2021 450 MX Shootout Video
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2021 450 MX SHOOTOUT | COMPLETE COVERAGE
Video by Chase Curtis
With the exception of the new 2021 Honda CRF450R, refinement was the name of the game in the 450 class as small changes – rather than major overhauls – highlight the Husqvarna FC 450, Kawasaki KX450, and KTM 450 SX-F. The Yamaha YZ450F, meanwhile, returns unchanged save for some cool new graphics. As the 2020 SML Bike of the Year, though, did it need any updates? We’ve been comparing ever since we started taking delivery of the 2021s way back in July and after one final day of back-to-back testing the five bikes (Suzuki is unchanged and unreleased at the moment and the Gas Gas MC 450F won’t hit the US shores for at least a month), our panel of six test riders arrived at a verdict and crowned 2021 450 MX Bike of the Year.
For this year’s comparison, we invited the same six test riders from last year’s shootout to return, ensuring consistency. Each of the bikes was outfitted with Maxxis Tires‘ excellent new ST soft terrain tires, which worked amazingly well at the decomposed granite that makes up much of Cahuilla Creek MX Park’s main track. All of the bikes were kept running smoothly with Amsoil lubricants. Test riders used GoPro Hero8 Black cameras to document their experiences, and 805 Beer provided refreshments for the testers when they were done. If you haven’t checked out the 805 Happy Hour Debriefing video yet, click here to watch that, too!
