P60
2021 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
SHOOTOUT
product available for us to use and could not
provide a date when one would be available, so
we reluctantly proceeded without it. Last year,
we found the RM-Z to be a good-performing
machine, but the lack of e-start and it being the
heaviest bike in the class at 253 pounds hurt its
overall ratings with our testers. The RM-Z finished
sixth out of six last year but sees no physical
changes for '21, though it did get a new mobile
device-based engine tuner that we haven't seen
yet. The '21 RM-Z450 is, however, $400 cheaper
than the least expensive bike in this shootout.
For this shootout, we again rode the bikes
exactly how you get them off the showroom floor,
including tires, though we spruced ours up a bit
in the visual department by fitting them with Decal
Works number-plate backers.
Ultimately, each of our test riders rated the
bikes first through fifth, then using the common
local moto scoring system (first equals one point,
second two points and so on) we came up with a
winner. The bike with the lowest combined total
score wins. Simple.
Let's do this.
Kawasaki KX450 ($9399)
Weight (wet): 244 lbs.
The Kawasaki crew has kept the new
generation KX450 relatively the same since it's
complete overhaul in 2019. For the '21 model
year, however, the green machine did receive
a few significant updates, such as a new
coned-disc spring hydraulic clutch, tapered
Renthal Fatbar and new plastics. Once again,
the KX450 retains its "ergo-fit" controls and
coupler map system, coming from the factory
with three options: standard (green), smooth
(black) and aggressive (white). This is the
same bike that took Eli Tomac to the 2020
Supercross Championship, will it be enough
to stand atop the Cycle News podium?
KTM 450 SX-F ($10,199)
Weight (wet): 235 lbs.
The KTM 450 SX-F is seemingly unchanged
from its 2020 predecessor, but new
differences can be seen with the keen eye.
New WP Suspension components highlight
the revisions for the Austrian brand with
the Xact forks featuring an increased air
bypass, making it easier for air to pass
from chamber to chamber. In short, the
WP engineers aimed at a plusher, more
consistent feeling in the front end. To
complement the front end, the Xact Rear
Shock received new low-friction seals. The
KTM comes with a hydraulic clutch, traction
control and a handlebar-mounted map
switch with updated mapping.
THE CONTENDERS
