A dirt bike with a 450cc engine is a high-performance off-road motorcycle designed for racing or aggressive trail riding. The engine displacement refers to the volume of the engine’s combustion chamber, which is an important factor in determining the bike’s power and performance.
A 450cc dirt bike is considered one of the most powerful dirt bikes available and is often used by experienced riders for competitions such as motocross and super-cross. These bikes typically have a lightweight frame, advanced suspension, and specialized tires that are designed to handle rugged terrain and high speeds.
Some popular models of 450cc dirt bikes include the Yamaha YZ450F, Honda CRF450R, KTM 450 SX-F, Suzuki RM-Z450, and the Husqvarna FC 450. It’s important to note that these bikes can be very powerful and require skill and experience to handle safely, so proper training and safety gear are essential.
Yamaha YZ450F
The Yamaha YZ450F is a motocross bike manufactured by Yamaha Motor Company. It was first introduced in 2003 and has undergone several updates since then, with the latest version being the 2022 model.
The YZ450F is powered by a liquid-cooled, 449cc, 4-stroke engine that produces around 58 horsepower. The bike features a lightweight aluminum frame and a KYB suspension system that provides excellent handling and stability on rough terrain.
Some of the notable features of the Yamaha YZ450F include an electric start, a 5-speed transmission, a slipper clutch, and a powerful braking system. The bike also comes equipped with a number of advanced technologies, such as Yamaha’s Power Tuner app, which allows riders to adjust the engine mapping and other settings via their smartphone.
Engine: The YZ450F is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, fuel-injected engine with a displacement of 449cc. The engine produces a maximum power of 54 horsepower at 9,500 rpm and a peak torque of 44.2 Nm at 7,250 rpm.
Transmission: The bike comes with a 5-speed constant mesh transmission with a multi-plate wet clutch.
Frame and Suspension: The YZ450F features an aluminum bilateral beam frame that is both lightweight and strong. The frame is designed to provide exceptional handling and stability. The front suspension of the YZ450F is a fully adjustable KYB Speed-Sensitive System (SSS) fork with 12.2 inches of travel. The rear suspension is a fully adjustable KYB shock with 12.5 inches of travel.
Brakes: The bike has a hydraulic disc brake system on both the front and rear wheels. The front brake is a 270mm wave-style disc, while the rear brake is a 245mm wave-style disc.
Wheels and Tires: The bike comes with 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels with Dunlop MX3S tires.
Dimensions: The YZ450F has a seat height of 38.0 inches, a wheelbase of 58.5 inches, and a ground clearance of 13.0 inches. The bike weighs 245 pounds.
Features: The YZ450F comes with a range of advanced features including a Launch Control System (LCS), adjustable engine mapping, adjustable handlebars, and a fuel-injection system that provides reliable performance in all conditions.
Honda CRF450R
The Honda CRF450R is a high-performance dirt bike designed for off-road use. It features a liquid-cooled, four-stroke engine with a displacement of 449cc, producing around 60 horsepower. The bike has a lightweight aluminum frame and suspension designed for aggressive riding on rough terrain.
Some of the key features of the CRF450R include Honda’s HRC Launch Control system, which optimizes engine power delivery for better acceleration off the line, and selectable Engine Mode options that allow riders to adjust the bike’s performance to their preferences and the conditions.
The CRF450R also features a high-performance braking system, including a 260mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc, as well as a lightweight 18-inch rear wheel and a 21-inch front wheel with Dunlop MX3S tires for superior traction.
Engine: The Honda CRF450R is powered by a liquid-cooled 449cc, single-cylinder, and 4-stroke engine. It features a Unicam design, which allows for both the intake and exhaust valves to be actuated by a single camshaft. This engine delivers a maximum power output of 53 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 37 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm.
Transmission: The bike comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, which has been designed for quick and smooth shifts. It also features a multi-plate clutch system that provides reliable and consistent engagement.
Frame and Suspension: The Honda CRF450R uses a twin-spar aluminum frame. This type of frame design provides a lightweight and rigid structure that helps to improve the bike’s handling and performance. The Honda CRF450R has a lightweight aluminum frame that has been designed to provide optimal handling and stability on the track. It also features a fully adjustable suspension system, which includes a Showa 49mm coil-spring fork and a Pro-Link Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound damping, and compression damping.
