2020 MX BIKE BUYER’S GUIDE–UPDATED!

The new motocross bikes of 2020 have almost all been revealed. We’ve gathered prices, facts and photos of all the MX bikes from Honda, Husqvarna, KTM, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, TM and Cobra. We also have links to videos and tests that we have produced as well as contact information for the various manufacturers. The prices listed are manufacturers suggested retail prices and do not include destination, set-up or taxes.

2020 MOTOCROSS MODELS

HONDA CRF450R: $9399
This is the mauler of the 450 class. The Honda CR450R is the horsepower champion, but for 2020, it has a gentler side, too. New mapping makes the 450 a little easier to handle, and it has three different maps available at the push of a button so you can tailor the bike to different conditions and skill levels. It also features three levels of traction control. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Honda CRF450R, click here.

HONDA CRF450RWE: $11,999
For expert level riders or those who just want something special, Honda offers the CRF450R Works Edition. This is a CRF450R with upgrades in a number of areas, including Yoshimura slip-on exhaust canisters, a ported head and titanium nitride coatings for the fork tubes and shock shaft. The RWE also has team Honda graphics but not Ken Roczen’s big number 94.

KAWASAKI KX450: $9299
In 2019 Kawasaki went all out, giving the KX450 a new electric start motor and a completely redesigned chassis. The KX is the lightest of the Japanese 450s and the only one that features a hydraulic clutch. The 2020 model has no mechanical changes, but it remains a favorite of the Dirt Bike staff for both motocross and GP racing. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Kawasaki KX450, click here.

HUSQVARNA FC450: $10,099
The Husqvarna FC450 shares its engine, frame and suspension components with the KTM 450 SX-F, but now the testing and therefore the final suspension settings are performed independently of KTM. Husqvarna motorcycles have a composite subframe/airbox, a Magura hydraulic clutch, DID rims and ProTaper bars to further set them apart. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Husqvarna FC450, click here.

KTM 450 SX-F: $9999
In 2019, the KTM 450 got a stiffer frame, a new head and new bodywork, so the 2020 model is mostly unchanged. There are suspension changes and new mapping, plus every bike comes with an extra airbox cover that is vented and offers a little more throttle response. It still has a single overhead cam and electric start. It’s the lightest and among the most powerful in its class. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 KTM 450SX-F, click here.

SUZUKI RM-Z450: $8999
For 2020, the Suzuki RM-Z450 is unchanged after getting a major revision in 2018. It now is the only bike in the class without electric start. It’s also the least expensive and many riders still say it’s the best handling. The RM-Z motor uses plug-in couplers to allow you to change maps at the track. It has a coil-spring Showa fork and the Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Suzuki RM-Z450, click here.

TM MX530 Fi/TM MX450 Fi: $10,995/$10,995
This is a small but very ambitious company out of Pesaro, Italy. TM is owned and operated independently. There’s no giant bureaucracy, so they can make changes and innovate very quickly. The company’s big four-stroke MX bike comes as either a 530 or a 450 for the same price. Both have aluminum frames, downdraft intake, a KYB fork and a TM-made shock.

YAMAHA YZ450F: $9399
Of all the bikes in the 450 class, Yamaha put the most effort into its 2020 model. The newest version of the YZ450F has a redesigned head, new mapping and a slightly different frame. It still features Yamaha Power Tuner connectivity, which allows you to remap the fuel delivery and spark advance with any smartphone. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Yamaha YZ450-F, click here.

HUSQVARNA FC350: $9899
There might not be many pro motocrossers campaigning a 350 against 450s, but it’s a different story in the amateur world. The Husky FC350 is a favorite in the vet classes across the country. It got a stiffer frame and new bodywork in 2019, so 2020 has few changes. The Husky 350 has a different look and feel from the KTM 350SX-F, but both roll out of the same factory.

KTM 350 SX-F: $9799
The KTM 350 shares its chassis with the 250SX-F, but the motor is beefed up in every way. In terms of outright acceleration, it’s only a tick off of a full 450, but is much easier to manage. The 2020 version has very few changes, but it does have new suspension settings. The front suspension is still a WP air fork but it’s now called the WP XACT 48.

