2012 Honda CRF450R vs 2013 KTM 450 SX-F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda CRF450R 2012 Honda CRF450R

Cross / motocross

Engine
Unicam&reg, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
240.0 pounds
2013 KTM 450 SX-F 2013 KTM 450 SX-F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
234.1 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsFrench brand.-
ColoursRedOrange/black
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm375 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches14.8 inches
Seat Height953 mm / 37.5 in.992 mm / 39.1 in.
Wheelbase1,491 mm / 58.7 in.1,495 mm / 58.9 in.
Height1,150 mm / 45.3 in.1,140 mm / 44.9 in.
Length1,810 mm / 71.3 in.2,090 mm / 82.3 in.
Width685 mm / 27.0 in.830 mm / 32.7 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight88 kg / 194.0 lbs106.2 kg / 234.1 lbs
Fuel Capacity5.68 litres / 1.50 gallons7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons
Wet Weight108.9 kg / 240.0 lbs-
Performance
Max Torque4.00 Nm (0.4 kgf-m or 3.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 Revolutions9.20 Nm (0.9 kgf-m or 6.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0472 HP/kg0.0815 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHCSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.42 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.7 x 2.5 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm95.0 x 63.4 mm
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.30 cc
Engine DetailUnicam&reg, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel-
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle bodyCarburettor
Compression Ratio12.0:110.6:1
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards.-
Engine Lubrication-Pressure circulation lubrication with two Eaton pumps
IgnitionFull transistor with electronic advanceContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment
StarterElectric & kickElectric
Valve System42
Drivetrain
Clutch-Multidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed4-speed
Primary Drive#520 Chain; 13T/48T5/8 x 1/4
Chassis
Frame Type-Central tubular frame made from chrome molybdenum steel tubes
Suspension - Front48mm inverted KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustabilityWP ?Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC
Suspension - RearPro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speedWP ?Suspension 5018 BAVP DCC
Rake27.0°26.5°
SeatDual-
Trail116 mm / 4.6 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front310 mm / 12.2 in.205 mm / 8.1 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear315 mm / 12.4 in.185 mm / 7.3 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches8.3 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm210 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)240 mm220 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.4 inches8.7 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Twin-piston calipersSingle disc. Four-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc. Two-piston calipers.
Tyres - Front2.50-12100/80-17
Tyres - Rear3.00-12110/80-17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2012 Honda CRF450R

The 2012 Honda CRF450R edges out the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F thanks to its lower seat height, fuel injection, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda CRF450R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 953 mm vs 992 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 315 mm vs 185 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 310 mm vs 205 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2013 KTM 450 SX-F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 375 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 Honda CRF450R vs 2013 KTM 450 SX-F - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda CRF450R or the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F?
The 2012 Honda CRF450R has the lower seat at 953 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 KTM 450 SX-F sits higher at 992 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda CRF450R or the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda CRF450R has the edge in lower seat height and fuel injection, while the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F stands out for greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.