Finest Motocross Bike fifth Place—2023 GasGas MC 450F


There’s one thing to be mentioned for familiarity, particularly in motocross. All-new bike platforms usually require further time to get snug on and a few further tweaking is often concerned to seek out a perfect setting. Whereas KTM and Husqvarna went all out in releasing utterly revamped 450 motocross bikes for 2023, GasGas caught with its acquainted and confirmed platform from the previous two years, leaving it utterly unchanged mechanically.

“The GasGas MC 450F is an all-around fun bike that, with a few tweaks and upgrades, could be a pro-level racebike.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“The GasGas MC 450F is an all-around enjoyable bike that, with just a few tweaks and upgrades, might be a pro-level racebike.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

There are upsides and drawbacks to this. Whereas the MC 450F’s chassis is a identified entity that has many constructive qualities, its choked-up engine and gentle suspension setup off the showroom ground depart many riders wanting extra from the crimson Austrian, particularly when evaluating it to such stiff competitors. Nonetheless, it is a motocrosser that has loads going for it and will definitely be a winner for vet riders and people of novice capacity.

Slightly different radiator shroud graphics are the only update GasGas made to its 450 motocross bike for 2023. This is the final year it will use the previous-generation (2019–2022) KTM 450 SX-F platform.

Barely totally different radiator shroud graphics are the one replace GasGas made to its 450 motocross bike for 2023. That is the ultimate yr it would use the previous-generation (2019–2022) KTM 450 SX-F platform. (Jeff Allen/)

2023 GasGas MC 450F Engine

Runs on the Grime Rider dyno confirmed the MC 450F’s peak figures of 53.0 hp at 9,400 rpm and 33.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 7,500 rpm. With these numbers, it sits fourth in peak horsepower, second in most torque, and produces the least horsepower and torque of all of the bikes from 4,000 rpm to six,500 rpm.

Associated: 2023 GasGas Motocross and Cross-Nation Bikes First Look

On the dyno, the GasGas doesn’t begin churning out competitive figures until 6,500 rpm.

On the dyno, the GasGas doesn’t start churning out aggressive figures till 6,500 rpm. (Robert Martin Jr./)

Energy supply is mellowest within the class, however very broad. It’s gentle off backside, picks up within the midrange, and revs to the moon. Throttle response is a bit sluggish in comparison with the competitors. In inventory trim, it is a nice engine bundle for novice-level and vet riders because it’s user-friendly and straightforward to regulate. The GasGas can be the one 450 motocross bike to skip any kind of EFI tunability off the showroom ground. It ties the KTM and Husqvarna for having essentially the most engine vibration, which is felt strongly via the handlebar and footpegs.

“There are no spikes in the GasGas’ powerband. It’s very smooth and pulls super consistently from bottom to top. You can ride it all day and not have worn-out arms like on other bikes.” <i>—Cody Johnston</i>

“There aren’t any spikes within the GasGas’ powerband. It’s very easy and pulls tremendous constantly from backside to prime. You may journey all of it day and never have worn-out arms like on different bikes.” <i>—Cody Johnston</i> (Jeff Allen/)

2023 GasGas MC 450F Suspension

Comfortable is a typical theme on the MC 450F, and that features suspension setup. Valving within the WP Xact 48mm fork is extra compliant than the orange and white Austrian machines. Fork air strain adjustability is advantageous as sooner and heavier riders might want to make it firmer by going above the beneficial inventory setting of 10.7 bar. The power to make fork compression and rebound damping modifications by hand is a comfort everybody can recognize.

Associated: 2023 GasGas Enduro Bikes First Look

“The GasGas suspension has a bouncy, soft overall feel that causes it to rock back and forth under acceleration and braking.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i>

“The GasGas suspension has a bouncy, gentle general really feel that causes it to rock backwards and forwards beneath acceleration and braking.” <i>—Tanner Basso</i> (Jeff Allen/)

The WP Xact shock’s 42 Nm spring is softer than the 45 Nm spring spec’d on the KTM and Husqvarna, which isn’t effectively suited for many who weigh 175 kilos or extra. We recognize how plush the GasGas’ suspension is, however its spongy and springy setup limits general efficiency.

2023 GasGas MC 450F Chassis/Dealing with

For the second yr in a row, GasGas can declare it has the lightest 450 motocross bike available on the market with its MC 450F hitting our automotive scales at 234 kilos moist. Being spec’d with the 2019–2022 KTM 450 SX-F body and subframe, the identical swingarm because the prior-generation Husqvarna FC 450, and cast triple clamps brings a number of chassis consolation to the crimson Austrian journey. Dealing with is constant and confidence-inspiring with loads of entrance wheel traction.

The lightest 450 motocross bike of 2023. GasGas’ MC 450F weighs just 234 pounds wet.

The lightest 450 motocross bike of 2023. GasGas’ MC 450F weighs simply 234 kilos moist. (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 GasGas MC 450F Ought to Have Gained

It’s a confirmed platform, the lightest 450 motocross bike on showroom flooring, and options high-end brake and clutch elements.

Associated: 2023 GasGas MC 250F and MC 450F Manufacturing facility Editions First Look

“The MC 450F feels like the widest bike in its class, which is especially noticeable between the legs. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I prefer a more narrow feel.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i>

“The MC 450F feels just like the widest bike in its class, which is particularly noticeable between the legs. This isn’t essentially a nasty factor, however I favor a extra slim really feel.” <i>—Michael Wicker</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Why the 2023 GasGas MC 450F Didn’t Win

With modifications to sharpen its energy supply and make the suspension firmer, the GasGas might probably be a prime three finisher, however in a comparability of inventory bikes, it doesn’t swimsuit the widest vary of riders.

“GasGas just left well enough alone with the MC 450F this year. It could easily be a winner if you’re the rider it’s designed for.” <i>—Allan Brown</i>

“GasGas simply left effectively sufficient alone with the MC 450F this yr. It might simply be a winner for those who’re the rider it’s designed for.” <i>—Allan Brown</i> (Jeff Allen/)

Gearbox

Helmet: Arai VX-Pro4

Goggle: Viral Model Works Collection

Jersey: Alpinestars Supertech

Gloves: Alpinestars Radar

Pants: Alpinestars Supertech

Boots: Alpinestars Tech 10

Quantity Plate Backgrounds: DeCal Works preprinted

2023 GasGas MC 450F Specs

MSRP: $10,199
Engine: SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder
Displacement: 450cc
Bore x Stroke: 95.0 x 63.4mm
Compression Ratio: 12.75:1
Transmission/Last Drive: 5-speed/chain
Grime Rider Measured Horsepower: 53.0 hp @ 9,400 rpm
Grime Rider Measured Torque: 33.9 lb.-ft. @ 7,500 rpm
Gas System: EFI w/ 44mm throttle physique
Clutch: Moist, multiplate Damped Diaphragm Metal (DDS); hydraulic actuation
Body: Central double cradle chromoly metal
Entrance Suspension: WP Xact 48mm inverted fork, air strain, compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 12.2 in. journey
Rear Suspension: WP Xact shock, spring preload, excessive/low-speed compression damping, and rebound damping adjustable; 11.8 in. journey
Entrance Brake: Brembo 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: Brembo 1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Entrance/Rear: Maxxis Maxxcross MX-ST; 80/100-21 / 110/90-19
Rake/Path: 26.1°/NA
Wheelbase: 58.5 in.
Floor Clearance: 14.6 in.
Grime Rider Measured Seat Peak: 37.8 in.
Gas Capability: 1.8 gal.
Grime Rider Measured Moist Weight: 234 lb.
Availability: Now
Contact: gasgas.com