2007 Racer X Canada Tested 450F Shootout: The Final Verdict DECEMBER 6, 2006
Well, we’re finally here: the verdict on our 2007 450F Shootout winner. We hope that you have enjoyed tuning in for our 250F and 450F rider opinions, photos and videos. As you read the individual opinions, keep in mind that they are just that—opinions. As mentioned in our individual reports, four-strokes have become so polished in recent years that each manufacturer’s offering has the ability to win right off the showroom floor. That being said, each rider has individual preferences and one rider may love a particular model while another may have trouble adapting to it. Find the model that will suit your riding style and team up with a dealer that has an active motocross program for a winning combination.
The 2007 KTM450SX-F was not yet available for our shootout so we will be covering Kawasaki, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. We will test the KTM450SX-F at a later date.
Let’s get started with a summary of each model (in no particular order).
2007 Suzuki RM-Z450
Updates: Ricky Carmichael raced the 2006 RM-Z450 to victory in both the AMA Supercross series and the AMA Motocross series so the RM-Z has plenty of major victories to its credit. Engine updates for ’07 include a redesigned combustion chamber, reshaped intake port and revised carburetor settings. The new piston oil-control rings feature a chrome-nitride coating and the exhaust pipe is 85mm longer. For the chassis, the aluminium alloy frame has been updated with thicker lower tubes and thinner tank rails. As far as appearance, the RM-Z450 features new tank shrouds, graphics and a blue seat cover.
A limited edition RM-Z450 RC will be available with special Team Makita Suzuki graphics, Suzuki yellow-coloured wheels and a black seat similar to Ricky Carmichael's championship-winning RM-Z450. Additionally, Suzuki Canada offers a very lucrative race contingency program (more details at the end of this report).
Track Tested: Suzuki’s RM-Z450 is an excellent example of how varied rider opinions on one model can be. Chuck Mesley, who has never raced an RM-Z450, could not find fault with this motorcycle, stating, “From suspension to motor to handling, I really liked everything the Suzuki offered. The motor is easy to use; it has power from bottom to top, and no hesitation anywhere. The handling and suspension worked great together, and it was never a problem to land hard on the brakes and make the inside line. It felt stable in the air, through the whoops, and down the long straights. The Suzuki’s ergonomics fit me perfectly, and it only took two turns and it felt like I had been riding one for years.”
On the other hand, Rob McCullough, who raced an ‘05 RM-Z450 and won vet championships on the bike, liked the motor and cornering characteristics of the new RM-Z but struggled with the suspension. “I had difficulty with the handling of the ’07 model in stock form,” noted McCullough. “It had an unbalanced feeling; the forks felt way too quick while the shock seemed to pack.”
The trend continued during Racer X Illustrated’s 450F shootout where David Langran and Randy Valade ranked the RM-Z450 as their #1 pick while Ron Lechien and Simon Cudby put it in last place.
All of our test riders gave high ratings for the RM-Z450’s motor, citing that its ease of use and roll-on power would suit a wide range of riders. Ergonomics also received high marks and, similar to the RM-Z250, test riders raved about the Suzuki’s cornering prowess. The RM-Z450 could easily top its class with some suspension work for individual tastes, so if you are willing to put in a little effort, you will be rewarded with a great motorcycle.
2007 Honda CRF450R
Updates: Honda’s engine changes focused on making the power delivery more manageable. The exhaust vales were reduced in diameter and the exhaust and intake ports were reshaped. The CRF450 now uses a 41mm Kehin FCR carb and a new accelerator pump system that is said to improve throttle response. Overall, fairly minor revisions for ’07 but the motor modifications are a welcome change.
Track Tested: In terms of sheer output, the CRF’s motor received praise from all of our test riders and they were able to adapt to the power delivery quickly. “The Honda’s motor is race ready, with a strong, responsive hit off the bottom,” said Jay Burke. The Honda’s motor is very powerful and, although the power delivery was toned down for ’07, a few testers still felt that it was harder to handle than the other 450s. “When exiting corners, the hit on the CRF was almost too much for me to handle,” said McCullough. The CRF is a bike that faster riders will love, but beginner riders may struggle with the hit.
The Honda’s suspension received high marks from our test riders but they did admit that it was not as plush as some of the other models. “The suspension felt stiffer than most of the other bikes, but I prefer it stiffer so it worked really well for my riding style,” said Adam Deakon. “I think I could race this bike without any suspension work.”
In summary, if you prefer stiff suspension settings and a barky (for a four-stroke) powerband, the CRF450 is the bike for you.
2007 Kawasaki KX450F
Updates: The KX450F was all-new for 2006 so for ’07, Kawasaki focused on refinements to improve a bike that received very high marks in ‘06. Starting with the motor, the KXF received revised camshaft and intake ports, revised ignition timing, a new exhaust system and a new five-speed transmission. Revised linkage complements the updated KYB shock and the KYB forks feature larger diameter damping cartridges and compression pistons. The frame also receives some refinements aimed at reducing torsional rigidity.
