2024 450cc Motocross Bikes To Buy

The most powerful motocross bikes on showroom floors are those of the 450cc four-stroke variety. These models are a common sight at tracks far and wide being that many riders, especially those who are seasoned, desire to have as much power underneath them as possible. There are also special-edition versions of these elite-level dirt bikes, but we’ll cover them another time and focus on the standard models here, which are more affordable and varied in terms of options.

Related: 2024 Dirt Rider 450 Motocross Bike Comparison Test

Honda’s CRF450R has seen some tremendous success in professional racing shortly after it came to market and as of late. Two decades ago, Ricky Carmichael won every moto of the 2004 AMA Pro Motocross Championship aboard it, and Jett Lawrence did the same in last year’s series.

Big Red’s standard-model top-of-the-line motocrosser makes 51.9 hp and 34.1 lb.-ft. of torque on the Dirt Rider dyno. Although its peak horsepower figure isn’t as high as most others, the red bike from Japan sits runner-up in maximum torque. The CRF450R offers some of the sharpest handling in the class, but its Showa suspension requires attention from track to track. Chassis comfort could be improved as well. Being one of the most affordable in the segment and known for durability are upsides to buying and owning this motorcycle.

2024 Honda CRF450R Price: $9,699

Related: 2023 Honda CRF450R Dyno Test

What’s the most powerful standard-model 450cc motocross bike in 2024? That would be the KTM 450 SX-F. Its fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc single-cylinder engine pumps out 56.4 hp and 34.6 lb.-ft. of torque. Such a powerful engine is just one attribute that makes the 450 SX-F so well suited to the demands of an MX track. Its WP Xact 48mm air fork offers lots of adjustability for riders of varying skill levels and weights, and a double-cradle chromoly steel frame is a major contributor to its stable handling character. The 450 SX-F hits our automotive scales at 240 pounds wet.

2024 KTM 450 SX-F Price: $11,099

Related: 2024 KTM 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F Factory Editions First Look

The previous-generation Kawasaki KX450 was a force to be reckoned with in Dirt Rider’s 450 Motocross Shootout from 2019–2023, so Team Green’s engineers must have had a difficult time finding aspects to improve on. Somehow, they did as the all-new 2024 Kawasaki KX450 is better in many ways including improved cornering, and stronger and more consistent brakes. It ranked runner-up in our annual comparison test for the second year in a row this year, won from 2019–2022, and hasn’t finished below the runner-up spot since 2018. A highly competitive machine, indeed. The KX450 is one of the heaviest in its class at 250 pounds wet, as it gained 6 pounds in its 2024 overhaul.

2024 Kawasaki KX450 Price: $10,499

2024 Kawasaki KX450 50th Anniversary Edition Price: $10,699

Related: 2024 Kawasaki 50th Anniversary Edition Motocross Bikes First Look

Do you find yourself tippy-toeing on every dirt bike you swing a leg over? A full-size motocrosser from Husqvarna might be just what you need. The FC 450 has the lowest seat height in this segment at 37.3 inches (according to our measurement) thanks to a 10mm-lower suspension setup, which it’s had since 2021. Aside from that, the Husqvarna differentiates itself from the KTM and GasGas with model-specific bodywork, seat cover, and ProTaper handlebar. Interested buyers should note it retails for $100 more than the KTM 450 SX-F.

2024 Husqvarna FC 450 Price: $11,199

Related: 2024 Husqvarna FC 250 and FC 450 Rockstar Editions First Look

Yamaha completely overhauled its flagship motocrosser last year, and it continues to be offered in two colors, albeit the alternate option is retro-inspired in 2024 instead of race team-influenced like last year. The bLU cRU’s fire-breathing fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 450cc single-cylinder engine spins 55.3 hp and 33.8 lb.-ft. of torque, and is widely regarded as the most powerful-feeling in the class. Suspension is excellent thanks to a well-tuned KYB Speed Sensitive System (SSS) 48mm coil-spring fork and KYB shock. At 242 pounds wet on Dirt Rider’s automotive scales, the YZ450F is the lightest Japanese 450 motocross bike.

2024 Yamaha YZ450F Price: $9,999

2024 Yamaha YZ450F 50th Anniversary Edition Price: $10,199

Related: 2023 Yamaha YZ450F First Ride Review

Model year 2024 is a big one for GasGas’s standard-model flagship motocross bike. How so? It marks the first time the MC 450F has been updated since its introduction in 2021. This all-new model continues to be the most affordable of the Austrian trio. Some differences between it and the KTM and Husqvarna include the use of an all-aluminum subframe and forged aluminum triple clamps. GasGas also forgoes spec’ing a dual engine map/traction control/launch control/quickshifter switch in stock trim, which helps keep the price down.

2024 GasGas MC 450F Price: $10,399

Related: 2024 GasGas MC 350F First Ride Review

If you’re in the market for a 450cc motocross bike, are adhering to a budget, and don’t mind kickstarting, the Suzuki RM-Z450 might be just what you’re looking for. This model was last overhauled in 2018, saw some very minor revisions in 2019, and hasn’t been mechanically updated since. Its fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc single-cylinder engine isn’t the most powerful in the class with 52.0 hp and 33.5 lb.-ft. of torque, but yellow offers more than enough go for the majority of riders. An aftermarket ECU, exhaust system, and suspension revalve work wonders for the Suzuki, which happens to be one of the most affordable in the category.

2024 Suzuki RM-Z450 Price: $9,199

Related: 2024 Suzuki RM-Z450 RM Army Edition First Ride Review

Welcome to the big leagues, Beta. The Italian manufacturer now has two motocross bikes in its lineup with the introduction of the 450 RX—its first production four-stroke MX model. It’s raced by Colt Nichols and Benny Bloss in the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship, and has proven capable of top 10 finishes in the stacked main events. This motorcycle’s main components include a fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc single-cylinder engine, KYB Air-Oil Separate (AOS) 48mm closed-cartridge coil-spring fork, KYB shock, and double-cradle chromoly steel frame.

2024 Beta 450 RX Price: $10,999

Related: 2023 Beta 300 RX Review

If you checked out our comprehensive review and Long Haul test of the 2022 Honda CRF450R, and like what you read, you don’t have to search for a used one. Honda offers that model on showroom floors in 2024, and it’s called the CRF450R-S. Its aluminum twin-spar frame and suspension setting are different from that of 2023 and 2024 Honda CRF450R models, but most everything else is the same. Kudos to Big Red for offering a 450cc motocross bike that retails for under nine grand.

2024 Honda CRF450R-S Price: $8,899

Related: 2022 Honda CRF450R Long Haul Review

Of all the bikes in this segment, TM’s MX 450 ES Fi 4T is the one that you’re least likely to see at the track. Why is that? Well, it doesn’t have an importer in the United States for one. Also, the boutique Italian manufacturer doesn’t sell nearly as many motorcycles as the Japanese and Austrian brands. Although not common, TM’s flagship motocrosser boasts plenty of high-performance components to help its rider achieve fast lap times, such as a fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc single-cylinder engine, KYB 48mm coil-spring fork, TM Racing shock, and aluminum frame.