P82
2021 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
SHOOTOUT
Summary
A Shootout win is hard to come
by. Some years a bike stands
heads and shoulders above the
rest. This year, it was the bike
that was able to do everything
well that took home victory. The
2021 Kawasaki KX450 struck
the best balance between our
two groups of testers. Our faster
pro racers put it as a solid third
place and our average joes put
it on top. When the dust settled
after two rigorous days of test-
ing, it was the green machine
that earned the lowest score,
only one point ahead of second,
and two mere points ahead of a
tie for third. Finding a balance of
power, suspension, ease of use
and technological advancements
is what allowed the Kawi to win.
All of our riders praised the KX
for its usable power, compliant
suspension and updated hydrau-
lic clutch. The bike was comfort-
able to ride and allowed both
groups to turn consistently fast
lap times. We'd gladly welcome
an updated mapping system
(handlebar switch please!), but
the effortless ride quality seemed
to overshadow that this year. The
rest of the pack is always nipping
at the heels of the winner, eager
to refine their own version of the
perfect bike. Until next year, the
fate of the 450 class hangs in the
balance. CN
