2021 Vital MX 450 Shootout

Which is our pick for the best 2021 450cc motocross bike? It's Shootout time between the 2021 Honda CRF450R, Husqvarna FC 450, Kawasaki KX450, KTM 450 SX-F, and Yamaha YZ450F. Unfortunately, the Suzuki RM-Z450 was omitted because the unchanged 2021 model was not in the country at the moment. However, we still had a stacked field of bikes for our 2021 Vital MX 450 Shootout, so take a seat, click play, and enjoy.

Note: This video replaced an earlier version that had the top two bikes incorrectly ranked. The correct order is...
1. Kawasaki
2. KTM
3. Honda
4. Yamaha
5. Husqvarna

MB01PSKTVOIFIIP

[TristanB]

I love how everyone is angry that their favorite brand didnt win, like it's all subjective. Calm down kiddos

[jamesharbaugh]

Great job boys. Vital is starting to win me over from MXA. Keep it up Ping

[andreasstefanou]

Yamaha last year won the shootout and now suddenly it became too strong, unpredictable and bad turning bike?
WTF vital mx????
What is this??

[TripleT]

Was surprised to hear the more negative feedback for the Husky this time around, as it sounded like the changes were an improvement last time around. I have a 21 FC 350, so the 450 motor stuff doesn't apply to me, but as a shorter rider, I love the bike. I did go up to a stiffer rear shock (and went stiffer on the front PSI to balance it a bit). My favorite bike by far

[stephenmiley]

I love this way of doing shootouts with actually just talking about he bikes! I have 18 ktm 450 and my son has 19 kawasaki 450...from day one the kawasaki is more comfortable standing up around corners. I'm curious if the newer ktms match that feeling?

[AWoulds]

I always love when people say good things about Yamaha.

[SreidMX]

I think this format is great, so much of riding is subjective, along with everyone being a different body type which contributes along with riding style and it’s hard to quantify it using a specific scoring system. That doesn’t cover the nuances, this does! Great job guys!

[HighSpeedTV]

Can someone please explain how the Yamaha went from 1st in 2020 to 4th in 2021 when no changes were made on really any bike other than the Honda? I ask because im genuinely curious... different riders?

[StayTunedMoto]

I just bought a used 2020 kx450f with 5 hours like new and this made me frl even better about it!

[ben-mjmh]

Dude the yamaha is unchanged from last year i think the dudes are getting a bit too old for the power it has to offer

[jamesshaver]

I’m red till I’m dead no matter what I will never ride these bikes to their potential anyways so it don’t matter where they land in the test I’m sticking with Honda reliability for me but if I was to switch it would be blu cru for sure And the truth of the matter is all these bikes are so good today because these manufacturers keep pushing one another to be the best so in the end we win because it’s hard to buy a bad one now days 👍👍👍

[samuelcristenson]

I would totally buy a kawasaki, but the muffler on that thing is just an eye sore..

[semiprofessional]

Kawasaki must've finally sent that check.

[jonesesente]

little changes on other bikes that was on top of the other brands but ended up complaining about it that it isnt working right anymore =)

[paulrector]

I’m a 6’1 220 lb senior A level rider. I felt most at home on the 2020 Yamaha. I’m debating on what bike to buy next. Thanks for the test.

[christopherholbird]

Lmao why would you post your shootout video then remove it then post it again but with different results.

[chrisvozza]

Really wanted to see how that gasgas450 is but maybe next year

[brinkee]

Why only keep it to the big bike makers. I've been looking for a dual use bike. One for warm weather then modded to a snowbike. I'm really leaning towards a Beta 480 /500. Cost is substantially less for a bike that is on par with other bikes.

[shootera]

Here is why I like the 2019-2021 Kawi. I can not tell you how many times I have saved it with this bike. The front end has this really strange (and good) characteristic, where if you start to lose the front end, it will slide in a very stable manner for what seems like forever (probably actually less than a second) and you can save it. I have had people following me say they were sure I was "going down low side hard" and "how the heck did you save that". I have never ridden another bike that does that.

[maxfried]

What a suprise. Husky at bottom and Kawi on top?? And yam in 4th. Wow