – tighten all the spokes.
(8) Neutral. We love how well the Pankl gearbox shifts from gear to gear, but we don’t like how difficult it is to get it into neutral when it’s stationary.
Some 2023 GasGas bikes are equipped with Brembo brakes and some are equipped with Braktec brakes from off-road GasGas models.
(2) Brembo brakes. The Brembo brakes are so well modulated that one-finger braking is a breeze. If your bike has Braktec brakes, they must be thoroughly broken in.
(3) No tools. If you like toolless KTM airboxes (we love), you will love the GasGas airbox. The filter is easily accessible and once you get the hang of it, it’s also easy to put back on.
(5) Ergonomics. The GasGas MC450F offers more flexibility and comfort than its Austrian brother. Minimal changes are needed to feel comfortable.
(7) Silver frames. Black and blue rims are scratched by tire irons and soiled by perches. The silver discs show no signs of wear.
(8) Steel braided brake hose. The GasGas is equipped with a minimum expansion PTFE brake/clutch hose with a 64-strand steel braid.
A: If you have questions about buying a new 2023 KTM 450SXF or Husqvarna FC450, you should consider the 2023 GasGas MC450F. Why? It features a proven engine, frame, brake, clutch and gearbox. Plus, parts and know-how are readily available from any KTM or Husky dealer. As a bonus, it’s red – and everyone feels faster when their bike is red.
Here’s how we set up the 2023 GasGas MC450F suspension for racing. We provide it as a guide to help you find your sweet spot. Setting up your WP XACT fork To get the most out of your WP XACT air forks, you need to understand that air springs work the same way as coil springs. It supports the fork during compression and returns it to its original position during rebound. The first task is to find the optimal air pressure for your weight and speed (easy to do with the straps on the fork legs). After that, all damping changes are made through the clickers. For hardcore racing, we recommend this fork setup for the average rider on the 2023 GasGas MC450F (standard specs in parenthesis): Spring rate: 155 psi (Pro), 152 psi (Mid), 145 psi inch (Fast Beginner), 140 psi. (Vet and Novice) Compression: 12 clicks Rebound: 15 clicks (18 clicks) Fork Leg Height: First line Note: When the orange rubber ring is within 1-1/2 inches of the bottom, we feel better. With this air pressure, we can use the compression damping to fine-tune the travel. Depending on trail conditions, we moved the forks up and down in the triple clamps to change the angle of the bike’s head tube and fine-tune handling.
Post time: Jan-10-2023