SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1535528
THE BEST OFF-ROAD BIKES Story by Stuart Bourdon Photos courtesy of the manufacturers Long before SCORE Trophy Trucks were at the top of the off-road racing scene, motorcycles and their fearless riders were busting through the silt, rocks, and rugged terrain of the Baja desert to the checkered flag. Because there are many who still believe tackling the Baja terrain is best done on two-wheels, the latest off-road motorcycles on the market are now more capable than ever. They can take on the challenge with new technology, better suspensions, improved engines, and all sorts of ergonomic updates. All this continues to help moto racers go faster, smooth out the bumps, and stay ahead of the pack to keep the winning traditions in Baja alive. Motorcycle manufacturers offer a collection of 2025 model-year bikes ranging from off-road specific, dual-sport, and ADV configurations for those looking for that perfect ride. For more detailed information, check out the manufacturer’s websites. GASGAS https://www.gasgas.com/en-us.html MC 450F Factory Edition The GASGAS MC 450F and MC 250F Factory Editions are offered in complete Rockstar Energy GASGAS factory racing liveries, with a truckload of identical high-performance features (aside from the engines) that make the bikes competition-ready. The beefy MC 450F Factory Edition offers a 449.9 CCM single-cylinder 4-stroke with a 13.5:1 compression ratio, primary gear ratio of 29:72, and a final drive of 13:51. Both bikes feature five-gear transmissions, a fully adjustable 48 mm WP XCAT-USD front and WP XACT mono-shock with linkage rear suspension system. Traction control, launch control, and mapping functions are also part of the package. Base MSRP: $12,599. EX 350F The EX 350F from GASGAS offers 4-stroke dirt-shredding power, lightweight handling, and super strong brakes. Its new frame takes performance up a notch, and cornering is even more effortless. With the updated frame comes revised suspension settings and larger footpegs to provide a greater level of control. The EX 350F’s all-aluminum subframe works with the new frame by helping to centralize mass for improved handling characteristics. All 2025 GASGAS 4-stroke cross-country models put engine tuning in the rider’s hands with the option of using the new GASGAS+ app to pair your device to the Connectivity Unit Offroad (CUO) and the GPS sensor. Base MSRP: $11,199. GASGAS https://www.gasgas.com/en-us.html EC 300 GASGAS offers its EC 300 2-stoke Enduro bike with a throttle body injection (TBI) system. The ECU continuously analyzes the air and water temperature, crankcase pressure, RPM, and the position of the throttle for a perfect mix of air and fuel delivered into the engine at all times for maximum power when you get on the gas. The EC also features a Braktec DDS wet multi-disc, self-adjusting hydraulic clutch system with a lever that’s easy to pull in, reducing fatigue during those long rides. Its liquid-cooled engine sends power to a 6-speed transmission with a 26:72 primary drive ratio. The EC 300 is built upon a central double-cradle style with an aluminum subframe. Base MSRP: $10,799. HONDA https://powersports.honda.com CRF450RX Honda’s CRF450RX gets power from a 450cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a Unicam four-valve SOHC, programmed fuel injection, and a 44mm downdraft throttle body. Drivetrain specs include a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox with a final drive (with a #520 chain) of 13/50. A Showa inverted 49mm fork with 12.2 inches of travel, a rear Pro-Link single shock with 12.1 inches of travel, a 260mm front disc brake with a twin-piston caliper and a 240mm rear disc brake make up the suspension and brake systems. The fuel tank holds 2.1 gallons of gas. Ready to ride, the Honda CRF450RX weighs in at 256 pounds. A new aluminum frame, updated styling, and factory handguards round out this cross-country dirt bike. Base MSRP: $9,999. HONDA https://powersports.honda.com CRF250R Honda calls the CRF250R “King of the 250 class.” No wonder. The 249cc liquid-cooled DOHC single-cylinder four-valve engine, redesigned air box with more flow, new lightweight frame, and revised plastics for