MXA's Describes Its Choices For the Ten Best Bikes (2000-2010)

This may be old news to you. If it is, please, feel free to skip it. But I'm not writing to you. I'm writing to all those that are still unaware. So if you're wondering what I'm talking about please read on.

Motocross bikes have good and bad characteristics. The flaws are merely results of often good ideas executed in a not-so-good manner. Each of the "Big Five" (Honda, Yamaha, KTM, Kawasaki and Suzuki) bike has its signature characteristics.

Honda motocross bikes with Showa forks tend to sink slightly in the initial part their stroke. This slight sag tends to offset the middle part of their stroke, making it harder than it should be. It also decreases the overall travel of the forks.

Yamaha motocross bikes fluctuate fairly significantly each year. For example, the 2010 YZ450F weighs roughly seven pounds more than the 2009 YZ450F. The added weight is noticeable when lifting the bike, but when riding it's quickly forgotten. This is due to Yamaha's new complex engine setup.

KTM motocross bikes often have an exponential delivery of power. Where they may lack a bit of power in lower rpm's, they continually grow in power until they hit their rev limiter. This exponential power tends to make them seem slower than they are. KTM riders benefit from keeping the throttle open. Just make sure to put your seatbelt on.

Kawasaki motocross bikes are big, comparatively speaking. Their large size doesn't lack in weight, but their power decreases the "heavy" feel. Where they lack in lightness they make up in power, and that power makes a potent machine.

Suzuki has constantly focused on creating a superior handling motocross machine. When tuned correctly the Suzuki bikes will out-turn all the other bikes on the track. There's only one caveat to their handling: get it wrong and it becomes an evil machine.

Motocross Action Magazine analyzed all the bikes from the "Big Five" from 2000-2010, choosing what they consider to be the best bikes from the latest decade. Surprisingly, four of the ten are two-strokes. Read which ones won. Motocross Action Magazine, March 2010 issue, pg. 46, "Ten Best Bikes of the Decade." Just flip to the glossary and click on the article.