VOL. 54 ISSUE 42 OCTOBER 24, 2017 P81
4TH YAMAHA YZ450F
The '18 Yamaha YZ450F got a
major redo, though the basic
foundation is the same as before
with its reversed cylinder head,
elevated airbox and centralized
fuel tank. When it comes to
spring forks, Yamaha never
wavered; staying true to its
Kayaba SSS fork, while everyone
else was experimenting with
air forks. The 2018 YZ450F is
thinner, and has a new engine-
tuning app and electric starting.
5TH SUZUKI RM-Z450
Despite its long-in-the-tooth
styling, the RM-Z450 has been
a solid performer over the years.
But it now has a fresh look and a
number of mechanical changes
for 2018. It's pretty much an
all-new motorcycle with a new
coil-spring fork, a high-tech
shock and updated chassis.
Unfortunately, it's the heaviest
bike of this group despite not
having electric starting.
6TH KAWASAKI KX450F
The KX450F was the trickest
and baddest bike in the class
after going through a huge
metamorphosis just two years
ago (2016). But things happen
quickly in MX and now it's one
of the "oldest" when it comes
to updates. It has none in 2018
and saw only a few in '17. It still
performs, though. It's powerful,
handles good and is the only bike
here with adjustable footpegs. But
you still gotta to kick it to start it.
Husqvarna FC 450
Kawasaki KX450F
