2013 KTM 450 SX-F vs 2012 Honda CRF450R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
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
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
Full Specifications
General
Comments-French brand.
ColoursOrange/blackRed
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)14.8 inches13.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)375 mm330 mm
Seat Height992 mm / 39.1 in.953 mm / 37.5 in.
Wheelbase1,495 mm / 58.9 in.1,491 mm / 58.7 in.
Height1,140 mm / 44.9 in.1,150 mm / 45.3 in.
Length2,090 mm / 82.3 in.1,810 mm / 71.3 in.
Width830 mm / 32.7 in.685 mm / 27.0 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight106.2 kg / 234.1 lbs88 kg / 194.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity7.50 litres / 1.98 gallons5.68 litres / 1.50 gallons
Wet Weight-108.9 kg / 240.0 lbs
Performance
Max Torque9.20 Nm (0.9 kgf-m or 6.8 ft.lbs) @ 7000 Revolutions4.00 Nm (0.4 kgf-m or 3.0 ft.lbs) @ 5500 Revolutions
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.0815 HP/kg0.0472 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.7 x 2.5 inches3.8 x 2.4 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)95.0 x 63.4 mm96.0 x 62.1 mm
Displacement (ci)27.42 cubic inches27.40 cubic inches
Fuel ControlSingle Overhead Cams (SOHC)SOHC
Displacement (cc)449.30 cc449.00 cc
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Engine Detail-Unicam&reg, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steel
Fuel SystemCarburettorInjection. Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle body
Compression Ratio10.6:112.0:1
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards.
Engine LubricationPressure circulation lubrication with two Eaton pumps-
IgnitionContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustmentFull transistor with electronic advance
StarterElectricElectric & kick
Valve System24
Drivetrain
ClutchMultidisc clutch in oil bath/hydraulically activated-
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox4-speed5-speed
Primary Drive5/8 x 1/4#520 Chain; 13T/48T
Chassis
Frame TypeCentral tubular frame made from chrome molybdenum steel tubes-
Suspension - FrontWP ?Suspension Up Side Down 4860 MXMA CC48mm inverted KYB Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with rebound and compression-damping adjustability
Suspension - RearWP ?Suspension 5018 BAVP DCCPro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed
Rake26.5°27.0°
Seat-Dual
Trail-116 mm / 4.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Front205 mm / 8.1 in.310 mm / 12.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear185 mm / 7.3 in.315 mm / 12.4 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)220 mm240 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)8.7 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)8.3 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)210 mm240 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Four-piston calipers.Single disc. Twin-piston calipers
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Two-piston calipers.Single disc
Tyres - Front100/80-172.50-12
Tyres - Rear110/80-173.00-12

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

2013 KTM 450 SX-F - Advantages

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

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 vs 2012 Honda CRF450R - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 KTM 450 SX-F or the 2012 Honda CRF450R?
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 2013 KTM 450 SX-F or the 2012 Honda CRF450R?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 KTM 450 SX-F has the edge in greater ground clearance, while the 2012 Honda CRF450R stands out for lower seat height and fuel injection. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.