I have had plenty of success at desert racing winning multiple Finke and Hattah desert races titles on 450cc motocross bikes. Their general nature of aggressive power and lightweight handling was a perfect base to start with for a desert race bike.With the strong engine that makes up this bike I would not be doing any desert mods to change the overall power of the 2024 GASGAS MC 450F other than fit the power map switch so I could access both of the power maps, traction control and quick shift options.
Next, I would be changing the gear ratios to allow for better top speed in the desert, as 15-46 is my kind of Finke gearing. Then I would fit the all-important steering damper, Steg Pegz and a long-range fuel tank as desert mods.
Even though the standard WP suspension on the GASGAS MC 450F rewards big jumps and rough terrain, I would opt for a softer valving setting in the rear shock and switch out the standard air fork for a WP spring conversion kit as it would provide a much more consistent ride during a long desert race. These suspensions changes are essential desert mods.
WORDS | BEN GRABHAM
PHOTOS | SEBAS ROMERO