improved ergonomics are just a start. The CRF250R offers the same frame design, Showa front and rear suspension components, programmed fuel-injection system with a 44mm throttle bore, five-speed transmission, and brake system as the CRF450RX. The CRF250R fuel tank is a tad smaller than its bigger cousin, coming in at 1.7 gallons, but that’s certainly not a handicap for this lighter 234-pound race winner. Base MSRP: $8,299. XR650L The Honda XR650L is a true Honda dual-sport classic. It’s a bike that easily transitions from street to dirt with its big-bore engine and 21-inch front tire. Sporting a 644cc air-cooled SOHC single-cylinder four-stroke engine, electric starter, passenger-ready design, and fully street-legal status make it a dual-sport adventure bike worth consideration for just about any terrain. Other features of note are the 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor, 43mm Showa cartridge front fork, Pro-Link Showa single rear shock, 256mm front disc brake with twin-piston caliper, 220mm rear disc brake, and 13-inch ground clearance. Base MSRP: $6,999. HUSQVARNA https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us.html FE 450 Heritage The Husqvarna FE 450 Heritage model offers a broad range of power from a single-cylinder 4-stoke, 449cm engine designed to position all shaft arrangements at the ideal center of gravity for exceptional maneuverability. A 6-speed transmission offers a wide range of gear choices. The FE 450 Heritage’s agile chassis is made up of a central double-cradle-style steel frame, 48mm WP XCAT-USD front and WP XACT mono-shock with linkage rear suspension system, and an aluminum-reinforced polyamide rear subframe. Complete with modern electronics, the FE 450 is also finished with distinctive graphics exclusive to the Heritage model range. Base MSRP: $12,549. TE 300 For 2025, the Husqvarna TE 300 received several technical upgrades to reaffirm its position among the best of the 300cc 2-stroke category. New Brembo clutch and brake systems raise the performance and reliability, while ProTaper handlebars and a twin air filter headline its competition-focused components. Retaining its lightweight and agile chassis, and terrain-taming WP XACT suspension system, TE 300’s handling characteristics remain top-notch. The Vitesco EMS is quick at processing data and incorporates a Rollover Sensor that shuts down the engine in the event of a severe crash for an extra layer of safety. Base MSRP: $11,699. HUSQVARNA https://www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/en-us.html FX 350 Offering the agility of a 250 with peak power to rival a 450, the Husqvarna FX 350 delivers the perfect blend of rideability and performance. A new 6-speed gearbox with ratios designed for long-distance racing, together with a specific engine map engaged in each gear, means controllable power delivery at all speeds. In addition to the new transmission, the FX 350 received a new frame and updated suspension settings, a slightly taller and wider seat, and new ergonomic bodywork that includes revised radiator shrouds. The lightweight (59.9 pounds) 350cc 4-stroke engine was designed to enhance the chassis’ anti-squat characteristics. MSRP: $11,459. KAWASAKI https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/ KX 450X The KX450X and KX250X are the newest editions to the Kawasaki KX lineup. They are nearly identical, and extremely capable rides due to their off-road-specific suspension settings, 18-inch rear wheels, kickstands, sealed chains, sophisticated traction control systems, customizable engine mapping through the new KX smartphone app, and selectable power mode and launch control mode available at the push of a button. Both also feature a lightweight aluminum perimeter frame, DFI fuel delivery system, and a 5-speed transmission with return shift and a wet multi-disc manual clutch. Our favorite is the KX450X (pictured) with its 449cc 4-stroke engine, capable of chugging through the toughest off-road situations. Base MSRP (KX450X): $10,699. KAWASAKI https://www.kawasaki.com/en-us/ KLX 300 A lightweight dual sport bike with capable off-road chops, the 2025 KLX300 is built upon a tubular semi-double cradle-style frame. Suspension componentry consists