MXA BUYER'S GUIDE: 2025 WIDE WORLD OF FOUR-STROKES

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MXA BUYER’S GUDE: WIDE WORLD OF 2025 FOUR-STROKES

GASGAS MC450F: $10,499

The 2025 MC450F features an updated frame that enhances stability when approaching turns, elevating the overall riding experience. Additional upgrades include new suspension settings, a redesigned air intake, and a reinforced rear brake pedal. The GasGas MC450 comes equipped with a BrakTec clutch and brakes, a simplified ECU without a map switch, an exhaust system without a resonance chamber, and forged aluminum triple clamps, making it a unique choice for the 2025 lineup.

BETA 450RX: $10,999

Beta came out with its first 450 motocross model in 2024. We enjoyed the linear power but struggled with its handling. Some of the new updates for 2025 include a stronger rear aluminum subframe, suspension upgrades, new foot pegs, and a more powerful lithium battery.

HONDA CRF450: $9699

The CRF450 is new for 2025 with the chassis being the primary focus. The frame is made up of 70 percent of new components. The MXA wrecking crew thoroughly enjoyed the changes and the bike moved up to finish second in the 2025 MXA 450 Shootout.

HONDA CRF450WE: $12,599

The 2025 Honda CRF450 Works Edition is based on the production CRF450, but comes off the showroom floor with a hand-ported cylinder head, Yoshimura RS12 exhaust system, coated Showa suspension, Hinson clutch basket, Throttle Jockey seat cover, custom ECU mapping, and special Works Edition graphics. The MSRP is a $2900 upcharge from the box-stock 2025 CRF450.

HUSQVARNA FC450: $11,399

The 2025 Husqvarna FC450 stands out from the crowd as the only 2025 450 to crack the 60-horsepower barrier, delivering 61.1 peak horsepower. The FC450 is platform-shared with KTM components, but offers its own closed-off airbox and a unique suspension setup that has 10mm-shorter forks and a revised shock-linkage ratio that effectively lowers the seat height by 1 inch. This thoughtful design makes the Husqvarna FC450 particularly appealing to vets and shorter riders.

KAWASAKI KX450: $10,499

The 2025 Kawasaki KX450 is built from the same 2024 frame that had been altered to accept the new center-port exhaust. It features a handlebar-mounted map switch and smartphone connectivity app for adjusting the bike’s power characteristics, along with a domed air filter replacing 2024’s flat-piece-of-toast filter. Although it makes 58.0 horsepower on the dyno, it has a very mellow powerband, making it easier to ride.

KTM 450SXF: $11,299

On the 2025 model, KTM introduced several key structural improvements to enhance ride comfort, break-in time, durability and performance. KTM also used thinner wall thicknesses on some major frame tubes to improve the frame’s resilience. Forged motor mounts were welded to the frame to ensure that the engine acts as a stressed member, and thick, triangular head stays were added to securely lock the engine in place. The 2025 powerband delivers a broad, manageable, and ultra-usable style of power that starts out mellow and gets increasingly stronger as the rpm climb.

SUZUKI RM-Z450: $9299

Given that the 2025 Suzuki RM-Z450 was first introduced in 2018 and has not undergone any major updates in the last six years (save for new fork springs in 2019), the RM-Z450’s peak power output remains frozen at 56.6 horsepower; however, it does deliver excellent midrange power, superb cornering and the most attractive MSRP of all the 2025 450s. On the downside, the suspension is in serious need of help. It is the heaviest bike on the track at 241 pounds, and it doesn’t come with electric start. 

TRIUMPH TF450-RC: $10,995

The TF 450-RC Edition is Triumph’s first-ever 450 motocross bike. Designed in collaboration with motocross legend Ricky Carmichael, this model incorporates RC’s personally selected specs and signature components while sharing the same chassis as the TF250-X.

YAMAHA YZ450F: $9999

The Yamaha YZ450 was a revelation when it was released in 2023. Its three highlights are: (1) The most exhilarating engine on the track. (2) The 19th edition of the fabulous Kayaba SSS suspension, and (3) a revised version of the GYTR Power Tuner that produces amazing throttle-to-rear-wheel connectivity. This is the most powerful-feeling production motocross bike on the market—perhaps too powerful for lower skill levels, but this is the 2025 bike most likely to get the holeshot at any track across the country. 

GASGAS MC350F: $10,299

The 2025 GasGas MC350F has access to the latest frames, engines, components and technology to come from the Austrian factory. The 2025 GasGas MC350F is one of only three 350cc motocross machines. For 2025, the MC350F gets an all-new chassis, radically redesigned plastics, updated BrakTec hydraulics, 12mm-taller Neken handlebars, and seriously updated WP suspension components. Plus, it enables access to the LitPro GPS guidance system by subscription. 

