What is the BEST Factory Edition DirtBike? | 2021 Edition Shootout

In 2012, KTM introduced the 450 SX-F Factory Edition in order to provide Ryan Dungey with the best possible race machine for the 2012 Supercross season. A few years later, Husqvarna joined the edition group with their Rockstar Edition FC450, only to be followed by Honda in 2019 with their CRF450R Works Edition. Now, nearly ten years since the first edition motocross bike was released, consumers have a wide selection of tricked out mid-year released bikes to choose from.
For our 2021 edition shootout, we decided to not only line-up each consumer offered edition bike against each other, but also bring a GYTR outfitted Yamaha YZ450F to the test. With four trick 450's similar in cost and four varying skill-level test riders, it's safe to say this is our most in-depth edition shootout yet. We turned our test riders loose at State Fair MX to see which of the four machines they would purchase, and here's what they had to say. Enjoy!

[@nikolasgibson3438]

This was sweet. The fact that you guys added the GYTR Yamaha was awesome. I love that Yamaha all those trick parts available to the public.

[@Mountain_Yeti]

Yamaha is fantastic. If it fit me as well as the new Honda, I would’ve snagged it. Best motor and suspension by far. Just hated the seat to peg feel on the yami. Gonna shred the Honda for now. It’s a fucking great bike. The Honda WE is a bit overrated, but the R is worth every penny 👌

[@masterbastard7521]

Listen kids, pro circuit Kawasaki's used to be the shit back in the day

[@jasonjaeger4042]

I was born in 83 but my dad owned a dealership til I was 5. Pro Circuit made a badass KX80 mod bike, don't remember the year. Just remember how awesome it was and then reading about it in the early 00's.

[@jonathondavis170]

They are now back with a new KX450RS - that will be one hard bike to beat cause they put x-trig ROCS triple clamps and coated KYB suspension...probably had a #3 on it a few months ago before ET3 jumped ship to Yamaha. lol Looks oddly similar...😆

[@jasonjaeger4042]

@@jonathondavis170 I hope it does, I'm sick of all the different color KTM's being top in the shootouts. I'm a Yamaha YZ250 guy, but LOVED my 01 KX250 when I was 18-19. Had an injury to my arm that winter (can't say anything more about the injury, but my forearm was basically gone) and I was getting $4400 a month and put it alot of it into that bike. It was a BADASS KX! And I was a full-time MX tech for years, now just do it out of my garage as a side job but get to ride basically every bike. Always like the KX450F's and it's good to see that the Japanese bikes are starting to come with Hydraulic clutches, good bars, good rims, and not just "KTM/Husqvarna/GasGas/like 10 more of the same bike" having quality parts. My 01 KX handlebars bent the 1st day, AND I WASN'T EVEN ON A TRACK AND DIDN'T DUMP THE BIKE!!! If I ever do go to a 4-stroke, it'll probably be the Kawi. The brand I rebuild the most, like 7 out of 10 are Hondas. I hate em too. Only honda I liked was an 89 CR125 I had for a summer in like 98. It smoked the 98 RM125's. And I kinda need a Hydraulic clutch because of my left hand (having a HELL of a time getting one for my YZ right now, EVERY place that says they have then don't, none in the US grrrrrr) and happy to see Kawi put em on last year or the one before. Don't like yamaha's 450, the air filter/tank position I just don't care for. Sorry for blabbing, damn sleep meds make me all loopy 🤤

[@jasonjaeger4042]

@@jonathondavis170 holy shit, they REALLY have a race ready KX, just looked at the specs! Pro Circuit Ti exhaust, triple clamps, actually good rims. Still keeping my YZ though!!

[@John-logistics]

Missing the Scrub Daddy RMZ edition

[@jonathondavis170]

Bro, it wouldn't even be fair! That tank holds holy water, and the bike is equipped with ANGEL - launch control, traction control, and newly equipped air control for 2022! -God let's his chosen few fly closer to the heavens. :) Also heard the bike is so quick it will ride straight over water - oddly enough I believe it to be true among all the rumors I've heard lately, because I've seen his quads working overtime to jump the quads during battle training. God bless the Scrub Daddy, and the weapon this infamous knight wields among our King's Army. 🙏 🙌 His bike is equivalent to Thors hammer, however completely real and present among our authentic, non-fictional world as we humanely perceive it. Man, Myth, Legend???...

