NOVEMBER 5, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
This Shootout report is Presented by RIDE Industries who supplied us with numberplate decals for all of the 450 motorcycles. Thanks again, guys! |
|
 |
|
|
|
The 2008 450 four-strokes |
|
photo: Dan Stenning |
Photos by Allison Kennedy
Along with our diverse test panel who shared their opinions and ratings on the 2008 450 four-strokes last week, we also invited three local pros—Kyle Keast, Pierce Chamberlain, and Jason Burke—out to the Carruthers Ranch to get their take on the new models. To protect them and the readers from any partiality, we’re not going to specify who said what with regards to the 2008 bikes. Here are a few comments from the “fast guys” on the new 450 offerings from the Big Five …
|
| |
|
Jason Burke on the `08 YZ450F. |
Yamaha YZ450F
“It turns much sharper than the `07, but it still tends to push in slick corners. The bike felt stable; it never twitches. The motor needs more overrev and it lacks bottom end power. I would also like to stiffen up the forks.”
“Compared to last year’s bike, the `08 handles much better! The handling is equal to the KX450. It’s an easy bike to ride. The motor doesn’t have a hard hit, and it makes you feel slow, but I think you’re able to be smoother and more flowing on the Yamaha.”
“The Yamaha didn’t have enough bottom end power for me. It has great midrange and it tracks great. I found it had a tendency to push in the corners.”
|
|
|
Kyle Keast twists the throttle on the CRF450R. |
Honda CRF450R
“This bike feels good all around. It turns on a dime; the rear end hooks up; there's tons of mid and top end power; the brakes are strong and the bike feels light. The only thing I would ask for is more bottom end power.”
“A great turning bike, with a strong motor and a solid feel.”
“The motor has good mid range power, but handling is where the Honda really shines. It’s turns sharp and precise; it feels like the front end is on rails, even through slippery corners.”
|
|
|
All of the testers complimented the strong and smooth motor of the KTM 450 SX-F. |
KTM 450 SX-F
“The KTM 450 has come a long way. The motor is smooth, but it pulls hard right through the range. The rear end hooks up and squats much better in the corners. I did find it to have a slight twitchy feeling.”
“After changing the ignition on the KTM, it was much easier to ride. The motor is really linear and it revs forever. After we set the sag, it turned much better although it did have a tendency to drift in the corners; it sometimes stood up on me. The hydraulic clutch is awesome; it’s always the same and never fades.”
“No shortage of power on this bike. It has tons of bottom, mid and top end. It tracks pretty well, but the suspension kicked a little and the front end pushed in the corners.”
|
|
|
The all-new EFI RM-Z450 didn't receive much love on it's new motor, but the riders still thought it was one of the better turning motorcycles |
Suzuki RM-Z450
“The new RM-Z450 has great power, but it lacks top end. The brakes worked well and it tracked nicely through the corners, but it pushed a bit in the corners. I was expecting a little more considering the hype, but I’m sure with more time on the bike, it will only get better.”
“I found the Suzuki to be harsh. The suspension wasn’t very forgiving. The new motor signed off quick and it popped quite a bit.”
“The Suzuki has no problem cutting a tight corner; it hooks up going through corners and finds traction easily. The suspension feels good for a smaller rider. The motor has little overrev and it signed off faster than any other 450.”
|
|
|
The Kawi 450 has it all: handling, suspension, and power. |
Kawasaki KX450F
“By far the best motor of all the bikes! It’s snappy and revs out well. The Kawi never did do anything wrong; it’s a fun and easy bike to ride.”
“Kawasaki has made huge improvements with their 450. The suspension is plush, the motor is fast but smooth, and it rides like you’re on a rail.”
“I was really surprised how much I liked the Kawi. It has awesome power; it handles well, the brakes were strong, and the suspension worked well. The motor though is definitely the strong point of the Kawi.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
