2020 Vital MX 450 Off-Road Shootout

With both our 2020 250cc and 450cc Shootouts completed, we thought it was time for an off-road shootout. Check it out here for our latest 2020 450 Off-Road Shootout when we place these machines head to head: 2020 Honda CRF450X vs Yamaha WR450F vs. TM EN 450fi vs. Suzuki RMX450Z vs. Beta 430 RR Race Edition.
For full spec sheets, dyno charts, and all the testers' notes click the link below.
www.vitalmx.com/features/2020...
And if you are wondering why we don't have a KTM or Husqvarna in this shootout, they don't make 450 bikes in this category for the United States anymore. In the past, the 450 XCF-W and FE 450 would have been included, but now the only options would be either cross-country models (XC-F and FX) or street-legal dual-sports (EXC and FE S), neither of which would be comparable apples-to-apples.
#shootout #offroad #dirtbikes #dirtbikereview
MB01Y8CNZIY5VTF

[@drewmorg.]

Rode a bone stock 2017 WR450F tester bike in Johnson Valley a few years ago. Most fun I've ever had on a dirt bike hands down. That transmission and suspension just worked so well for me. Can cruise comfortably at high speeds with the tall gearing and 3rd gear through all the woops without beating yourself up. GREAT bike. Love this series.

[@alexlugar4831]

No Ktm/husky/sherco/gas gas?? I mean y’all even got a TM cmon 😂😂

[@chanburrell4513]

Alex Lugar ktm and Sherco don’t make an enduro version of a 450, they make a 350 version but they could’ve at least included it, it would blow the doors off these

[@chanburrell4513]

Alex Lugar ktm and Sherco don’t make an enduro version of a 450, they make a 350 version but they could’ve at least included it, it would blow the doors off these

[@alexlugar4831]

Chan Burrell 451 sherco definitely makes an enduro version of the 450. And I’m pretty sure ktm does too. But yea the sherco is sick.

[@chanburrell4513]

Alex Lugar ktm does make a 450 version but it’s not available in the United States, and I’m sure it’s the same reason that there isn’t a Sherco

[@chanburrell4513]

Alex Lugar that’s what I was trying to say is that you just can’t get a 450 model

[@wranglercody8422]

I got a 19’ rmx. It’s a terrific bike, just gets it on those nimble trails with enough power and suspension to pin it in sand washes and straight aways.

[@stevenburton7922]

FANTASTIC review!

[@LoveSosa2024]

Thankyou. The WR450F is what I want.

[@giladbo101]

Great video. I know you pick the bikes as is. But the Rmx450z could def use muffler restrictions removal and easy to instal jd tuner. It will put much more prospective on the bike.

[@johnnyu9692]

Got a Suzuki and I f'ing love this bike. Great handling, slim, and good power to hit any hill or soft terrain. What's everyone hating about, a 47mm Showa vs 49mm and a 1.6g tank? Get IMS and you're fine.

[@crudeoilhaln1911]

I have a 2019. After a 200$ jd tuner. Removing air box snorkel and exhaust plug it flies wide ass open. Were I ride nobody is overpowering this bike. It gets plenty of respect

[@jflynn1996]

Sounds like the Beta should've been ranked 2nd.

[@Corteum]

The Beta for me ranks first equal with the Yamaha. The gripes with the suspension are easily addressed by making some adjustments. And if you want more mid to high power, a mod or two and you're good. It's also the best looking bike of them all imo, which his a nice bonus.

[@davewyatt1468]

Great video!

[@bensoyclaro4967]

my favorite in enduro class is wr450f

[@Captain250FX]

Do this video for the 250’s please!

[@connorz2854]

What year is your fx mine is 19

[@Captain250FX]

CONNORZ 285 2018

[@connorz2854]

Captain #250# FX cool

[@dalaipanda4688]

The Beta should have won, it is easily the most versatile of the bikes tested, if you want high speed desert stability then adjust the fully adjustable suspension, obvious really. Three Enduro World Championships in a row by Beta just can’t be ignored , except by fools!

[@boysfromthebush2013]

Can beat Honda and Yamaha reliably tho

[@dalaipanda4688]

I agree Honda and Yamaha are reliable but I have found my Beta 480RR equally reliable with about 10,500 kilometres on it now. Valves have not moved since new. No major mechanical work yet only oil & filter changes every 15 hours ride time. Keep winning.

