Choosing the best 450cc motocross motorcycle. 2022 Models

Choosing the best 450cc motocross motorcycle. 2022 Models

Comparative tests of motocross motorcycles Honda CRF450R 2022, Husqvarna FC 450 2022, Kawasaki KX450 2022, KTM 450 SX-F 2022, Suzuki RM-Z450 2022 and Yamaha YZ450F 2022 by six riders of different ages, heights, weights and qualifications on the motocross track. Throughout the day, riders tested their bikes with the help of technicians who helped them find the perfect setup for each bike. To ensure a level playing field, all bikes were shod in soft-terrain Dunlop MX33 rubber, which is well suited to the test track.

After the official tests, we rode the new motorcycles on the tracks for two more days and tried to learn all the nuances. All told, riders logged hundreds of laps and burned a lot of gas to make the final decision on the best motorcycle in the 2022 450cc class.

Sixth place: Suzuki RM-Z450 2022 motocross motorcycle

Suzuki RM-Z450 2020 motocross motorcycle

Place, according to the riders: 6-6-6-6-6-6

It's no secret that among the motocross bikes tested, the Suzuki RM-Z450 is the most outdated - it hasn't received major changes for 2022 and hasn't received them for years. The RM-Z450 is one of the heaviest motorcycles in the class, weighing 112 kilograms, and it does not have a battery or starter, unlike its five competitors.

However, even the Suzuki RM-Z450 has features that most riders won't be able to take full advantage of. The Suzuki is prized for its love of cornering and its light feel on the trail despite its weight, thanks to good ergonomics and a responsive, easy-to-drive engine. It's not the fastest, and its chassis isn't the best. However, Suzuki fans are loyal enough that the yellow bike can be turned into a serious weapon with some good tuning parts.

The Showa fork works great, but the Achilles' heel of the bike is the BFRC shock, which has limited tuning options and strange characteristics. With stock settings, the motocross Suzuki RM-Z450 is not stable and predictable enough. We set the sag to a very low 110mm (last year we even tried 166mm). After this, the fork was lowered in the traverses by 2–3 mm. In this configuration, the bike is much more predictable and balanced, but the problem with the shock absorber rebound settings is one of the main shortcomings of the Suzuki RM-Z.

Advantages of Suzuki RM-Z450 2020

• Clear engine character
• Loves turns (if set up correctly)
• Successful gearbox ratios
• Good appearance
• Excellent engine response in the low rev range

Disadvantages of Suzuki RM-Z450 2020

• Kickstarter
• Poor suspension balance
• Strange characteristics of the rear shock absorber
• Seat is too soft
• The chassis feels very rigid

Suzuki RM-Z450 2020 motocross motorcycle

Pros of the 2022 Suzuki RM-Z450, according to riders

The motorcycle handles well in corners and changes direction easily.

The Suzuki's behavior is predictable, especially in corners. The character of the RM-Z's engine is absolutely adequate: smooth, easy to control and quite powerful.

Suzuki's strong point is turns

This bike is easy to ride, the engine character is very pleasant, without any sudden kicks or surprises. On the track the bike feels much lighter than when you take it off the stand.

I like the way the motocross Suzuki loads the front wheel. The motorcycle holds its internal trajectory well in corners.

The Suzuki RM-Z450 is a good choice. A good platform for building a motorcycle for yourself.

Cons of the 2022 Suzuki RM-Z450, according to riders

The Suzuki feels outdated compared to other bikes. It's not a bad bike, but it's not as good as the competition.

The suspension is confusing. The fork is smooth and progressive, but the shock throws the bike off balance. The shock responds very quickly, it works faster than the fork. A softer rebound setting is needed.

Poor suspension balance makes the motorcycle unstable. The Suzuki motocross feels old.

The lack of an electric starter would not be so critical if the bike started easily with a kickstarter. The rear suspension of the bike works strangely, and the chassis is the stiffest of all the bikes and is unforgiving.

The Suzuki RM-Z450 rides quite well, but it is clearly slower than other bikes and the vibration is the worst.

It's a good platform, but everything about the Suzuki leaves you wanting more. The fork is stiff on impacts and the shock response is neither consistent nor predictable.

Choosing a motorcycle for enduro.