Brakes: The bike comes equipped with powerful brakes, including a single 260mm hydraulic disc brake at the front and a single 240mm hydraulic disc brake at the rear. Both brakes are operated by a single-piston caliper, which provides strong and consistent stopping power.
Wheels and Tires: The Honda CRF450R features lightweight aluminum rims that are wrapped in Dunlop MX3S tires. The front tire is an 80/100-21 size, while the rear tire is a 120/80-19 size.
Dimensions: The Honda CRF450R has a seat height of 38.0 inches, a wheelbase of 58.3 inches, and a ground clearance of 13.2 inches. The bike weighs 244 pounds.
KTM 450 SX-F
The KTM 450 SX-F is a high-performance dirt bike manufactured by KTM, an Austrian motorcycle company. It is designed for off-road racing and is equipped with a powerful 450cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that delivers excellent performance and acceleration.
The bike features a lightweight chromoly steel frame, WP suspension, Brembo brakes, and a wide range of other high-end components designed to provide maximum performance and durability. It also comes with a variety of advanced features, such as a hydraulic clutch, electric starter, and traction control.
Engine: The KTM 450 SX-F engine is a high-performance four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that is designed for motocross and off-road racing. It features a single-cylinder, 449cc engine that produces a maximum power output of 63 horsepower.
Transmission: The KTM 450 SX-F features a 5-speed transmission with a multi-disc wet clutch. The gearbox is specifically designed for motocross and features close-ratio gears to provide optimal power delivery and acceleration on the track.
Frame and Suspension: The KTM 450 SX-F motocross bike features a high-tech, lightweight frame constructed using a combination of chrome-molybdenum steel tubes and aluminum castings. KTM calls this the “Bionic Frame,” and it is designed to provide excellent rigidity, precise handling, and optimal stability. The KTM 450 SX-F features high-performance suspension components from WP Suspension. The front suspension consists of a WP XACT 48mm USD fork with a travel of 310mm. The fork features separate functions for compression and rebound damping, as well as adjustable air pressure for preload.
Brakes: The KTM 450 SX-F comes equipped with high-performance Brembo brakes, which are widely considered to be some of the best brakes available on dirt bikes. The front brake features a four-piston caliper and a 260 mm disc, while the rear brake has a single-piston caliper and a 220 mm disc. Both brakes are hydraulically operated and offer excellent stopping power and modulation.
Wheels and Tires: The KTM 450 SX-F typically comes with 21-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels. The stock tires are usually Dunlop Geomax MX3S tires, which are designed for motocross and off-road riding.
Dimensions: The KTM 450 SX-F has a seat height of 37.8 inches, a wheelbase of 58.5 inches, and a ground clearance of 14.8 inches. The bike weighs 229 pounds.
Suzuki RM Z-450
The Suzuki RM-Z450 is a high-performance motocross bike manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation. It is designed for off-road racing and features a lightweight aluminum frame, a powerful liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine, and advanced suspension components.
The RM-Z450 is known for its exceptional handling and performance, making it a popular choice among professional motocross riders. Some of its key features include a fuel-injected 449cc engine, a five-speed transmission, and a fully adjustable Showa suspension system.
Other notable features of the RM-Z450 include a high-strength aluminum alloy swing arm, a slip-resistant seat cover, and race-inspired bodywork that is both lightweight and durable.
Engine: The Suzuki RM-Z450 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 449cc, 4-stroke, and single-cylinder engine. It has a 5-speed transmission with a multi-plate clutch and a chain drive system. The fuel injection system uses a 44mm throttle body and a 12-hole injector for precise fuel delivery.
Transmission: The Suzuki RM-Z450 motocross bike features a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. The gears are engaged by sliding gears on parallel shafts, with the power transferred to the rear wheel via a chain drive. The transmission also includes a multi-plate wet clutch, which allows the rider to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission to shift gears or come to a stop without stalling the engine.
Frame and Suspension: The chassis of the Suzuki RM-Z450 is made of lightweight aluminum alloy and features a twin-spar design for improved stability and handling. The front suspension is a Showa SFF-Air TAC fork with 12.2 inches of travel, while the rear suspension is a Showa BFRC shock with 12.5 inches of travel.
Brakes: The Suzuki RM-Z450 features a front disc brake with a single-piston caliper and a rear disc brake with a single-piston caliper. Both brakes are hydraulically operated and offer excellent stopping power
Wheels and Tires: The bike has a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, both of which are made of lightweight alloy.