[@Natedoc808]

Betas are pretty dang bulletproof reliability wise

[@svttodd]

Which bikes were "corked" from the factory and which ones do not need to be uncorked? I have heard that the WR and the RMX are pretty heavily corked with throttle stops and other 'big brother' stuff that needs to be undone so they can perform like they were meant to. I would like to see the bikes compared as they would be ridden in the real world with the simple mods.

[@Alejandro101x]

What about the Husky Fe450 and the KTM XCW450

[@Pleasuremachine100]

No Ktm which is probably the best

[@djmiller5563]

I know KTM and Husky got to have comparable machines to these..?

[@manuelfvdias]

And the Swm and AJP SPR 510?

[@chriscardoza9785]

Really like the Yamaha&Suzuki but the Honda is looking pretty good to but I'm a big wr fan had the 1997wr 250 two strokes back in the day now I'm on a wr 450f four stroke now but l sure do miss my two strokes though...

[@magbus401]

250 4 strokes cross country!!! Plz include ktm and husky in it... and YZ250FX!!! Plz compare it!!

[@dylanturley7291]

Don’t believe the Yz250fx is in that class, I believe the Wr250f is

[@jasonmonte3623]

that suzuki is a 2018? going wit h2020 models

[@kraigvanderwyk1153]

I didn’t catch if the Wr was a green sticker? Also where’s ktm/husky?

[@chanburrell4513]

Kraig Vanderwyk ktm doesn’t make a 450 off road bike, they have a 350 model with a headlight and all that as well and cross country 350. But they don’t make 450 off road bikes because they are pretty ridiculous to try and ride hard.

[@chanburrell4513]

Kraig Vanderwyk ktm doesn’t make a 450 off road bike, they have a 350 model with a headlight and all that as well as a cross country 350. But they don’t make 450 off road bikes because they are pretty ridiculous to try and ride hard.

[@chanburrell4513]

Kraig Vanderwyk ktm doesn’t make a 450 off road bike, they have a 350 model with a headlight and all that as well as a cross country 350. But they don’t make 450 off road bikes because they are pretty ridiculous to try and ride hard.

[@lipek3443]

@@chanburrell4513 what are the EXC450 and SEF-R 450 then?

[@chanburrell4513]

Lipek yeah youre correct but you can’t get them in the United States

[@PCMrX.9961]

Best shootout ever I am buying a Yamaha WR450F found one new 2020 for $ 7,699.

[@gsxr1189]

That's an awesome deal. Where at? Do they have more at that price?

[@ronr8687]

@@gsxr1189 was gonna ask the same thing haha

[@criticalthinkerr.i.p74]

Forgive me what does red or green sticker bike mean?

[@kurtzy54]

The Green Sticker indicates vehicles allowed to operate on public lands open to motor vehicles all year. The Red Sticker is issued to motorcycles and ATVs model year 2003 through 2021 that do not meet the emission standards established by the California Air Resources Board (ARB).

[@UsNCollord216]

Can you highlight the RMX450z? Do a more in depth video?

[@rubenhaftvani800]

Search for older year models, you'll get more video reviews.

[@HonRon211]

Why no Sherco? Too late to put it into your 250 video?

[@peterpaulino9589]

Can u guys doa factory works and rock star edition shootout

[@scoop3894]

Great off-road shootout. Cross country race bikes are a different class and should be their own shootout.

[@chrisleeds4460]

All of these shoutouts are west coast guys. Pretty much pick the hogs that don't work in the woods. I have had an X and a WR and they don't even compare to the Beta.

[@whorsting_9450]

Ktm and husky?

[@jamesstudley7634]

We’re tf is The husky FE 450

[@zanefresher7015]

Why isn’t the klx450r in the shootout?

[@evanjohnson5480]

Vital has the least accurate, most uninformative shootouts. They all blow but vital mx takes the cake.

[@olivernielson8169]

What song did yall use?

[@adamdyment9732]

Let's see an all out offroad shoot out. Battle royale. 250 and 450 four strokes, 250 and 300 2 strokes. They may not be in the same exact class but as a buyer, were considering all of them. Besides most people aren't racing this class. I just bought a 2019 xcw250 and I wonder if I wouldn't have been happier with a wr450 or beta 430. Itd be a hell of a series. King of all offroad.