Track Tested: All of our testers enjoyed the responsiveness of the motor on the KX450F. The motor is strong right off the bottom and transitions into a meaty mid range and then signs off earlier than the other 450s. The motor will suit riders that short shift and do not like to over-rev. “The motor has a strong hit right off the bottom, but it came on smoothly and transitioned well into the mid to top end,” said Deakon.
The bike received praise for its handling but opinions on the suspension package were mixed. “I felt comfortable everywhere on the track when riding the KX450; it never pushed through corners, was stable at high speeds, and felt light in the air,” said Mesley. As far as the stock suspension, Adam Deakon adapted to the Kawasaki’s suspension right away and gave it high marks while Jay Burke and other testers found the suspension, particularly the forks, harsh.
The 2007 KX450F may require some suspension tuning for individual tastes, but the handling is top-notch and the motor is an excellent fit for riders looking for lots of bottom end and mid-range power.
2007 Yamaha YZ450F
Updates: Similar to the Honda, one of Yamaha’s primary goals for their ’07 450 was to broaden the power delivery and make the motor more manageable. Revised exhaust and intake cams and a new exhaust system (45mm longer in overall length) and a more rigid clutch pressure plate highlight the motor mods. The shock is 1.5mm longer, the Pro Taper bar bend is 8mm higher and Yamaha revised several components such as fork tubes and wheel rims to reduce weight.
Track Tested: The YZ450F has come a long way since the YZ426F was bumped to a 450 a few years ago. Early 450 models had an explosive powerband that was hard to handle and tired riders out quickly. The new YZ450F features a motor with roll-on power that riders of all skill levels can adapt to. Pierce Chamberlain, who raced the early YZ450Fs was very pleased with the new model. “I’m really impressed with the new YZ450F,”said Chamberlain. “It’s nothing like the older, steel framed YZ450Fs. The motor isn’t super fast, but it’s really smooth and easy to use. For my tastes, it could benefit from more hit down low. [Both Chamberlain and Mesley wanted more low-end hit from the Yamaha] But the suspension and handling is where the bike really began to shine. The forks soaked up everything, from big hits to braking bumps and the shock was plush over accelerating bumps and it sat down nicely in the rutted corners. I couldn’t find any faults with the Yamaha’s handling; it never swapped or kicked and I could manoeuvre it without any effort, especially through rutted corners. The new Yamahas have a low centre of gravity feeling and they feel really light.
McCullough, who also raced the early YZ450F models, was “pleasantly surprised” with the ’07 model and also commented on how quiet the bike was in comparison to its peers.
The Verdict
In contrast to the 250F shootout, we do not have a clear-cut winner in the 450F class. Each model received high (and low) marks from test riders and individual tastes seemed to rule the charts. However, we must pick a winner and the Yamaha YZ450F will appeal to a wider range of riders than the other models. The power is smooth and linear, the suspension package is plush and balanced and the YZ450F’s handling is light years ahead of the early YZ450F models. As McCullough commented, “Of all the 450s I rode, the YZF is the most pleasant surprise and the bike I felt I could ride the quickest for the longest period of time. For anyone considering buying this bike, you can't go wrong.” Chad Reed’s win at the Toronto WSXGP last weekend can’t hurt sales of the YZ450F either!
The 450Fs from Honda, Suzuki and Kawasaki are not far behind and will top the list for riders who are looking for a specific trait to match their riding style. Riders looking for a more explosive power delivery and stiffer suspension will prefer the Honda. Riders who like to short-shift and keep their bike in the meat of the powerband will prefer the Kawasaki’s powerplant and riders looking for roll-on power, cornering prowess and a light, nimble feel will be well suited to the RM-Z450.
As always, evaluate your local market and find a strong dealer with an active motocross program and evaluate purchase incentives, race contingency and you won’t go wrong with any of these bikes in ’07.
MORE INFORMATION
Honda
Website: http://www.honda.ca
Sales incentives: RPM Finance
Race Programs: contact your local dealer about the Champions Ride Red Program
Dealer locator: http://www.honda.ca/MotorcycleEng/Dealers/default.htm
Kawasaki
website: http://www.kawasaki.ca or http://www.teamgreennews.ca/
Sales incentives: Up to $350 rider support credit on parts and accessories
Race programs: contact your dealer about the Team Green Rider Support program
Dealer locator: http://kawasaki.ca/dealerlocator.php
McCullough (Honda) and Burke (Yamaha) have a friendly race on the '07 450Fs.
Burke rails a berm on the YZ450F ....
and exits the corner smoothly thanks to the predictable handling of the Yamaha.
McCullough on the CRF450R.
Is Burke getting enough love?
Pico knows real men wear pink!
The Boot might not know who won the 1984 Montreal Supercross, but he sure knows how to ride a dirt bike.
Deakon's broken foot is nearly healed up and he will return to his training program shortly.
This guy's training program never ends ... or at least, that's what he says.
The Mez looked awesome in Friday's practice at the Toronto WSXGP, unfortunately, he broke his ankle after catching a rut in the finish line jump in the first practice session, putting an end to his SX debut. Oh, Chuck, get well soon!
Click here to view the complete 2007 Shootout archives.
