2012 Honda CRF450R vs 2011 Yamaha YZ450F

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
2011 Yamaha YZ450F 2011 Yamaha YZ450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Titanium valves
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
245.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsFrench brand.-
ColoursRedWhite/Red, Team Yamaha Blue/White)
Warranty-30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches15.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm381 mm
Seat Height953 mm / 37.5 in.998 mm / 39.3 in.
Wheelbase1,491 mm / 58.7 in.1,491 mm / 58.7 in.
Height1,150 mm / 45.3 in.1,311 mm / 51.6 in.
Length1,810 mm / 71.3 in.2,192 mm / 86.3 in.
Width685 mm / 27.0 in.823 mm / 32.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.08 quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-1.20 litres
Dry Weight88 kg / 194.0 lbs-
Fuel Capacity5.68 litres / 1.50 gallons6.17 litres / 1.63 gallons
Wet Weight108.9 kg / 240.0 lbs111.1 kg / 245.0 lbs
Performance
Mods from previous model-New clutch lever and pushrod for more consistent clutch feel during long motos.
Max Torque4.00 Nm (0.4 kgf-m or 3.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0472 HP/kg-
Engine
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.00 cc
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm97.0 x 60.8 mm
Fuel ControlSOHCDOHC
Engine DetailUnicam&reg, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steelTitanium valves
Fuel SystemInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle bodyInjection. Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), Keihin 44mm
Compression Ratio12.0:112.5:1
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards.-
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
IgnitionFull transistor with electronic advanceCDI
StarterElectric & kickElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive#520 Chain; 13T/48T2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric Adjustment
Chassis
Suspension - Front48mm inverted KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustabilityKYB Speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel
Suspension - RearPro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speedKYB Fully adjustable single shock
Rake27.0°-
SeatDual-
Trail116 mm / 4.6 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front310 mm / 12.2 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear315 mm / 12.4 in.315 mm / 12.4 in.
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-Dual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)240 mm250 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm245 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Twin-piston calipersSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Tyres - Front2.50-1280/100-21
Tyres - Rear3.00-12120/80-19

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 Honda CRF450R and the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2012 Honda CRF450R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 953 mm vs 998 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2011 Yamaha YZ450F - Advantages

  • More ground clearance: 381 mm vs 330 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.

2012 Honda CRF450R vs 2011 Yamaha YZ450F - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda CRF450R or the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F?
The 2012 Honda CRF450R has the lower seat at 953 mm, making it more accessible. The 2011 Yamaha YZ450F sits higher at 998 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 2011 Yamaha YZ450F?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda CRF450R has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F 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.