2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2011 Yamaha YZ450F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Kawasaki KX450F 2012 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
249.1 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
ColoursLime GreenWhite/Red, Team Yamaha Blue/White)
Warranty6 months30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm381 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches15.0 inches
Seat Height955 mm / 37.6 in.998 mm / 39.3 in.
Wheelbase1,481 mm / 58.3 in.1,491 mm / 58.7 in.
Height1,275 mm / 50.2 in.1,311 mm / 51.6 in.
Length2,179 mm / 85.8 in.2,192 mm / 86.3 in.
Width820 mm / 32.3 in.823 mm / 32.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (l)-1.20 litres
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-0.08 quarts
Dry Weight275 kg / 606.3 lbs-
Fuel Capacity6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons6.17 litres / 1.63 gallons
Wet Weight113.0 kg / 249.1 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 Torque59.40 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 43.8 ft.lbs) @ 4500 Revolutions-
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.1809 HP/kg-
Engine
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)27.40 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)449.00 cc449.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm97.0 x 60.8 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.8 x 2.4 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Engine Detail90 degree V-twinTitanium valves
Fuel SystemInjection. DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle bodyInjection. Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI), Keihin 44mm
Compression Ratio12.5:112.5:1
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
IgnitionDigital DC-CDICDI
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchAutomatic-
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary DriveSelectable four-wheel drive with Variable Front Differential Control, shaft2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric Adjustment
Chassis
Frame TypeAluminum perimeter-
Suspension - Front48mm inverted, Kayaba AOS with DLC coated sliders, 22-position compression and 20-position rebound dampening adjustment / 12.4 in.KYB Speed-Sensitive System, inverted fork: fully adjustable, 12.2-in travel
Suspension - RearUni-Trak linkage system and Kayaba shock with 50mm piston, 22-position low-speed and stepless high-speed compression damping, 22-position rebound damping and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.KYB Fully adjustable single shock
Rake26.9°-
Wheel Travel - Front171 mm / 6.7 in.-
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in.315 mm / 12.4 in.
Electrical Systems
InstrumentationSpeedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, fuel gauge, engine temp, clock, hour meter and 2WD/4WD icon, plus indicators for neutral, reverse, belt, and oil pressure.-
Lighting system35W headlights, 5W taillight, 21W stoplightDual 30W Krypton multireflector Headlights and 3.9/0.5W LED Brake light
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm245 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm250 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)9.8 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle discSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle disc
Tyres - Front25/8-1280/100-21
Tyres - Rear25/10-12120/80-19

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Yamaha YZ450F

The 2011 Yamaha YZ450F edges out the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F thanks to its greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Kawasaki KX450F - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 955 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.
  • More rear wheel travel: 315 mm vs 200 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2011 Yamaha YZ450F - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F?
The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has the lower seat at 955 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 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Kawasaki KX450F has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F stands out for greater ground clearance and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.