2023 450 Moto Shootout: CRF450 Works Edition and KTM 450 Factory Edition Back to Back

23 Honda CRF450R Works Edition vs 23.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition ridden Back to Back!

Back to back rides are a great way to get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike. Thoughts on these 2023 450F moto bikes...

2023 Honda CRF450R Works Edition
The 2023 model year included frame, suspension, and engine updates on the CRF450 Works Edition. The first thing I noticed is the engine: smoother and easier to control low to mid power with quick and crisp throttle response. The engine mapping feels spot on with strong roll on torque feel. The combination of Works Edition unique EFI mapping, head porting, and full Yoshimura RS12 exhaust (with a long head pipe with resonator chamber) results in a very strong and powerful yet controllable and smooth CRF450 engine. The new suspension setting the Showa suspension is firmly damped with little fore/aft pitch under acceleration or braking. The Works Edition exclusive friction reducing coatings on the Showa suspension give supple feel that is noticeable on the little chop. Cornering , especially corner initiation, is a CRF strength. Ergo's are typical "just feel right" Honda and work for a wide range of riders. The 2023 engine/suspension/chassis updates are noticeable especially if you are a CRF rider.

Negatives: The CRF chassis is responsive which can equate to a busy feel at speed. There is still a globally firm overall feel to the CRF chassis which is more noticeable when riding with other bikes back to back


2023.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition
A few updates for the 23 model year including an Akrapovic slip on muffler, Hinson clutch cover, skid plate with carbon fiber sections now fits perfectly and bolts on easily, front braking rotor protector is the higher end version with carbon fiber sections, and new graphics to match the team. When we unlocked the ECU at the dealer there was already an updated ECU map to load. The engine runs clean with sharp throttle response and no chuffing or popping on decel. The Akrapovic slip on muffler is quiet and comes with full spark arrester installed. Initial throttle response in Map 1 (white map) is smooth with a strong linear power build with increasing engine RPM's. Map 2 (green map) livens up the throttle response. The KTM power feel is strong yet very easy to control. The suspension setting felt stiff but opening up the clickers made a noticeable improvement in compliance on the little chop. WP suspension always feels much better after 8~10 hours to break in but I did not wait and installed my WP Cone Valve spring forks at 1.6 hours ride time. The bike/chassis feels so much better with WP CV spring forks. The 450 Factory Edition has an excellent balance of cornering and stability at speed. The new chassis ergo's are excellent with the rider feeling connected to the bike while standing.

Negatives: The chassis and suspension feel stiff overall and take a while to break in (though the chassis/bikes feels so much better when CV spring forks are installed). AER forks are polarizing and though work well for many riders. The engine has the most engine braking feel and the most vibration of these 450's.


Summary:
The KTM 450 Factory Edition is a great combination of cornering and stability at speed with easy to control power and the unique feel of a steel frame (once it breaks in or you install spring forks)

The CRF450 Works Edition is a quick revving and quick handling and the special parts are noticeable and give the bike a very refined overall feel...like a "Works" bike

My first 2023 450F Moto Back to Back Ride from February...    • 2023 450 Moto Shootout: YZ450 Monster...