TM MX300Fi/MX250 Fi: $10,995/$10,995
TM might be a small company, but the U.S. importer will be handling over 30 different models in 2020. Last year, the 250 had a more modern motor whereas the 300 used a design from the previous generation, Now, both bikes are built on the newer platform, separated only by displacement. Both have aluminum frames and six-speed gearboxes, KYB forks and TM-made shocks. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2019 TM 250Fi, click here.

TM MX300ES/TM MX250ES TWO-STROKES: $9395/ $9195
TM has made a name for itself by delivering highly specialized, hand-built race bikes. A perfect example is the 300cc two-stroke motocross bike, which is the most powerful production two-stroke currently available. The 250 uses a chassis and motor that are the same aside from its smaller bore. Both models will be available with transfer port fuel injection for an additional $600.

HONDA CRF250R: $7999
In 2018, the CRF250R was reborn as an electric-start bike with double overhead cams and a finger-follower valve train. It was a hit in the handling and suspension departments, but the universal complaint was a lack of low-end power. For 2020, Honda has addressed that with a new head, piston and cams. It also got a less-rigid frame and new suspension settings. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Honda CRF250R, click here.

KAWASAKI KX250: $7799
Kawasaki was expected to recast the KX250 in the same mold as the new electric-start 450 for 2020, but it didn’t happen. Instead, Kawasaki redesigned the motor from the crankshaft up, giving it a different bore and stroke and a finger-follower valve train. The result is a kick-start bike with much more power but a price that is almost unchanged. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Kawasaki KX250 click here.

HUSQVARNA FC250: $9199
On a pro level, it’s hard to argue with the Husqvarna FC250. It’s light and very powerful. In 2019 it got a more rigid frame and new bodywork, so it returns for 2020 with only minor changes. It has somewhat cushier settings in the WP XACT 48 air fork, but overall, the bike still is aimed at higher level racers who ride hard and aren’t afraid to scream it. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 Husqvarna FC250, click here.

HUSQVARNA TC250 TWO-STROKE: $8399
The Husqvarna TC250 is proof that modern two-strokes are continuing to evolve alongside four-strokes. It got a new chassis and bodywork last year, just like the four-strokes in Husqvarna’s motocross line. It still has a kickstarter and a Mikuni carburetor, while most of the two-strokes in the company’s off-road line have moved to electric start and TPI fuel injection.

KTM 250 SX-F: $9099
The KTM 250SX-F got a number of revisions last year, so 2020 was not a year of major change. It remains the lightest bike in the class despite having electric start. It’s also one of the fastest. It uses Brembo brakes, a Brembo hydraulic clutch and WP suspension components including the XACT 48 air fork. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the 2020 KTM 250SX-F, click here.

KTM 250 SX TWO-STROKE: $8299
The KTM 250 two-stroke has basically the same chassis as the 250SX-F four-stroke. The only difference, as two-stroke lovers will loudly report, is that it has a motor that is more powerful and lighter. The 250SX still has a carburetor, uses a kickstarter and burns premix. It’s the only two-stroke that competed in the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series.

SUZUKI RM-Z250: $7899
Suzuki has been keeping a low profile in the motocross world lately, The RM-Z250 got a number of changes last year, but it still uses motor technology that’s decidedly old-school compared to most of the other bikes in the 250 class. Suzuki has managed to keep the price down and the RM-Z is still considered a very good handling bike with decent suspension.

YAMAHA YZ250F: $8199
Yamaha redesigned the YZ250F in 2019 and returned to the top of the 250 class, both in popularity and in performance. It gained a little weight along the way, but it now has electric start and smartphone connectivity. Suspension and reliability are also traditional strong points for the YZ. The 2020 model is unchanged. For a Dirt Bike Magazine video of the

YAMAHA YZ250 TWO-STROKE: $7499
Yamaha continues to offer the YZ250 two-stroke year after year, and it keeps selling enough to justify its existence. The main reason for its longevity is its overall handling and suspension, which continue to lead the class. The motor remains a kickstart-only, case-reed five-speed with a mechanical powervalve and the same basic layout for the last 15 years.

