2010 BUYER’S GUIDE: MX BIKES

HUSQVARNA TC450
Husqvarna is a player; get used to it. BMW has invested big change in a new factory to increase production and quality. The biggest change for the 2010 TC motocrosser is the addition of a KYB fork. The TCs have sweet motors and great turning manners. Prices: $7399

 HONDA CRF450R
Big things happened to the 2009 Honda CRF450R, including an all-new motor and fuel injection. The 2010 model won’t have significant changes, but Honda has addressed details and issues. There are discounted 2009 models available at most dealers. Price: $8099

 HUSABERG FX450
After shaking things up by twisting the motor around in a crazy configuration last year, those whacky Swedes kept right on going. The FX is a new six-speed motocross model with EFI and many KTM components. Price: $9498

 KAWASAKI KX450F
We like horsepower. If you do too, then the Kawasaki KX450F is a bike for you. Kawasaki took last year’s EFI 450 and gave it more everywhere. The machine also has stiffer suspension. If you’re looking for a deal, there are still a number of 2009 Monster Energy Editions available for less. Price: $8049

 KTM 450SXF
Last year, we were amazed. The KTM 450 motocrosser nearly won our motocross shootout. This year it’s back and it’s even better. It remains the only electric-start motocross bike and keeps its carburetor, plus it gets a five-speed gearbox. Price: $7998

 SUZUKI RM-Z450
Suzuki became the first major manufacturer in the pool with an EFI motocrosser back in 2008. In ‘09, the bike was unchanged, so the 2010 version reflects everything that the R&D department has learned over two years. It has a new frame and a new head, among other things. Price: $8399

 YAMAHA YZ450F
Are you ready for something completely different? The 2010 YZ is finally here and it’s the most radical bike of the year. Aside from the aluminum perimeter frame and EFI, it has a rearward tilt to the head and the “Tornado” exhaust in the rear. Wild. Price: $7990 (White, $8090)

 HONDA CRF250R
In 2009, the Honda 250F was the standard in the class. Now it has EFI, a new motor, a new frame and a new everything else. Our first test rides produced some love and some controversy. Handing is fast and so is the motor. Price: $7199

 HUSQVARNA TC250
This motor is so tiny that it looks lost in the enormous Husky chassis. We’ve been hearing about this engine for two years, and now we’ve finally ridden it. It’s light, handles well and produces power over a broad spread. It’s not especially fast, but it can be. Price: $6899

 KAWASAKI KX250F
Kawasaki found a little more power in the KX250F, but saved EFI and other costly changes for next year. The KX remains the most successful machine in pro racing, thanks mostly to the Pro Circuit/Monster Energy team. Some ‘09s are still available. Price: $6999

 KTM 250SXF
KTM knows how to make power. This is the fastest production bike in the 250F class right now, and a new frame and significant suspension changes make it more effective than ever. Price: $7198

 KTM 250SX
In Europe, the two-stroke motocrosser is alive and well. KTM doesn‘t understand why most of the Japanese companies left this segment, and doesn‘t care. The 250SX continues to receive refinement and gets the same suspension changes as the four-strokes. Price: $6598

 SUZUKI RM-Z250
We’ve seen Suzuki testing this machine for over a year. The fuel-injected RM-Z250 will be a little late, but it will officially arrive as a 2010 model. Early reports are that it’s very fast. There are still 2009 models to sell, so expect discounts there. Price: $7199

 YAMAHA YZ250F
Yamaha went crazy on its motocross line for 2010. The 250 has a new frame similar to that of the radical 450. The engineers stopped short of giving it EFI or a new engine configuration, but trust us, it’s new enough. Prices: $6990 ($7090 in white)

 YAMAHA YZ250
The two-stroke segment isn’t a big market, but frankly, big markets are hard to find these days. Thus, the YZ250 still sells well enough to stay in the line without any changes. It’s still a great bike that costs very little to run, and we’re happy it’s back. Price: $6990

 KTM 150SX
This bike is sheer magic. It started off as a two-stroke designed to race against 250Fs. It‘s based on the 125, but with a longer stroke and a bigger bore. It turned out to be a cult bike that virtually everyone loves to ride. Now it remains in the line and the 125 is gone. Price: $6198

 YAMAHA YZ125
Oddly enough, the YZ125 is still probably the best 125 on the market, even though Yamaha has left it unchanged for years. It’s reasonably fast and it handles so good you can be tricked into thinking you’re a better rider. Price: $6090

 HONDA CRF150R/CRF150R EXPERT
At one time we all thought the CRF150R would change the landscape in the mini world. It was significantly better than the 85cc two-strokes it raced against. Now some organizations don’t allow the 150 in the 85 class, but it’s still a very good machine in stock form. The “Expert” version has larger wheels for $100 more. Price: $4699

 KTM 105SX
KTM looked at the rules for the SuperMini class, where large motors and big wheels are allowed in AMA and NMA racing, then built the 105SX accordingly. It’s fast and the only bikes that can beat it are custom-built wonders. Price: $5498

 KAWASAKI KX100/KX100 MONSTER ENERGY*
Kawasaki intended these machines for growing kids who aren‘t necessarily racers. The 100 is a KX85 with a bigger bore and larger wheels, but oddly, engine tuners prefer the 85 as a platform for a SuperMini. The Monster Energy version has a cool look for a few shillings more. Prices: $3499/$3699

 KAWASAKI KX85
Of all the 85s, the Kawasaki is best suited for younger, smaller riders due to its lower seat height and milder power. The powervalve motor has the potential to make serious output, but in stock form it struggles against the other 85s. Price: $3849

 SUZUKI RM85/RM85L*
Suzuki’s 85 two-stroke was a proven winner years ago and nothing has changed. It has a broad, easy-to-use powerband and it’s a thick cut of red meat to engine tuners who know what they’re doing. The “L” has 16” and 19” wheels and costs $100 more.

 YAMAHA YZ85
Generally considered the fastest and most competitive of the stock 85s, the YZ is aimed at older, bigger, more experienced kids. Yamaha considers the 85 a genuine 2010 model rather than a carry-over 2009, but it’s otherwise unchanged. Price: $3690

 COBRA CX65
Cobra is a U.S.-based company that has earned more AMA Amateur championships than anyone. The CX65 is the company’s foray into the 65 class and it’s now in its third year, with impressive results. Price: $4298

 KAWASAKI KX65/KX65 MONSTER ENERGY*
Kawasaki virtually invented the 65 class. Today, there are faster 65s, but the KX is reliable and affordable. The Monster Energy version has different graphics and a look that kids dig. Prices: $2999/$3199