Honorable Mention #1
2025 HONDA CRF450RX
I lived with multiple versions of the freshly updated Honda
450 this year, and the 450RX model stands out as a favorite.
This bike in stock form was my weapon of choice for the
NGPC series and multiple camping trips. Strong power,
different engine modes, a nimble chassis, and off-road
necessities like a larger fuel tank, handguards and an 18-
inch rear wheel made it the go-to when choosing only one
bike to bring. This is a bike I could just get on and go, feeling
comfortable right away in any condition. The 450RX's over-
all versatility made it a front-runner in my bike-of-the-year
breakdown.
Honorable Mention #2
2026 TRIUMPH TF 450-E
In sticking with this year's 450cc theme, the Triumph TF
450-E finds its way to the honorable mention category.
This is the British brand's first real crack at an enduro bike,
and Triumph knocked it out of the park. Triumph's goal was
to put this bike up against the likes of other well-rounded
options, like Honda's 450X, Yamaha's WR and KTM's XCF-W
lineup. Based on the TF 450 motocrosser, the E retains
that free-revving engine, six-speed transmission, nimble
chassis, Brembo brakes and KYB suspension. Add in an LED
headlight, a butter-smooth quickshifter, and multiple power
modes, and the TF-E feels much more fun to ride than the
other machines. Triumph is all-in on off-road, and its TF450E
is another viable option in the enduro world.
P180
FEATURE I 2025 FAVORITE BIKES OF THE YEAR
