MXA BUYER’S GUIDE TO THE WIDE WORLD OF 2024 FOUR-STROKES

With the 2025 models just peeking over the horizon, it’s a good chance to catch up on the bikes that are still on the showroom floors—the 2024 250, 350 & 450 four-strokes

TEN YEARS AGO TODAY! 2014 HUSQVARNA FC450 FOUR-STROKE

There is a twist to why the 2014 Husqvarna even existed. Part of it has to do with the automobile industry, some of it has to be blamed on lengthy R&D programs—Stefan Pierer found a way to cut down on development time. It’s called “platform sharing.”

MXA VIDEO: 2024 BETA 450RX TEST

Beta has built a name for itself by building a broad range of two-stroke and four-stroke off-road bikes. The dabble din the motocross market two years ago with the Beta 300RX smoker, but for 2024 have taken on the daunting task of not just releasing a new 450cc motocross bike, but racing the AMA Supercross series at the same timet.

MXA RACE TEST! THE REAL TEST OF THE 2024 KAWASAKI KX450

What’s the 2024 Kawasaki KX450 all about? We reveal the good, the bad and mysterious

TEN YEARS AGO TODAY! MXA’S 2014 KAWASAKI KX450F RACE TEST

A look back a decade ago to the 2014 KX450F. It had a great powerband, but In order to get our hands on that luscious powerband, we had to make a few compromises in other areas.

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE ALL-NEW 2024 BETA 450 RX MOTOCROSS MODEL

We finally got to ride Beta’s first-ever 450 four-stroke motocross bike on a rough Glen Helen track. Here’s our first impressions

MXA VIDEO: 2024-1/2 KTM 450SXF FACTORY EDITION TEST

KTM isn’t waiting four years to address rider complaints about the latest bikes, they are going all out to increase chassis flex and comfort for 2025. We shake down next year’s ’25 KTM 450SXF

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2024 GASGAS MC450F

The GasGas MC450F is not as affordable as it once was, but it is still a sweet bike that captures riders’ hearts with its fun nature.

MXA VIDEO: 2024 KAWASAKI KX450X CROSS-COUNTRY TEST

The off-road-specific version of the Kawasaki KX450 features the KX450 motocross bike’s frame, engine, brakes, electronics, airbox, exhaust and bodywork—but with more off-road capability

MXA VIDEO: 2024 HONDA CRF450 WORKS EDITION TEST

The Honda CRF450 Works Edition costs $2750 more than a stock CRF450. Is it worth the extra dough?

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2024 YAMAHA YZ450F

If you own a 2023 Yamaha YZ450F, then you already own a 2024 YZ450F—except with more hours on it than the new one on the showroom floor.

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2024 KTM 450SXF

The 2024 models are officially here! Our first “Tested” video of the year comes on the bike that finished second in the 2023 MXA 450 Shootout

FLASHBACK! WE RIDE JACK PHINN’S HONDA CRF450 DIRT TRACKER

With some reasonable modifications, a CR450 can be transformed into a desert racer, enduro bike, supermoto bike, dirt tracker, TT racer, sidecar racer or even a road racer

FLASHBACK! MXA’S FILL-IN RIDE ON THE HONDA FACTORY OFF-ROAD TEAM

Honda wouldn’t give us Sexton’s or Roczen’s works bikes for the weekend, but Honda’s Johnny Campbell gave us one

FLASHBACK! JOSH MOSIMAN’S THUNDER VALLEY 2023 HONDA CRF450 WORKS EDITION

Over the last couple seasons, Josh Mosiman has been racing select AMA 450 Nationals on MXA test bikes—in 2023 he raced a Yamaha YZ450F at Pala, a Gas Gas MC450F at Hangtown and for this edition, he raced a Honda CRF450 Works Edition at Thunder Valley

FLASHBACK! JOSH MOSIMAN RACES THE HANGTOWN NATIONAL ON A GASGAS MC450F

After racing a Yamaha YZ450F at the opening round of the 2023 AMA 450 National Championships, Josh switched to a GasGas MC450F for the second round at Hangtown. Here is what he did to make it race ready

FLASHBACK! INNERMOST SECRETS OF JOSH MOSIMAN’S PALA NATIONAL YZ450F

Taking testing to the nth degree—inside MXA’s Yamaha YZ450F as set-up for the 2023 Pala 450 National

BIGGEST DISASTER IN MOTOCROSS HISTORY: THE STORY BEHIND THE CANNONDALE

Why the long dreamed of Great American Motocross Hope was a total flop

FLASHBACK! WHAT IT’S LIKE TO RIDE KEN ROCZEN’S HEP SUZUKI RM-Z450

Riders of Ken’s caliber are usually locked in from one factory contract to the next, but, in this case, Ken and Honda split at the last minute, and the stars aligned HEP, Suzuki

WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO RIDE THE 2014 KTM 450SXF FOUR-STROKE

Much of the credit for the improvements goes to homegrown solutions, the ideas and concepts developed by local racers, hardcore KTM owners and the race teams, that KTM implemented into the 2014 KTM 450SXF.

