2021 SML 450 Big and Tall MX Shootout

Presented by Fasthouse
Earlier this month, we published our 2021 450 MX Shootout. When setting up a bike during pre-production testing, manufacturers have a target weight range for potential consumers, as it is impossible to produce a bike that will be perfect for everyone. On a 450cc motocross bike, the target weight range that manufacturers aim for is 175 to 185 pounds. We know that a lot of riders who purchase a 450 MX bike are vets who may tip the scales on the heavier side, so we decided to conduct a mini shootout of sorts to see if the bikes stack up differently for a rider who is on the larger and taller side, enjoy!

[@I.Dereta]

As A big guy (6'4" 250lbs), I appriciate the big guy shoot out!! thanks DONN

[@hallbossindustries1820]

Ditto

[@chris092183]

I'm 7'7" 480 lbs so it's nice to see a review that my son can watch

[@jakemacleod4954]

ur joking right?

[@jrod1076]

🤣

[@jimbobo8922]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ras4782]

Damn lol that would be a fun battle ..

[@motoxjim929]

This shoot out was awesome. Being a big guy (6'4" 350)it's good to see these stats.

[@jrledesma7523]

Same here bud I got an EBR racing suspension put on my bike I got it 40lb over what I weigh and man it sweet glad I got my suspension done!

[@robby8972]

I'm 6'1 220

[@txapiston]

Yep Im 6'8" 370 too and glad to see big guys riding and enjoying what we like!

[@ras4782]

Im 6f5 330 im riding a zx12r but dont want a dirt bike because it just slams once i sit on it

[@motoxjim929]

@@ras4782 same here I up grade to heavier springs and oil weight.

[@charleshammack6371]

Thanks Swap!!!! lots of Vet riders out there! I'm 44, 5'10 and 260. Can still haul ass for half a lap.. thanks for this shootout!

[@otoegonzalez5107]

i'm 8'11" and 420 pounds this is awesome vid!!

[@moosemilk8956]

Is your name Robert wadlow?

[@tyskie2]

Absolute the best shootout form I have ever seen! Good job Donn Maeda !!!

[@MoreMoto262]

I’m 45 and 230...I’ll be waiting for my 2022 shootout invite.

[@tmac8718]

Love the Kawi!! Great bike for big guys. I am 6'3 232lbs and find the 2013/14 KX450F with PSF forks perfect combo

[@daneyoung7770]

This is fantastic, coming from a somewhat large fella (6'2 230lbs), this is exactly what I needed to help figure out my next big ol purchase

[@profightersports]

Nice to see, I'm 6'4" 230 looking to buy a new bike now 😀

[@randomstuff0331]

Much appreciated on the big and tall review.

[@Albertalorian]

6.0ft 290lbs, been riding all my life, Enzo Racing does my suspension, and riding a 450 it feels just right. Awesome video, hope to see this every year.

[@usa45v26]

Nice job putting this together...tons of older mx'ers still putting in the time!

[@davidwilson303]

As a big and tall guy myself I really appreciate this.

[@dangulley6638]

Cant wait to see the 501 enduro shootout for us older heavier people. I am thinking about getting a Husq 350 FE or 501 FE. I am 6' 0" over 270lbs. and fairly a beginner. I love watching these shootout vids.

[@jondoe4667]

I'm 6'3 235 and I hope you do a big and tall shootout every year.

[@ryanharradine8780]

Absolutely awsome. Big guys rule...

[@ozzysgarage]

I never knew Big and Tall shootout was a thing, thanks for putting this together for monsters like me!!

[@SlowRider72]

You needed to call me! I’ve been riding for 40 years. I’m 6’6” tall and weigh in at a slum 350 pounds. I used to be fast and still can carry my weight! I would love to be part of this next year!

[@sirdumbthicc4294]

Always see the comments on videos, “nobody needs a 450.” Bro I’m 6’4” 260 I need a 450.

[@robby8972]

I'm 6'1 220ish so do I lmao

[@jondoe4667]

No matter how big you are you should ask yourself if you have the skill to ride a 250 to it's potential? If you can't ride a 250 wide open you probably don't "need" a 450. But everybody is different . Some people don't mind trading the chance to learn good technique for a 450 that can power them through a lot of their mistakes.