HUSQVARNA FC350: $10,999

The 2025 Husky FC350 is an ideal bike for vet riders. Sitting one inch lower than its KTM and GasGas counterparts, it offers an advantage when it comes to cornering with precision at any age. Additionally, the 2025 FC350 delivers exceptionally smooth and linear power.

HUSQVARNA FC350 HERITAGE EDITION: $10,199

Don’t confuse the 2025 FC350 with the 2025-1/2 Factory Edition. The Heritage models are not “next year’s bikes now,” but rather an updated graphics package and color scheme. Cosmetically, a Heritage buyer gets blue radiator shrouds, Swedish-style graphics on the radiator wings, blue seat cover, white powder-coated frame and yellow front number plate (with blue winglets).

KTM 350SXF: $10,899

The KTM 350SXF has been on the market since 2011, and it still stands as the leader of the mid-size class 14 years later. With a generously vented airbox, the KTM 350SXF delivers a “racier” feel compared to its two 350cc Austrian counterparts. Although it is only one pound lighter than the 450SXF, the reduced rotating mass inside the engine gives it a noticeably lighter and more agile feel in motion, making it an outstanding choice for riders who want 250cc quickness with 450cc torque.

KAWASAKI KX250: $8999

The Kawasaki KX250 follows in the 2024 KX450’s footsteps. Kawasaki has released an all-new model for 2025 featuring a new exhaust for improved power and mass centralization, a revised intake downdraft angle, optimized fuel injection settings and an updated piston shape. It also features a single-shaft primary crankshaft balancer, a coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch, an upgraded Showa 49mm coil-spring fork, and shock settings for refined handling.

HONDA CRF250: $8299

The 2025 Honda CRF250 inherited the updates from the CRF450. That includes a redesigned frame, repositioned airbox, stiffer steering stem, and Showa fork tubes and triple clamps. Suspension upgrades include new fork valving, a single wishbone-style shock linkage and an updated front brake caliper. And last, the CRF’s bodywork incorporates vintage-inspired shrouds and a wider midsection, offering improved grip and stability.

HONDA CRF250WE: $10,599

The 2025 CRF250 Works Edition is an all-new model for the Honda fleet this year. It is spec’ed with a Hinson clutch basket and cover, Yoshimura exhaust with a stainless steel header and titanium muffler, hand-polished cylinder ports, D.I.D DirtStar LT-X rims, Kashima-coated outer fork tubes, and an 18mm shock shaft. Plus, there are dedicated ignition and injection-mapping options, while a wider 110 rear Dunlop MX33 tire completes the race-ready setup.

GASGAS MC250F: $9599

The GasGas MC250F is more affordable than its KTM and Husky brothers, but it’s significantly more expensive than its Japanese competition. Designed with plusher suspension than the KTM or Husqvarna, it is spec’ed with BrakTec hydraulics and Maxxis tires but no map switch. This year, however, the exhaust system does include a resonance chamber.

HUSQVARNA FC250: $10,499

Like the FC450, the FC250 features a seat height that is 1 inch lower, providing exceptional handling that is well suited to young riders, novices and vet riders alike. The FC250 also boasts a very linear powerband, making it easy to control and ideal for riders at varying skill levels. The 2025 FC250 includes an updated frame and chassis, enhancing stability and responsiveness. 

KTM 250SXF: $10,399

The KTM 250SXF is widely regarded as one of the top-performing 250s on the track, featuring updates to the frame and chassis that provide an ideal balance of rigidity and control right out of the box. As one of the most powerful bikes on the track, the KTM 250SXF is equipped with WP air forks, Brembo hydraulics and Dunlop tires. It delivers a high level of performance and precision for riders seeking a competitive edge.SUZUKI RM-Z250: $8199

The RM-Z250 hasn’t seen any significant updates since 2019 and it’s the only 250 four-stroke still using a kickstarter, but that doesn’t stop the fun. The RM-Z250’s durability is respectable, giving you more bang for your buck.

TRIUMPH TF250-X: $9495

With an all-new and all-Triumph design, the 2025 TF250-X is the lightest 250 at 221 pounds. It is spec’ed with all the high-end components you need, including Brembo brakes, ProTaper bars, ODI grips and a hand-welded aluminum frame. Although not manufactured in England, the Thailand-sourced 2025 TF250-X is the most complete first-year package ever to launch into the ultra-competitive 250 segment.

YAMAHA YZ250F: $8899

The 2025 YZ250F  features an advanced aluminum bilateral beam frame modeled after that of the YZ450F. It boasts a powerful 250cc four-stroke engine with high-spec piston and aggressive cam profiles to deliver a broad powerband with strong low-to-mid torque. Equipped with class-leading KYB SSS suspension, the YZ250F provides a smooth, stable ride for confident cornering.

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