2023 MOTOCROSS ACTION’S 450 SHOOTOUT VIDEO

This is the one you should read! We compare the CRF450, YZ450F, 450SXF, KX450, FC450, RM-Z450, and MC450F against each other in the most highly anticipated video of the year

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2024 SUZUKI RM-Z450

For the average novice, vet or play rider, the existing RM-Z450’s power is located in the perfect spot to get the job done; however, pros and high-rpm revvers will not like the RM-Z450 powerband

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2024 SUZUKI RM-Z450

In a world dominated by ever increasing prices, the Suzuki RM-Z450 offers the lowest MSRP of any brand. Are you a rider who fits the 2024 Suzuki RM-Z450s target rider profile? Find out in this video

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2024 HONDA CRF450

Not only is this this great engine, but it does the impossible by taming some of the CRF450 frame’s skittishness

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2024 KAWASAKI KX450

The all-new Kawasaki KX450 is finally here and we’ve already logged our first day of testing on it

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2024 YAMAHA YZ450F

The Yamaha YZ450F won our Shootout last year, but it’s not perfect. Josh Mosiman and Dennis Stapleton talk pros and cons of the 50th anniversary YZ450F in this video

MXA RETRO TEST: WE RIDE STEFAN EVERTS’ 2003 WORKS YAMAHA YZ-Fs

Not just one of Stefan Everts Championship bikes, but both of them at the same track on the same day

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2024 HUSQVARNA FC450

The 2024 model year has been christened “The Year of BNG.” The 2024 CRF450, YZ450F, RM-Z450, 450SXF and FC450 received no consequential updates—only the 2024 KX450 and 2024 GasGas MC450F were totally revamped

TEN YEARS AGO TODAY: COMPLETE TEST OF THE 2013 YAMAHA YZ450F

Yamaha has to convince you that their backwards engine idea is good and until they do they are paying the “Penalty of Taking the Lead”

MXA VIDEO: 2024 HUSQVARNA FC450 TESTED

This is the second year of this generation of Husqvarna FC450 and we know this bike like the back of our hands

WE TEST KEN ROCZEN’S FACTORY SUZUKI RM-Z450 RACE BIKE

MXA’s Josh Mosiman, Dennis Stapleton and Brian Medeiros test Roczen’s race bike on Monday after the LA Coliseum SMX race

MXA VIDEO: 2024 HONDA CRF450 TESTED

MXA shakes down the newest version of the CRF450. You’ll either love it or hate it

MXA RETRO TEST: WE RIDE RICKY CARMICHAEL’S MXDN CHAMPIONSHIP SUZUKI RM-Z450

We had to wonder what Ricky’s MXDN Suzuki RM-Z450 would be like. Would it be a clone of his sweet CRF450 or his weird CR250?

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2024 KTM 450SXF

The 2024 KTM 450SXF is a thing of beauty. It has a luscious powerband, and even though it makes almost 60 horsepower, it is super manageable and handles like a dream. No oversteer, no understeer; it is super accurate in all situations.

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023-1/2 GASGAS MC450F FACTORY EDITION

This is the first-ever GasGas Factory Edition, but let’s not get too misty-eyed about the GasGas version of the Factory Edition because it is just a red version of the 2023-1/2 KTM 450SXF Factory Edition

FIRST LOOK! 2024 HUSQVARNA MOTOCROSS MODELS

The 2024 FC250, FC350 and FC450 four-strokes feature the latest technology and electronic rider aids.

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023 HUSQVARNA FE450 “HERITAGE EDITION”

The limited Heritage Edition model comes with a blue seat and white plastics with traditional Husqvarna blue and yellow graphics, paying homage to its Swedish roots.

MXA RETRO TEST: WE RIDE TIM FERRY’S THREE-SPEED 2002 YAMAHA YZ426

The three-speed tranny was not just for Supercross, Yamaha said they also ran the three-speed outdoors, but with a smaller rear sprocket.

