Jeff Allen

2019 450 MX Shootout

Six 450 motocross bikes reviewed, compared, and ranked

The 450 Motocross Shootout is one of the most exciting comparison tests of the year. It pits the Honda CRF450R, Husqvarna FC 450, Kawasaki KX450, KTM 450 SX-F, Suzuki RM-Z450, and Yamaha YZ450F against one another to determine how each manufacturer’s flagship motocross bikes stack up.

We took delivery of each machine and installed DeCal Works preprinted number plate backgrounds. We then mounted Dunlop D404 street tires on the rear wheels and ran them all on our Dynojet dyno to gather rear-wheel horsepower and torque figures. The final order of business before testing began was to put Dunlop MX33 soft-to-intermediate-terrain tires on each bike front and rear to ensure consistency in traction among the six competitors through the duration of the test.

The two-day shootout began at Cahuilla Creek MX in Anza, California and wrapped up at Fox Raceway in Pala, California. We enlisted the help of a team of riders ranging in ability from novice to current and past AMA pros, with weights ranging from 130 to 200 pounds. Each manufacturer was present on both test days to make any necessary adjustments to their respective bikes for each test rider.

Read on to find out how the six bikes finished when the dust settled and the results were tallied.

1st Place Of The 2019 450 MX Shootout: Kawasaki KX450

The all-new 2019 Kawasaki KX450 takes the win in our 2019 450 MX Shootout with a powerful engine, good suspension, a slim chassis, and agreeable ergonomics. Read more about the 1st place of the 2019 450 MX ShootoutJeff Allen

2nd Place Of The 2019 450 MX Shootout: Honda CRF450R

The Honda CRF450R makes the most horsepower and torque of all six 450 motocross bikes and finishes in the runner-up spot in the 2019 450 MX Shootout. Read more about the 2nd place of the 2019 450 MX ShootoutJeff Allen

3rd Place Of The 2019 450 MX Shootout: Yamaha YZ450F

The Yamaha YZ450F rounds out the podium in the 2019 450 MX Shootout with a tractor-like engine, the plushest suspension, and the best stability in the class. Read more about the 3rd place of the 2019 450 MX ShootoutJeff Allen

4th Place Of The 2019 450 MX Shootout: Husqvarna FC 450

The Husqvarna FC 450 has a neutral-handling chassis and smooth power delivery, and finishes fourth in the 2019 450 MX Shootout. Read more about the 4th place of the 2019 450 MX ShootoutJeff Allen

5th Place Of The 2019 450 MX Shootout: KTM 450 SX-F

The KTM 450 SX-F finishes fifth in the 2019 450 MX Shootout with an improved chassis, but its mellow bottom-end power delivery held it back in the standings. Read more about the 5th place of the 2019 450 MX ShootoutJeff Allen

6th Place Of The 2019 450 MX Shootout: Suzuki RM-Z450

The Suzuki RM-Z450 makes the second most torque of all six 2019 450 motocross bikes, corners great, and has comfortable ergonomics. Read more about the 6th place of the 2019 450 MX ShootoutJeff Allen

2019 450 MX Shootout Dyno Comparison Chart

2019 450 MX Shootout Dyno Comparison ChartDirt Rider Staff

2019 450 MX Shootout Comparison

Manufacturer Weight (lbs.) Fuel Capacity (gallons) MSRP
Kawasaki 246 1.6 $9,299
Honda 250 1.7 $9,299
Yamaha 248 1.6 $9,299
Husqvarna 236 1.9 $9,999
KTM 234 1.9 $9,899
Suzuki 250 1.7 $8,949