2021 Kawasaki KX450X
Overall Review
Tester: Chris Siebenhaar Age: 35 Height: 5’ 10” Weight: 178 lb Class: Intermediate/Expert This year the off-road (racer) category just got a little deeper with the addition of Kawasaki throwing its hat into both the 450cc, and 250cc cross country ring. Both bikes got the same off-road treatment, meaning softer suspension, a kickstand, skid plate, different final gearing, and 18” rear wheel and Dunlop AT81 tires. Other than that they’re basically the same as their motocross brethren. But is that
2021 Kawasaki KX250
Overall Review
Tester: Jason Abbott Height: 5'11" Weight: 190 lb Ability: Vet Pro/Expert To see a full list of changes to the 2021 Kawasaki KX250, check out the First Look here. The all new frame and swingarm along with updated suspension settings have a planted and confidence inspiring feel on the track while Ergos and overall cockpit layout and the addition of the Renthal fat bar had us feeling right at home on the 2021 KX250 within a couple of laps. Overall, we are very happy with the suspension once we
2021 KTM 450 SX-F
Overall Review
Tester: Chris Seibenhaar Height: 5'10" Weight: 180 lb Age: 35 Class: Intermediate The model year 2021 will be one of refinement for the KTM 450SX-F, with minor updates throughout the bike that focus on performance or reliability. Keep in mind, that’s not KTM just sitting back and relaxing. Rather the 2020 model was a banger of a machine, after all, it was second in the shootout last year with some riders making it their number one pick. The list of changes have already been posted for months now
2021 KTM 250 SX-F
Overall Review
The 2021 KTM 250 SX-F got a smattering of updates from the previous model. Just as in years past, changes that were made to the 2020 FE bikes trickled down to the production models. Updated fork and shock settings, new fuel mapping, and new linkage bushings to reduce friction are the key changes. Check out the video to see the complete test, and head to your local KTM dealer to see the 2021 models in person.
2021 Honda CRF450R
Overall Review
First, to see all of the changes and new features of the all-new 2021 Honda CRF450R, check out the First Look here . The 2021 CRF450 is new from the ground up. Engine changes are aimed at producing more horsepower and torque, while simultaneously giving you more tools to manage and adjust it to your riding style. The frame and swing arm are all new and designed to increase flex, producing a more giving feel, better cornering and stability in a straight line. Add in a hydraulic clutch, multiple
Thor Reflex Helmet
Overall Review
During any normal year, there would have been a lot more fanfare for an all-new high-end motocross helmet from THOR with pros on-hand, tech presentations, and for sure a taco cart. But, since this is anything but a normal year, we pretty much just got a THOR Reflex helmet in the mail and headed out to the track. The big news for the Reflex is that it uses three different types of protection technology - Koroyd, EPS foam, and MIPS. All three work together at making a very protective and
Troy Lee Designs SE Ultra Gear
Overall Review
Tester: Sean Klinger Height: 5' 9" Weight: 180 lb Sizes: Large Jersey, 34 Pant, Large Glove When you are talking about modern, hyper-light, premium motocross gear, the conversation might not have included Troy Lee Designs… Until now. The SE Ultra gear line from TLD is their take on the super thin, super stretchy, super comfortable moto kit that is aimed at serious riders who have a serious budget. The prices are on par with any of the other highest-end gear on the market so we expect high levels
2021 Husqvarna FC 350
Overall Review
Every time I ride a 350, I’m transported back to my philosophy class at CSUF learning about Aristotle. Hang with me, I’ll make it quick. One of Aristotle’s main principles is the Golden Mean, which, in short, taking the two extremes of any situation and following the path right between them. With modern four-stroke motocross bikes that can be illustrated by the 250 on one end and the 450 on the other. What is the best course of action? For the average rider, I could easily argue that would be
Ride Engineering CRF450L Lowering Arms
The Good
Improves traction, handling, and ability to touch the ground.
The Bad
A little pricy.
Overall Review
Changing a dirt bike’s linkage can do a host of different things to a bike. For motocross, the goal is typically to change the way the bike handles and to modify the shock characteristics. Yet a longer link specifically for lowering the seat height is also an option. That is exactly what we tried on a Honda CRF450L using Ride Engineering Lowering Link. Even if you are average height, touching the ground or dabbing through tough off-road terrain can be a challenge on a normal, full-size dirt bike
Ride Engineering CRF450L Lowering Arms
2
Vital Rating:
2021 Yamaha YZ450F
Overall Review
For 2021, Yamaha focused its laser beam of innovation on the 2021 YZ250F and left the YZ450F alone, which is fair since it was fully redesigned just last year. To recap the changes from 2019 to 2020, "The new 449cc, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, electric start engine features an all-new compact cylinder head with redesigned combustion chamber shape, steeper valve angles and more aggressive cam profiles. The reward-slanted cylinder houses a higher compression piston with low friction rings attached