2013 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2011 Yamaha YZ450F

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2013 Kawasaki KX450F 2013 Kawasaki KX450F

Cross / motocross

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
248.0 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
ColoursLime GreenWhite/Red, Team Yamaha Blue/White)
Warranty-30 Day (Limited Factory Warranty)
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm381 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches15.0 inches
StorageFront and rear rack-
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
Fuel Capacity6.21 litres / 1.64 gallons6.17 litres / 1.63 gallons
Wet Weight112.5 kg / 248.0 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 Torque59.00 Nm (6.0 kgf-m or 43.5 ft.lbs) @ 5250 Revolutions-
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
Fuel ControlDOHCDOHC
Bore x Stroke (mm)96.0 x 62.1 mm97.0 x 60.8 mm
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Engine Detail-Titanium 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
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)Chain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive2WD / 4WD, shaft2WD; Sealed O-Ring Chain, Eccentric Adjustment
Chassis
Frame TypeDouble cradle, high-tensile tubular steel-
Suspension - Front48mm inverted, Kayaba PSF 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 dampening, 33-position rebound dampening and fully adjustable spring preload / 12.4 in.KYB Fully adjustable single shock
Rake26.9°-
Wheel Travel - Rear-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 (in.)9.8 inches9.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)240 mm245 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)9.4 inches9.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)250 mm250 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Petal disc with 2-piston caliperSingle disc
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Petal disc with single-piston caliperSingle disc
Tyres - Front80/100-2180/100-21
Tyres - Rear120/80-19120/80-19

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2013 Kawasaki KX450F 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

2013 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.

2013 Kawasaki KX450F vs 2011 Yamaha YZ450F - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F?
The 2013 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 2013 Kawasaki KX450F or the 2011 Yamaha YZ450F?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 Kawasaki KX450F 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.