2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2013 KTM 450 SX-F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki KX450F 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
249.1 pounds
2013 KTM 450 SX-F 2013 KTM 450 SX-F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
234.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursLime GreenOrange/black
Warranty6 months-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm375 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches14.8 inches
Seat Height955 mm / 37.6 in.992 mm / 39.1 in.
Wheelbase1,481 mm / 58.3 in.1,495 mm / 58.9 in.
Height1,275 mm / 50.2 in.1,140 mm / 44.9 in.
Length2,179 mm / 85.8 in.2,090 mm / 82.3 in.
Width820 mm / 32.3 in.830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight275 kg / 606.3 lbs106.2 kg / 234.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons
Wet Weight113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque59.40 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 43.8 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions9.20 Nm (0.9 kgf-m or 6.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.1809 HP/kg0.0815 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHCSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.42 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.30 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm95.0 x 63.4 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.7 x 2.5 inches
Engine Detail90 degree V-twin-
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle bodyCarburettor
Compression Ratio12.5:110.6:1
Engine Lubrication-Pressure circulation lubrication with two Eaton pumps
IgnitionDigital DC-CDIContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System42
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomaticMultidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed4-speed
Primary DriveSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft5/8 x 1/4
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminum perimeterCentral tubular frame made from chrome molybdenum steel tubes
Suspension - Front48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.WP ?Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC
Suspension - RearUni-Trak linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.WP ?Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC
Rake26.9°26.5°
Wheel Travel - Front171 mm / 6.7 in.205 mm / 8.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.185 mm / 7.3 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationSpeedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter and 2WD/4WD icon, plus indicators for neutral, reverse, belt, and oil pressure.-
Lighting system35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplight-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches8.7 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm220 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches8.3 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm210 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle disc. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. Two-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front25/8-12100/80-17
Tyres - Rear25/10-12110/80-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Kawasaki KX450F

The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F edges out the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F thanks to its lower seat height, fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki KX450F - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 955 mm vs 992 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 185 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2013 KTM 450 SX-F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 375 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 205 mm vs 171 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2013 KTM 450 SX-F - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has the lower seat at 955 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 KTM 450 SX-F sits higher at 992 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F stands out for greater ground clearance and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.