Turbocharged GasGas 450 Motocrosser: “Like Riding a Lightning Bolt…”
The GasGas MC450F Factory Edition is a limited-edition, race-ready motocross bike that boasts factory-spec WP suspension, Akrapovič exhaust, Factory Racing wheels, app-based tuning, and Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull graphics. Basically, it’s a near-factory race bike you can buy straight off the showroom floor, weighing in at 230 pounds dry and producing ~62 crank horsepower.
Motocross Action Magazine called it the “best all-around-handling bike on the track,” while Dirt Rider noted it’s one of the best-looking dirt bikes you can buy, and razor-sharp enough for professionals straight from the showroom floor.
“Those racing AMA Pro Motocross will find this Austrian machine capable of getting them into the fast 40—even in stock trim. It’s ready to take you as fast as you’re able and willing to go.” –Dirt Rider
The MC450F is one hell of a weapon, but it isn’t the most powerful dirt bike you can buy direct from a dealer. Currently, that title goes to the Stark Varg Alpha — an 80-hp electric dirt bike with a reported 0-60 mph time of ~3 seconds. Well, until now…
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of featuring a 108-bhp turbocharged GasGas SM700 supermoto currently for sale from GasGas dealer Kaplan Cycles. Now the Kaplan boys are back with this turbocharged 2024.5 MC450F Factory Edition, built once again by KTM-certified tech Justin “Mr. Turbo” Harris. (As most of you know, KTM, GasGas, and Husqvarna are owned by the same parent company and share engines, frames, and components.)
Given the bike is such a weapon out of the box, this turbocharged MC450F Factory Edition is all the more outrageous. However, the Kaplan boys say it’s no heap of thrown-together parts.
“Every part of this bike was carefully engineered for boost — not a bolt-on gimmick, but a fully developed, purpose-built system designed for reliability and sheer insanity… Justin even attended KTM Group’s engine school in Ohio, collaborating with factory engineers to spec the engine hardware identical to that used in their pro-race motors.”
The result is 93 crank horsepower on 93-octane pump gas — a 50% increase over the stock 62 bhp. At a weight of ~230 pounds, that puts the power-to-weight ratio of this motocrosser in modern superbike territory. As you can imagine, the riding experience is properly insane.
“When you fire it up, the turbo sings before you even let the clutch out. Crack the throttle and it howls like nothing else on Earth. On boost, it’s like riding a lightning bolt—controllable, yet violently fast. You can feel the turbo spool, hear it hiss, and watch bystanders’ jaws drop.” -Kaplan Cycles
The MC450F isn’t street-legal in stock trim, but Kaplan says these bikes can be titled for street use in some states. They provide the manufacturer’s certificate of origin and can guide the buyer through the process.
If you’re in need of one of the fastest dirt bikes on the planet, you can find the eBay auction here. The buy-it-now price is $14,500. Considering the MC450F Factory Editon has an MSRP of $12,599, that’s a lot of extra ponies for two grand.
We’d throw on a set of supermoto wheels and a street-legal kit, and see how long we could stay out of jail! Below you’ll find more specs, info and video on the build.
Build Specs
- Lowered compression ratio for safe, reliable boost
- ARP cylinder studs for maximum clamping strength
- Oiling modifications for improved lubrication under boost
- Shimmed intake valve springs to prevent float under high pressure
- Aluminum-welded custom airbox tuned for OEM harmonics and smooth airflow
- Hundreds of hours of R&D and build time went into this machine.
- This setup is pump-gas friendly (93 octane), fully tuned on a Dynojet Power Commander, and runs the stock fuel system. No exotic fuel, no drama—just proven, bulletproof performance.
Performance & Features
- Horsepower: 93 (at crank)
- Boost: Low, safe, and reliable
- Fuel: 93 octane pump gas
- Condition: Brand new / zero hours since completion
- Extras: Live air/fuel ratio gauge with toggle switch
- Monitoring: Real-time AFR for safety and tuning visibility
- Weight: ~230 lbs — meaning 0.4 horsepower per pound!
GasGas 450 Turbo: Video Featurette
Follow the Builder
Instagram: Justin “Mr. Turbo” Harris (@boostedbikes)
Follow Kaplan Cycles
Web: kaplancycles.com
Instagram: @kaplan.america
Ebay: www.ebay.com/str/kaplancycles
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