[@robby8972]

@@jondoe4667 yessir I do alot of trails and some enduro and trying to get into motocross which is why I want the 450, I've been on a couple 250s and they kinda feel dull. I've also ridden a drz400 pinned through a rough muddy cornfield

[@sirdumbthicc4294]

@@jondoe4667 can you imagine a guy that weighs around 250 lbs riding a 250 at the dunes? And if you could you imagine his feet on the ground a lot right? Yes some of us need a 450. I’ve owned a 450 since I was 17 but even if I just bought my first bike being the height and weight I am, a 250 would not be a worthwhile investment for the kind of riding I do.

[@jondoe4667]

@@robby8972 I'm not saying nobody needs a 450. Some people are just naturally good on a bike. But I think the average guy that goes out and rides trails and a track once in a while will be just fine on a 250. I own a crf250r and a kx450f and I'm around 230lbs. I ride the 250 most of the time because it has plenty of power for the riding I do but not so much that I'm just trying to keep the bike under control and forgetting all about proper technique. I take the 450 out when I'm in the dunes or if I just feel like riding around on a monster that day. But I really think that most average people can't even ride a 250 to it's potential even if they are larger. The bikes are the same size. The only difference is a little bit of weight between the 2 and one has way more power. Some people do need a 450 I suppose.

[@Randy_Cox]

As a 6'2" 280 pound guy I am glad someone figured out we ride too. LoL Most factory bikes are just worthless without being resprung, and re valved for the added weight and most need lower pegs, higher bars. Good to see this vid!

[@HenryDarr]

Awesome shootout !

[@AnatoliiGaval]

Great, finaly we have some overview for big guys!!!

[@wyattbozarth54]

I’m a 5 foot 9 280lbs and the 21 kawi or yami were by FAR my favorite bikes I’ve rode this year.

[@mongo-tx7vy]

Awesome. I love it.. Time for a race! Ive said it before! Gota b heavier then th bike to race.scales at sign up.. Wish i could watch th Clydesdale class on tv.. Hell sign me up! Fat 50 an flyen! Braaap!!

[@scottyreagan7075]

Thanks Don!! 6'5 300lbs. I like the Yamaha

[@dirtbikedude2443]

do you look too tall cos im same height but feel like maybe its the gear i wear or something that makes me look bigger than other tall riders

[@wvangus82]

All right! 6'4" 340 just what i needed

[@christianturner8106]

This shootout is dope! I'm 6'4 220lbs. I know i have to get stiffer springs, handlebar to match my height. Nice to see a shootout showing a closer comparison to my size. I was 6'2 at 15 years old, but i still won the Maryland state title on a 125. Big guys can race too!

[@dirtbikedude2443]

what about 6'6 haha i feel great on a ktm 500 exc but i just visually look tall

[@keithfreeman4015]

6’8” and 250 pounds… I really appreciate this video.

[@DJDoubtIt81]

I'm 6'10" and been riding for 32 years. Suzuki life!

[@MatthewC137]

damn, a 450 must look like a pit bike under you 🤨

[@sirdumbthicc4294]

Was about to say the same thing. I’m 6’4” and thought I Was tall on a 450. Looks like he’s riding his kids 85 lol

[@ethanhopper432]

Damn maybe try and lose some height

[@DJDoubtIt81]

Here's a video of myself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5zCfpuChcdmpck

[@DJDoubtIt81]

@@ethanhopper432 Here's a video of myself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5zCfpuChcdmpck

[@NathansGarage]

Yes! Thank you for this. What are their heights?

[@fhartse]

A Magazine test rider told me to buy nothing but KTM or Husky, I bought 2020 Rockstar 450, love it.

[@lordmikimonday]

How tall are you?

[@joey-ace142]

We need more of these, its hard to be tall and heavier than a pro

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

The thing is; manufacturers need to make a BIGGER bike for tall people. We've been discussing this on our channel. They also need to realise that not everyone wants to be world champion. I want a bike with a longer wheelbase and another inch or so of suspension travel. I don't care if I'm the slowest, I just don't want to look like I'm riding my daughters first bicycle!

[@Chestnut0923]

I’m 5’9” and 375 and I have a KLX230R. Waiting to get the suspension adjusted and it will be a good bike for me to learn on

[@joepidgley8163]

Great shoot out, its about time we has some larger guys on these bike, perhaps you could show the riders weight , height and level of riding so we could compare them nearer to us.

[@1nonlymerk210]

I’m 8”6 766 lbs Great vid 🤠👍

[@henrikforsberg683]

How does it work if u raise the air pressure in the air fork to work with a heavy rider, doesn’t the balance get really weird when the shock still got a way to soft spring?

