The rest is on thumpertalk ..in the yamaha 450 forum
i thought the yamaha might have won
Brief final conclusions in the order of shootout results from last to first:
2010 Honda CRF450R Highs & Lows
Highs
* Lightest and most narrow
* Easy-to-control powerband
* Turns on a dime
Lows
* Lacks high-speed stability on a rough track
* Front and rear suspension lack balance
* Smallest fuel capacity
Quote:
If you’re looking for the lightest, most agile 450 on the market, than make no mistake about it, the 2010 Honda CRF450R has you covered. It excels on smooth and tight tracks where the 48mm Kayaba fork and Pro-Link shock doesn’t get fully taxed. The CRF’s engine has plenty of steam, plus it’s versatile and easy to use. Although the 450R feels smallest in this group, the ergonomic package is intuitive and can fit a wider range of riders by the simple addition of a taller handlebar.
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2010 Kawasaki KX450F Highs & Lows
Highs
* Monster motor
* Excellent chassis – very balanced and stable
* Tall rider’s bike of choice
Lows
* Feels the heaviest
* Loudest exhaust note
* Appearance starting to look dated
Quote:
If you’re a larger, heavier rider, or really know how to put a motocross bike through its paces then the 2010 Kawasaki KX450F is the best 450 machine. The firm suspension offers excellent balance and is perfectly suited for high-speed tracks. While the Kawi certainly isn’t the easiest bike to ride in this quartet, in the hands of a skilled rider it absolutely shreds.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2010 Yamaha YZ450F Highs & Lows
Highs
* Easy-to-ride
* Well balanced chassis; excellent suspension
* Costs the least and includes 30-day warranty
Lows
* Could be lighter
* Ergonomics cater to shorter riders
* Difficult to start when engine is hot
Quote:
Yamaha’s ergonomics aim at shorter riders, even more so than the CRF’s. The bike feels similar to the Kawasaki in terms of width and the seat is flat allowing the rider to maneuver his body forward or backward unencumbered. However, the spacial relationship between the rider triangle makes for an extremely tight cockpit. It’s almost sportbike-like in how compacted the rider control surfaces feel.
Just like before, the 2010 Yamaha YZ450F continues to impress us with just how easy it is to ride. Whether the track is rough or smooth, its suspension gobbles up everything. Plus it has an engine that’s equally effective at putting that power down to the ground. If you’re looking for the easiest 450 motocross bike to ride the new Yamaha is it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
2010 KTM 450 SX-F Highs & Lows
Highs
* Electric start!
* Versatile ergonomics for all rider sizes
* Deceptively fast and quiet engine
Lows
* Rear shock isn't as plush as the fork
* Highest price tag
Quote:
The 450 SX-F is a serious strike against the best from Japan. The engine is smooth, quiet and powerful, plus starting it is as easy as pushing a button. Its chassis is nimble in the tight stuff and unflappable through fast, rough terrain plus the ergos are a match to almost all riders.
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2010 Motocross Shootout Conclusion
2010 Honda CRF450R – 4th – 117 points
For ’10 Honda tried to infuse more balance into its CRF450R, but in the end it didn’t quite achieve the complete result. While there are certain attributes that we love about this motorcycle, including its quick steering, powerful-yet-friendly engine characteristics, awesome brakes and intuitive rider compartment, the chassis shortcomings and high-speed stability issues are too much to overlook. With some more chassis and suspension tweaks, the Honda could be the best bike. It’s got the engine, it’s got the turning, now it just needs some more balance and stability to be next year’s winner.
2010 Kawasaki KX450F – 3rd – 128 points
You’re probably thinking “how can a bike that won last year finish third a year later?” Honestly, the KX450F is an excellent motorcycle—for the right person and the right track. Although it is substantially easier to ride than in years past, it still requires more from its rider than any of the other bikes. With the right rider at the controls at an ultra high-speed track, there is nothing that will touch the KX, plain and simple. If the Kawasaki can shed some weight and become just a little less hard-edged it’ll be right back on top.
2010 Yamaha YZ450F – 2nd – 136 points
We had high expectations for Yamaha’s retooled YZ450F coming into this shootout. Just like during our First Ride, the YZ450F blew us away with its high-end and well-sorted suspension, chassis and engine that allow the rider to ride to their full potential. The problem is that the Yamaha just missed out in the objective performance ratings. While its engine is good, it’s not the best. While it feels light in motion, at a standstill it’s a tank. If Yamaha could infuse a bit more straight up performance this bike could win.
2010 KTM 450 SX-F – 1st – 148 points
Never in a million years did we think that KTM’s 450 SX-F could outpace the best from Japan, especially with the heavy-hitting class of 2010. However from the minute we pushed the e-start button until we lifted it back on the stand, the KTM shocked us with its deceptively fast and quiet engine, solid handling, killer brakes and clutch response, not to mention spot-on rider controls. The KTM is one of the fastest most stable and ultimately fun motocross bikes we've ever tested. If you want the best motocross bike of 2010 the KTM 450 SX-F is it.
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Yeah thats weird eh..i didnt notice there was no RMZ..
Originally Posted by That Guy
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