[@turbolq4]

I had a 2014 WR450 and now a '19 300xcw. They don't truly cross over into each other's areas. The WR is a big, heavy, fast bike. It likes to be ridden aggressively at high speed. Open terrain with large hits is where it shines. The xcw is a light, flickable scalpel by comparison. It navigates the tightest of singletrack with ease. Ultra flexible engine power is just the cream on top. If you ask yourself what kind of riding you prefer then the answer will be clear. Both of those bikes can be ridden where they don't exactly work the best but it's always going to be a compromise.

[@adamdyment9732]

@@turbolq4 agreed. I just came of a crf450x and onto a 2019 xcw250i. But I still used each one in places they have no business going. Any bike works well in it's own niche but a special bike can step outside its box and work well there too.

[@douglasnorman8748]

where are you riding in this test?

[@Natedoc808]

Hmm, sounds like the Beta took 1st and just needs a clicker adjustment or a spring rate proper for the rider- so what anyone is going to have to do with any of these bikes if they weigh more than 160lbs. Having ridden the Beta from jawbone to Calico, it rips through the desert of you set the clickers properly

[@chris092183]

Where's the Gasgas and Sherco?

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Wow. Numbers on CRF kinda suck!! 40hp and 275 lbs? I threw some lights on my 2005 CRF450R weight with fuel is around 240lbs (218 dry) and HP is 55. Even with lights and adding a Rekluse should still feel a lot lighter and more power. sure seems like the 2020 x is a dog even compared to the older bikes. Had no idea they detuned the X that much. Might as well get a lighter 250 4t if power isn’t your thing.

[@goodboyringo9716]

Changing the gearin on the TM will help it in the lower speeds

[@paahtopro3950]

it isnt meant to rode slow. its meant to be raced

[@goodboyringo9716]

@@paahtopro3950 .... These are not track bikes , not Moto cross bikes so if you think you won't be going slow at times you are nuts. These are off road bikes and you'll be going slow , ggg .

[@keithfreeman4015]

At 6’8” what cross country/enduro bike would be best for me?

[@brianmilosevic8400]

Suzuki RMX450Z, cheaper than the rest, brand new some very very cheap and simple mods turn the Suzuki into a animal!

[@motoboysmx1684]

I have a gas gas 01 ec250 and its amazing it weights like nothing and its got 50hp

[@youpligtenberg5149]

Do a 125 enduro shootoutt

[@elmerwilliamson1970]

No KTM & Husky? They own this category of bikes here in the west!

[@ADVlife287]

Sold my 2015 crf450x.. power came on like a 2 stroke wears you out like a 4 stroke. Not a trail bike, just like they mention. It was exhausting

[@thisisben3593]

What did green sticker and red sticker mean? Emissions?

[@bi66badjohn]

ThisisBen yes, stupid California law. Red sticker you can only ride a few months out of the year. Green sticker you can ride year round.

[@jason1938]

Why didn’t the Kawasaki KLX 450 make the cut.

[@MX-CO]

So KTM450 is 35 pounds lighter?

[@mt1885]

KTM/Husky/Beta are WAY better bikes KTM/Husky don't weigh 300lbs like the Yamaha/Honda/Suzuki.

[@gsxr1189]

No the KTM 450 EXC-F is more like about 13lbs lighter than the WR450F. Yamaha lists wet their weight and KTM lists their dry wet yes the two are 32lbs apart but once you account for the weight of about 3 gallons on fluids the KTM is only 13lbs lighter

[@darianmorris216]

I own a 2022 crf 450x, I weigh 270, unless you trynna put wings on ya back and fly this bike has more than enough power. Running 90mph plus stock and gets there really quick even at my weight. Handles really well too, im sure its not perfect up to these guys specs for a track racing, but I love mine, mf a fly.

[@utahdesertrider1806]

This test sounds tainted. Beta did everything great except your impression was weak point was possibly desert speeds. Honda did a lot really poorly. Heavy, power sucked yet it got 2nd. Yamaha just hat that magic. Ok. I ride Beta 2 stroke. Yeah I’m bias but seriously. I smell bullshit. Are these testers off-road guys? Or moto guys? I’m told the Bets 390 is their best 4 stroke. I don’t know how Suzuki expects to sell any bikes period. Disappointed on this test sorry..

