In this ultimate showdown of Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F, we will see which one leaps on top of the other for a victory.
Dirt bikes are great for thrill-seekers who love to perform all kinds of different stunts. These bikes are straightforward to maneuver because they are incredibly lightweight and equipped with superior traction to handle the soft dirt underneath.
They feature powerful engines built for speeds on loose soil and are great when it comes to cornering. Among the top two contenders in this category are the Honda CRF450R and Yamaha YZ450F. The CRF450R has a top speed of 87 miles an hour, while the YZ450F tops out at 80 miles an hour.
In this post, we will see how they outperform each other in different categories and, most importantly, who is the ultimate winner in the end.
So, keep reading.
Industry History
Honda
Honda has been reigning over the other motorcycle manufacturers for a long time. It has been on top since 1959, that too within the first ten years of its inception.
It’s a feat that only Honda can brag about, and since then, the company has not looked back. It has continued to produce world-class motorbikes in every category with an entire focus on quality and reliability.
Yamaha
Yamaha has been in business for many years and is one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the world compare with Honda. The company has uniquely positioned itself to provide its consumers with a variety of trim and finish options, and this is where it thrives.
Yamaha is well known in the industry for its high-performing bikes designed around the riders and their preferences. And when it comes to looks, Yamaha is genuinely the brand you need to go for because it has one of the most stand-out motorbike aesthetics on offer.
Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F – An Overview
The CRF450R 2021
As we are talking about dirt bikes, the CRF450R 2021 by Honda is an extraordinary machine. It is lightweight and fast and ensures superior cornering too. These are the features you look for in a quality dirt bike, and the CRF450R is no different.
Whether it’s supercross or motocross, this bike is designed to achieve what a rider is looking for. The 2021 model has got a serious upgrade from the previous year’s model as it features new bodywork, suspensions, and a major engine overhaul. With the CRF450R, it’s all about precision.
The YZ450F 2021
The YZ450F has also got a major overhaul from its previous model with a significantly fine-tuned bodywork, improved braking system, and a robust clutching system. Plus, it comes with the Power Tuner App, which makes ignition and fueling timing alterations instant, and you can upload them to your bike for the best track-tuning.
It means you can get more out of your motorbike and keep it fine-tuned for the ultimate track performance. Yamaha has also worked on its transmission system and made it smoother than the previous model.
Comparison Chart
| Features | Honda CRF450R 2021 | Yamaha YZ450F 2021 |
| Fuel and vehicle type | Petrol dirt bike | Petrol dirt bike |
| Fuel tank capacity | 1.7-gal | 1.6-gal |
| Displacement | 449cc | 449cc |
| Engine | 4-stroke SOHC liquid-cooled | 4-stroke DOHC liquid-cooled |
| Maximum power | 55.2 HP @ 9300 RPM | 53.0 HP @ 9300 RPM |
| Maximum torque | 47.6 Nm @ 7100 RPM | 44.75 Nm @ 7100 RPM |
| Seating capacity and type | Single, regular | Single, regular |
| Weight | 244 lbs | 245 lbs |
| Gear transmission | 5-speed close-ratio | 5-speed wet clutch multiplate |
| Front and rear suspension | Inverted fork and single-shock | Spring-type fork and single-shock |
| Front and rear brakes | Single disc with 2-piston caliper and single disc | Hydraulic disc (both front and rear) |
| Front and rear tires | 80/100-21 and 120/80-19 | 80/100-21 and 120/80-19 |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 inches | 58.3 inches |
| Rake and trail | 27-degrees and 4.5 inches | 27-degrees and 4.7 inches |
Engine
Let’s discuss the engine characteristics in this match of Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F. Both the bikes focus on two different aspects here. With Honda, you get a liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC engine that can generate a serious amount of horsepower and torque.
On the other hand, Yamaha comes equipped with a DOHC liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine with edges out in terms of performance. And you can see that when you compare the numbers of both these bikes in terms of maximum power and torque.
But here’s a thing about the SOHC engines! These are very easy to repair, and the maintenance costs are significantly lower than DOHC engines because they are equipped with more moving parts. So, with Yamaha, you will be getting some more power out of your engine. However, you will also have to pay more for the maintenance.
If you are serious about going for more power, you also know it comes with its costs, so we will give this round to Yamaha because of its superior engine.
Weight
Next up is the overall weight of the dirt bike in this comparison of Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F. If you look at the above table, you will see Honda will beat Yamaha in this round with a slight margin.
Honda weighs a pound less than Yamaha, and this one pound can make a significant difference when it comes to handling, maneuvering, and performing high-flying stunts. Honda has a slightly bigger gas tank, and even with that, its weight is lesser than Yamaha.
Hence, you can cover more track per refill on your Honda dirt bike and can conveniently maneuver it around much better than the Yamaha. Therefore, this round goes to Honda.
Suspension
Now let’s discuss the suspension system in this comparison of Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F. Here Honda will again hop on top as it features an inverted fork system on its front end while the rear end has a single-shock suspension system.
