2025 450 MX Bike Shootout | In Depth

The 2025 Gas Gas MC 450F.

FIFTH PLACE: 2025 GAS GAS MC 450F

Test Rider Scores: 5-5-5-6-6

The Gas Gas MC 450F is a tremendously improved machine for 2025. While the Husqvarna FC 450 is the lower and friendlier of the three Austrian bikes, the Gas Gas is intended to be the most affordable. As such, the red machine is equipped with silver wheels, cast (and this year, machined) triple clamps, a standard resonance chamber-free header pipe, and Maxxis IT tires rather than Dunlop. Furthermore, the Gas Gas is not equipped with a dual-map switch on the handlebars, although the second, more aggressive map can be accessed with an accessory map switch for $180. The Gas Gas powerband is more similar to that of the KTM than the Husky but because it lacks the mapping switch, it signs off at high RPM and makes more vibration than power up top. The suspension settings are also much softer than the KTM’s, and the comfort theme is maintained by the new machined triple clamps, which give the front a softer feel than the billet clamps of the other two machines from Pierer. 

Donn Maeda on the Gas Gas MC 450F.

“The Gas Gas is arguably the easiest-to-ride and most rider-friendly bike in the class. The power is strong and effective throughout the curve, and there is more to be had with the addition of the map switch. The Euro-style suspension settings are too soft for me, but the overall balance is excellent.” – Pat Foster

“The Gas Gas is a great bike and a super platform for someone who wants to customize a bike to suit them. I felt comfortable on the MC from the very first lap and would have a blast fine-tuning this thing with aftermarket parts with the money saved on the sticker price.” – Donn Maeda

“The engine and suspension performed moderately. The bike is good but I wasn’t especially impressed with anything about the Gas Gas and it had a very standard feel. The bars are super tall and uncomfortable for me. They ruined the whole ergonomic feel of the bike for me.” – Eric Mascho

“This bike is very easy to ride and it feels very stable and planted. The suspension is soft but it has good balance. With a little more holdup it would be great. The power runs out on top and the bike vibrates really badly when it flattens out,” – Kyle Puerner

“Everything about the Gas Gas is soft: the powerband is mellow and the suspension is wallowy. The bike looks badass and has a ton of potential, but it just isn’t the bike for me in stock condition. It would e simple to make great for me: just add the map switch and get the Race Tech spring conversion kit.” – Alex Ray

TEST RIDER HITS

Smooth powerband that is easy to make good use of. Tractable, especially in dry conditions.

New machined groove in the cast triple clamps and new higher torque settings give the front end a positive, yet comfortable feel.

Blood red plastics and simple graphics are aesthetically pleasing, and the shape of the new bodywork is smooth and seamless.

Softer suspension settings are comfortable and well balanced.

TEST RIDER MISSES

Tall bar bend was universally disliked by all.

The seat cover is slippery and hard to find traction on.

The map switch would be worth the increase in MSRP.

The Gas Gas has the most vibration of the three Austrian bikes. Likely from the bars.