Today we will talk more about the philosophy of choosing this technology, and not about specific models. Although they will too. We will also raise an eternal topic that excites the minds of all chats and forums. What to choose, new China or used Japanese-Austrian. Or combine the choice, but more on that later)

Let's agree, we won't consider heavy equipment, people are elephants. This is a separate type of enduro, in the forest, there is nothing to do on it outside of good soil. Unless of course you are Marco Iob (

) and not one of those guys who, on his nine, would show these arrogant ones from Dakar.

So, let's begin.

Let's, like last time, define the categories. Why do you need a motorcycle of this class?

I will highlight 3 (unexpectedly ha ha ha) categories:

• soft/light enduro
• medium enduro (so what)
• and His Majesty hard!!!

Fifth place: Husqvarna FC 450 2022 dirt bike

Husqvarna FC 450 2020 dirt bike

Place, according to the riders: 4-4-4-3-4-5

For 2022, the Husqvarna FC 450 gets several changes that make it a good all-round motorcycle. The Map 2 engine settings are new, allowing the engine to produce high power over a wider range, while the optional air filter housing cover that comes with the bike allows more air to flow through and improves engine performance. For 2022, Husqvarna distanced itself from sister brand KTM and developed its own suspension settings. The fork and shock now provide more comfort than last year's firmer suspension.

The new Husqvarna FC 450 motocross is a friendlier, easier-to-ride version of the motorcycle for 2019. Some riders liked the new settings, while others noted that the suspension was more suitable for enduro than motocross. With the new suspension settings, the bike's center of gravity shifts more during acceleration and braking than a '19 or new KTM, and it's not a pleasant feeling.

It's hard not to compare Husqvarna and KTM. The Husqvarna FC 450 is easier to ride than its orange sibling as the bike is narrower around the radiators and the composite subframe offers more comfort.

The engine has good power distribution across revolutions. It is best to keep it at maximum torque, as excessive revs cause a lot of vibration. Husqvarna's engine mapping settings force lower revs, which makes the bike feel heavy on the track even though it's one of the lightest on the scale.

Advantages of Husqvarna FC 450 2020

• Plenty of torque in the mid-range
• Two ECU maps and traction control with steering wheel controls
• Excellent Pro Taper steering wheel has a comfortable shape and dampens vibration
• ODI grips
• Magura hydraulic clutch

Disadvantages of Husqvarna FC 450 2020

• The nature of the engine makes the bike feel heavier than it is
• Suspension settings too soft for fast or heavy riders
• Steering wheel pad - why not Pro Taper?
• The fuel tank cap is sometimes very difficult to unscrew
• A mechanical spring fork would work better than an air fork

Husqvarna FC 450 2020 dirt bike

Pros of the 2022 Husqvarna FC 450, according to riders

I love how stable the Husqvarna FC 450 is and how well it grips the trail. The engine has good power throughout the rev range and a clear character.

The bike is good for everyone: it is stable, but at the same time it is not afraid of turns.

I like the Husqvarna better than the KTM motocross, it's easier to ride fast, it's thinner around the radiators, and it has the most comfortable handlebars.

I love the Husqvarna FC 450, it's easy to ride and more comfortable than the KTM. The Pro Taper handlebars are better than KTM's Neken handlebars, insulating your hands from engine vibrations and trail surprises.

I like the predictable behavior of this bike. I always know how the motorcycle will react to my movements. The WP air fork provides good comfort and is highly adjustable.

The optional air filter housing cover is a good thing and provides another tuning option. It's like an additional map to the engine ECU.

Cons of the 2022 Husqvarna FC 450, according to riders

With these brakes you need to be careful in corners, and the suspension is quite soft: on large jumps you want more rigidity from the suspension.

The new softer suspension settings provide comfort, but the motocross bike needs to be stiffer for heavier or faster riders. Below me, the bike's suspension makes too many unnecessary movements.

The engine is not powerful enough at low speeds. I drove map No. 2, I wish it was more aggressive.

Three years ago I liked the Husqvarna and KTM ECU settings, with them the engines loved high revs. With the settings of recent years, the bike feels heavy.

The weak point of the motorcycle is the ECU settings, they give the feeling of a heavy motorcycle. The good thing is that there is a real difference between card #1 and card #2.