Inverted shock systems are much better in terms of durability. They guarantee more overlap, which means the riding experience will be way smoother than single-shock design, which is significantly less durable and offers lesser overlap.
So, Honda is the clear winner because it’s equipped with a much more resilient front suspension fork, but it’s a draw when we talk about the rear end because both the bikes have the same shock types. So, the overall winner here is Honda.
Braking system
Next, we will talk about the braking system in this comparison of Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F. The braking system of Honda features a single disc with a dual-piston caliper on the front end and a single disc on the rear end. This braking system is powerful, and you will get plenty of stopping power.
On the other hand, Yamaha comes with a hydraulic disc braking system superior to how the mechanical disc braking system works in Honda. It is less prone to wear, and there is much maintenance either, but replacement can be expensive. Whereas, in terms of performance and reliability, this round goes to Yamaha.
Ergonomics
In terms of ergonomics, both these bikes are very similar because they have an identical design. Both these bikes come with a rake of 27-degrees which is suitable for steering as you feel your front wheel is more responsive to the direction you are giving it.
While the trail is the distance between the point of contact of the front wheel with the ground and the axis of the steering head. More trail means you have better control over your bike while cornering.
In this case, Honda has a 4.5-inch trail while Yamaha has a 4.7-inch trail. So, there is not much difference between the two here. Hence, we can safely say a tie in this round of Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F match-up.
Electronics
Honda has completely revamped the previous model and ditched the kickstarter altogether. It’s all about electric starts here in this new model and has allowed the Honda engineers to make a lighter vehicle.
Similar is the case with Yamaha as it has ditched the Kickstarter and gone for the electric starter option. It has allowed them to save a few pounds from this model.
Moreover, you can use a mobile app and connect it with your bike to upload mapping and tuning data to ensure your bike performs according to your expectations. Both these bikes come with their apps. They are equipped with almost similar features.
So, it’s another tie here for us.
Looks and aesthetics
Again, both the dirt bikes don’t have much difference in terms of looks, and by and large, they both have a similar design. Honda is available in red color while the Yamaha is available in blue color.
It is much of a subjective matter as color preferences vary for different people. However, the exhaust pipe is much more visible on Honda, and it is much more integrated into the body when you have a look at Yamaha.
Apart from that, there is not much difference between the two. So, we are forced to go for another time here because of the colors and the exhaust pipe.
Price
There is not much difference in terms of price compared to Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F. Still, Yamaha has managed to get its nose ahead of Honda here because it comes slightly cheaper. It goes down to what you are looking for.
If you’re looking for more riding comfort and superior handling, you should choose the Honda, while Yamaha is slightly ahead for more power. They both come with an almost similar price tag to get a lot of value for your money.
Additional features
Besides, both machines have a similar wheelbase of 58.3 inches so that you will feel them both closer to the ground for better control. However, Honda is slightly ahead when it comes to ground clearance as it comes with 13.2 inches, whereas Yamaha has 13 inches clearance.
So, your bike can handle more bumps on your way. It’s only a slight difference, but we will give it to Honda because it can handle rough terrains in a better way.
Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F – The Similarities
There are many similarities between these two models. Perhaps we will see some upgrades in the 2022 models of Honda, which is already in production. But below, we are highlighting some essential similarities between these two models.
Fuel and vehicle type
Both these dirt bikes run on petrol. But Honda is slightly better than Yamaha because it comes with a bit bigger fuel tank. So, you can go more distance before you need to refill the tank and get going again.
Engine and displacement
Both the machines are equipped with 4-stroke liquid-cooled 449cc engines, and they are similar in terms of performance. But Yamaha is better because it comes with a DOHC engine which performs much better than the SOHC system. The only gripe here is the expensive maintenance.
Gearing system
These rides are equipped with a 5-speed gearing system, and the shifters are high-quality and very responsive. The only difference is that the Yamaha features a multiplate wet clutching system, while the Honda comes with a close-ratio gearing system. And they work exceptionally well in their regards.
Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F – Pros & Cons
Honda CRF450R 2021
Pros
- Better riding experience.
- Larger fuel tank.
- Superior handling.
- Lightweight design.
Cons
- It still features a SOHC engine.
Yamaha YZ450F 2021
Pros
- Faster speeds.
- Convenient maneuverability.
- Powerful braking system.
- Upgraded DOHC engine.
Cons
- Higher maintenance costs.
Conclusion
In this comparison of Honda CRF450R vs. Yamaha YZ450F, the winner is Honda because of its superior handling and low maintenance costs. Dirt bikes can be tough to maintain because they see a lot of action.
If you think that operating costs are significant factors to decide how a dirt bike will perform over the years, Honda is indeed the right choice for you. On the contrary, if you are looking purely for horsepower, Yamaha is slightly better.
However, Honda is still the total package. So, the Honda CRF450R turns out to be the winner here.