KTM 150SX/125SX TWO-STROKES: $7499/$7299
Some racing venues allow 144cc two-strokes to compete in the 125 class, others don’t. KTM deals with this problem by offering both a 125 and a 144 (labeled a 150), which differ only in bore. Both have old-fashion kickstarters, WP XACT 48 air forks, linkage rear suspension and dry weights that are under the 200-pound mark.

TM MX144/MX125 TWO-STROKES: $8695/$8395
span style=”font-weight: 400;”>TM’s race two-strokes come in a fairly high state of tune, generally making the most peak horsepower in their respective classes and requiring race fuel. The 144 and 125 differ in both bore and stroke to arrive at their respective displacements. Fuel injected versions will be offered. The pricing will be $9195 for the 125 and $9695 for the 144.

HUSQVARNA TC125 TWO-STROKE: $7399
Husqvarna offers only the TC125 for the schoolboy motocross class, but there is a top-end kit that boosts it to a 144. There is also a fuel-injected, electric-start TE150i that is available as an off-road bike. The TC125 has the WP XACT air fork, a Mikuni carburetor and a mechanical powervalve that is externally adjustable.

YAMAHA YZ125 TWO-STROKE: $6599
If Yamaha ever stopped offering the YZ125 there would be revolution in the streets. This is a hero-maker, thanks to phenomenally good suspension and excellent handling. The YZ125 is no longer the horsepower king of the lightweight two-stroke world, but it’s close enough that it can still win races on the merits of pure handling.

HONDA CRF150R: $5099
The Honda CRF150R is one of a kind; the only competitive four-stroke in the mini MX world. 2019 Supercross champion Cooper Webb, among others, first earned national attention on the little Honda. Most racing organizations force it into the Supermini class where it struggles to compete with 105cc two-strokes, but in stock form, it’s in the hunt with an 85cc two-stroke.

TM MX100/MX85 TWO-STROKES: $6595/$6495
The TM85 has emerged as the elite bike of the amateur mini racing world. It has an electronic powervalve and an aluminum frame. There are three different versions: the super mini 100 with a 19-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel ($6595), the adult-sized 85 with a 19-21 wheel combination ($8195) and the standard 85with a 14/17 wheel sizes ($6495).

KAWASAKI KX100: $4599
Back in 2014, Kawasaki redesigned both the KX100 and the KX85, giving them both more power, updated suspension and new bodywork. Since then, they haven’t changed. The KX100 is offered with a larger bore, a 17-inch rear wheel and a 19-inch front wheel. It is eligible for the Supermini class, although it generally needs a little work to be competitive there.

KAWASAKI KX85: $4349
Like the KX100, the KX85 was redesigned back in 2014 and has gone unchanged since then. It sells for far less that the premium bikes in the class and has proven to be competitive in the right conditions. At the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Nationals, a few Kawasakis were spotted on the podium.

HUSQVARNA TC85 TWO-STROKE: $6099
Husqvarna is making a dent in the elite ranks of the mini racing scene The TC85 is nearly identical to the ubiquitous KTM 85SX. The Husky has its own look, although the motor, frame and suspension are identical to those of the KTM. It’s unchanged for 2020 with a powervalve-equipped six-speed motor and a WP XACT air fork. A big-wheel version sells for $6299.

KTM 85SX TWO-STROKE: $5999
Few bikes have dominated amateur racing as thoroughly as the KTM 85SX. In the mini and Supermini classes of the 2019 AMA Amateur MX Nationals at Loretta Lynn’s, roughly 60 percent of the entrants were riding KTMs. The 2020 model has few changes aside from graphics and a lighter muffler. It still features a six-speed motor and an air fork. The big wheel version sells for $6199.

SUZUKI RM85 TWO-STROKE: $4249
The Suzuki RM85 is the old man of the mini class, having gone unchanged for 18 years. The good news is that the bike is priced lower than anything in the class and it still might be the best for smaller riders thanks to its low seat height and torquey motor. To this day, the Suzuki is easily modified into a competitive Supermini.

YAMAHA YZ85 TWO-STROKE: $4699
Last year, Yamaha turned the mini world upside down by redesigning the YZ85 with a mechanical powervalve. It also got new suspension and suddenly the Yamaha was competitive once more. Yamaha managed to keep the price down by sticking with the older bodywork, so the little YZ doesn’t look that different from before–but it is.