[@jondoe4667]

What's the max weight that you can get a bike sprung for you and still be able to set sag correctly?

[@xxTyphoid]

Y'all should of gotten RC

[@wrenchone5003]

He's short and lost a couple lb these days 😂

[@Asaphunnna]

Bruh RC probs looks the best he has ever currently lmao

[@ethanhopper432]

About a year late

[@et34tw35]

With the yaymaha

[@mikeyb4382]

I’m 6’9” 420 pounds. This video helped a lot

[@announmousmylife3967]

69 420 lad

[@RazeRaze420]

Damn bro im 6'2 and 15 years old XD

[@dirtbikedude2443]

u actual or

[@dirtbikedude2443]

@@RazeRaze420 im 6'6 at 18

[@kpoirot]

I’m a big guy, 5’11” at 280. I want in on this test next year please! I’m a B Vet rider. Thanks!

[@seekingtruth9182]

This should be a reality check for manufactures. Most people that buy their bikes are regular men, working men who finally can buy our dream bikes and love to ride ..we watch the athletes race, bit we are the ones who are buying all the bikes...mostly

[@anthonywells9288]

Is it true that the Husky bottoms out easier because it is lower? And if suspension is setup for the heavier rider, is it still a problem?

[@christamer6513]

Stand up Dommer!!

[@mjc970]

Who els thought this was a Donut MX video haha!! ✌🏻🤷🏻‍♂️

[@cbyn43]

Thank God for this video! I’m 6’3” at 286 pounds and am looking for the perfect bike for myself!

[@viperracing2889]

Did you buy a bike yet?

[@cbyn43]

@@viperracing2889 yessir! I got a 22 KTM 450 SX-F! Currently 6’4” 270. I put a lot of Motos in out here in SoCal and can say this bike is money even though I’m 100pounds over stock suspension weight set up. I am getting my suspension done on 4/4 changing the air forks to the WP6500 cartridges w/springs at my rate. Plus getting a nice rear shock and upgrading the bladder kit in the rear. I will be racing again in May.

[@viperracing2889]

@@cbyn43 Cool. I'm 6'3" and 285 lbs. Still trying to figure out what's the right bike for me. Was considering a 2019 or 2021 Yamaha YZ250F but now I'm not sure. Would a 250 4-stroke with different gearing work equally well as a 450 at really slow speed up hill and stuff? I'm worried a 450 will be too much bike for me.

[@cbyn43]

@@viperracing2889 imma be real for our weight go with the 450! For my trail bike I had to buy the EXCF500 because the 350 just wasn’t enough power on some of the technical trails out here. Although I’m big, I do ride real aggressive (wheelies out of turns, jumping whoop sections, blowing up burms) so I definitely use all of my power I even use map 2 a lot for that extra initial pull to get my weight moving. But if you are more of a casual rider then the 250 with exhaust maybe different sprocket ration and you’ll be money with a nice top end snap but half way through that gear you’ll definitely feel how a 450 pulls way longer then a 250. Either way great bikes and for our weight to get a great suspension set up be ready to spend a couple thousand. I will be spending $2300 on my suspension next month(I could go cheaper but I don’t do cheap on a bike that has to support 270 pounds landing hard)

[@viperracing2889]

@@cbyn43 How about a 300cc 2-stroke TPI? I'm not an advanced driver, and I'm planning on loosing some weight. 245 lbs is a more normal weight for me, I'm heavier than usual right now.

[@frankcraymerdds3875]

Basically, pick your color and make it yours with a few tweeks. Seems that all the bikes are that close at this time.

[@greg6162]

What about taller riders? I mean you can always lose weight but you can’t lose height. I’m thinking about learning to ride but I’m 6’3 about 200/lbs. Would like the Honda for it’s maneuvering, electric start and fuel injection but it’s cramped and suspension is crap for my weight. Would I have to modify the bike or would the stock Yamaha 250 be the best?

[@tylerpifer5966]

Arminas Jasikonis is 6'5 and is a really successful MXGP rider.

[@JohnVanHolt]

He probably weighs 175-185 though.

[@dirtbikedude2443]

are u sure he looks a little taller

[@dirtbikedude2443]

this was good for weight but what about for height like im 6'5 6'6 and want to see how other riders around the same height review each bike

[@lxixkrunch5143]

5'11 330 currently rip on a klx300sm

[@adamrochester1]

Swamp Moto when’s the next one !?!!

