2021 GasGas MC 450F

GasGas’ new MC 450F adopts similar design cues and many proven components from its Austrian relatives, but retails at a sub-$10K price. Nice.

GasGas was purchased by KTM in 2019 and now shows the fruits of that labor with GasGas’ full-size motocrosser, the 2021 GasGas MC450F. This dirt bike is the first-ever production 450 motocross bike from the Spanish-now-Austrian brand and showcases its competitive intent by serving as the basis for the racebikes used by the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GasGas Factory Racing team in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

This model is the first-ever production 450 motocross model for the double-G brand.

Priced at an MSRP of $9,399, the MC 450F retails for $800 and $900 below its Austrian counterparts in the KTM 450 SX-F and Husqvarna FC 450, respectively. Some primary differences between it and the KTM, for example, are that the GasGas incorporates a forged triple clamp (versus the KTM’s CNC-machined triple clamp), header pipe without a resonance chamber, softer suspension setting, Maxxis MX-ST tires (versus KTM’s Dunlop Geomax MX33s), and no map/traction control switch, as we reported in our first ride review.

The MC 450F delivers smooth, linear power from a 450cc, SOHC, liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine. It is easy to handle and runs well, but as stated in the first ride, feels as though there is some torque missing. “It is free-revving and revs quite high, but does not make as much power in the higher rpm as its Austrian counterparts, meaning you might need to shift a little more often per lap,” test rider Allan Brown continued.

Suspension on the MC 450F is somewhat unbalanced in stock trim. Although the WP Xact 48mm air fork offers a progressive feel, the WP Xact shock exhibits a slight wallowing sensation due in part to its 42 Nm spring, which is one rate softer than the 45 Nm spring found on the 450 SX-F and FC 450. Making adjustments to the shock helps, but our test rider thinks a stiffer spring is still needed out back, especially for riders who weigh 175 pounds or more.

Like its suspension, some minor chassis adjustments are needed as well, namely to assist with front wheel traction. However, we noted that the bike does turn very well and the combination of the engine’s power delivery and suspension’s setting felt similar to the 2020 Husqvarna FC 450.

Overall, we stated that the MC 450F handles well and is fun to ride.

In regard to stopping power, brakes consist of a Brembo two-piston caliper and 260mm disc up front and a Brembo one-piston caliper and 220mm disc out back. This braking package is similar to ones seen on the KTM and Husqvarna. The Brembo units help the MC 450F stop on a dime with incredible power yet a plentiful amount of modulation.

No fuel economy information is currently available, but its 1.8-gallon fuel tank is one of the larger tank capacities of the class.

Ergonomics are much like the KTM 450 SX-F, but there are differences in the seat cover and its fuel tank seems to be shaped differently. Our test rider also noticed that in regard to riding comfort there is also some engine vibration felt through the grips and footpegs.

As previously mentioned, the MC 450F does not have a map or traction control switch like its Austrian counterparts and even much of its fellow 450 competitors, but this unit could be purchased for approximately $169 from the GasGas Technical Accessories catalog. The MC 450F also includes an electric starter button.

A 30-day warranty is included with the purchase of the MC 450F. This coverage is on par with the Austrian motorcycles as well as the Yamaha YZ450F’s warranty coverage.

While the MC 450F is a high-performing, lightweight, and low-maintenance machine and is similar to its Austrian cousins in proven components, there are some cost-effective adjustments taken (like no map switch or hourmeter, and a swapping of other less expensive components) to reflect the lower MSRP. A few things riders might also need to keep an eye on is tightening quickly loosening spokes, and considering front end and suspension adjustments to suit rider preferences.