COBRA CX65: TBA
Cobra continues to topple the giants of the motorcycle world by producing ultra competitive mini racers out of a small factory in Michigan. The CX65 has been evolving continuously since its arrival four years ago. For 2020 it gets micro-polished transmission gears and shifting mechanism for smoother and easier power shifts, and a see-through gas tank to eliminate overflowing and let you see exactly how much fuel you have so you can race lighter.

HUSQVARNA TC65 TWO-STROKE: $5149
The Husqvarna TC65 two-stroke looks and has features similar to those of full-size motocross bikes. It has a six-speed gearbox, a hydraulically actuated clutch and a powervalve that is operated by pressure rather than a traditional ball-ramp mechanism. The 2020 model has a new ignition curve and jetting.

KAWASAKI KX65: $3699
Kawasaki’s KX65 costs about $1500 less than the more race-oriented bikes in the 65 class. It still offers a manual clutch, a six-speed gearbox and hydraulic disc brakes. This is a perfect transition bike for kids who are learning to use a clutch, although it’s not as competitive as more modern bikes from KTM, Husky, Cobra and Yamaha at the highest levels of racing.

KTM 65SX TWO-STROKE: $5049
There will be a whole generation of tomorrow’s motocross stars who arrive in the pro ranks having ridden nothing but orange. KTM’s coverage in the mini ranks is deep, not only at the AMA Amateur Nationals, but at every track in America. The 65SX remains a sophisticated racer with a powervalve motor, an air fork and a hydraulic clutch.

YAMAHA YZ65 TWO-STROKE $4599

At the end of 2018, Yamaha returned to the 65 class after a 30-year absence. The fact that the YZ65 exists is a testimony to the commitment that Yamaha is making in youth motorcycles and youth sport. The YZ65 compares well to the 65s from KTM, Husqvarna and Cobra at a price that is much lower.

COBRA CX50/FWE: TBA
This is the famous King Cobra that has won an unprecedented number of amateur championships since its introduction in 1993. As usual, the 50 class looked like a Cobra parade at the AMA Amateur Nationals this year. The FWE is a virtual works bike that needs no further modification to be competitive at the highest level. The 2020 FWE has all-new forged wheels – lighter weight, stronger, and improved finish. Both the FWE and CX50 get improved front brake feel and power. The front master cylinder piston size was increased from 9.5mm to 11mm. The new footpegs are lightweight and ultra-wide investment cast stainless steel. A see-through gas tank eliminates overflowing and lets you see exactly how much fuel you have so you can race lighter. Plus, it features lighter weight and cooler running cylinder thanks to an all-new water jacket shape around the exhaust port.

COBRA CX50JR & P3: TBA
Cobra caters to racers, but the company also has bikes for true beginners. The CX50JR and the P3 have 10-inch wheels and tame performance for younger riders. The P3 is the smallest of the two and qualifies for the Special Limited class. New for 2020: Improved front brake feel and power. The front master cylinder piston size was increased from 9.5mm to 11mm. See-through gas tank. Eliminate overflowing and see exactly how much fuel you have so you can race lighter. Lighter weight and cooler running cylinder thanks to an all-new water jacket shape around the exhaust port.

HUSQVARNA TC50 TWO-STROKE: $4349
Husqvarna is traditionally thought of as a brand that appeals to older riders, but that’s changing. The TC50 is exposing American kids to the oldest name in motorcycling. It’s an auto-clutch mini racer with an air fork. It’s nearly identical to the KTM 50SX aside from bodywork and legacy.

KTM 50SX TWO-STROKE: $4349
This year KTM did little to the 50SX beyond a new swingarm. The bike remains a single speed two-stroke with a WP air fork that offers adjustable damping. The automatic clutch is adjustable and offers a way to tailor the output of the motorcycle as the rider becomes more experienced and confident.

KTM 50SX MINI TWO-STROKE: $3849
Not all racers are born; some are made, step by step. The KTM 50SX Mini is a smaller, more conservative mini for kids who aren’t ready to jump onto a full-blooded racer. It still has an adjustable clutch and hydraulic disc brakes, but the wheels are 10 inches and the seat height is only 22 inches.