P82
SHOOTOUT
2019 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
MEET THE CONTESTANTS
HUSQVARNA FC 450
On this year's spec sheet, the Husqvarna
remains nearly identical to the KTM 450 SX-F,
which rolls off the same Austrian assembly
line. Like its cousin, the FC 450 receives an
all-new frame, and swingarm and cylinder
head updates, but also sees new Husky-
specific ignition mapping, exhaust system
and lithium-ion battery. Revised WP AER 48
forks outfit the front end of the Husk, as
they do on the KTM, which are known as the
best air-spring forks on the market. Small
changes could mean big results in 2019.
KAWASAKI KX450
Arriving to the 2019 field as the only all-
new contender, expectations are high for
Kawasaki's KX450. Team Green left no part of
the KX untouched, taking inspiration from its
factory race team. The Kawi's powerplant gets
aggressive camshaft profiles, a finger-follower
valve train and larger 44mm throttle bodies
for increased power across the rev range.
Keeping power in check is a slimmer, aluminum
perimeter frame, new swingarm and Showa
46mm coil-spring forks with A-kit technology.
Oh, and the KX finally has electric start.
HONDACRF450R
Big Red's CRF450R enters this year's shootout
as the reigning champion, and with a long
list of updates aimed at keeping it that way.
Honda's engine department had a hand in
this, updating the cylinder head, scavenge-
pump and piston oil jets for improved power
across the rev range and better efficiency. To
handle the added engine performance, the
CRF sees a tweaked main frame, swingarm,
rear shock linkage and front fork settings,
helping push its handling qualities to the top
of the chart.
Honda CRF450R
Husqvarna FC 450
KTM 450 SX-F
Suzuki RM-Z450