of a 43mm inverted telescopic fork up front with adjustable compress and 10 inches of travel, and a UniTrak gas-charged shock and piggyback reservoir with adjustable compression, rebound, and spring preload. The rear setup offers 9.1 inches of travel. Tucked into the frame is a 292cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC, liquid-cooled engine with a DFI fuel system. A 6-speed transmission with return shift and wet multi-disc manual clutch offers the perfect gear for every circumstance. The Kawasaki KLX300 also offers all-digital instrumentation and an LED headlight. BASE MSRP: $5,449. KLR 650 If you’re looking for an ADV, you really need to take a gander at the Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure ABS. This is a powerhouse that can take you anywhere around the world and back. The 652cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder, DOHC engine is fueled through a DFI system with a 40mm throttle body. Its 5-speed transmission features a return shift with a wet multi-disc manual clutch. The anti-lock brake system features a single 300mm front disc with 2-piston calipers and a single 240mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. Front suspension components consist of a 41mm telescopic fork with 7.9 inches of travel. The rear suspension features a Uni-Trak single shock with adjustable rebound and spring preload. Base MSRP: $8,099. KOVE https://www.kovemotousa.com 450 Rally Pro Race There are three versions of the Kove 450 Rally (Street Legal, Standard Off-Road, and Pro Race) and they are almost the same bikes as the Pro, just without a factory-installed road book and tower. The top-of-the-line Pro Race model also gets a high-performance ECU with aggressive mapping, full titanium exhaust, and a Scotts steering stabilizer, as well as a few other upgrades. All three bikes offer the single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC 449cc engine features an external oil cooler, Bosch EFI, 6-speed gearbox, and an electric starter. The chassis is made up of a steel-perimeter frame, adjustable 49mm YU-AN upside fork and adjustable YU-AN piggy-back shock (both with 12 inches of travel), 280mm two-piston disc front and 240mm single-piston disc rear brakes. Base MSRP: $13,999. MX 250 The heart of the Kove MX250 is the 249cc single-cylinder 4-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled powerplant featuring an electric starter, Bosch EFI fuel injection, and a 6-speed transmission. Its chassis features a similar frame, front and rear fully adjustable suspension, and brake components as the 450 Rally Off-Road. Some of the most interesting design touches found on the Kove MX250 are the narrowed shrouds designed to not catch your boots or knee braces, the seat is firm with a flat profile and great grip, and the side panels don’t stick out. Even the rear fender has integrated grips to make lifting the MX250 onto the stand easier. The MX250 is a nice mix of performance and affordability. Base MSRP: $5,999. KOVE https://www.kovemotousa.com 800X Pro New to the Kove lineup is the street-legal 2025 800X Pro, and it’s aimed at the ADV market, blending lightweight off-road capability with on-road comfort and performance. The Kove 800X is powered by a liquid-cooled 799cc DOHC parallel twin-cylinder engine with a Bosch EFI, 6-speed transmission with a multi-disc, oil bath, cable-actuated clutch, and electric starter. Notable feature highlights include high-output LED lighting, a Fast Ace steering stabilizer, switchable ABS, crash bars, and a skid plate. The chassis is composed of a steel perimeter frame, a 48mm KYB upside fork front, and a KYB piggy-back rear shock. Both offer 9.5 inches of travel with adjustable compression and rebound. Base MSRP: $10,999. KTM https://www.ktm.com/en-us.html 350 XC-F Factory Edition Labeled the “middle-ground masterclass” by KTM, its 2025 350 XC-F Factory Edition is loaded with top-shelf parts and accessories. Starting with the 349.7cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine outfitted with a Keihin EFI system with a 44mm throttle body, wet multi-disc clutch with Brembo hydraulics, an electric starter, and a 6-speed transmission, the 350 XC-F Factory Edition is built upon a central