2011 Yamaha YZ450F vs 2012 Honda CRF450R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Yamaha YZ450F 2011 Yamaha YZ450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Titanium valves
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
245.0 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.
ColoursWhite/Red, Team Yamaha Blue/White)Red
Warranty30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)381 mm330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)15.0 inches13.0 inches
Seat Height998 mm / 39.3 in.953 mm / 37.5 in.
Wheelbase1,491 mm / 58.7 in.1,491 mm / 58.7 in.
Height1,311 mm / 51.6 in.1,150 mm / 45.3 in.
Length2,192 mm / 86.3 in.1,810 mm / 71.3 in.
Width823 mm / 32.4 in.685 mm / 27.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)1.20 litres-
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.08 quarts-
Dry Weight-88 kg / 194.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity6.17 litres / 1.63 gallons5.68 litres / 1.50 gallons
Wet Weight111.1 kg / 245.0 lbs108.9 kg / 240.0 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous modelNew clutch lever and pushrod for more consistent clutch feel during long motos.-
Max Torque-4.00 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
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm)97.0 x 60.8 mm96.0 x 62.1 mm
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Fuel ControlDOHCSOHC
Engine DetailTitanium valvesUnicam&reg, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel
Fuel SystemInjection. Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), Keihin 44mmInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle body
Compression Ratio12.5:112.0:1
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
Engine LubricationDry sump-
IgnitionCDIFull transistor with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric & kick
Valve System44
Drivetrain
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric Adjustment#520 Chain; 13T/48T
Chassis
Suspension - FrontKYB Speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel48mm inverted KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustability
Suspension - RearKYB Fully adjustable single shockPro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed
Rake-27.0°
Seat-Dual
Trail-116 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front-310 mm / 12.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear315 mm / 12.4 in.315 mm / 12.4 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting systemDual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light-
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle disc. Twin-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Tyres - Front80/100-212.50-12
Tyres - Rear120/80-193.00-12

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2011 Yamaha YZ450F 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

2011 Yamaha YZ450F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 381 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 Honda CRF450R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 953 mm vs 998 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 Yamaha YZ450F vs 2012 Honda CRF450R - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F or the 2012 Honda CRF450R?
The 2012 Honda CRF450R has the lower seat at 953 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Yamaha YZ450F sits higher at 998 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F or the 2012 Honda CRF450R?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Yamaha YZ450F has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2012 Honda CRF450R stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.