[@Peanutdenver]

David Pingree(last reviewer)was a successful mx/sx team rider and worked for RacerX after his career in the AMA. He knows his shit for sure, but I agree with you. I'd take the Beta over the Honda any day despite its flat top end. If you're competing/racing it's the bike to have in Hard Enduro. I've ridden the WR too and it is a good bike, maybe the best all rounder with perfect suspension and a motor that hits hard low-mid-top. Saying all this I'd still have a Beta over all the choices here. That's just my shitty .02 worth.

[@lifeoutdoors3953]

Yeah these people are whack

[@LolliWANG505]

They literally said the Honda made power better than the beta lmao.

[@4kracing797]

Beta now has 6 world titles in enduro gp. Beyond that, they are fantastic all around bikes. I sold my 18 390 and waiting for my 21 430. Plus, I get a smoking deal..😀

[@jeremy_moto_192]

What about ktm and Husqvarna? Love that Yamaha

[@vitalmx]

They don't make a bike in this category for the USA

[@hreindustries]

@@vitalmx 450 xc-f?

[@zanedoamaral8819]

Vital MX 450 excf?

[@justindwyer3832]

@@zanedoamaral8819 exactly!

[@martinfernandez1160]

Where is the Sherco

[@tonyrichengod9280]

No KTM 450 EXC-F?? HERESY!

[@jessewawrzyczek2812]

Is the wr green sticker?

[@trailrider9582]

Jesse Wawrzyczek no

[@hughesy_2557]

Wheres the ktm, husky, gas gas an sherco??????

[@TheJ387]

I’m curious... why no KTM or Sherco?

[@vitalmx]

Sherco didn't have any units available for us to ride and KTM and Husqvarna don't make 450 XCF-W or FE 450s in the US anymore.

[@benfairhall5331]

Vital MX so a XCF-W is equivalent to a EXC in Australia?

[@suse621]

@@benfairhall5331 yes, except you can't put a license on a xcfw

[@benfairhall5331]

Süse why not? If they have all the gear?

[@nepicness]

Ben Fairhall issues with the title and emissions likely. Nowadays they are similar emissions wise, but title is different witch different taxes and crap.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

I’m not a huge euro bike guy, but seems like they should have been included. Probably similar HP to some of these dogs (considering they are 450) and much lighter wt

[@raynorbarnes4713]

Why is their a tm in this lineup lol

[@gggromay]

I wish they would have unlocked the rmx for a more real life comparison

[@dr.hugog.hackenbush9443]

* Blasts past everyone on my CR500 *

[@turbolq4]

True until around the third set of whoops where you can't feel your arms. I rode a '95 CR500 for ten years and loved it! I got a '14 WR450 and chassis/suspension wise it was a huge leap forward. Could blast into whoops all crossed up, arms dead, gassed out and the bike made it work like I knew what I was doing! Engine wise it was a huge let down from the CR. Somewhere along the line I figured out I like the more technical end of the riding spectrum. 300xcw tpi crawls through the ugliest junk you can imagine but isn't as good suspension wise as the WR was. Everything is a compromise. Enjoy that CR!

[@pooch299]

Yup, have many years s on all types of bikes. The KX500 I bought in 02 is still with me today and is still my go-to off road weapon. Along with some of the personal tweaks and mods I've done to it, if it had e-start I would call it the best off road bike I've ever ridden. If you ride one for as many years as I have getting tired isn't an issue. Today's 450s are very advanced and better race machines but there's still nothing like a powervalved 500 two stroke

[@ericsoto77]

How the hell dont you have KTM or Husky in this ?!

[@vitalmx]

They don't make a bike for this category in the USA

[@SamGoss42]

In 2020 they have the XC-FW...

[@Mockle07]

Vital MX no 450 XC or FX in the US?! If not, even an EXC or TE would be comparable and more than a match at least for the Suzuki?

[@JMontana174]

​@@SamGoss42 It's a 500 so they didn't include it. We both know it would have won, so bizarre they stuck with "450". I would have changed it to an "Offroad Shootout" and included both the 500 XCF-W and the 350 XCF-W but then again it would have taken 1st and 2nd and gave 3rd to a Husky, lol.

