MotoFactory Опубликовано 19 февраля Опубликовано 19 февраля What a time to be a motohead. There are now 12 450 motocross bikes available in the U.S. That’s 12 different brands, 12 different identities and 12 different choices possible—and that doesn’t include limited editions or special models. We can’t explain why this is happening here and now, but we can certainly take advantage of it. This is Dirt Bike Magazine’s 2026 450 MX comparison, and yes, it is our largest shootout ever. We collected them all: the Beta 450RX, Ducati Desmo450, GasGas MC450F, Honda CRF450R, Husqvarna FC450, Kawasaki KX450, Kove MX450, KTM 450SX-F, Suzuki RM-Z450, TM 450FI MX, Triumph TF450-X and Yamaha YZ450F. We’ve heard people say it’s impossible to test this many bikes in one day. That’s absolutely correct. We wouldn’t even try. This is a project days, weeks and months in the making. In some cases, we’ve been riding these bikes for over a year. Five of them are completely unchanged from imposing. last year. Four others have mechanical changes, while only three are new for 2026. Before ranking them, we had to settle on methodology and priorities. We left the bikes as delivered and provided ratings in 10 key areas, one to five stars: peak power, power delivery, electronic options, front suspension, rear suspension, stability, cornering, comfort, components & details and value. First, let’s look at them individually in alphabetical order. The development of the Beta 450RX has resulted in trickle-down technology throughout the Beta lineup. BETA 450RX The Beta 450RX is in its second year now, and it’s still evolving as the company learns from the Supercross team. For 2026, it got a new head and intake as well as a new exhaust system and mapping. It still features KYB suspension and Nissin brakes. Beta 450RX’s base price: $10,990; weight without fuel: 237 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★ The 450RX is respectable even though the company makes no claims about being a dyno breaker. POWER DELIVERY ★★★ Beta made big improvements this year in mapping, and the bike is truly easy to manage. It can still stall easily in slow stuff. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★ There is no means for the end user to alter tuning beyond the two maps provided. Mapping is still not perfect at low rpm. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★ The KYB fork works well at medium speeds. It can be harsh on square edges, and faster riders might have issues with dive. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★ Overall, the Beta’s suspension is balanced, but clearly aimed at realworld riders, novice and vets. STABILITY ★★★★ You can see the bike’s off-road heritage here. It’s more stable and secure the faster you go. CORNERING ★★ The Beta is a large, tall motorcycle that can be a handful for smaller riders. COMFORT ★★ The bodywork isn’t smooth, there’s some vibration and the seat is hard. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★ VALUE ★★★ Beta is a legitimate part of the motocross world and looking to find a place in the amateur ranks. Pros might be offended to know there’s at least one 450 not designed specifically for them. The Ducati is a late arrival to the shootout. There’s still so much to learn here. DUCATI DESMO 450 MX Ducati might be new to motocross, but certainly not to racing at the highest level. The Desmo450 has the desmodromic valve system, Showa suspension and sophisticated traction control. The hydraulics are Brembo and the tires are Pirelli. Ducati Desmo450 MX’s base price: $11,495; weight without fuel: 234 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★ This bike likes to be revved. Justin Barcia will love it. POWER DELIVERY ★★★ Smooth but soft on the bottom. The motor has some on-or-off jerkiness just above idle. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★★ Ducati’s smartphone tuning system allows some engine tuning, but the connectivity will cost extra. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★ Between the chassis and the fork, the front feels soft and stiff at the same time. Finding the right balance might be challenging. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★ The rear half of the chassis, on the other hand, has some inherent lateral flex. STABILITY ★★★ The Ducati goes where it’s pointed and never does anything unexpected. CORNERING ★★★ Overall, the Desmo450 feels reasonably light and drops into turns without complaint. COMFORT ★★ A very hard seat, some vibration and a rigid overall feel make for a harsh ride. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★ Nice finish work. The Pirelli tires were no one’s favorites. VALUE ★ Just about everyone agrees that the Ducati is a beautiful motocross bike. Its power and weight put it right in the thick of things, which is impressive for a first try. But, it doesn’t top any particular category, and expectations for this bike are very high. GasGas gave the MC450F a new look for 2026, but there are no significant mechanical changes. GASGAS MC450F GasGas represents the most affordable option from the Austrian KTM group. It has the same engine and frame as the KTM and Husqvarna, with new graphics for 2026. Compared to the others in the family, it has softer suspension settings, Braktec brakes and hydraulics, Maxxis tires, and an optional (rather than standard) map switch to keep the price down. GasGas MC450F’s base price: $10,849; weight without fuel: 229 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★★ The GasGas has the same motor that powers the KTM and Husky, but held back only slightly by setup, mapping and equipment. POWER DELIVERY ★★★★★ Even without the peak power of the other KTM-powered motorcycles, the GasGas has excellent low end and smooth roll-on. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★ You have to pay extra for a map switch and smartphone connectivity. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★ The GasGas’ WP air fork is softer than the KTM’s, but can be made to work just as well with some adjustment. It still needs constant monitoring and can be harsh for small impacts as well as big hits. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★★ Overall, the GasGas is set up for amateur-level riding. STABILITY ★★★★ Once you work out the suspension for your riding style, the GasGas is excellent at speed. CORNERING ★★★★★ The MC450F is exceptional in turns, feels light and is very predictable on acceleration. COMFORT ★★★ Excellent rider position, but the cast triple clamp and bars transmit more feedback that you need. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★ The Maxxis tires are limited to medium terrain. VALUE ★★★ GasGas has the same key attributes as some of the best bikes on earth, namely that KTM engine and frame. To call it a budget brand isn’t accurate; it’s still a pretty expensive motorcycle. Honda is the torque king of the 450 class. HONDA CRF450R Following a thorough frame revision last year, the Honda CRF450R returns largely unchanged for 2026. The handlebar switch offers three engine maps and multiple traction control settings along with launch control, although the Honda has no engine-tuning app. Honda CRF450R’s base price: $9699; weight without fuel: 237 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★ The Honda makes most of its power early, then tapers off. POWER DELIVERY ★★★★ The Honda produces so much low-end torque that some riders might find it difficult to hang on. Eat your Wheaties. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★★ Between three maps and multiple levels of launch assist and traction control, the Honda has options galore, but we would still like to see some means of custom tuning. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★★ Last year, Honda made the frame stiffer, and that somehow resulted in better overall suspension performance at both ends. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★ Honda now has one of the most well-balanced suspension packages in the field. STABILITY ★★★★ This used to be a Honda weak spot. Not anymore, although it still favors tight tracks more than broad, sweeping terrain. CORNERING ★★★★★ Still very Honda-like, which means it drops into turns with very little work. COMFORT ★★★★★ Honda knows how to make a motorcycle feel right whether you’re tall or short. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★★★ All the parts are good; Honda has the best map switch, excellent levers and a great hydraulic clutch. VALUE ★★★★ Honda kept the price unchanged in the face of new tariffs, and now is one of the least expensive bikes in the class. Husqvarna does not offer a 2026 standard model of the FC450; although, there are still some 2025 models to be found. When they are gone, there will only be the Factory Edition. HUSQVARNA FC450 For 2026, Husqvarna does not offer a standard edition of its FC450; only a Factory Edition. For this comparison, we used a 2025 because there are still leftovers available. In most ways, it’s very similar to the 2026 KTM 450SX-F, but does feature reduced seat height. Husqvarna FC450’s 2025 standard model base price: $11,399; 2026 Factory Edition: $13,799; weight without fuel: 229 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★★★ This remains the best engine in the motocross world. It has power coming out of its ears, and the dyno absolutely loves it. POWER DELIVERY ★★★★★ We don’t understand how it’s possible to have more power than anyone else and still be perfectly manageable for any rider of any skill level. Nothing else puts it all together so well. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★★★ We like that you have two maps, Quickshift and launch assist all available on the bars. We also like the fact that the Husqvarna Connect app gives you engine-tuning options as well as access to LitPro telemetry, but you have to pay extra for that. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★ The WP Xact air fork has certain traits that disagree with some riders. Others love it for the light weight and adjustability. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★★ The rear suspension is excellent and has reduced travel in order to provide a lower seat height. For the most part, riders of any size love that. STABILITY ★★★★★ Two years ago, the Husky got a new frame that gave it newfound straight-line stability. CORNERING ★★★★★ Overall handling remains another strong point. In turns, the Husky might even be the best bike in the 450 class because of its lower ride height. COMFORT ★★★★★ Very little vibration, excellent seatfoam stiffness and seat-cover grip, plus the ProTaper handlebar absorbs sharp hits. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★★★ Brembo brakes, ODI grips, Dunlop tires and ProTaper bars—the Husky has nothing but the best stuff. VALUE ★ The Husqvarna remains one of the greatest 450 race bikes you can buy. At the end of the day, though, this is still a 2025 model, which will affect resale price down the road. With a little luck, though, deals might be out there. The Kawasaki has a sweet personality with a killer instinct. KAWASAKI KX450 The Kawasaki KX450 is unchanged for the 2026 model year after having a major revision in 2024. At that time, it got connectivity with the Kawasaki Rideology smartphone app. It features Showa suspension and a Nissin hydraulic clutch, a Nissin rear brake, and a Brembo front brake. Kawasaki KX450’s base price: $10,599; weight without fuel: 239 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★ The Kawasaki doesn’t feel fast, but it can get more than its share of holeshots. POWER DELIVERY ★★★★★ The KX’s low-end torque is excellent, and it remains the most friendly and easiest to ride. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★★★★ Kawasaki now has the Rideology smartphone app and joins Yamaha in providing the connectivity unit at no extra cost. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★★ We think Kawasaki has aimed the KX450 at vets and seniors. The fork is excellent for medium-speed outdoor tracks and is truly plush in that setting. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★★ The rear is well matched to the front. It’s a cushy ride, although the pros might want more aggressive suspension tuning. STABILITY ★★★★★ This is what has endeared the KX450 to the Dirt Bike staff for years. The overall stability is the best in class, but it’s very sensitive to set up. For fast tracks, many riders slide the fork down in the triple clamps a few millimeters to raise the front end. CORNERING ★★★★★ Kawasaki managed to keep that stability without sacrificing the sharp turning manners that tight Supercross-influenced tracks demand. COMFORT ★★★ The Kawasaki vibrates a little too much, and the seat foam can wear out prematurely. We love the adjustable footpeg height. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★ The Brembo front brake might seem odd on a Japanese bike, but you can’t argue with how well it works. VALUE ★★★ If you look through back issues, it’s no secret that we have had a long love affair with the KX. This year, the KX starts off with a fairly high price, but at least you get smartphone connectivity for free. It’s worth pointing out that Kawasaki has one of the most generous contingency programs too. There’s no doubt that the Kove MX450 belongs in a comparison with the best motocross bikes on the planet. KOVE MX450 Last year, Chinese manufacturer Kove broke out in the rally world. Now it’s happening in motocross. The MX450 has a steel perimeter frame, KYB 43mm AOS fork and Yu-An shock. The exhaust system and footpegs are titanium. Kove MX450’s base price: $7999; weight without fuel: 234 lb. PEAK POWER ★★ The Kove has decent power, just nothing to make headlines. POWER DELIVERY ★★★ The powerband is a little short but still competitive. The mapping is rough at low rpm, with considerable popping but no stalling or flame-outs. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★ As of right now, the Kove only offers two maps. There is no provision for engine tuning at the consumer level. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★ There’s nothing mysterious about the KYB fork. It works well in most situations, but is considerably softer than the rear suspension. REAR SUSPENSION ★★ The rear shock is stiff and the action is harsh. We have heard that Showa internals will fit the Yu-An shock body, and that good suspension tuners know what to do. STABILITY ★★★★ At speed, the Kove goes straight despite its nose-down attitude. CORNERING ★★★★ We have absolutely no complaints about the Kove’s overall handling. It’s very KTM-like, which is a good place to start. COMFORT ★★★ Again, no complaints. Vibration is minimal, but some riders didn’t care for the handlebar bend COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★ This bike was originally conceived as a Factory Edition with all its titanium and anodized pieces. The importer decided it would come with all those items as standard equipment. VALUE ★★★★★ We are absolutely stunned at the quality of the Kove, especially considering the price, which includes a 35-percent tariff. It has obvious shortcomings, but they all seem easy to fix. If you hate it because it’s from China, that’s your prerogative, but you’re in for some very unhappy years ahead. If you want to build a great motocross bike, take a look at the KTM first. It’s an excellent blueprint. KTM 450SX-F The KTM 450SX-F is unchanged for 2026, but the good news is that it’s here after the company survived a very challenging year. The 450SX-F remains a benchmark for all the new manufacturers coming into the market, and you can plainly see its influence throughout the industry. KTM 450SX-F’s base price: $11,649; weight without fuel: 229 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★★★ We’ll say it again: this is the best engine in the motocross world. It has power everywhere, and if you get beat to the first turn, that’s on you. POWER DELIVERY ★★★★★ Anyone can build a fast 450, but apparently only KTM can make one that’s fast and still easy to use stock trim. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★★★ On the handlebar, you have all the features that have become industry standards, and if you step up to purchase the optional Connectivity Unit Off-road (CUO), you get more tuning features as well as access to LitPro data for a monthly fee. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★ We still have immense respect for the engineering of the WP Xact air fork, but it does hold the KTM back at the highest level. It’s worth pointing out that the 2026 Factory Edition has cone-valve suspension. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★★ It’s easy to dial in the WP shock, whether you’re a novice or a pro. STABILITY ★★★★★ There’s virtually no head-shake or wandering at speed. If something is off, you can always fix it through suspension and chassis adjustment. CORNERING ★★★★★ Overall handling is once again excellent across the KTM line. It’s light, it’s narrow, and it’s very easy to throw around. COMFORT ★★★★ Excellent seat, pegs, levers and riding position. Our test bike had slight vibration. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★★★ The brakes, hydraulic clutch, wheels and tires are all tops. VALUE ★★ This year of tariffs hit European manufacturers especially hard. Even so, KTM is eating most of the price increase. Let’s be honest, KTM has long been pushing the upper boundaries of what people expect to pay for dirt bikes. Ken Roczen gave new life to the Suzuki RM-Z450. It’s still a bike to be taken seriously. SUZUKI RM-Z450 The Suzuki RM-Z450 is going on eight years with no mechanical updates. That’s most visible in the lack of an electric starter and hydraulic clutch. The RM Army option sweetens the deal with a Pro Circuit pipe and graphics when that incentive is available. Suzuki RM-Z450’s base price: $9399; weight without fuel: 239 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★ For some reason, riders are always surprised that the Suzuki has decent acceleration. It’s not super fast, but it’s certainly not slow. POWER DELIVERY ★★★★ The Suzuki has a sweetheart of a powerband. For most riders, that’s part of the RM-Z’s appeal. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★ There is some engine-tuning capability through the GET system, but it’s clumsy and outdated. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★★ The Showa fork isn’t that different mechanically from that of the Kawasaki and Honda. REAR SUSPENSION ★★ It’s frustrating that the Suzuki was frozen in place with a shock setting that’s very harsh. It’s fixable, but that detracts from the RM-Z’s main appeal, which is affordability. STABILITY ★★★ At one time, the Suzuki was considered a little nervous. Now, it’s deemed a fairly stable motorcycle. It hasn’t changed, but the standards of the industry have. CORNERING ★★★ This is the bike that set the standard for cornering in the early years of four-strokes. It handles as well as ever, but now other manufacturers have learned from Suzuki. COMFORT ★★★ Riding the Suzuki is like wearing your most comfortable old sweatshirt. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★ The Suzuki is well made with high-quality bits and pieces, and you will never have a dead battery. VALUE ★★★ We can’t give the Suzuki an especially high rating for value despite its low price. It gives you fewer features and requires some further investment to make it as good as it should be. Plus, Suzuki dealers are asked to tack on a $300 tariff surcharge after MSRP. Still, there’s a great bike waiting to be released. Yes, TM motorcycles are back in the U.S. and as beautiful as ever. TM 450FI MX TM is a beautifully hand-crafted Italian motorcycle that has been without an importer in the U.S. for several years. Now 71 Powersports has stepped in to allow custom orders. There are dozens of options, and the model we have here is the Corse edition, which adds more to the already high MSRP. Its most notable features are the fuel tank location under the seat, a hand-welded aluminum frame, a KYB fork and a TM-made shock. TM 450FI MX’s base price: $12,199; weight without fuel: 241 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★ The TM is right in the hunt, although not a screamer. POWER DELIVERY ★★★ The old-school power delivery takes us back to the days when four-strokes were known to find traction in the worst conditions. The TM is super smooth and effective, but not especially thrilling. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★ The TM uses eMoticom EFI programming, which is very rare and somewhat obscure, so expertise is going to be difficult to find. Two maps are available on the bars. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★★ We know exactly what the KYB front end will do, although the standard set up isn’t especially compliant. REAR SUSPENSION ★★ The TM-made shock is stiff and makes the bike difficult to balance. A rigid chassis likely contributes to the stiff feel of the suspension. STABILITY ★★★★ We’ve always been impressed with TM’s high-speed handling traits. It feels like nothing upsets it or knocks it off course. CORNERING ★★★ Conversely, it does feel big and cumbersome on tight tracks. COMFORT ★★ The hard seat and the rigid frame take a toll. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★★★ This is a beautiful motorcycle, and we like the fact that you can custom-order your own build. No two TMs will be alike. VALUE ★ If a low price is high on your priority list, you’re not looking at a TM. This is a motorcycle for people who want something exclusive and special. In some circles, the price is part of the attraction. Last year, there was no standard version of the Triumph 450, only the RC Edition. Now the TF450-X has arrived. TRIUMPH TF450-X When Triumph introduced its first 450 motocross bike in 2025, it was the RC Special Edition and had a long list of high-end parts. At that time, there was no standard model. Now there is. It might not have the bling of the RC model, but it does have upgrades to the clutch, gearbox and engine mounts. It still features KYB suspension, Brembo brakes and a map switch. Triumph TF450-X–Base price: $10,395, weight without fuel: 231 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★ The TF450-X is one of those bikes that doesn’t feel as fast as it is. POWER DELIVERY ★★★ Triumph clearly prioritized ease of riding over brute strength. The peak power and smooth roll-on are straight from the Kawasaki play book. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★★★ The TF450-X has a big handlebar switch that gives you options like Quickshift, traction control and launch assist. Additionally, you can purchase a connectivity unit to give you more features through the Triumph MX Tune Pro app, but it no longer comes stock. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★ The 2026 standard Triumph feels stiffer than we remember and has a little harshness that’s difficult to tune away. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★ The rear shock is the beneficiary of a frame that has just the right amount of flex. STABILITY ★★★★★ Right from the start, overall handling has been the greatest strength of Triumph’s dirt models. The TF450-X is as stable as they come. CORNERING ★★★★ The Triumph is compact and light. It corners well in all situations. COMFORT ★★★★ Happily, the TF450-X bucks the Euro bike tradition of stiff frames, stiff seats and harsh manners. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★★ All the bits and pieces on this bike are top-notch. But, we miss the Dunlop MX34 tires that came on the RC Edition. VALUE ★★★ Triumph’s leap to the top rung of motocross has been astounding, and we respect the fact that it comes in as the least expensive Euro bike without sacrificing quality in any way. Our YZ450F test bike was decked out in Yamaha’s 70th anniversary colors. YAMAHA YZ450F Yamaha engineered a number of significant changes into the 2026 YZ450F that might not be apparent at a glance. The frame is new, the shock is new, and the intake has been redesigned. This year, Yamaha also broke down and gave the YZ a hydraulic clutch. Our test bike had the 70th Anniversary graphics, which add $200 to the price. Yamaha YZ450F’s base price: $10,299; weight without fuel: 231 lb. PEAK POWER ★★★★ Yamaha might have lost a little peak power for 2026, but the result is a much more pleasant, easy-to-ride motorcycle. POWER DELIVERY ★★★★★ The beastly YZ of the past is gone, replaced with a smooth, effective motorcycle that anyone can love. ELECTRONIC OPTIONS ★★★★★ Yamaha started the trend towards high-tech tuning features with the Power