[@downunderthunder2538]

I'm 6'4" 225 good info

[@boost219]

Are they just not doing the rmz anymore cause they’re always on the bottom? And the same Lol. No hate on Suzuki I loved my past rmz’s

[@kjc9trader491]

No One has reviewed the Suzuki - I think they haven't released it from Japan yet!

[@tylersvensson4468]

Love these I’m wanting to get back into the hobbie so going to class my self as a novice would people recommend a 250 or 450 ideally a 2019 yz250f or 2018 yz450f I’m 5’10 240 pound any suggestions would help a lot

[@shanemoto97]

450 not even a question. The 250f will be way underpowered.

[@tylersvensson4468]

@@shanemoto97 yeah I was thinking 450 but a lot of people telling me 250 and 450 will have to much power I started riding 3 years ago but barley go and haven’t ridden in like 2 months so wanting to get another bike

[@davidc606]

@@shanemoto97 i ride a fc250f and am 290😅been doin pretty good

[@TheMaster5150]

You will regret getting a 250f once you get better. Start off riding the 450 in higher gears. Before you know it, you'll be dropping into lower gears, changing maps, and adding bolt on's. 42yrs old, 5'9 211lbs track rider.

[@mxr7586]

Get the YZ450F and you can tune it to be more mellow. As you get more time on it there’s all different types of maps you can try as you get faster. The only bike you can tune all over the place and don’t have to buy aftermarket parts to make it faster. All I have done is tune my YZ450F and I pull my friends kx450f and he has aftermarket exhaust and put the aggressive chip In his.

[@jaydenwhitney3275]

me waiting for the 2021 250 shootout 👁👃🏼👁

[@ColoradoKTM]

Please send me a link to proper spring for my kTM 300 mxc 2002 model. Please help…I weight 240 lbs A part number please?

[@brycenstapleton9222]

I wanna know why thy didn’t drop a new Suzuki if they would have dropped a 2021 with electric start I probably would have went from my 19 yz450 to a 21 rmz450

[@sendaaja8809]

Why no Suzuki?

[@toddjacobs5660]

Big tall dorks like ridin too 😂

[@dirtbikedude2443]

SHUT UP KID

[@Toppdawghaulscars]

I’m 6’1 230 so Let’s get it

[@Jokesbroable]

I’m not worried about the bikes, I just want some of the high spec gear in larger sizes that will fit us big guys 😂

[@dirtbikedude2443]

legit haha

[@ridered7262]

Ok so I have a gripe about fasthouse, I'm still the same size 5'9" 220 lbs and have rocked fasthouse for several years and now their gear is super tight like skinny jeans tight. What the heck. I emailed them and no response.

[@Diqed]

I don't know how these guys hold on to the things with that much weight behind the bars!

[@Sissypool]

You need to do one for Tall riders. This is just Big riders. Wth I'm 6' 10" 450lbs I need a 450

[@dirtbikedude2443]

yeah im 6'6 they need to do a tall rider one

[@hunterbriggs5247]

Well he's a big boy alright

[@bryancamareno2626]

250 lb 6'1 ft ride 250 o 450?

[@taylorhester4709]

Im 6’3 220 lb and i have been riding for awhile i had the 2018 crf 250r when it came out couldnt clear a jump but i sold it got a 2017 kx 450 and was able to clear everything with ease. So i would recommend you get a 450

[@Mp-jw1qg]

how did he put the husqy dead last and the ktm number 1 when they are literally the same bike lol?

[@borntwice4724]

Why do you spell your name with two n’s?

[@zachliter619]

How I get in on this lol

[@johno1216]

6ft10 306 lbs still looking for a taller dirtbike ,still looking

[@TheSiliconeslick]

If the bikes all the same color plastics and brands not visible, I'm sure these rankings would be different.

[@michaelfield2584]

I'd like to see a shootout where nobody's got a bike deal cause they always pick there bike.. And different weights of riders is good too but have same weight tall and short..

[@abyss5469]

5'10 and 285 lbs so it's a 450 for me after riding a 250 for years

[@z28fun]

Suzuki not make a bike anymore?

[@rmxrider20032000]

Nothing new, I think is the issue.

[@kjc9trader491]

No One has reviewed the Suzuki - I think they haven't released it from Japan yet!

[@z28fun]

@@rmxrider20032000 shame...once a powerful brand will be gone! Wonder if there going to even sponsor JGR.