[@briansessions7393]

You can’t really put a review on a TM because there aren’t showroom floor bikes, every bike is custom for every rider

[@sexycr4490]

Y no ktm or huskey

[@jonfstyle]

How about the ktm 450 exc-f?

[@vitalmx]

That bike isn't offered in the US

[@jonfstyle]

@@vitalmx well. I have a brand new one. Bought it in San Diego California. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@katojimmybling]

Vital MX it,s the xc-w over in your part of the world

[@Alejandro101x]

That’s why Honda is the King of BAJA

[@Pfeiffer124]

How do you guys screw up a trail bike shootout? No KTM or Husky? Red sticker Beta? And the best bike on the trails didn't win... How much are Honda and Yamaha paying you guys? Obviously Suzuki isn't paying you, they can't afford e-start on their RMZ models.

[@RodgerB13]

Why did you not pop some 300's against these 260lb plus 450's?

[@mxgryan]

Because it said "450"

[@RodgerB13]

I'd say leaving the 300's out equals.... let's not offend the manufacturers of these detuned 450 off road pigs. I do agree not having a Husky or KTM 450 involved makes this an even bigger waste of a shootout!

[@mxgryan]

@@RodgerB13 yeah...I mean it is a four stroke shootout...but not having a KTM because it doesnt have a headlight is dumb.

[@josephsherman4913]

Same racing class.

[@stratten455]

Why no ktm/husky

[@crites123456789]

Because ktm and Husqvarna don't have a bike in this class

[@mxgryan]

Not having a KTM 450 in this shootout makes it a joke.

[@vitalmx]

We've explained this so many times... KTM does not make a 450 trail bike in the US. No more 450 XCF-W. And no Husqvarna FE 450. Those bikes would fit this category. But they are not offered in the US. They do have cross country 450s but they are spec'd differently. We wanted to make this as apples to apples as possible. If you want to see KTM and Husqvarna check out our Cross Country 450 Shootout. kzbin.info/www/bejne/poa2mGV7e7egnLM

[@mxgryan]

Oooo good one Pete. You're so witty!

[@mxgryan]

@@vitalmx who specs them? KTM surely doesnt, they are consider a trail bike.

[@mxgryan]

@@vitalmx guess a wide ratio transmission and a headlight is now what's required to be a trail bike? Laughable.

[@JMontana174]

@@vitalmx How about having the 500 or 350 XCF-W and dropping the "450" label out of the shootout? Dropped the ball bigtime on this one. I'll still visit the site though :)

[@patrickkillilea5225]

Anza

[@troybae245]

250/300 xc 2 stokes would be cool

[@andrejskamla9736]

But you already know which bike would be the winner😄😄

[@chrisgleis2821]

Can these bikes become street legal?

[@vitalmx]

Depending on what state you are riding in, yes. In California, if it doesn't come from the dealer with a plate, it is very difficult to make street legal. But these would a few small steps from a plate in say Utah or Colorado.

[@josephsherman4913]

Only the Beta comes with a street legal title in all 50 states.

[@jameseaves71]

Interesting that a Ktm 450 exc didn’t make the cut

[@hughrimmer213]

350 offroad shootout?

[@paahtopro3950]

so only ktm.

[@zaxxx3781]

350’s?

[@vitalmx]

That could be the next one.

[@zaxxx3781]

Ktm & husky?

[@vitalmx]

They don't make a bike in this category in the USA

[@Nico-en5pd]

I would like to go test some bikes with you guys

[@819jt]

Suspension aimed around comfort? It sounds like you're not in touch with what enduro suspension requires. That setup is not around a convenience; it is based on performance. They are plusher bc you will not necessarily be riding over 35mph on a groomed track. You are damning these bikes to up and comers by not stating the fact that they are performance machines for a sport other than MX.

[@LP-kb1yo]

Jeffrey Torgalski i would love to get these guys out to do some enduro with my group and i bet they will give up in less than one hour. They’re a bunch of mx guys who think they’re qualified to test enduro bikes.

[@819jt]

@@LP-kb1yo Yes; they need to check out a helmet cam from Erzberg Rodeo or anything Jarvis has won. Take your MX bike to a ski resort the day after it rains two inches and let's see what happens.

