2013 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2012 Honda CRF450R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Kawasaki KX450F 2013 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
248.0 pounds
2012 Honda CRF450R 2012 Honda CRF450R

Cross / motocross

Engine
Unicam&reg, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
240.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-French brand.
ColoursLime GreenRed
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches13.0 inches
StorageFront and rear rack-
Seat Height955 mm / 37.6 in.953 mm / 37.5 in.
Wheelbase1,481 mm / 58.3 in.1,491 mm / 58.7 in.
Height1,275 mm / 50.2 in.1,150 mm / 45.3 in.
Length2,179 mm / 85.8 in.1,810 mm / 71.3 in.
Width820 mm / 32.3 in.685 mm / 27.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-88 kg / 194.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons5.68 litres / 1.50 gallons
Wet Weight112.5 kg / 248.0 lbs108.9 kg / 240.0 lbs
Performance
Max Torque59.00 Nm (6.0 kgf-m or 43.5 ft.lbs) @ 5250 Revolutions4.00 Nm (0.4 kgf-m or 3.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.0472 HP/kg
Engine
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.00 cc
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Fuel ControlDOHCSOHC
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm96.0 x 62.1 mm
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Engine Detail-Unicam&reg, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle bodyInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle body
Compression Ratio12.5:112.0:1
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
IgnitionDigital DC-CDIFull transistor with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric & kick
Valve System44
Drivetrain
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive2WD / 4WD, shaft#520 Chain; 13T/48T
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradle, high-tensile tubular steel-
Suspension - Front48mm inverted, Kayaba PSF with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.48mm inverted KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustability
Suspension - RearUNI-TRAK linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression dampening, 33-position rebound dampening and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.Pro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed
Rake26.9°27.0°
Seat-Dual
Trail-116 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-310 mm / 12.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear-315 mm / 12.4 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Petal disc with 2-piston caliperSingle disc. Twin-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc with single-piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front80/100-212.50-12
Tyres - Rear120/80-193.00-12

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2013 Kawasaki KX450F and the 2012 Honda CRF450R are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2013 Kawasaki KX450F - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2013 Kawasaki KX450F matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2012 Honda CRF450R - Advantages

  • Competitive all-round: The 2012 Honda CRF450R matches or exceeds its rival across all measured criteria.

2013 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2012 Honda CRF450R - FAQs

Which should I buy, the 2013 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2012 Honda CRF450R?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Kawasaki KX450F has its own strengths, while the 2012 Honda CRF450R offers a compelling alternative. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.