The new factory 450 GasGas of world champ Jorge Prado might not look much different from last year’s model but – like the new-style KTM and Husqvarna factory editions – it has a new frame with different wall thicknesses and cutaway sections. This improves the flex characteristics and has trimmed off even more weight.
The new chassis also sees the engine moves closer to the centre of mass and revised suspension and shock mounting is designed to recuse anti0squat out of corners. Even the footpegs have been moved in slightly to make them less of a risk of catching ruts. The linkage is new and there’s a smaller linkage bolt to give some more flex. The teams used this last year so it’s likely this remains on Prado’s full factory machine.
The bike that Prado will defend his MXGP world championship title has the usual mix of WP factory suspension front and rear, with a custom Akrapovic titanium exhaust and a Hinson clutch. Akrapovic also provides some carbon protection parts.
Brembo provide the brakes and clutch hydraulics, and the bike has Kite hubs and brake caliper mount at the rear. Rims are Excel and Pirelli provide the tyres while Renthal divvy up sprockets and bars and Regina the chain. There are titanium footpegs and lots of titanium fasteners all round. And fans of old-school looks might like the bare alloy Domino throttle.
On the front fender is an LED rev counter that is linked to the electronics. It’s not clear what this is, as it’s clearly not a GET or a factory telemetry unit as fitted to the production factory edition machines.
This season, Prado has taken an unconventional approach to his off-season, focusing on the US-based Supercross series before returning to Europe to fine-tune his MXGP setup. After successfully competing in four stateside races, his attention is now fully on MXGP 2024, with a comprehensive bike testing schedule, as well as a planned race before the season opener in Argentina on March 10. Prado’s peak fitness and fired-up attitude signal that the reigning world champ is aiming to pick up from where he left off in 2023.
“The off-season has been completely different from the others, as I have been preparing myself for Supercross. I have been in California for a couple of months and have completed four races. But now that I am back in Europe, my focus is on getting the bike dialled for the upcoming MXGP season,” he said. “ We were testing as soon as I got back and are putting everything together for the season now. I think we have a great package. I plan to complete one race before the first GP of the year in Argentina. For the moment, I’m feeling really good – I’m healthy and really looking forward to more training and testing in the run-up to the first race.”