2023 YZ450F vs 2023 CRF450 Works Edition Back to Back Comparison

2023 Yamaha YZ450F Monster Edition vs 2023 Honda CRF450 Works Edition: Back to Back comparison ride. Back to Back rides are a great way to get a feel for the different characteristics of each bike. Both my fast son (5'10" 170 lbs) and I (6'2" 190 lbs slow Vet) rode these bikes today. Our thoughts on each....

23 CRF450 Works Edition
The 2023 engine updates are instantly noticeable with smoother low to mid power that is easy to control with excellent throttle to rear wheel connectivity and also helps calm the chassis. I have not ridden a stock '23 CRF450R yet but the ported head, full Yoshimura exhaust, and unique engine mapping give the Works Edition engine a very smooth yet powerful engine character. The CRF450 engine does have noticeably more vibration than the '23 YZ450F engine. The CRF feels smaller up front with that usual CRF effortless turn initiation entering corners. The coated Showa suspension on the Works Edition gives a friction free feel that is noticeable on the little chop. Great "Just Feels Right" Honda ergos. There is something about the looks of a Honda CRF450 Works Edition...perhaps the best looking bike off the showroom floor?

23 YZ450F
The engine stands out on the YZ450 and dominates the character of the whole bike. The engine is so free feeling with 2-stroke like response that builds RPM and power quickly and controllably and with very little engine braking and little engine vibration. With the 12~14 lbs of fuel under the seat at the CG, tilted back cylinder head, and air box behind the steering head mass centralization plus the free feeling engine combine to make the YZ450F feel very lightweight in motion - more like a 350F. The YZ450 feels a little taller in the corners compared to the CRF450. 2nd and 3rd gears feel a tick taller overall compared to the CRF450. KYB suspension is well damped yet still has a plush and controlled feel.

Overall:
My son picked the YZ450F as his favorite with better suspension control, lighter weight feeling in motion (easier to changer directions), and just more fun to ride - a YZ450F that does not feel like a 450F...more like a powerful YZ350F.

I give a slight edge to the YZ450F for the free feeling engine combined with a lighter feel in motion that make for a playful and fun to ride 450F.