FAQ

• What does enduro motorcycle mean? The name “enduro” itself comes from the Latin word “indurare”, which means “to cope with difficulties”. And it is perfectly suited for such technology.
• How to choose an enduro bike according to your height? One of the most important points is that you must touch the ground with both feet. This may not be easy, since motorcycles in this class have a high seat height, but it is necessary, otherwise the risk of falling will increase significantly.
• Is it possible to ride an enduro in the city? Of course, no worse than on any other bike. If you have a PTS, otherwise the first traffic police outfit you meet will immediately complicate your life and ruin your mood.
• Is a 250cc enduro suitable for an absolute beginner who has never ridden before? Yes, quite, just don’t buy particularly “evil” models designed for professionals. It would be best to choose something inexpensive, simple and inexpensive to maintain.
• Are 4-stroke models better than 2t enduro? Two-stroke models are usually much more powerful than four-stroke models, and their service life is several times lower. They are intended primarily for competitive racing rather than everyday driving.
• What is the best enduro for a complete beginner? Is a 50cc budget moped suitable? Most likely, you will be bored on a moped. Consider options with engines of 125-250 cc.
• I bought myself an endurik, but I hardly drive off-road, is it possible to convert it for city driving? Of course, many motorcycles in this class differ from motards mainly in the size of their wheels and tires. Actually, that's all you need to replace. Look at the photo, read information about both of these classes of motorcycles. Indura is not so different from a motard, at least when it comes to inexpensive models.
• Are Japanese enduros meant for experienced bikers? Or are they also suitable for a beginner? Depends on the model. There are both professional equipment and quite amateurish ones, which are not difficult to master. Read the reviews on our website, look at the model ratings - a selection of top motorcycles will certainly help you decide.

Fourth place: KTM 450 SX-F 2022 dirt bike

KTM 450 SX-F 2020 dirt bike

Place, according to the riders: 5-3-5-1-5-3

Brother to the Husqvarna FC 450, the KTM 450 SX-F also boasts new map 2 settings, an additional air filter housing cover and revised suspension settings and new fork pistons that improve comfort during initial fork travel. However, KTM stays true to the "Ready to Race" motto and has more aggressive settings.

The suspension is well balanced, the bike is stable at high speed, but at the same time maneuverable in corners. The KTM 450 SX-F is very good on the motocross track, but the ECU settings make the bike feel a lot heavier than it actually is. Among air forks, the WP fork is one of the best, but hydraulic forks are more efficient and the return of Japanese manufacturers to hydraulic forks directly speaks to this.

The air filter housing cover with additional holes allows the engine to breathe easier and become more responsive.

Compared to Husqvarna's Magura hydraulics, the KTM 450 SX-F's Brembo clutch acts like it only has two positions - on/off , and the Neken handlebars are oddly shaped. In addition, this steering wheel is stiff and transfers much more detail about the condition of the track into the rider's hands.

Advantages of the KTM 450 SX-F 2020

• Two ECU maps and traction control with steering wheel controls
• Excellent suspension balance
• Predictable motorcycle behavior
• Excellent Brembo brakes
• The motorcycle loves turns

Disadvantages of the 2020 KTM 450 SX-F

• ECU map settings are not successful
• The steering wheel is hard and has an awkward shape
• Hydraulic clutch is not informative enough
• Gear shifting is not always clear

KTM 450 SX-F 2020 dirt bike

Pros of the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F, according to riders

The KTM has easy throttle response and lets you ride fast and aggressively when you want it. The motorcycle has a good chassis and excellent connection with the track surface.

The KTM produces plenty of power that is delivered smoothly. This is a very friendly motocross bike. Cornering is predictable.

The KTM corners very well and the suspension handles big impacts well

The SX-F has good stability at speed and responds easily to changes in trajectory. The predictable nature saves the rider's energy.

I like the way the bike rides: it loves to turn and is stable at high speed. You can make a mistake with the choice of gear, but the engine will pull out anyway.

Cons of the 2022 KTM 450 SX-F, according to riders

I liked the KTM, I have no complaints.

The KTM 450 SX-F is better, but it doesn't feel light.

Due to the nature of the engine, the bike feels heavy and lacks torque at the low end. And I'm not a fan of air forks.

Return the engine to the 2022 firmware - the motorcycle will feel 7 kilograms lighter. I hate this steering wheel.

