Dirt Bikes

2023 450cc Special-Edition Motocross Bikes To Buy

What makes these bikes so special? A lot, actually.

Updated: February 16, 2023

Special-edition motocross bikes are base models on steroids. Manufacturers fit these machines with performance-based suspension settings and tons of accessories, bringing each model that much closer to the factory team’s racebikes. With performance equipment like Yoshimura, FMF, and Pro Circuit exhausts to Hinson Racing or Rekluse clutch covers, and an array of other premium details, these bikes were made to be the best of the best with price tags to reflect.

We have linked to related reviews and first look stories within this article in case you find yourself drawn to a particular machine and want to learn more. Read on for the features that give these bikes the factory flair.

2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition

KTM was the first manufacturer to release a limited-edition version of its flagship motocrosser.KTM

Up first is KTM’s 450 SX-F Factory Edition. In order to attract those who seek a machine closest to those of supercross racers Cooper Webb, Aaron Plessinger, and Marvin Musquin, KTM fitted the 450 SX-F Factory Edition with a hefty list of top-of-the-line parts.

This KTM wears its brand color proudly with its orange frame, triple clamps, hubs, rear sprocket, and seat cover. A carbon-reinforced front brake disc guard covers a semi-floating disc and a carbon-reinforced skid plate protects the underside of the fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc engine from damage.

But wait, there’s more Factory Edition-specific equipment. This bike also features an Akrapovič titanium slip-on muffler, factory start device, Hinson Racing clutch cover, gold chain, and gray ODI grips. Surprisingly, this limited production model is one of two special editions to have the lowest price tag (see GasGas further down).

2023 KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition MSRP: $12,099

2023 Honda CRF450RWE

Honda lists 15 features that make the CRF450RWE different from the base CRF450R.Honda

The Honda CRF450RWE has been revised for the 2023 model year, and while there are eight changes to the bike, it has nearly double that amount in up-spec features, so it’s loaded with factory parts. You can read about the updates here, and as for the extra fun stuff (all the premium features) we’ll cover them here.

First, a couple of powerplant-related features that differentiate this from the CRF450R: The Works Edition’s fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc engine has hand-polished cylinder ports, a new Yoshimura exhaust (with a stainless steel header pipe and titanium muffler), Hinson Racing clutch basket and cover, a Twin Air air filter, and in case there wasn’t enough red, the valve cover flaunts the classic Honda color. The engine also has model-specific EFI mapping.

Although not as flashy as some of the triple clamps seen on other special editions, the CRF450RWE features darker gray metallic-coated triple clamps that help set it apart from the standard model. The Showa 49mm coil-spring fork’s upper tubes are Kashima-coated and both the lower fork tubes and shock shaft are coated in titanium oxide.

Instead of the smoother seat cover that’s seen on the stock version, the Works Edition gets a Throttle Jockey gripper cover. Other premium details included D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims, D.I.D DM2 gold chain, and Renthal Kevlar grips. Price-wise, the CRF450RWE is up $2,800 from the standard model and sits at about the midpoint of all these special-edition models.

2023 Honda CRF450RWE MSRP: $12,399

2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition

Typically, Husqvarna dirt bikes are on the upper end of the MSRP range, but at $12,199, the FC 450 Rockstar Edition is actually one of the lower-priced special-edition models.Husqvarna

Buyers looking for the trickest Husqvarna FC 450 to roll off dealership floors will want to look at the 2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition. This model adds a series of competition-focused accessories that give it the factory touch. You can tell straight away that this model has Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing graphics, but it also has Excel Takasago rims with black-anodized CNC-machined hubs.

Factory Racing triple clamps with an adjustable offset of 20mm and 22mm hold onto the WP Xact 48mm air fork that features an updated setting over the standard model. A Guts Racing seat cover and ProTaper handlebar with ODI grips serve as key touch points for the rider. In order to better protect it from any damage, the FC 450 Rockstar Edition also features a new 2K carbon composite skid plate and 2K carbon composite front brake disc guard.

The fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc engine projects its sound through a new FMF Racing Factory 4.1 muffler. The DDS (Dampened Diaphragm Steel) clutch has a new Rekluse cover. A factory start device is included with the FC 450 Rockstar Edition to help riders grab that elusive holeshot. Want more information on this model including its updates and its features? Check out our first look article.

2023 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition MSRP: $12,199

2023 Kawasaki KX450SR

Showa suspension is new for the 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR.Kawasaki

The 2023 Kawasaki KX450SR is based on the Monster Energy Kawasaki racebikes of Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo, so although the aftermarket parts (like triple clamps and exhaust system) aren’t identical to those found on the factory green machines, they’re still up-spec and make the KX450SR (“SR” is an acronym for “Special Racer”) one desirable motocross bike.

Its fuel-injected liquid-cooled DOHC four-stroke 449cc engine features polished intake ports, special EFI mapping, a Pro Circuit Ti-6 full titanium exhaust system, and Hinson Racing Billetproof clutch cover. Suspension is a big talking point for 2023. While last year’s model was spec’d with KYB components, this year we find a Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and Showa shock similar to the standard model’s but with exclusive settings and eye-catching coatings.

Xtrig ROCS (Revolutionary Opposing Clamp System) triple clamps, a gold D.I.D chain that hooks onto a black Renthal Ultralight rear sprocket, and of course, special graphics. Where last year it tied the CRF450RWE for highest MSRP, now the KX450SR has surpassed Big Red’s CRF450RWE as the most expensive special-edition motocrosser at $12,699. This price is also a significant $3,100 upcharge from the base KX450.

2023 Kawasaki KX450SR MSRP: $12,699

2023 GasGas MC 450F Factory Edition

Fans looking to mimic Justin Barcia’s racebike should buy the 2023 GasGas MC 450F Factory Edition, which is much different than the standard-model MC 450F.GasGas

The latest entry in the special-edition motocross bike game is the GasGas MC 450F Factory Edition, which was called the MC 450F Troy Lee Designs when it first hit the market last year. Updates for 2023 are many including a completely new fuel-injected liquid-cooled SOHC four-stroke 450cc engine, WP Xact shock, and chromoly steel frame, and is positively loaded with up-spec accessories

A splash of sponsors across the bodywork isn’t the only thing that sets this apart from the standard MC 450F. Starting with the more aesthetic and rider comfort differences, this model has a ribbed seat cover, black Neken handlebar, softer ODI lock-on grips, red-anodized Factory Racing triple clamps, black rear sprocket, gold chain, and red frame protection kit.

The chassis has its share of up-spec componentry over the stock model, which includes: Factory wheels, Dunlop Geomax MX33 tires (instead of Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST tires), a semi-floating front brake disc and Factory Racing brake disc guard, 2K carbon composite skid plate, and firmer suspension settings for the WP Xact 48mm air fork and WP Xact shock.

Lastly, the special edition’s engine and electronics. This bike includes an Akrapovič titanium slip-on exhaust, Hinson Racing Billetproof clutch cover, holeshot device, hourmeter with fuel-injection status LED and low fuel warning, map select switch, traction control, launch control, and quickshift. With such a long list of the upgrades, it’s impressive that the MC 450F Factory Edition is a little less than two grand more than the standard version and ties the KTM in terms of being the lowest-priced special-edition motocross bike in 2023.

2023 GasGas MC 450F Factory Edition MSRP: $12,099