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Does anyone really go from a stock triple clamp to another stock triple clamp and see a difference? NO! However, when I got wind that maybe I should try the stock 2024 KX250 23mm offset triple clamp on the 2024 KX450, I jumped at the chance to see what it does to the new green machine on the track. The current 2024 KX250 clamp is made by KYB (yes, the suspension company as the KX250 comes with KYB) and has different flex characteristics than the stock 2024 KX450 clamp. I have been finding out that this new 2024 KX450 likes to have abnormally stiffer suspension settings than the older 2023 KX450 model. On the 2023 KX450, I could get away with a plusher/softer setting but with the new 2024 frame, I found out that this bike doesn’t track well (front end) with a softer setting. I spent a full day going back to back to see if this KYB built stock KX250 clamp could find it’s way on my 2024 KX450 full time.
On the track the feel of the clamp is apparent fairly quickly. The front end seems to be stuck to the ground more (lower feeling) which is a good thing and a bad thing. The good part is that I felt much more connected to the ground with my front end when leaning into corners (area 1-2). The bad news is it made my fork feel too low when off throttle. I had to compensate by dropping my fork flush with these KX250 clamps and once I did this, the balance of the bike improved off throttle without sacrificing much lean angle feel. Another point that I thought was slightly improved was edge of tire compliance. With the KX250 clamp, I could be under a lean and hit square edge without the KX450 front end deflecting as much. This was a welcome feeling. The downside to me is I think I needed to change the valving for these KX250 clamps as it makes the front end move a little more on throttle, which gave me a little busier feel on fast/choppy tracks, as well as made the fork feel softer. Going in (stiffer) on compression helped this sensation so that lead me to believe that I need a heavier valving stack within my fork to aid in a less busy beginning to mid stoke feel.
Now you might be asking why get another stock clamp? It’s not cool looking! I am the type of guy that cares about what works and not what it looks like (for the most part). Why not just go with an aftermarket aluminum clamp? The goal for this test was to see if staying with a stock clamp would prevent this chassis from getting any added stiffness/rigidity like most aftermarket aluminum clamps can do. Every aftermarket aluminum clamp feels different on different types of bikes/chassis. One X-Trig on one bike can give a differnt flex character on another. Just because I might complain about the stiffness of the X-Trig on a Honda doesn’t mean it feels as stiff on a Yamaha. Different frame dimensions/shapes/characters offer different results when testing clamps. This “stock” test was an interesting evaluation as the 2024 KX450 (with the KX250 clamp) retained the straight line bump comfort and got more comfort in certain areas of the track which is tough for aftermarket aluminum clamps at times.
For around $695.00 (tax not included) you can get a set of stock clamps (with stem pressed in) through RMATVMC. Is it worth it over aftermarket aluminum clamps? I am going to find out the answer to that exact question in the coming weeks. I will be trying some X-Trigs as well as some Ride Engineering clamps once he’s done testing and ready for production. If you’re looking for a little more front end feel and plan on getting your suspension revolved for your weight/riding ability this could be a good upgrade and still look stock while you do it!