2023 450 Moto Shootout: YZ450 Monster Edition,CRF450 Works Edition, KTM 450 Factory Edition Round 1

23 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Edition vs 23 Honda CRF450R Works Edition vs 23.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition ridden Back to Back!
Back to back rides are a great way to get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike. Thoughts on these 2023 450F moto bikes...
2023.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition
A few updates for the 23 model year including an Akrapovic slip on muffler, Hinson clutch cover, skid plate with carbon fiber sections now fits perfectly and bolts on easily, front braking rotor protector is the higher end version with carbon fiber sections, and new graphics to match the team. When we unlocked the ECU at the dealer last week there was already an updated ECU map to load. The engine runs clean with sharp throttle response and no chuffing or popping on decel. The Akrapovic slip on muffler is quiet and comes with full spark arrester installed. Initial throttle response in Map 1 (white map) is smooth with a strong linear power build with increasing engine RPM's. Map 2 (green map) livens up the throttle response. The KTM power feel is strong yet very easy to control. The suspension setting felt stiff but opening up the clickers made a noticeable improvement in compliance on the little chop. WP suspension always feels much better after 8~10 hours to break in. The 450 Factory Edition has an excellent balance of cornering and stability at speed. The new chassis ergo's are excellent with the rider feeling connected to the bike while standing.
Negatives: The chassis and suspension feel stiff overall and take a while to break in. AER forks are polarizing and though work well for many riders. I will install my favorite set of WP Cone Valve spring forks on this bike soon. The engine has the most engine braking feel and the most vibration of these 450's.
2023 Honda CRF450R Works Edition
the 2023 model year included frame, suspension, and engine updates on the CRF450 Works Edition. The first thing I noticed is the engine: smoother and easier to control low to mid power with quick and crisp throttle response. The engine mapping feels spot on with strong roll on torque feel. The combination of Works Edition unique EFI mapping, head porting, and full Yoshimura RS12 exhaust (with a long head pipe with resonator chamber) results in a very strong and powerful yet controllable and smooth CRF450 engine. The new suspension setting the Showa suspension is firmly damped with little fore/aft pitch under acceleration or braking. The Works Edition exclusive friction reducing coatings on the Showa suspension give supple feel that is noticeable on the little chop. Cornering , especially corner initiation, is a CRF strength. Ergo's are typical "just feel right" Honda and work for a wide range of riders. The 2023 engine/suspension/chassis updates are noticeable especially if you are a CRF rider.
Negatives: The CRF chassis is responsive which can equate to a busy feel at speed. There is still a globally firm overall feel to the CRF chassis which is more noticeable when riding with other bikes back to back.
2023 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Edition
The YZ450 is all new for 2023. For me the engine stands out on the YZ450 and dominates the character of the whole bike. The engine is so free feeling with 2-stroke like throttle response that builds RPM and power quickly and controllably and with low engine braking and very little engine vibration. With 12~14 lbs of fuel located under the seat at the center of gravity (CG) of the bike, the tilted back cylinder head, and the air box behind the steering head overall mass centralization plus the free feeling engine combine to make the YZ450F feel very agile and lightweight in motion - more like a 350F. The KYB suspension is firmly damped and minimizes fore/aft chassis pitch under acceleration and braking. The KYB suspension stands out on the YZ450F and has the most plush and absorbing overall feel of these bikes. This is the most agile and quick handling YZ450 to date with a chassis that responds to rider inputs. This quickness helps in the corners and makes the front end feel a little busy and less planted at speed. 2nd and 3rd gears feel a tick taller overall compared to the CRF450 and KTM 450. The updated ergo's feel thin with excellent footpeg/seat/handlebar layout especially for taller riders.
Negatives: The YZ450 is tall and this is noticeable especially in the corners. The front end can feel a little busy at speed.
Summary:
The KTM 450 Factory Edition is a great combination of cornering and stability at speed with easy to control power and the unique feel of a steel frame (once it breaks in)
The CRF450 Works Edition is a quick revving and quick handling and the special parts are noticeable and give the bike a very refined overall feel...like a "Works" bike
The YZ450F has a unique layout with a focus on mass centralization and a and combined with a super quick and free revving downdraft intake engine result in a 450 that feels like an agile 350

[@jetdr]

YZ for me, Sounds way more crisp off of the throttle, better stock suspension, plus the App tune that comes with the bike really can't be beat.

[@mxengineer1]

'23 YZ450F is an impressive bike and with the Power Tuner app engine character is easy to change....perhaps most importantly very FUN to ride!

[@woodman4989]

Get the Kawi 23 450SR now. I hear it's the best of all of them.