[@c_b8s4]

Im so pissed suzuki stopped caring about dirt!!!!

[@DerekHallman]

This is a sweet shootout. Would be even sweeter if all manufacturers made a "Factory" edition!

[@Pain-Glory]

Yo what up Derek love your videos

[@exoticgamer6220]

Factory edition two stroke I would cop

[@braxtonmccutchen1091]

If you could say something to me that would be one of my best days of my life

[@TheJoeml85]

Back in the day at Andrews cycles in Salem Ohio made replica bikes and sold them they had. Carmichaels makita suzuki and reeds replica factory Yamaha om prettt sure they did Stewart’s kawi to

[@mxgryan]

KX next year Derek

[@jkell411]

Watching shootouts nowadays is kind of funny to me. Riders are so spoiled by how good the bikes are now. Some of the stuff they complain about is hilarious.

[@JamesyMusial14]

As a yz250 2 stroke rider I always laugh when I hear someone complain about “vibration” on a fuel injected 4 stroke 😂😂😂 some people clearly have forgotten what vibration even is 😂😂

[@morley3810]

@@JamesyMusial14 TRUTH lol

[@matthewbentley1877]

That gytr kit on the YZ is a huge upgrade! this isn't just bling factor we're talking more HP and longer high Rev top-end power. Again, once you upgrade to the gytr kit. Piston, head, clutch, ignition, brake clevis, levers, a vortex ecu, and a air filter kit that's just as good as twin air kit but a 100 dollars less, MONSTER machine!!! Love it

[@chriscurbstompscm]

I like this longform group discussion format for shootouts. Also I appreciate the content, I can never get enough motocross.

[@c_b8s4]

Brings a tear to my eye to see no yellow. Damn you Suzuki!!!!

[@williamsmitty8603]

Suzuki slowly decaying. Something has gotta happen, or they will be bankrupt and gone. I figure another manufacturer will buy them out, like KTM has done with husky and others.

[@ronniep4278]

Got to love that Yamaha power🤙🤙

[@SreidMX]

Foster us always on point with the expanded explanations. Good content!

[@Davido50]

The way this economy is goin ..new bikes will be coming dwn in price cause ppl won't have $ they did in '21 to pay $10g+ for new model! Facts.

[@davidwelch40]

SWAP MOTO ROCKS !!! THANK YOU GUYS FOR THE KNOWLEDGE VIDEO. DON, YOU BRING SOOOOO,,, MUCH TO THE MOTO-X INDUSTRY, WE ALL LOVE YA BRO !!!! P,S,,,,,, WE NEED SCRUBDADDY IN ALL VIDEOS , SUCH A AWESOME PERSONALITY, GODS MAN !! 😁👍🏻👌🏻✊🏻✊🏻✊🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🙏

[@mxgryan]

Next year get ready for the KX450F-SR. You heard it here first.

[@brakel8r]

Poser factor alone....id take any one of them

[@beverywhereyouare]

I'm sure we can ALL agree that the Rockstar Husky looks best :o) :o)

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

We want 250 two stroke 2021 shoot out

[@caydenthompson126]

YES

[@blakebuwamd8343]

250 bogger

[@user-wk9bu6xm7y]

@@blakebuwamd8343 if you suck at riding sure it will bog just like 450 wil sound like a dirty diaper

[@fsubulldog03]

Chingas...lol you know you’re from Cali saying stuff like that! Love it. Keep it up!

[@JacksonD489]

Buy a two stroke and leave your phone at home! Shut up and ride.... Lol

[@shonepolk9112]

Never owned a Yamaha, always been a Kawasaki guy. Lots of my buddies ride Yamaha, and I see a trend. The smaller guys always love the Yamaha power, but the bike seems too much to handle. My bigger buddies always seem to be able to throw that bike around, and the lap times are better. Seems that the adage is true that the YZ is a great machine for the taller guys. I’m average height, 5’10”, and middle of the road weight wise, 180-185 average. My pastor and best friend rides a 2017 KTM 450 sx-f factory addition and he’s a small lightweight guy. He loves it, and I’m considering the 350 sx-f. Buuuuuuut lol, that Yamaha is impressive. Gonna be a tough decision lol.

