Best Motocross: 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year Awards

The 2020 bikesales Bike of the Year (BOTY) Awards recognise excellence across 11 separate motorcycle categories.

And here’s how it will work. After a massive five-day test through-north-east Victoria in late November – utilising the stunning roads around the picturesque Victorian township of Bright – we'll whittle our category winners down to one outright bikesales Bike of the Year winner, to be announced on Friday, December 18.

Let's continue the 2020 BOTY by announcing the Kawasaki KX450 as the winner of our Motocross category.

Picking a winner for the Best Motocross category is a tough ask, because the entire field is so even these days that it often comes down to which colour you prefer. The 2021 Kawasaki KX450, however, made the decision that little bit easier.

When Kawasaki released the updated 2019 Kawasaki KX450, it was a game-changer for the Japanese manufacturer. A new engine and an electric start were added, as well as a hydraulic clutch for the first time on a Japanese motocross bike.

For years, the European manufacturers led the way in dirt bike development, and it showed, with the likes of KTM and Husqvarna frequently winning titles in both motocross and enduro. But with the 2019 KX450, Kawasaki hoped to close the gap.

The results on the track proved they were doing something right. In 2019 Kawasaki pilot Eli Tomac won his third AMA Pro Motocross title and finished second in the AMA Supercross championship. He then went on to win the 2020 AMA Supercross title, the first for Kawasaki since Ryan Villopoto’s reign ended in 2014.

Off the track, the Kawasaki KX450 was winning as well, with multiple shootout wins in magazines and on websites across the globe, including the 2018 and 2019 bikesales Bike of the Year Best Motocross titles.

For 2020, Kawasaki opted not to change a thing. It was a bold move, but also not uncommon. Motocross manufacturers tend to alternate development between 450 and 250.

The 2021 Kawasaki KX450 received some minor updates, including slightly increased engine performance, a new coned disc-spring hydraulic clutch and a new Renthal Fatbar handlebar. But all the traits which made the previous model so successful were maintained.

Everywhere you look on the 2021 KX450, there is a lot to love. The 49mm Showa fork features A-Kit technology and a Kashima coating; the revised hydraulic clutch provides lighter clutch actuation and a wider engagement range; and the engine features a valve train designed by Kawasaki’s WSBK engineers.

Other highlights include the electric start, high-performance piston, Uni-Trak rear suspension, adjustable footpegs and ergonomics, engine tuning with DFI couplers, and a launch control button. A KX FI Calibration Controller is also available to further alter engine mapping.

On track, the KX450 feels light, powerful and agile. It perhaps lacks some of the finer details of the European bikes, but it certainly doesn’t lag behind in performance and handling. It has proven that Japanese motocross bikes can compete with the likes of KTM and Husqvarna in bike development.

There are many superb offerings from the other brands, but we really couldn’t overlook the Kawasaki KX450 for a third straight Best Motocross gong. Congratulations, Kawasaki.

Related reading:
2020 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards
2019 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2018 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2017 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards: in summary
2016 Bikesales Bike of the Year Awards