23 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Edition vs 23 Honda CRF450R Works Edition vs 23.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition ridden Back to Back Round 2!

Round 2 450F's Back to Back! Thoughts on these 2023 450F moto bikes...

2023.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition
A few updates for the 23 model year including an Akrapovic slip on muffler, Hinson clutch cover, skid plate with carbon fiber sections now fits perfectly and bolts on easily, front braking rotor protector is the higher end version with carbon fiber sections, and new graphics to match the team. When we unlocked the ECU at the dealer last week there was already an updated ECU map to load. The engine runs clean with sharp throttle response and no chuffing or popping on decel. The Akrapovic slip on muffler is quiet and comes with full spark arrester installed. Initial throttle response in Map 1 (white map) is smooth with a strong linear power build with increasing engine RPM's. Map 2 (green map) livens up the throttle response. The KTM power feel is strong yet very easy to control. The suspension setting felt stiff but opening up the clickers made a noticeable improvement in compliance on the little chop. WP suspension always feels much better after 8~10 hours to break in. The 450 Factory Edition has an excellent balance of cornering and stability at speed. The new chassis ergo's are excellent with the rider feeling connected to the bike while standing.

Negatives: The chassis and suspension feel stiff overall and take a while to break in. AER forks are polarizing and though work well for many riders. I will install my favorite set of WP Cone Valve spring forks on this bike soon. The engine has the most engine braking feel and the most vibration of these 450's.

2023 Honda CRF450R Works Edition
the 2023 model year included frame, suspension, and engine updates on the CRF450 Works Edition. The first thing I noticed is the engine: smoother and easier to control low to mid power with quick and crisp throttle response. The engine mapping feels spot on with strong roll on torque feel. The combination of Works Edition unique EFI mapping, head porting, and full Yoshimura RS12 exhaust (with a long head pipe with resonator chamber) results in a very strong and powerful yet controllable and smooth CRF450 engine. The new suspension setting the Showa suspension is firmly damped with little fore/aft pitch under acceleration or braking. The Works Edition exclusive friction reducing coatings on the Showa suspension give supple feel that is noticeable on the little chop. Cornering , especially corner initiation, is a CRF strength. Ergo's are typical "just feel right" Honda and work for a wide range of riders. The 2023 engine/suspension/chassis updates are noticeable especially if you are a CRF rider.

Negatives: The CRF chassis is responsive which can equate to a busy feel at speed. There is still a globally firm overall feel to the CRF chassis which is more noticeable when riding with other bikes back to back.

2023 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Edition
The YZ450 is all new for 2023. For me the engine stands out on the YZ450 and dominates the character of the whole bike. The engine is so free feeling with 2-stroke like throttle response that builds RPM and power quickly and controllably and with low engine braking and very little engine vibration. With 12~14 lbs of fuel located under the seat at the center of gravity (CG) of the bike, the tilted back cylinder head, and the air box behind the steering head overall mass centralization plus the free feeling engine combine to make the YZ450F feel very agile and lightweight in motion - more like a 350F. The KYB suspension is firmly damped and minimizes fore/aft chassis pitch under acceleration and braking. The KYB suspension stands out on the YZ450F and has the most plush and absorbing overall feel of these bikes. This is the most agile and quick handling YZ450 to date with a chassis that responds to rider inputs. This quickness helps in the corners and makes the front end feel a little busy and less planted at speed. 2nd and 3rd gears feel a tick taller overall compared to the CRF450 and KTM 450. The updated ergo's feel thin with excellent footpeg/seat/handlebar layout especially for taller riders.

Negatives: The YZ450 is tall and this is noticeable especially in the corners. The front end can feel a little busy at speed.

Summary:
The KTM 450 Factory Edition is a great combination of cornering and stability at speed with easy to control power and the unique feel of a steel frame (once it breaks in)

The CRF450 Works Edition is a quick revving and quick handling and the special parts are noticeable and give the bike a very refined overall feel...like a "Works" bike

The YZ450F has a unique layout with a focus on mass centralization and a and combined with a super quick and free revving downdraft intake engine result in a 450 that feels like an agile 350

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