[@bikerfail57]

I’m 5’11 around 168 ish with out gear, have a 2020 350sxf right now and planning on selling for a yz450. Ktm just doesn’t feel comfortable and can’t stand the suspension

[@shonepolk9112]

@@bikerfail57 I feel ya. I bought a 2012 350 just for the electric start and fuel injection. Never could get comfortable on it, gave it to my son lol.

[@dominicpayne23]

Imagine a kx450 factory edition 😍

[@masterbastard7521]

Pro Circuit used to sell niceee kx's

[@denots42]

They have one now the new kxf450sr 😎

[@lorenzopoillucci9666]

Honda❤❤❤

[@boyhangintv1379]

great bikes and salute to those guys who made them.the best bike for me is base on the records of winning titles

[@bradpowell843]

Pat liking Yamaha best is zero percent surprising at all. The other three guys opinions were quite interesting.

[@JamesyMusial14]

I rode a 2021 YZ450F at a demo day I only got 3 laps on it and the inside of my thumbs were bleeding 😬😬 absolute monster of a bike

[@fuckucatchme1000rr]

Yamaha has “Less of a Fuckin Snap” lol best line of the video

[@idrissalam]

Personally i own a Yz450f 2020, and with 3k i wouldn’t personally invest on a pipe or gytr head. I would put my money on titanium part to save weight instead.

[@Purified_6r]

u would gain way more from power than weight 😂

[@idrissalam]

@@Purified_6r lol, Power tuner app is doing a good job for power. That bike already have too much power on stock form. I am a vet rider, and suspensions are good stock for me. Only struggle was when the track was very rutty or technical, that's why I talked about weight.

[@beverywhereyouare]

can't wait to see what the new KX factory brings to the fight ?!!

[@deadpam6189]

Now there is the kx 450 SR

[@francisco9517]

I'll take the blue one! 💙

[@troymoszer]

I bought a 21.5' rockstar edition and threw my $3000 @ the suspension. Put a KYB full spring conversion gold valve set- up and Rekluse auto clutch... 😎 Couldn't be happier.

[@eatnpooter1634]

Me too ! She’s a ripper 💯😎🕺🤙🏻

[@quadcityracing]

Which rekluse? Does it have any engine braking?

[@troymoszer]

Quadcityr Radius CX, the auto clutch does loose "some" engine braking anyway, and turning down the engine braking on my husqvarna app the bike has very little engine baking at all. It rolls into the turns like a 2 smoker, which frees up the suspension making it perform even better.

[@kevinlong2074]

For all you motocrossers that want to know what bike is better.Confucius say the bike with the best rider the best bike.

[@chesterswingjr9796]

People are going to buy whatever brand they like, or are loyal to, regardless of where it places in any shootout. As a non professional rider, I’ve always like the Honda’s looks, and near bulletproof reliability. I have a old copy of Motocross Action magazine. and it said “Honda’s are built better than most airplanes”. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with any other brand, just my preference. As a lover of motorcycles, I’d ride any of these brands, on any track, or trail.

[@marcbrown6131]

Sounds like a Yamaha commercial

[@moto2103]

Am I the only one that heard “welcome to swallowed alive”

[@JayDeerTay]

"Pulls longer and deeper" Thats what she said

[@yamahakid450f]

Can you hear that? *crickets*

[@mikeraskin7319]

Where's scrub daddy?

[@alexandrakingi8502]

Love listening to Pat real technical and knows his shit!!!

[@waynehearst317]

Guys, unless they've change compression ratios or what not, the GYTR race head runs just fine on quality pump gas; however, you want to change the map when going between pump/race fuel.

[@dawso2o2]

Oh and the husky at $15-500 and the ktm at $16-500 Australian dollars here or $14k for Honda or $15 for the Yamaha down here or $17999 for the wr450 Australian edition I’ll hold on to my crf450r I got just before cv19 hit hard that I’ll pay off and still make money on now for sure

[@michaelglaspir3654]

Y’all Left Out The New Kawi ! You guys gotta redo it over !

[@jacobvanhalteren7452]

9:05 - That's where you need to fill the forks with 5 - 10cc of oil. I was having bottoming issues with my suspension and was going crazy with the clickers. went back a bit on the clickers and filled it with 5cc of a heavier oil and my issues were instantly gone.