If the motocross track is sandy, I don't have enough engine power.

I would like better response from the engine. There are problems with the ECU settings; the motorcycle feels heavy.

It is more convenient to use 4t, to maintain - 2t

All you have to do is fill the four-stroke engine with gasoline and you’re good to go. Gasoline is poured into a two-stroke motorcycle mixed with special two-stroke oil, and I know people who ride durable two-stroke light enduros, such as the Suzuki RMX, which have a separate lubrication system, but I don’t know anyone who would use it, because if it If it fails, the engine will be destroyed immediately. Everything is mixed in a tank. Then habit comes, and the premix ceases to be something inconvenient, but still, it’s one whole extra step.

If the mixture is incorrect or on plug routes, when the oil does not have time to burn out, the spark plugs on two-stroke engines die. You should always have a couple of spare candles and a candle holder with you. True, in enduro this is compensated by the ability to use A17DVRM type spark plugs, which cost pennies and are sold in every general store.

Two-strokes are much more prone to carburetor freeze-up in winter. The effects are wonderful: from engine choke to throttle freezing, which is essentially the same as biting the throttle cable.

Third place: Honda CRF450R 2022 dirt bike

Honda CRF450R 2020 dirt bike

Place, according to the riders: 2-5-3-3-3-4

While the bike has been completely redesigned for 2022, the Honda CRF450R has also been redesigned for the 2022 model year. The fork and shock absorber have new components, and the bike's center of gravity has been lowered by moving the electric starter battery to the lower part of the air cleaner housing. The biggest changes have occurred in electronics. The Honda CRF450R still boasts three ECU maps, but like the Austrian bikes, the Honda now features a three-mode traction control system. Using the buttons installed on the steering wheel, you can select more than ten settings.

The Honda's powerband is wide and easy to use. The Honda CRF450R can feel like a no-compromise dirt bike or an easy-to-ride motorcycle, depending on the rider's chosen combination of map and traction control settings.

A light, fast and maneuverable motorcycle - this is how the Honda CRF motocross bike is perceived on the track, since it reacts very well to the rider’s movements and changes direction in a fraction of a second. However, we noticed that the Honda required specific settings for each track - we were unable to achieve universal settings that worked well in different conditions. Overall, we liked the bike with the fork lowered 2mm at the triple clamps and the rear shock's rebound force increased by a click or two.

Advantages of the 2020 Honda CRF450R

• Versatile power range that can be easily adjusted
• Good ergonomics
• The motorcycle loves turns
• Great looks

Disadvantages of the 2020 Honda CRF450R

• Clutch lever force is high compared to other motorcycles
• Suspension tuning requires more attention on every track
• Not very confident behavior on fast, uneven sections
• When braking, the rear shock absorber does not always work as expected

Honda CRF450R 2020 dirt bike

Pros of the 2022 Honda CRF450R, according to riders

The Honda is very well balanced. I like the performance of the suspension. The motorcycle has a convenient engine power range with a lot of settings.

The Honda crossover feels slim, light and very compact. Easy to maneuver. There are no noticeable gaps in the engine's powerband. I like the aggressive nature of the engine.

Very powerful engine with a very wide range of settings. I love good handling and it's very easy to maneuver.

The Honda CRF engine is a monster, but you can change its character with the press of a couple of buttons. I like the ergonomics and handling.

Fantastic engine: tuning is the easiest of all the bikes. The CRF is versatile and has good maneuverability on the ground and in the air.

This bike is a lot of fun to ride. I like the engine and its character - it has no weak points.

Cons of the 2022 Honda CRF450R, according to riders

The pickup on the lows is not very strong, regardless of the chosen card. The bike has a bit of yaw when cornering, but handles well.

The Honda is good at cornering, but sensitive to the right setup. This motocross bike requires effort to set up for every track.

The Honda loves cornering, but it's too twitchy for me. With better suspension he could have fought for first place.

The handling of the Honda CRF450R is not as stable as other motorcycles. The CRF chassis is a bit of a stretch and takes a while to get used to.

The motocross bike is great when changing lines quickly, but its stability is not so good, especially when braking - the fork is too soft.

It can be dangerous

Almost all modern four-stroke engines are fuel-injected. It seems that we are just getting to the 2t injectors. Although not having to use a battery is more of a plus than a minus.