[@mxengineer1]

I have some quality seat time on my buddy's '22 KX450SR - very good bike and the KYB suspension is impressive. The power is a bit more abrupt and builds quickly and no button to change the engine maps. I wonder if the Showa suspension works as well on the '23 KX450SR?

[@ridendrive]

I’ve got both 23’s, YZ and KX SR, despite both being amazing, YZ is multiple bikes in one and just is incredibly good. Both are wildly good. Slight tick win for YZ in my book

[@mxengineer1]

@@ridendrive Very cool you have both bikes! For me the '23 YZ450's unique layout (reverse head/fuel tank and weight under the seat) gives the bike an agile feel in motion. Add in the 2-stroke quick revving engine that can be tuned with your phone I give a slight edge to the Yamaha.

[@markwilson8949]

That monster kit looks awesome might have to get one for mine we don't get the monster edition in Australia, just the blue

[@mxengineer1]

D-COR Star Yamaha team graphics look great!

[@mikeharvey2016]

“Why can’t a KTM feel like this“ great question, serious question for you, the Yzf sounds nice on your video but your rider position on the Crf looks to be naturally standing with your head more over the handlebars and you comment it’s got that small feeling… does it ride closer to a two-stroke than the other 450’s in your video? Great videos keep up the good work

[@mxengineer1]

Glad you enjoy the channel! You are very observant! The CRF just "feels" smaller/shorter up front - like you are really over the front wheel. Plus the CRF "feels" like there is more weight on the front wheel. The YZ450F front end feels longer and the front wheel feels like there is noticeably less weight on it. The Honda CRF450 engine is the least engine braking of these bikes - more free feeling with the throttle closed. The YZ450F has the quickest engine RPM response - very 2-stroke like. The YZ450F is the most unique 450F riding experience: the super quick 2-stroke like throttle response engine combined with the mass centralized easy to change directions agility to create this almost super powerful 350F riding experience.

[@shadowsm1nd]

Thanks for video. What about comparison with GasGas MC 450 Factory Edition, Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition, Kawasaki KX 450 SR?

[@mxengineer1]

I think the 23.5 Gas Gas and Husky 450 Factory Editions are very close to the KTM 450 Factory Edition but that KX450SR works so well...my buddy Cory has a '22 KX450SR that I hope to spin a few laps on soon and will do a back to back video!

[@SeTxCade]

That 23 YZ🥵

[@Davido50]

Great info! - Ohio

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks!

[@MX808HAWAII]

Camera and mic setup please? Nice bikes big fan

[@mxengineer1]

Glad you enjoy the channel! I used a GoPro 7 Black with the GoPro mic adapter and a TNE gaming mic all mounted on a Dango chin bar helmet mount.

[@Moto619films]

What bike do you like the best so far

[@mxengineer1]

I like them all! CRF for an overall polished quality “Works” feel, KTM for cornering/stability at speed combo, and YZ for that mid engine sports car agility and KYB suspension and that engine. So far I give the YZ a slight edge for the unique chassis/engine layout and fun to ride factor

[@cme982]

MxEr, cn you help me out? I have the 23 KTM FE, but unfortunately, I can’t get the rear to calm down, when I do, the front is shaking like a chipping hammer. I am eying to buy the 23 CRF WE or the 24YZ450F. I am 185lbs 5’8”. What are your thoughts?

[@mxengineer1]

I found the stock 23 KTM 450 Factory Edition suspension to be too stiff for my slow Vet moto speed (I am 6'2" 190 lbs). I installed my long time favorite set of WP Cone Valve forks - that fixed the front end. I had Brad at RideWorx re-valve the rear shock. Brad knows these new KTM/Husky bikes/chassis and his setting was spot on (GNCC/Vet mx). Worth at least talking to Brad to get his insights. 23 CRF450WE will need a re-valve and you still have a firm frame. The 23/24 YZ450F has the firmest suspension setting I've experienced on a YZ450F off the showroom floor. Too much feedback for me so Brad did a minor re-valve and made it much more compliant and planted.

[@dekancaine]

honda all day , its a fast bike and u need have ur mind set and not wonder but man that bike is great and gets way better with 23.5 clampa

[@mxengineer1]

The CRF450 Works Edition is such a good looking bike off the showroom floor. I want to ride a current CRF450 with 24mm offset triple clamps

[@quadcityracing]

MX’er, do you own a ‘23 yz450?

[@mxengineer1]

Yes I have a '23 YZ450 Monster Edition. The bike in this video is my buddy Dave's 23 YZ450F which has the latest team graphics - way cooler looking than my stock one

[@ClarkStar866]

fresh tires on each?

[@mxengineer1]

They all only had about 2-hours use so tires are fresh (MX33's on all of them)

[@mikemumper8899]

You got 50k in bikes right there what do you do for work and are they hiring 😂