[@andrewmarshall360]

Details/ Shmetails. Can I get one of each ?

[@evo5349]

Very interesting test and good info Thanks,

[@calworthington4523]

I would still get the husky but with the 2021.5 i would invest in some acerbis plastics

[@grantchristensen9995]

They keep complaining about suspension who is buying stock bikes without getting it revalved for your weight, and whatever level you are at?

[@dawso2o2]

Keep throwing money no thanks ktm customer service is the worst customer service I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with so never again will I spend 14k here in Australia for it to blow up straight away no thanks Honda or Yamaha any day

[@levijarmanmx9502]

Now this is the shootout we all want to see

[@madeputra8827]

Yamaha the best motorcross. Dylan FERANDIS is championship 450, 250 Renaux👍👍

[@iloveyourapplepie]

The Suzuki was the hottest no cap

[@dimmacommunication]

But where do you get the factory edition ? I mean in USA are they sold as such ?

[@andrewbecker3700]

Stock Yamaha bike is better than alot of factory works machines. My '21 450f ME edition has 3k. in enduro mods and not one cent on suspension, brakes or engine. Doesnt need it. After break in and adjustment its power tuner has unlocked unlimited potential!

[@marcgraham6438]

So glad to here this…. KTM wins 7 of 8 votes …..I bought one of only 20 KTM 450 SXF factory editions in Texas 11months ago and just love it. First day out my buddy wanted to buy it for 13,000 on the spot he was not kidding.

[@marcgraham6438]

You can’t compare the Yamaha with the rest because it’s modified.

[@briansemder565]

Is there a tuner app for the gasgas 450 factory edition ?

[@eatnpooter1634]

Funny how the husky & KTM suspension is different, one wallowed and one didn’t ... But yet the suspension internals etc are identical... explain that one dr Fauci ? 🤔

[@jameszhou7112]

The bikes have completely different ergonomics tbh

[@Dw-wl7lo]

Also pretty sure the huski is 10mm shorter travel front and back. At least the non factory edition is. And this makes it handle completely different

[@eatnpooter1634]

Take a look @MXA’s hidden secrets of the factory edition bikes .. for some reason every time I post the link it gets taken down .. #censored

[@carlosclass787]

Dr. Fauci!!!! hahahahahaahah lololol. Best line!

[@joelaliberte8006]

On every shootout suspension always seem to be a huge factor on judging them. What would be cool is to get all of the bikes suspension done and then do a shootout. This way it can eliminate the settings issue and judge it based on its performance itself. It would also be cool to do a time attack style competition. I know certain riders usually are more comfortable on something they ride, but maybe 2 weeks in advance have no one ride up until the shootout. This way the bikes a fresh feel. Any who's, keep up the good content Swap!

[@kohentingey2966]

yeah but then it would take away the originality of the bike. when deciding which bike to buy the average customer will want to one with the best stock everything

[@Rpnpap44]

I have the 2021.5 Husqvarna FC450 rockstar edition and had the KYB spring conversion kit installed by JBI Suspension and I absolutely love that bike best bike I’ve ever had!

[@peterpaulino9589]

this is the one ive been waiting for thanks swap

[@jareddunbar8526]

If I can buy a base model car and add different packages, why can't we order motorcycles with add on packs? Why do we have to spend 10k on a bike and still turn around and have the suspension sprung for our weight?

[@idrissalam]

When you say that you haven’t changed the Yamaha suspensions settings. Are you with the stock settings and Sag?

[@jacobvanhalteren7452]

30:00 - Relielize that if you buy all the components that they put on the Factory KTM or WE Honda to make the regular bikes the exact same you would be spending well over the price difference between the models. It would be neat to see what Yamaha would do with a special edition bike.

[@jaynewman120]

Maybe throw a stacked Suzuki into the mix like you did the YZ. Suspension would be a glitch tho on that. Love this info.

