SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1545032
2026 MOTO GUIDE The Newest Off-Road Bikes For Desert Racing By SCORE Staff Many enthusiasts still believe that conquering Baja is best accomplished on two wheels, and the newest off-road motorcycles available are designed to meet that challenge head-on. These bikes feature advanced technology, improved suspensions, upgraded engines, and ergonomic enhancements. With these innovations, riders can achieve greater speed, handle rough terrain more smoothly, and stay ahead of the competition, upholding the winning traditions of Baja. 2026 Model-Year Motorcycle Options Manufacturers are offering a wide selection of 2026 motorcycles, including models tailored for off-road, in the 450cc range. Riders searching for the ideal bike have numerous configurations to choose from. For comprehensive specifications and information, visit the official websites of the respective manufacturers. Ducati Desmo 450 MX Debuted at the SCORE San Felipe 250 with the HERO racing team, the Ducati Desmo 450 MX finished second in the Pro Moto Unlimited class. The 450cc engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual. A Showa 49mm closed cartridge coil-spring fork and a Showa rear shock tackles rough terrain. More development on this bike is being made for Desert racing. MSRP $11,495 GasGas MC 450F For 2026, the GasGas 450F has a new fuel line protective cap, new handlebar pads. .The 2025 model’s updated chassis is rolled over for 2026 models. WP 48mm Forks and a WP Xact rear shock keep the bike smooth through tough obstacles. The 449.9 cc engine is connected to a 5-speed manual with engine MAP selections, along with launch and traction controls. MSRP $10,849 Honda CRF450R The Honda CRF450R continues its off-road legacy in 2026. While significant updates were made in 2025, the bike is carried over to the 2026 model year, without any additional changes. The 450cc liquid cooled single cylinder four-stroke remains connected to a close-ration five-speed manual transmission. Weighing in 249 pounds, it’s a high-performance bike priced accordingly. MSRP $9,699 Husqvarna FC 450 Equipped with race tested components, the FC 450 features Dunlop Geomax MX34 tires, ProTaper handlebars, and a WP suspension. The 450cc engine is coupled to a Park Racing Systems 5-speed manual with a dampened diaphragm steel clutch. Electronics include launch and traction controls, along with two engine mapping that changes from predictable to aggressive power. MSRP $11,399 Kawasaki KX450 In 2024 the KX450 went through a complete change and continues in 2026 with only minor appearance changes. The bike still uses Uni-Trak gas charged shocks and a 449cc single cylinder, DOHC, liquid cooled engine connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. Equipped with Kawasaki Traction Control and two power modes, the bike remains as Kawasaki’s flagship race bike. MSRP $10,599 KTM 450 SX-F Some mechanical updates were made for KTM’s ready-to-race off-road bike. These include a new threaded radiator cap and a protective cap for the fuel connector. The 450 SX-F uses a WP Xact Pro 7548 front fork and WP Xact Pro 8950 rear shock standard. A 449.9 cc engine is matted to a 5-speed manual for great power, making a great bike for any SCORE race team. MSRP $11,649 Suzuki RM-Z450 With lighter shock spring weight and easier fork and shock adjustments, the RM-Z450 remains unchanged for 2026. The bike still has a kick starter, and tuning is done via Suzuki’s smartphone-based MX-Tuner 4.0 for fuel and ignition changes. The 449cc engine is connected to a 5-speed manual with a multi-plate wet clutch system. This bike remains a great low-cost alternative. MSRP $9399 Yamaha YZ450F Among the major improvements for the 2026 YZ450F include a brand-new aluminum bilateral beam frame, revised fork settings, a newly developed KYB shock, and a reworked intake port design. These updates collectively contribute to better stability, responsiveness, and overall ride quality. A new 70th Anniversary Edition is also available. MSRP $10,299 - Anniversary Edition - $10,499 Triumph TF 450-X Last year, the company entered into the 450cc off-road category, and for 2026, Triumph touts the bike has the most powerful engine in its class, with 61.5 HP and dual engine MAPs. With an ultralight aluminum frame and KYB shocks, this bike has a 5-speed manual transmission and a Exedy clutch. MSRP $ 10,695