Parts That We Have Tried, That Work (2023 Gas Gas MC450)

We test a lot of parts over here at Keefer Inc. Testing, but sometimes some things fall through the cracks and we don’t get to speak about every little nook and cranny we come across. We are creating this monthly article on pieces that we test that actually work well enough to warrant the money spent (if you’re able). This month we give it to our resident mechanic/test guy, Eddie Laret. If you have any questions about any of these parts, please feel free to email Eddie at eddie@keeferinctesting.com.

1. Twisted Development Vortex ECU/Exhaust Flange: The 2023 MC450 didn’t get the motor update like the KTM/Husqvarna did for 2023 so this was an area that I felt needed some improvement. The bike stock was mellow on bottom as well as mid range RPM response. I spent a few days with the bike stock and found that it needs some help with low end torque pulling power out of corners. In years passed we almost always ran a Vortex ECU mapped by either Chad at XPR or Jamie at Twisted Development. With this model we used Jamie’s Twisted Development ECU mapping and it really woke up this engine delivery. This was a huge improvement for getting my 6’1 220 pound ass, in order to get out of soft corners better with more recovery as well as a better third gear roll on feel. In combination with the TD exhaust flange this package really helped wake this bike up from bottom to mid range yet kept its linear feel that makes this engine so attractive. www.Td-racing.com

2. Technical Touch KYB Conversion Kit: All the current model GASGAS bikes come with the WP AER48 air fork. There have been many revisions to this fork and valving the past few years. Normally the fork was very harsh and hard to make comfortable on small chop as well as keep a consistent feel throughout the day. I went with a KYB spring fork conversion kit that we got through Technical Touch. This kit uses the SSS inner chamber and fork springs in both legs. Technical touch also adds the billet fork lugs in the kit. As a vet rider I mainly look for a firm hold up but my fork needs to be plush on slap down landings. I had Steve at Shock Therapy valve the fork and shock to my weight and riding ability and this made the Gas Gas less rigid feeling to me on hard pack tracks with square edges. This might be the most important upgrade that I have on this bike. The chassis feeling is the most important aspect to this bike in order for me to go as fast as I can. Granted it is not blazing speed but for comfort and peace of mind knowing the bike can take some of my mistakes on the track, allows me to be at ease. The spring conversion kit feels a lot more consistent through longer motos and had less edginess to it at Glen Helen. www.technicaltouchusa.com

3. X-Trig ROCS Clamps: The 2023 GASGAS MC450 comes with a cast material clamp and fixed bar mounts. I didn’t find the clamp to be such a big handling problem but I wanted to experiment and see if an aftermarket clamp can help steering precision on this machine. If I am being honest, the reason I went with the XTRIG ROCS clamps was the PHDS bar mount system. The stock clamp and solid bar mounts don’t help the vibration of the GG MC450 at the hands, espcially on slap own landings. With the PHDS bar mounts there are rubber bushings to help eliminate the vibration. It doesn’t completely solve the vibration problem of the steel frame, but it sure does help a ton. The ROCS clamps also helped my area 1-2 cornering feel (kept stock 22 offset) and gave me more lean angle front end traction in these areas of the track. I could get a little more positivity to the front tire when I initiated my corners. www.technicaltouchusa.com

4. Moto-Master Factory Billet Caliper Kit: The stock Brembo front brake can be a little too grabby for the average rider like myself. Don’t get me wrong, the power is great but it is not as linear as I would like it to be.  I used the Moto-Master Factory Billet caliper and there 270 o/s front rotor. The Moto-Master front caliper has a softer/more linear feel at the lever under heavy stopping power. I felt more consistency under heavy braking bumps with this package. What I really like is when I am dragging my front brake through choppy ruts, the GG MC450 isn’t as grabby and in turn that doesn’t upset the chassis as much. This added the power for heavy loads on the front wheel really helped keep me from washing out my front end when coming in hot into corners. The combination of the oversize 270mm rotor and the Moto-Master caliper was an easier way to make my corners more consistent (as well as my lap times). www.moto-master.com