[@wayde1744]

man i’d love to test the bikes with them 😂 i watched them do it seemed a lot of fun

[@justinwerner779]

Keepeqrruuuulurwu teeter edj

[@mattschm5486]

Had an lc4 test ride in race mode on the road it was so hard to control especially since I didn’t know about the mode. The engine mode has a really big influence on how the bike rides

[@shawnmchugh9016]

I’m driving down the road here in Pittsburgh watching the video and I hear the damn sirens behind me I thought I was getting pulled over

[@ryanvanderlinde5601]

good to know :) would be cool if monster did a kx450 and suzuki made a yosimura 450 edition

[@atv55803]

what forks and rear shock was on the yam kyb`s ss ???

[@kirkdunn1379]

Was good honest review.....very fair, 12k is lot of money

[@blackjackzw]

Cool video with great input from all the riders on all the different bikes! 👍

[@kyleb6325]

Does anyone know what gear that is? 3:09

[@CP556]

Ride jbi can dial in those wp forks

[@bill5274]

Is kawasaki asleep @ the wheel with limited editions

[@Thonzen13th]

how about Kawasaki, Suzuki and Gasgas?

[@beverywhereyouare]

Next year let's see how Kawi's factory does.

[@jetdr]

every manufacturer should just pay Yamaha to use their suspension. I have an 2009 yz250 and the suspension performs just as well as some of the custom 3,000$ jobs I have ridden.

[@kirkdunn1379]

Bet Yamaha has a factory edition next year

[@TURBO_G]

Song name ?

[@dinomolina4303]

Why don’t you make a 85cc shootout?

[@karutatv5515]

awesome new follower here from philippines

[@carlosclass787]

So....250 Two Stroke Shootout, when?

[@EvanField6380]

Just man up and rip the Honda

[@srs52813]

Did he say chingus????🤣

[@southc0astslippz856]

Buttery????????? Let's gooooooo 🤬

[@trustenbaker8766]

The one Ricky is riding.

[@NuvoVision]

"The chingadero on the siiiii'd"

[@FatherOMalley]

Still cheaper than a ktm. Webb edition comes with a big long seat insertion stabilizer device.

[@caydenthompson126]

😂

[@vonlitto]

Super sick video!! What about a 350 shootout?

[@caydenthompson126]

@trav3510 trav3510 lol yeah

[@Gwade13]

Where’s buttery ?

[@ethanspringfield9533]

What race fuels do you have to run with putting the high compression head on the Yamaha

[@ZmannR2]

T4

[@Amorrison2424]

Vp 110

[@blade7734]

Honda will outlast them all. Ktm husky last 25% of a Honda

[@singletrack4614]

Go back 10 years and look at the bikes being produced......they don't stand a chance to these bikes🥵

[@Makeitliquidfast]

Wheres the 81 MC 490 Maico? (Actually a better bike).

[@Canthony_]

Sure bud

[@Makeitliquidfast]

@@Canthony_ oh im sure

[@Canthony_]

@@Makeitliquidfast definitely not

[@Makeitliquidfast]

@@Canthony_ you will never know but have raced both and unless you are a pro you'd be faster on the Maico imo.

[@dannysmith6035]

Honda might fell heavy, Honda & my Honda wins.%100!

[@quadcityracing]

Does the 350 have the same map-adjust engine braking?

[@SMLChase]

Should have it next year. Only bikes available with it this year are the editions.

[@sebaszamora_6469]

🔥

[@jimmysmyth7510]

when the ti pipe is not blue..............

[@OrihuelaClubDeAlterne]

Maybe also add the beta

[@dominicpayne23]

Not a factory edition

[@OrihuelaClubDeAlterne]

@@dominicpayne23 there's literally one lmao

[@OrihuelaClubDeAlterne]

@@dominicpayne23 oi sorry, forgot they only make trial factory editions haha

[@alexandrakingi8502]

@@OrihuelaClubDeAlterne 🙄🤣😅🤦‍♂️

[@jasonjaeger4042]

And 95% of the people who buy them have NO business being on one. I'm fast af, but I'm 38, and probably lay down better lap times on my YZ250 than one of these bikes, especially the Honda because I wouldn't ride it. Rich 40+ yr olds buy them and ride 1 lap and roll over every jump. They should be like Arctic Cat or Polaris race sled program, ya gotta list your last races and finishing positions.

[@flipdillies4212]

Kawasaki????

[@dannysmith6035]

Honda will pull & pull & pull tell u let go. Honda wins %100!