[@michaelkaschak9124]

Not sure why 200lb + riders get the doughnuts fat guy stereotype. I've been 200lbs at 6 feet tall sub 10% body fat since 12th. Grade. Now pushing 60 years old still exactly the same. Kinda condescending...

[@Randy_Cox]

Dont be offended snowflake. Be happy they did the video.

[@Davido50]

Yeaaaa im a chubby dude an I still get scrappy on my '21 Zuke RMZ450 ! What you got to say boys? I lay it over in a turn next 2ya i will smash ya 😏. Suzuki for life!

[@whikidfmj]

Hahaha wanna see somthin real funny?!?! If I can find the video... I quit riding fmx in 2012 (had to raise kids) well I trained everyday and went to gym and took fmx very serious. When I quit I enevitably got fat. So in 2016 I took my yz450 out and unfolded my ramp. I weighed 310lbs And after 2 practice jumps I was doing seat grabs hahahahhaha Yep... 300lbs man doing full extension seat grabs hahah I gotta find that footage. It hurt I pulled so many muscles I was havin hard time walkin after (I hadn't excersized or anything prior to that day, not even a stretch)

[@laurisliepins1136]

That’s funny! Totally identical bikes where is only plastic colour change, ranks first and last 😁

[@joshsmith9058]

KTM and Husqvarna are set up way differently. Husqvarna is lower

[@chuckmcscmuck7711]

This seams only for heavy guys. Not really for tall guys

[@longlivekawasaki]

ROFL, where is Suzuki?

[@joshsmith9058]

Dead

[@mindthenowmotovlogs8563]

Is the guy talking filipino????? Im 100 percent he is

[@buddyharnstrom1513]

the program

[@450brucey2]

No rmz so disrespectful

[@dorianrodriguez7591]

Coil overs on their bikes lol

[@jrod1076]

I'm a short fat fuck at 5'7 210. I'd be happy to roll around on a 50cc

[@brettstevens420]

I’d like to see a guy around 300

[@kjc9trader491]

...the only reason "the kid" ranked Honda #1 is cuz that's the only bike he's ridden for the last 5 years... Biased... Every shootout I have seen (a lot) ranks KX and KTM typically as the top 2, and the CR is usually last - (as the other 2 guys did) - and he ranks them last?... As a 6' / 230 lb rider at 60 years young - my money will be on either the KX or the KTM - but I need to ride them both 1st (leaning towards KTM atm tho - since I have always owned KX's - even since the 2 stroke days - so a change might be cool)...)...)...)...)...

[@ahighervibe4086]

Get the KX....WAY less expensive and parts are astronomically cheaper!

[@chris092183]

Suzuki is hidin like Biden

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

The hydraulic clutch on Honda is just as stiff as there cable one lol useless

[@keithpeterson6108]

The last guy is a complete dunce.

[@brycenstapleton9222]

Suzuki is irrelevant now😂

[@dangulley6638]

No, almost all the shootouts for 2021, Suzuki could not provide a 450 due to COVID.

[@dogger2186]

Change the Title SWAP to the "2021 SLM 450 SHORT & FAT MX SHOOTOUT!". You do not represent tall and in shape...Who cares about the short fat guys. They can loose weight and be OK. It like going to the big and tall stores...which should be call really short and fat stores..I have to say something here...granted that I am 6'8" and 260lbs. Bike are getting SMALLER as is the RIDING gear that they are designing for Man bun wearing , skinny jeans wear euro hipsters...what is happening to our sport....the last bike that actually sorta fit me was a highly modd'ed 2004 CRF450.....bigger frame for a man not a midget. Now all bikes are being scaled down for EuroMidgets and the Gear manufactures are following suit....Damn you TLD!!!! Also gloves and boots...Really. If you have a 14 boot then the boot should have 3" added to the overall height......Larger glove should have longer fingers not stubby with huge palms.....My current bike 2014 KX450 feels so small com paired to my old 2004 CRF450 Damn new bikes are cramped and skinnier than a Ethiopian chasing the a Chicken Even with X-Tring Clamps, 20mm risers and RHC-High Renthal Twinwalls, Lowered peg mounts and pegs and a Gutz tall seat........time to start a revolution and take the sport back for the real men, the ones where only 2% reach their full potential!!!!

[@maxhpfast]

If that's the case put a 260 pounder on 250 and c wat happen s