2025 Honda CRF450R vs 2025 KTM 350SXF Back to Back: Briarcliff MX

Riding my brand new 2025 Honda CRF450R (thanks Honda Marysville Motorsports!) back to back with my buddy Dave's brand new 2025 KTM 350SXF at Briarcliff MX. I had the opportunity to ride the all new 2025 CRF450R last month during the media launch at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana. I was very curious how the all new 2025 CRF450R would compare to a KTM 350 (my favorite combination of Power/Weight/Handling in a 4-stroke dirt bike). Back to back rides are a great way to feel the different characteristics between bikes! 450 or 350...what do you prefer?
Here are my first ride impressions of the 2025 CRF450R (lots of details in the video description)...
• 2025 Honda CRF450R Fir...
Here is my review of the 2025 KTM 350XCF.....
• 2025 KTM 350XCF with W...

[@cpellett20]

If you put the 450 on the soft map and the torque control to its softest setting, how does it feel compared to the 350 if it’s in standard mode?

[@mxengineer1]

It is easy to dial back the power on the 450FE...Gravel/Wet and Minimum Throttle (#1) makes the bike feel more 350 like yet still has plenty of torque... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqnIdpelgLFpmdE

[@cpellett20]

@@mxengineer1 hey yep I have a 22 Crf 450r. I run it in the soft map with traction control at its softest. I just wondered how that would compare in terms of power and feel compared to a sxf 350? I’ve never ridden a 350 before. Thanks

[@mxengineer1]

@@cpellett20 22 CRF450R is a BEAST...super strong mid range roll on hit/torque! Honda tamed it in 23 and even smoother in 25. You need to spin a lap on a 350...very nice combination of Power/Weight/Handling!

[@jimbo4203]

I was surprised jumping off my yz 450 and riding my son's 350 sxf back to back , I'm 6 f 3 in 235 lbs , the 350 flys and rev's to the moon , super fun bike

[@mxengineer1]

@@jimbo4203 Yes the lower crank inertia of the 350 makes the bike "feel" lighter in motion. The 24/25 350 engine/mapping is very good and has an impressive amount of power and revs forever. Fun bikes!

[@mikehudgens7007]

Great video - love the bikes - myself I prefer 100 mm of sag which for me helps me to keep the frt end planted in the corners a little better and at 6'4 I tend to ride a little further back on the bike , as I get older ( 55 now ) i'm loving the plush feel of the wp air forks on my KTM's , but I did have a chance to check out the new KX250f and what a nice bike - as I get older the big 450 power is not so high on my list LOL , can see myself going green - maybe - next year - by the way aI tried to email you as we discussed and no go - thank you again for all you do for the dirt community A+++

[@mxengineer1]

Sag is a great setting to play with and often times we get too caught up in the numbers (there are pro rider that run 85~90mm of sag - even outdoors). Less sag (more preload on the rear) helps plant that front tire in the corners. 450's are the flagship models and get the most engineering and technology attention - really shows as 60hp has never been so easy to ride and fully tunable with an app. 350's are such a great combination of Power/Weight/Handling just wish more OEM's would build one (ie Honda and Yamaha!). On my YT page there should be an button to press to show my email - it has worked for other subscribers. Try again!

[@Joe-pb3lx]

nice

[@MustRideMoto]

Track was primo!!!

[@mxengineer1]

Briarcliff is a great place to ride!

[@Joe-pb3lx]

My OCD cant handle that space on the throttle grip and housing,,,,,,,,in my head it always looks like its slipping off the throttle tube, but i know that's how it's made these days

[@mxengineer1]

Ha! I noticed the gap after I installed the throttle housing. Might put a foam donut in there to take up the space

[@Joe-pb3lx]

@@mxengineer1 .....thats a good idea......i was thinking maybe paint the tube black as to be not as in your face noticeable but your idea is better....lol.....what i did on my xr200 was i took the tube to the belt sander and got rid of that ridge and pushed the grip al the way on with a hair space as to not bind against the housing.....but dont say i told you to do that, you could sand that area too thin then that makes for a very dangerous situation, i myself leave a little meat on the bone to keep away from that danger of it breaking at that tender spot.....what a scary thought

[@keithbell8960]

Did that crf come with the blue seat and PtoLink decals?

[@mxengineer1]

No I installed the blue 2023 CRF450 50th anniversary seat and a buddy of mine made the cool PRO-LINK stickers in blue that match the blue in the CRF graphic and seat...gives it the 80's CRF vibe

[@keithbell8960]

@@mxengineer1 I really like the look