[@brucechandler7283]

Nobody buys a fucking wr to go fast?!? Why didnt you run the fx...

[@williamsavage9940]

This is not a shoot out with out a ktm

[@zanedoamaral8819]

Where the Ktms and huskys

[@paahtopro3950]

bikes arent good enough to able to compete here

[@anthonysassine7597]

Yamaha is the best

[@darinmacfarland6605]

I can’t imagine paying those prices for two wheels… I’m sorry that’s insane.

[@germainclark3432]

Yz250x vs WR450

[@kolesyt9280]

go the yamaha yewwwwwwwwwwwww

[@guskelman3058]

Suzuki really needs to update their 450 lineup

[@bobzuruncle8424]

I bought a ‘14 nos rmz450 a few years back thinking I’d regear it, put a lite on it and be happy. The bike was really great overall but first gear was too tall even with four extra teeth on the rear. I’d loved to have had an rmx but I got the ‘14 model brand new for $4800 out the door so I couldn’t pass it up. I sold it later because the gearbox was un-usable fir tight trails😞

[@SM-yq9ig]

Guess you left out the clear winners.. Husky/KTM lol and don’t give me that they make no “enduro” they do have a exc-f and FE 450 for 20 and if you couldn’t have gotten ahold of them then test the FX and XC is their off-road. Same category as the Japanese off-road bikes

[@thejeepdude7875]

Unless you really want a light just buy a normal bike and re-gear

[@earl6969]

As far as the European bikes... Thats for the European riders to decide...in the cold rain. Video it and send it lads.

[@supersubes]

You got a TM, but the manufacturer who’s made a science out of off road bikes is absent? Ya, no!

[@justindwyer3832]

I guess it wasn't fair to put in the ktm 450xcf 😀

[@andrejskamla9736]

Xcf would be cross country. Xcfw would be enduro...

[@justindwyer3832]

@@andrejskamla9736 ok if you want to get specific xcw doesn't have lights. So put the excf in there

[@andrejskamla9736]

@@justindwyer3832 No mate. Xcfw and xcw got lights. Same as exc/excf.... The only difference is that xcw's and xvfw's come with no dunlop at81's.... And the way the headlight turns on... And of course the ability to ride them on streets

[@justindwyer3832]

@@andrejskamla9736 aha you called me mate! The only four stroke ktm with headlight in the United states is excf. All xcf and xcfw are not street legal here

[@andrejskamla9736]

@@justindwyer3832 Interesting and weird at the same time. 😄😄

[@reedtarted1932]

Australia gets a Kawasaki 450 dual sport

[@andybj4091]

Australia gets all the good stuff. You get small diesel trucks, and more bike choices. Also Street legal yamaha WR's? Lucky

[@katojimmybling]

Why not put ktm in there no sense to me 😠😠😠🤷‍♂️

[@olivernielson8169]

In the very beginning where you show your sponsors- ( shoei and moose racing )

[@jake-cj7ii]

too bad there’s no ktm or husqvarna

[@marcusbevz6500]

They didn’t include ktm or husky cause they would’ve won

[@tieoneon1614]

Cuz they dont make them anymore, Dummy

[@marcusbevz6500]

Tie One On huh?😂 yea ktm and husky doesn’t make enduro models anymore😂😂😂....

[@tieoneon1614]

@@marcusbevz6500 they discontinued the 450 and 250 "offroad" models, as is in xcf-w. This isnt a dual sport shootout. Their stock exc-f 450 would be out there snuffed up from epa reg's and riding on TKC 80 street tires

[@metalpower19]

Could the yamaha compete in Baja 1000? That's a hard race. Most riders pick Honda because they are tough and are expectred to last the hole race.

[@earl6969]

Wr's run Baja every year with great team results. As well as best in desert races. The real question is Dakar...and yes even there...but for most it's the telly 800.

[@dannykinross3088]

It’s seems like the KTM 350 should have been in the shootout. It probably would have won!!

[@olivernielson8169]

?

[@LooxJJ]

Can't really compete against big Japanese bike companies...to be honest, you will not notice the difference in power - its the quality and reliability that matters at the end. C'mon KTM...do some work!

[@paahtopro3950]

tm is easily the best race bike on the list. not good for hobby riding