Dimensions: The Suzuki RM-Z450 has a seat height of 38.0 inches, a wheelbase of 58.5 inches, and a ground clearance of 13.0 inches. The bike weighs 245 pounds.
Features: The Suzuki RM-Z450 features a lightweight and compact design, which makes it highly maneuverable on the track or trail. The bike also has an adjustable handlebar, foot pegs, and a seat, which allows riders to customize the riding position to their preferences. Other features include a digital instrument panel, LED lighting, and a high-capacity air filter.
Husqvarna FC 450
The Husqvarna FC 450 is a high-performance motocross bike produced by Husqvarna Motorcycles, a Swedish brand that has a long history of producing motorcycles for various types of racing.
The FC 450 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 449.9cc, four-stroke engine that produces 63 horsepower and 33 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed transmission with a hydraulic clutch, which provides smooth and precise shifting.
The FC 450 features a lightweight chromoly steel frame and a fully-adjustable WP XACT air fork and rear shock, which provide excellent suspension performance and handling on the track.
Other notable features of the FC 450 include a Brembo braking system with lightweight wave discs, a lightweight carbon fiber composite sub-frame, a Pro Taper handlebar, and a traction control system that can be adjusted on-the-fly.
Engine: The FC 450 is powered by a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single-cylinder 449.9cc engine that delivers an impressive 63 horsepower. The engine features a Keihin electronic fuel injection system, a lightweight titanium exhaust system, and a 5-speed transmission.
Transmission: The Husqvarna FC 450 features a 5-speed transmission that is optimized for racing and high-performance off-road riding. The transmission is designed to provide smooth and reliable shifting, even under extreme conditions.
Frame and Suspension: The FC 450 has a lightweight chromium-molybdenum steel frame, which is designed to provide excellent torsional rigidity and handling. The bike also has a carbon fiber composite sub-frame and a lightweight aluminum swing arm. The suspension system is provided by WP, with a WP XACT front fork and a WP XACT shock absorber.
Brakes: The FC 450 has Brembo hydraulic brakes, with a 260mm front rotor and a 220mm rear rotor. The brakes provide the excellent stopping power and are easy to modulate.
Wheels and Tires: The FC 450 has lightweight DID rims, with a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel. The tires are provided by Dunlop, with an MX33 front tire and an MX33 rear tire. The tires are designed to provide excellent grip and handling on a variety of terrain.
Dimensions: The Husqvarna FC 450 has a seat height of 37.8 inches, a wheelbase of 58.5 inches, and a ground clearance of 14.6 inches. The bike weighs 224 pounds.
Buyer Guide for the Best 450cc Dirt Bike
If you are in the market for a 450cc dirt bike, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Intended use:
Are you planning on racing or just riding for fun? Different bikes are built for different purposes, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs.
Skill level:
Are you a beginner or an experienced rider? A more powerful bike may be too much for a beginner to handle, so make sure you choose a bike that matches your skill level.
Brand and reliability:
Research the brand and read reviews to ensure that the bike you are interested in is reliable and has a good reputation.
Price:
Dirt bikes can be expensive, so make sure you set a budget and stick to it.
Maintenance:
Dirt bikes require regular maintenance, so consider the cost and frequency of maintenance when making your decision.
FAQs:
What is the difference between a 250cc and a 450cc dirt bike?
The main difference between a 250cc and a 450cc dirt bike is the power and speed. A 450cc bike is more powerful and faster than a 250cc bike, but it can also be more difficult to handle for a beginner.
What is the best brand for a 450cc dirt bike?
There are several good brands for 450cc dirt bikes, including Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and Husqvarna. It’s important to research each brand and read reviews to determine which one is the best for you.
How often does a 450cc dirt bike need to be serviced?
A 450cc dirt bike should be serviced regularly to ensure that it is running smoothly and safely. The frequency of service will depend on the manufacturer’s recommendations, but generally, a bike should be serviced every 20-30 hours of riding.
Final Verdict:
When it comes to choosing the best 450cc dirt bike. It really comes down to personal preference and intended use. However, some of the top options in this category include the Honda CRF450R, Yamaha YZ450F, KTM 450 SX-F, and Husqvarna FC 450. These bikes are all known for their power, reliability, and performance. These are popular choices among both professional and recreational riders. Ultimately, the best 450cc dirt bike for you will depend on your skill level, budget, and riding goals. So be sure to do your research and take a few test rides before making a final decision.