Tuner. The bike still comes ready to talk to your phone with no extra purchases. FRONT SUSPENSION ★★★★★ The fork is stiff, but you appreciate that when converse conditions deteriorate the most. REAR SUSPENSION ★★★★ Once again Yamaha has the favorite overall suspension set up for advanced riders. For novices, vets and less aggressive riders, it’s pretty stiff until you step up your pace. STABILITY ★★★★ This year, Yamaha got the biggest advancement with the smallest changes. The new frame gives it much more stability everywhere. CORNERING ★★★★ Back in the day, we said that Yamaha’s steered with the rear wheel. Now you can point and shoot as well as drift and slide. COMFORT ★★★★ Most riders love the fit and feel, but the YZ is a very tall motorcycle. COMPONENTS & DETAILS ★★★★★ The build quality on the Yamaha is outstanding, and the new hydraulic clutch is a welcome upgrade. VALUE ★★★ The 2026 YZ450F is one of the most expensive of Japan’s motocross bikes, but you aren’t shortchanged anywhere. DYNO REPORT After all the riding, we took the bikes to Pro Circuit where Snikie ran them on their Dynojet dyno. The bikes were run on the standard map with standard airbox covers. It’s worth noting that this is the last phase of the testing process, so the ratings are determined before our test riders see any numbers and are therefore based on real-world test results rather than preconceptions. We couldn’t present all 12 curves on one graph, so we broke them into four groups. For a common reference, we repeated one curve (the Husqvarna) on each graph. What did we learn? The dyno confirmed what we already knew; the KTM-powered bikes were as strong as ever. The Triumph was the one that outperformed expectations, while the Honda and the Kove were much better on the track than on the dyno. Here are the numbers: Beta 450RX: 54.6 hp @ 10,500 rpm, 31.3 ft-lb @ 7400 rpm Ducati Desmo450: 57.3 hp @ 9300 rpm, 35.5 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm GasGas MC450F: 57.9 hp @ 9200 rpm, 35.9 ft-lb @ 6900 rpm Honda CRF450R: 55.3 hp @ 8700 rpm, 36.5 ft-lb @ 7000 rpm Husqvarna FC450: 60.2 hp @ 9400 rpm, 36.5 ft-lb @ 7100 rpm Kawasaki KX450: 57.7 hp @ 9400 rpm, 34.8 ft-lb @ 6900 rpm Kove MX450: 50.8 hp @ 9500 rpm, 31.6 ft-lb @ 7300 rpm KTM 450SX-F: 59.5 hp @ 9300 rpm, 36.3 ft-lb @ 7600 rpm Suzuki RM-Z450: 56.6 hp @ 9400 rpm, 35.2 ft-lb @ 8100 rpm TM 450FI MX: 55.6 hp @ 9700, 34.4 ft-lb @ 7200 rpm Triumph TF450-X: 58.6 hp @ 9200 rpm, 36.0 ft-lb @ 6700 rpm Yamaha YZ450F: 56.7 hp @ 9600 rpm, 35.1 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm When it comes to a final ranking of 12 motorcycles, there are exactly 479,001,600 possibilities. Your results may vary. First place: Yamaha YZ450F. The right ingredients were always there. Now they are mixed perfectly. Second place: KTM 450SX-F. The engine is the heart of any motorcycle and beats like a champ. Third place: Husqvarna FC450F. If you want the standard edition, you have to move fast. CONCLUSION So how do they all stack up? When we were all done, the podium was clear. First place goes to the Yamaha YZ450F. For us, Yamaha finally hit on the steering mannerisms that we have been wanting for years. The frame changes for 2026 made it much more stable and well planted at the same time, while also decreasing the rider effort needed to initiate a turn. The motor also became less of a beast, and now you don’t need to detune it to make it rideable for mere mortals. Second is the KTM. There’s no getting around the fact that it has the greatest engine to ever power a dirt bike. It’s light, it handles flawlessly, and it remains the bike that newcomers see as a benchmark. Not surprisingly, the nearly identical Husqvarna is third. We simply can’t separate two bikes that share 90 percent of the same parts. The FC450 still might be considered a winner for riders who need a little less seat height. But remember, this is a 2025 model, and once those supplies are gone, the only Husky 450 that will be available will be the Factory Edition, which has completely different suspension and a slightly taller seat height. After that, the picture is murky. We’ve provided all the data for you to dive into and provide your own rankings based on your own priorities. Some people care more about value than performance, and some might be drawn to the excitement of an all-new brand. For more on all these bikes individually find individual reviews for all of them below. FULL TEST: 2026 YAMAHA YZ450F TEST VIDEO: 2026 HONDA CRF450R TEST VIDEO: 2026 BETA 450RX TEST VIDEO: 2026 DUCATI DESMO450 2026 GASGAS MC450F VS. KTM & HUSKY: THE WRAP TEST VIDEO: 2026 KOVE MX450 The post 2026 450 MX SHOOTOUT – FEBRUARY 2026 ISSUE appeared first on Dirt Bike Magazine. Просмотреть полный текст статьи Цитата
Рекомендуемые сообщения
Присоединяйтесь к обсуждению
Вы можете написать сейчас и зарегистрироваться позже. Если у вас есть аккаунт, авторизуйтесь, чтобы опубликовать от имени своего аккаунта.