2023 Yamaha YZ450F vs 2023 Husqvarna TX300 Comparison: Back to Back Ride on the 2023 Game Changers!

2023 Yamaha YZ450F and 2023 Husqvarna TX300 Heritage Edition back to back comparison ride at Briarcliff MX. 2023 model year 4-stroke and 2-stroke Game Changers! Back to back rides are a great way to get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike. My thoughts on each bike after riding them back to back....
YZ450F
The updated '23 YZ450F has great agility, especially for a 450F. The engine has 2-stroke quick response that may be too quick for some riders. I have used the Yamaha Power Tuner phone app to dial back the throttle response. It helped a little but I think this engine can be dialed back more by creating your own map. The KYB suspension has a firm and well damped setting that keeps the chassis under control. This is a full on moto focused 450F that is responsive to throttle and chassis inputs and a lot of fun to ride.
TX300
After jumping off the '23 YZ450F the '23 TX300 engine which has a fast revving and powerful engine felt somewhat smooth and controllable for a 55 hp 2-stroke. Power is quick and responsive with almost no engine braking or vibration. The TX300 is so lightweight feeling - especially after coming off a 450F. The suspension felt plush and controllede and the all new chassis feels compliant and comfortable with a 300 2-stroke engine. The TX300 feels very agile in motion yet stable and planted on the higher speed sections of the track. I quickly adapted to the lightweight and fast handling TX300.
Both of these bikes are what I call game changers for the 2023 model year. The 2023 YZ450F Yamaha sets a new bar for agility and unique feeling 450F: more like a powerful 350F in terms of agility. The 2023 TX300 (like the '23 KTM 300XC) sets a new bar for 2-stroke performance with big power and strong partial throttle linear torque. Looking forward to more back to back rides with these bikes!

[@gremxs100]

Nice i love the Yamaha very much

[@BrianMcNeill25]

Just curious, do you have a separate microphone with the GoPro? If not is it in a protective case? I assume it’s on the chin mount.

[@mxengineer1]

Yes I run a GoPro Hero 7 Black in a protective case mounted on a chin mount. I also use the GoPro microphone adapter so I can connect a 3.5mm connecter TNE gaming microphone which has a foam cover and it is inside the helmet zip tied to the Dango chin mount. Works pretty good!

[@BrianMcNeill25]

@@mxengineer1 Do you have the GoPro clear case, and did you have drill a hole in the side of it to attach the adapter?

[@mxengineer1]

@@BrianMcNeill25 I run the standard outer case (not clear...it is black)..there is an opening on the side of the case for the microphone adapter (you also charge the GoPro through this connection). I take the small door off the GoPro left side to access the connector for the GoPro micro phone adaptor.

[@BrianMcNeill25]

@@mxengineer1 OK, I have seen those on the GoPro site, its essentially a frame that encases the camera but doesn't totally enclose it.

[@mxengineer1]

@@BrianMcNeill25 Correct - then remove the small door on the GoPro that covers the charging/microphone input...there is a small opening in the outer frame to access this area on the GoPro. Realize the GoPro is not waterproof (or dustproof) without the sealed outer case

[@adamrochester1]

Rode the crf for 5-10 mins feels good I’ll go again tomorrow I like the map switching and feels light in the front end Rode a kx again today felt nice to ride I liked it just the engine was abit unsettled weird throttle response ??? Felt good standing up gripping the bars was kinda perfect 6,1 ! Stock bars but had them moved foward to …. which is what I really liked I need to measure the distance peg to handlebar on it or tyre to handle bar be interesting rode the yzf 450 23 model today Really liked it power was great and fun and used the maps a slow and stock prob my favourite power maybe coz that’s what I’m now used to ? standing up was good to grip with legs …….but I feel like I need taller bars and riser and I think would be perfect …. He moved the bar mounts up was well for me more space but had the bars bent back abit not foward like the kx I think the yamy might win me over just gotta get the perfect feel for me I’m anal about it ! taller bars and risers I’ll ride the kx one more time tomororw with the crf and have my final choice haha

[@mxengineer1]

Thanks for the detailed feedback on each bike. Interesting about the abruptness on the KX450 - my son feels the same thing - mostly at the initial turn of the throttle...very subtle but he notices. Now you have no excuses - you've ridden all the bikes!!!! I tried the Works Connection lowered footpeg mounts on the 23 YZ450F...work great and much better than bar risers or moving the bars so far forward...that might make the 23 YZ450F ergos perfect for you....but I want to know which bike you buy!!!

[@adamrochester1]

@@mxengineer1 I’m sure I’d get used to it !! But half of my reason to get rid of the last yz 21 450 it was to aggressive and felt cramped haha ! Think the whole internet would know me but now complaining about it. Your son sounds like a smart cookie mate! And sounds like it’s come from your side ;)! I’m almost ocd with any new supplement” as well I can feel exactly what it does because I’m so intune with my body. I’m gonna give the crf and kx again today - some one else’s kx - I notice specially on the wheelie the kx feels obnoxious would have to nail them properly practice my bum off which I want to when I get my new 450 break tapping 12 o’clock stuff ! The guy dropped a super duper crf 250 off to my mums farm yesterday to 8k done to it lol to insane to explain it all here but he said it’s close to his 450 it’s crazy he said I’ll try get a video going maybe a go pro ! - the crf450 has had all the works to kyb suspension pc pipe and engine things probably best bang for my buck as it’s my mate looks after everything immaculate! But just the feel of it I’m not 100%. I have to agree with you the yz really feels fun nimble light way smoother then ever ! Makes me wanna jump back on I have an understanding now why you love it so much makes sense I’m glad I finally got to ride them all the dream came true. my tight ass buddy said he would let me ride his ktm 23 450 but keeps making excuses he is precious with bikes lol will keep you posted !!!

[@mxengineer1]

@@adamrochester1 One thing that has come out more to me (and my son) with more back to back rides on the '23 YZ450F and '23 KTM 450SXF....the KTM corners better and stays in the ruts so well then add in the super controllable power (60HP according to MXA) and it makes the KTM a tick easier to ride. That tall seat height on the YZ450F is no fun in the tight corners (really noticeable in the woods). Anyhow my son and I are 50/50 on the 23 YZ450F and 23 KTM 450SXF - both are out favorite 450F for 2023 model year.

[@adamrochester1]

@@mxengineer1 yep !! Now you got me wanting to test it %100

[@tdubbs934]

Is the yamaha faster?

[@mxengineer1]

Yes - the YZ450F is a beast though the new 300 TBI engines (KTM/Husky) are very fast too....Motocross Action magazine test on the 23 KTM 300SX states 55 hp at the rear wheel...that is 450F level power in a 220 lb (before gas) package on the 300SX