double-cradle-type steel frame and an aluminum-reinforced rear subframe. Suspension components include 260mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes, a 48mm WP XACT closed cartridge front, and a WP XACT rear mono-shock with linkage. As if that wasn’t enough goodness, a high-strength aluminum rear sprocket for reduced vibration and rotating mass is also standard. Base MSRP: $13,149. KTM https://www.ktm.com/en-us.html 300 XC-W Factory Edition The 2025 KTM 300 XC-W Factory Edition is the company’s enduro leader. In addition to the Red Bull Factory Racing livery (standard on all KTM Factory Edition bikes), feature highlights include a 293.15cc single-cylinder 2-stroke engine, with electric starter, Vitesco EMS, DDS wet multi-disc clutch with Brembo hydraulics, and a Keihin EFI system and 39mm throttle body. The 6-speed gearbox has a primary drive ratio of 26:72 and a secondary gear ratio of 13:45. Built on the same frame and rear subframe design as the 350 XC-F Factory Edition, the 300 XC-W features a 48mm XPLOR Pro 7548 fork in front and an updated WP XPLOR PDS adjustable rear shock for improved anti-squat action. Base MSRP: $13,999. 390 Enduro R From its Dual-Sport category comes the enduro-inspired KTM 390 Enduro R for a combination of the best of both worlds with off-road capability and tarmac manners. The single-cylinder 4-stroke 398.7cc engine offers liquid cooling, a Bosch EFI with a 46mm throttle valve, a PASC mechanically operated slipper clutch, an electric starter, and an MTC traction-control system that’s lean-angle sensitive and can be disengaged. The main frame and rear subframe are steel trellis powdercoated designs featuring a 285mm 2-piston front floating disc brake and rear 240mm single-piston floating-caliper disc brake. The suspension system is made up of a WP APEX 43 front and WP APEX Split Piston rear setup. Base MSRP: $5,499. YAMAHA https://www.yamahamotorsports.com YZ250FX The new 2025 Yamaha YZ250FX has a completely redesigned aluminum bilateral beam frame that delivers better handling and increased front wheel traction. A new intake path, airbox cover, and redesigned radiator shrouds boost mid- to high-rpm engine performance. New traction control and launch control systems can be dialed in through the Yamaha Power Tuner App. The new KYB spring-type fork with speed-sensitive damping includes a hand-adjustable knob for adjustments, and revised settings improve bump reaction. A linkage-type rear suspension features a KYB shock with new settings to diminish pitch in corner entry and exit. The YZ250FX engine is a front-intake, rear-exhaust, liquid-cooled, DOHC 4-stroke paired to a wide ratio six-speed transmission for enhanced performance. Base MSRP: $9,099. WR250F The other new ride for 2025 from Yamaha is the WR250F, its fastest 250 enduro bike yet. Updates begin with the same new aluminum bilateral beam frame and revised suspension system as the YZ250F. It also carries the new engine design with a reversed cylinder head with the intake facing forward and the exhaust to the rear. The 6-speed transmission offers the right gear for a wide variety of terrain and fast trail riding, and it features a heavy-duty large-diameter clutch. The WR250F also gets a new compact and centrally located electric starter system to minimize restarts and a new lithium battery to reduce weight. Slimmer bodywork features narrower shrouds, a flatter seat, and a slimmer 2-gallon fuel tank. Base MSRP: $9,099. YAMAHA https://www.yamahamotorsports.com YZ450F Yamaha considers the YZ450F its ultimate open-class YZ, and now you can get it in a full-blown Monster Energy Edition livery. A motocross machine at heart, the YZ450F easily handles the toughest terrain Baja can throw at it. Powered by a liquid-cooled 450cc engine with a reversed head layout, forged aluminum piston, 39mm titanium valves, a lightened crank assembly, and dry sump lubrication, the DOHC 4-stroke delivers steady power throughout its broad rpm range. The YZ450F’s suspension system offers a fully adjustable speed-sensitive KYB coil-spring fork with delta-shaped slow-speed shims for improved flow. An updated rear suspension linkage and KYB shock work to enhance stability and traction. Base MSRP: $ 10,199. SJ