Cody Johnston was the first Dirt Rider tester to sample GasGas’ 2024 models including the MC 250 , MC 350F , EX 300 , and EC 300 . After the MC 250F captured a podium finish in our 2024 250F Motocross Shootout , we took delivery of GasGas’ standard-model flagship motocrosser to put it up against the others in the 2024 450 Motocross Shootout. Before riding it, we grabbed some static and detail shots, and used the opportunity to take a closer look at some of what’s new. Scroll down to get up close and personal with the 2024 GasGas MC 450F.
Fully overhauled for 2024, GasGas’ MC 450F features the same updates given to the MC 450F Factory Edition in 2023—minus the suspension setting and trick parts from its Technical Accessories catalog. Jeff Allen The fun Austrian brand’s standard-model flagship motocrosser’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc single-cylinder engine features a cylinder head that’s lighter and more compact with revised intake ports to boost horsepower. Jeff Allen And increase horsepower it did. The MC 450F spins 54.7 hp on Dirt Rider ’s in-house dyno, which is an increase of 1.7 hp at peak over the 2023 model. Maximum torque measures 34.0 lb.-ft. at the rear wheel. Jeff Allen Header pipe lacks a resonance chamber, unlike KTM’s 450 SX-F and Husqvarna’s FC 450. Jeff Allen Although it doesn’t come with a vented airbox cover like the 450 SX-F and FC 450, the MC 450F’s bodywork has openings that allow more air into the airbox than the prior-generation (2021–2023) iteration. Jeff Allen Without engine map, traction control (TC), launch control, and quickshift (QS) buttons like its Austrian cousins, there are only two buttons found on the MC 450F’s handlebar—electric start and engine stop. Jeff Allen WP’s Xact 48mm closed-cartridge air fork is assigned to front suspension duty. Standard air pressure is 10.7 bar. Jeff Allen Fork compression damping is adjusted atop the right leg with a stock setting of 12 clicks (out, or counterclockwise, from fully closed). Rebound damping is on bottom and standard setting for it is 12 clicks. Jeff Allen Air forks need to be bled too. There’s a bleed screw on the left leg as well. Jeff Allen Forged triple clamps are spec’d like the previous generation, but are new with less material in the middle. Jeff Allen Shock spring rate on the 2021–2023 GasGas MC 450F was 42 Nm, which is the same as what comes on the Austrian trio’s 250cc four-stroke motocross models. Now, the MC 450F is equipped with a 45 Nm spring like the 450 SX-F and FC 450. Jeff Allen According to GasGas, the new swingarm is slightly stiffer and lighter. Rear axle size is 22mm, which is 3mm smaller in diameter than on the 2021–2023 models. Jeff Allen Silver rims return for 2024, as do Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST tires. However, we mounted Dunlop’s Geomax MX34 front and Geomax MX33 rear for our 2024 450 Motocross Shootout. Jeff Allen Braktec components replace the Brembo binders found on the 2021–2023 models. Same goes for the hydraulic clutch system. Jeff Allen Footpegs are larger and feature a different mounting design that positions them further inward on the new double-cradle chromoly steel frame. Jeff Allen A larger fuel tank boasts a capacity of 2.1 gallons, which is approximately a quarter-gallon more than the outgoing unit. Jeff Allen Number plates are shaped quite differently than before, but DeCal Works preprinted backgrounds still line up perfectly. Jeff Allen The 2024 GasGas MC 450F weighs 241 pounds wet on our automotive scales, which is an increase of 7 pounds over 2021–2023 models. Jeff Allen 2024 GasGas MC 450F Specs
MSRP:
$10,399
Engine:
SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:
450cc
Bore x Stroke:
95.0 x 63.4mm
Compression Ratio:
13.1:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:
54.7 hp @ 10,000 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:
34.0 lb.-ft. @ 7,600 rpm
Fuel System:
EFI w/ 44mm throttle body
Clutch:
Wet, multiplate Damped Diaphragm Steel (DDS); hydraulic actuation
Frame:
Central double-cradle chromoly steel
Front Suspension:
WP Xact 48mm fork, air pressure, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
WP Xact shock, spring preload, high/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake:
Braktec 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake:
Braktec 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:
Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Trail:
26.1°/NA
Wheelbase:
58.7 in.
Ground Clearance:
13.5 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:
37.7 in.
Fuel Capacity:
2.1 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:
241 lb.
Availability:
Now
Contact:
gasgas.com