2011 Yamaha YZ450F vs 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

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 Kawasaki KX450F 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
249.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
ColoursWhite/Red, Team Yamaha Blue/White)Lime Green
Warranty30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)6 months
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)381 mm330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)15.0 inches13.0 inches
Seat Height998 mm / 39.3 in.955 mm / 37.6 in.
Wheelbase1,491 mm / 58.7 in.1,481 mm / 58.3 in.
Height1,311 mm / 51.6 in.1,275 mm / 50.2 in.
Length2,192 mm / 86.3 in.2,179 mm / 85.8 in.
Width823 mm / 32.4 in.820 mm / 32.3 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)0.08 quarts-
Oil Capacity (l)1.20 litres-
Dry Weight-275 kg / 606.3 lbs
Fuel Capacity6.17 litres / 1.63 gallons6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons
Wet Weight111.1 kg / 245.0 lbs113.0 kg / 249.1 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous modelNew clutch lever and pushrod for more consistent clutch feel during long motos.-
Max Torque-59.40 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 43.8 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.1809 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)97.0 x 60.8 mm96.0 x 62.1 mm
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.00 cc
Engine DetailTitanium valves90 degree V-twin
Fuel SystemInjection. Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), Keihin 44mmInjection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle body
Compression Ratio12.5:112.5:1
Engine LubricationDry sump-
IgnitionCDIDigital DC-CDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
Clutch-Automatic
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric AdjustmentSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft
Chassis
Frame Type-Aluminum perimeter
Suspension - FrontKYB Speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.
Suspension - RearKYB Fully adjustable single shockUni-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.
Rake-26.9°
Wheel Travel - Front-171 mm / 6.7 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear315 mm / 12.4 in.200 mm / 7.9 in.
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Speedometer, 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 systemDual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.6 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)245 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Tyres - Front80/100-2125/8-12
Tyres - Rear120/80-1925/10-12

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Yamaha YZ450F

The 2011 Yamaha YZ450F edges out the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F thanks to its greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Yamaha YZ450F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 381 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More rear wheel travel: 315 mm vs 200 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 Kawasaki KX450F - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 955 mm vs 998 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 Yamaha YZ450F vs 2012 Kawasaki KX450F - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F or the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has the lower seat at 955 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 Kawasaki KX450F?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Yamaha YZ450F has the edge in greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F 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.