2019 450 MX Shootout

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.