It’s not scary to sink a two-stroke boat, but with the caveat that it’s in clean water. The motorcycle is brought into combat condition after drowning in about 15 minutes. Moreover, the four-stroke rides further on the emulsion, and the two-stroke can go further almost the same way as it went down. This “almost” refers to a possible emulsion in the transmission, but there is usually such a small breather there that for it to form, the motorcycle must lie in the water for a decent amount of time.

Even a child can change the piston in a 2t. There is no timing belt, and this is a big plus, both from a repair and diagnostic point of view. More than once I saw a picture when a tired valve broke off, the mushroom fell down - and the owner received Stalingrad. This simply doesn’t happen on 2t.

Second place: Kawasaki KX450 2022 dirt bike

Kawasaki KX450 2020 dirt bike

Place, according to the riders: 1-2-1-5-2-2

Winner among motocross motorcycles in the 450 cc class. 2019, the Kawasaki KX450 receives no major changes for 2022, with the exception of all-green plastics. The KX450 boasts good engine power distribution across the rev range and is the only Japanese motorcycle to feature a hydraulic clutch. ECU cards change like flash drives - one is standard, smoother, and the second is aggressive. In our opinion, the standard map does a great job throughout the entire rev range.

The Showa suspension is very effective on this Kawasaki KX450, the bike has good stability at high speed and is not afraid of cornering. The Kawasaki feels light and responsive on the trail. All riders commented on how reliable the bike was at speed and praised the KX's predictable nature. The chassis and suspension are very well balanced, the bike does not try to change its trajectory when braking or accelerating. The bike feels narrow and moving your body forward or backward is easy.

Of all the motocross bikes tested, the Kawasaki KX450 has the most ergonomic adjustments. Other bikes also have four-way adjustable handlebars, but the Kawasaki is the only bike that offers two-way adjustable foot pegs. Great option for tall riders.

A couple of testers ranked the KX450 first, and Kawasaki engineers were right to keep the bike unchanged for the new season. This is a bike for a winner.

Advantages of Kawasaki KX450 2020

• Wide power band with high torque
• Excellent suspension balance
• Great looks
• Excellent blend of stability and handling
• Hydraulic clutch ensures constant performance

Disadvantages of the 2020 Kawasaki KX450

• The clutch and front brake levers are strangely shaped
• Rear brake tends to overheat
• Changing ECU maps takes time
• Renthal handlebar with a diameter of 22.2 mm can be bent if dropped

Kawasaki KX450 2020 dirt bike

Pros of the 2022 Kawasaki KX450, according to riders

Excellent fork and shock settings that give the bike good balance. You take the line you want and the engine responds instantly throughout the rev range.

The KX450 may not be the fastest dirt bike, but the power delivery is impressive, the response is crisp, and there's plenty of power throughout the range. The bike feels light and nimble.

The Kawasaki KX450 engine is very powerful and has no weak points. The motorcycle handles very well. I changed almost nothing in the settings, and I liked it.

Kawasaki inspires confidence. The bike is powerful, stable at speed, and cornering is no problem.

Great engine and easy to drive. The motorcycle has the most comfortable and stable chassis.

Kawasaki has a low center of gravity and high levels of comfort. The motorcycle corners very easily. The engine has no weak points.

Cons of the 2022 Kawasaki KX450, according to riders

I was putting some effort into getting the Kawasaki KX450 into the corners. Perhaps the fork was too soft for me.

I think the clutch and front brake levers are too thin. Like Japanese chopsticks.

For me, the rear brake on the 2022 model was an issue, I was afraid of overheating it while racing and being left without a rear brake. I replaced it with a smaller diameter brake on the 2022 model and that resolved the issue.

The suspension is too soft. If I were to motocross race this bike, I'd at least tighten the forks.

The fork's resistance at the end of the stroke could be stronger. I didn't like the flu.

Enduro and motocross

A typical motocross bike differs from an enduro bike in a number of ways. He most likely does not have full-fledged lighting equipment, or even long-range mirrors, and he is prohibited from driving on public roads . It even changes the oil not according to mileage in kilometers, but according to engine hours! The extreme loads to which such equipment is subjected are inevitable in motocross sports, which is why it requires regular attention. But it is ideal not only for setting new records, but also for squeezing out adrenaline.

