P80
SHOOTOUT
2018 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
MEET THE CONTESTANTS
2ND KTM 450 SX-F
The winner of last year's shootout
sees little changes for 2018
but it did get an orange frame—
Yes!—and small suspension
revisions. The KTM and its half
brother (Husky) remain loyal to
their WP AER 48 air forks, which
are considered the best of the
pneumatics these days. The
KTM has a lot going for it, like
electric starting, traction control
and having the honor of being the
lightest bike in the class.
3RD HUSQVARNA FC 450
The Husky received the same
suspension revisions as the KTM.
On paper, these two bikes are
very similar, separated by only
the their airboxes, swingarms,
plastic and mufflers. The Husky's
muffler is slightly more restrictive
than the KTM's, as is its airbox.
Standout features are the same
as the KTM's: electric starting,
traction control, WP AER air fork,
launch control and a hydraulically
operated clutch.
1ST HONDA CRF450R
Last year (2017) the Honda got
a major overhaul, resulting in a
faster, better handling and better-
suspended motorcycle. For
2018, Honda refined it, which
included giving it electric starting.
Honda wanted to test the waters
last year by offering electric
starting as an option, now they
know we want it permanently.
Tada! The CRF450R also went
back to spring forks, which it had
last (2017) year.
Honda CRF450R
KTM 450 SX-F
Suzuki RM-Z450 Yamaha YZ450F