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023 HONDA CRF450WE

Most of the positive handling attributes are linked to the engine power being more linear, with the updated Showa suspension sharing the credit. Still, the handling isn’t perfect

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2023 HUSQVARNA FE450 ENDURO

The FE450 is a competition model off-road bike. We take it to the track and trails to get the low down on who this bike is made for

2023-1/2 KTM 450SXF FACTORY EDITION VIDEO TEST

The 2023-1/2 KTM Factory Edition is a preview of the 2024 bike. KTM made some minor suspension changes, but the rest is mostly bolt-on parts

FIRST LOOK! ALL-NEW 2024 KAWASAKI KX450

The Kawasaki KX450 received no updates for the 2023 model year, unless you think adding in-mold radiator shroud graphics is breaking new technological barriers. In truth, it was a four-year-old bike that wasn’t all that different from the 2019–2022 KX450. Yet, the 2023 KX450 managed to win several 450 shootouts with a workman-like package. It […]

INSIDE ELI TOMAC’S STAR RACING YAMAHA YZ450F

MXA’s Travis Fant gets up close and personal with Eli Tomac’s race bike, the day before he got hurt

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023 KAWASAKI KX450SR “SPECIAL RACER”

The price-tag question is a sensitive one — at $12,699, the KX450SR is worth the upcharge, but only if you would have used the parts that Kawasaki upgraded the “Special Racer” to.

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023-1/2 HUSQVARNA FC450 ROCKSTAR EDITION

The 2023-1/2 Husqvarna FC450 Rockstar Edition isn’t as unique as the stock 2023 FC450 with its lowered suspension, since it shares all of KTM’s suspension settings

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2023 HONDA CRF450 WORKS EDITION

MXA’s Josh Mosiman and Dennis Stapleton get into the nitty gritty on the 2023 Honda CRF450WE

2023 MXA 450 FOUR-STROKE SHOOTOUT: GASGAS VS. HONDA VS. HUSQVARNA VS. KAWASAKI VS. KTM VS. SUZUKI VS. YAMAHA

Everything you need to know about the 450 class of 2023 is right here. After you read MXA’s 450 shootout, you’ll know everything you need to know about the best bikes in the 450 class

FIRST LOOK! 2024 HUSQVARNA MOTOCROSS MODELS // TWO-STROKES & FOUR-STROKES

Following in the footsteps of the 2023-1/2 Husqvarna Rockstar Edition FC450, the 2024 models gain updated suspension settings and graphics

2024 MOTOCROSS ACTION 450 SHOOTOUT VIDEO

It’s finally here! We lined up the all-new Kawasaki KX450 and GasGas MC450F models against the rest of the 450 class in a head-to-head comparison

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE ALL-NEW 2023-1/2 GASGAS MC450F FACTORY EDITION

What makes the Factory Edition different from the 2023 model? And what makes this bike different from KTM and Husky?

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE 2023 KAWASAKI KX450SR “SPECIAL RACER” EDITION

At $12,699, the “Special Racer Edition” KX450SR actually comes with a hefty list of aftermarket upgrades that boost it from 56- to 60-horsepower on the dyno

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023 HONDA CRF450

Every test rider who raced the 2023 CRF450 raved about how easy the power was to use. At low rpm, the throttle worked like a rheostat. No more hyper-60-horsepower craziness.

MXA VIDEO: WE TEST THE “SLIGHTLY UPDATED” 2023-1/2 HUSQVARNA FC450

The FC450 Rockstar Editions gets a fair share of praises and complaints from the MXA wrecking crew

THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023 SUZUKI RM-Z450—PLUS VIDEO

When short-shifted, kept in the meat of the powerband and kept off the rev limiter, the RM-Z450 has a very usable, pleasant and effective 450cc powerband.

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023 YAMAHA YZ450F

Yamaha’s willingness to address the human element and eliminate the grievous flaws of the previous models is what sets the 2023 YZ450F apart from its 12 predecessors

MXA RETRO TEST: WE RIDE GRANT LANGSTON’S NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP YAMAHA YZ450F

Unlike most factory riders, Grant Langston does not buy into the “works forks” syndrome. Grant felt they were too stiff—not too firm in motion, but too stiff for the YZ450F chassis. Grant ran the stock 48mm forks becaise they fed more flex into the front end to help the YZ450F turn.

TESTING THE NOW FORGOTTEN 2010 HUSABERG FX450 & ITS UPSIDE-DOWN ENGINE

The 2010 Husaberg FX450 was too heavy, too slow and too weird to be taken seriously by motocross racers. On the other hand, it is like no other machine on the planet—and because of that, it deserves some attention as it fades into obscurity

MXA RACE TEST: THE REAL TEST OF THE 2023 KAWASAKI KX450

This isn’t the only BNG bike on the showroom floor for 2023, but “BNG” is supposed to stand for “Bold New Graphics,” and the 2023 KX450 graphics are a far cry from bold

MXA RETRO TEST: WE RIDE JASON ANDERSON’S 2015 FACTORY HUSKY FC450

Many 450cc Supercross-spec bikes have super-stiff forks, loads of bottom-end power, a massive front brake and a lowered subframe. Surprisingly, Anderson’s FC450 wasn’t your standard Supercross machine

NO WATER? NO RADIATORS! NO WATER PUMP! NO PROBLEM WITH REV X MAX POWER

We didn’t come to test whether we could ride a modern four-stroke without water in it. That has been tested in races all the time. We wanted to investigate if less friction would allow the engine to run smoother and quicker