First place: Yamaha YZ450F 2022 motocross motorcycle

Yamaha YZ450F 2020 dirt bike

Place, according to the riders: 3-1-2-4-1-1

The Yamaha YZ450F doesn't look like an all-new motorcycle for the 2022 model year, but it does get a ton of major changes. An all-new chassis and a more compact engine, as well as a redesigned suspension, give the YZ450F significant performance gains.

Although the rear-sloping cylinder and top-mounted air cleaner housing create an unusual powertrain sound that takes some getting used to, the engine's powerband is virtually flawless. The YZ450F engine doesn't lack power or torque. The Yamaha Power Tuner app allows riders to customize the bike's powerband to their liking, while a handlebar-mounted button lets you choose between two engine maps.

The new chassis and revised Kayaba suspension components provide the best handling characteristics the YZ450F has ever had. The vague front fork feel in corners that the Yamaha has always suffered from has disappeared—no rider complained of a lack of front wheel control when entering or exiting a corner. Stable at high speed, the Yamaha has excellent cornering performance.

The suspension is still class-leading, with the Yamaha Kayaba components having the best combination of soft early-stroke performance, good mid-stroke force, and hard-impact resistance. With the stock suspension settings, the bike suffered from too much weight shift fore and aft as the forks and shock had excessive travel under braking and acceleration. We made a few tweaks to the compression and rebound damping settings in the fork and shock to calm the bike down and provide better stability, and...we were delighted.

The 2022 Yamaha YZ450F delivers top performance in every category, has tons of customization options, and is our winner for the 2022 450cc motocross bike.

Advantages of Yamaha YZ450F 2020

• Excellent distribution of engine power throughout the entire rev range
• Convenient settings with the Yamaha Power Tuner app
• New convenient engine map switch
• Best in class suspension
• Significantly improved handling when entering and exiting corners

Disadvantages of the 2020 Yamaha YZ450F

• Even though the bike is narrower than before, the YZ450F still has the feel of a wide bike.
• The air filter needs to be cleaned more often than traditionally positioned filters

Yamaha YZ450F 2020 dirt bike

Pros of the 2022 Yamaha YZ450F, according to riders

The power of the Yamaha engine is very well dosed. The motorcycle behaves well in ruts, the front wheel always retains grip. Overall a very comfortable bike that is easy to ride fast.

The YZ450F performs well in the roughest parts of the trail. The engine is amazing and much easier to drive than previous models.

In corners this is the best Yamaha YZ450F I have ridden. The engine is flawless, without any weak points. The best YZ450F ever.

The Yamaha has the best engine of any bike and the best rear wheel grip. The cross-country YZ450 turned out to be the most convenient and comfortable for me.

Amazing engine. You can drive it fast or slow: it always pulls great. The suspension provides comfort and excellent resistance to strong impacts. Overall the bike is well balanced.

Cons of the 2022 Yamaha YZ450F, according to riders

The engine doesn't pull very well at low end. It wakes up closer to the average range.

A dirt bike should be narrower. For me this is a big problem in turns because it is difficult to move forward.

When I first got on the bike it was too soft, I was surprised that the standard settings could be like that. Fortunately, the screwdriver solved all the problems and the suspension worked perfectly.

It takes a while to get used to the sound of the Yamaha YZ450F as the air filter sucks air between your legs. This makes the bike a little noisier, but you can get used to it.

The suspension needs to be firmer and slower to calm the bike down. But it is easy to customize with the help of adjustments.

Riding Features

Two-stroke motorcycles have almost no engine braking. I remember how scared I was the first time I rode a two-stroke bike into a corner in motocross, which I had previously done on four-stroke bikes with the throttle off and the engine braking. But, to my surprise, nothing bad happened, on the contrary, I just started going through this turn faster. The lack of engine braking, firstly, gives a feeling of lightness. The difference in weight between 2t and 4t is actually very small, but at 2t there is a very feeling of lightness. It's hard to describe, you just have to feel it. Secondly, purely subjectively, it’s easier to drive in deep sand when the 2t doesn’t burrow so much when releasing the gas.

On two-stroke motorcycles you have to use the clutch more actively. There is no escape from this, but this is not a minus.

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