The 2026 Honda CRF450R is a competition-focused motocross machine engineered for serious amateur and professional off-road racers. Powered by a potent 449.8cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke with PGM-FI fuel injection and a 13.5:1 compression ratio, it delivers responsive power across the rev range. Renowned for its balanced handling, adjustable Showa suspension with 12.2-inch travel, and proven reliability, the CRF450R excels in high-speed terrain and demanding race conditions.
The 2026 KTM 450 SX-F is a professional-grade motocross machine designed for elite racers and serious competitive riders. Powered by a 449.9cc liquid-cooled four-stroke engine producing 63 horsepower, it delivers aggressive performance and precise throttle control through advanced Keihin fuel injection. Known for its winning heritage in professional motocross, the 450 SX-F combines cutting-edge engineering with championship-proven reliability.
Both are motocross bikes, so this is a like-for-like choice.
2026 Honda CRF450R: Built purely for motocross racing and serious off-road riding, not for street use or general transportation.
2026 KTM 450 SX-F: Built exclusively for motocross racing and serious off-road riding, not for street use or commuting.
Verdict: Choose the 2026 KTM 450 SX-F if you want more power. Check the full table below for every figure, and the size comparison for fit.
| Specification | 2026 Honda CRF450R | 2026 KTM 450 SX-F |
|---|---|---|
| Other | ||
| Category | Motocross | Motocross |
| Comments | Torque is a rear-wheel dyno figure. | Connectivity. Torque is a rear-wheel dyno figure. |
| Rake | 27.3deg | - |
| Color Options | - | Orange/white/grey |
| Engine | ||
| Capacity: | 449.0 ccm (27.40 cubic inches) | 449.9 ccm (27.45 cubic inches) |
| Engine Type | Single, four-stroke | Single, four-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0 x 62.1 mm (3.8 x 2.4 inches) | 95.0 x 63.4 mm (3.7 x 2.5 inches) |
| Compression | 13.5:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Cooling System | Liquid | Liquid |
| Fuel System | Injection | Injection |
| Starting | Electric | Electric |
| Ignition | CDI | Keihin EMS |
| Valves Per Cylinder | 4 | - |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 56.0 HP (41.2 kW) | ✓63.0 HP (46.3 kW) |
| Torque | 45.7 Nm (4.7 kgf-m or 33.7 ft.lbs) @ 6900 RPM | ✓46.8 Nm (4.8 kgf-m or 34.5 ft.lbs) @ 7700 RPM |
| Power/Weight Ratio | 0.5138 HP/kg (dry) | 0.6111 HP/kg (dry) |
| Chassis & suspension | ||
| Frame | Aluminium twin tube | Central double-cradle-type 25CrMo4 steel. Aluminum-reinforced polyamide subframe. |
| Front Suspension | 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ 12.2 in. travel | WP XACT-USD (AER), Ø 48 mm |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ 12.2 in. wheel travel | WP XACT Monoshock with linkage |
| Front Wheel Travel | 310 mm (12.2 inches) | 310 mm (12.2 inches) |
| Rear Wheel Travel | 310 mm (12.2 inches) | 300 mm (11.8 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 27.3° | 26.1° |
| Trail | 115 mm (4.5 inches) | - |
| Ground Clearance | 333 mm (13.1 inches) | 343 mm (13.5 inches) |
| Transmission | ||
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Final Drive | Chain | Chain |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet, hydraulically actuated (6 springs, 8 plates) | Wet, DDS multi-disc clutch, Brembo hydraulics |
| Brakes & wheels | ||
| Front Brakes | 2-piston caliper (30mm, 27mm) hydraulic; single 260mm disc | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings |
| Front Brakes Diameter | 240 mm (9.4 inches) | - |
| Rear Brakes | 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240mm disc | Single disc. Brake calipers on floating bearings |
| Rear Brakes Diameter | 240 mm (9.4 inches) | - |
| Front Tyre | Dunlop Geomax MX33 80/100-21 w/ tube | 1.6-21 |
| Rear Tyre | Dunlop Geomax MX33 120/80-19 w/ tube | 2.15-19 |
| Dimensions & weight | ||
| Wheelbase | 1481 mm (58.3 inches) | 1493 mm (58.8 inches) |
| Overall Length | 2182 mm (85.9 inches) | - |
| Overall Width | 828 mm (32.6 inches) | - |
| Overall Height | 1265 mm (49.8 inches) | - |
| Seat Height | 960 mm (37.8 inches) | ✓958 mm (37.7 inches) |
| Dry weight | 109.0 kg (240.3 pounds) | ✓103.1 kg (227.3 pounds) |
| Wet Weight | 112.9 kg (248.9 pounds) | - |
| Fuel Capacity | 6.40 litres (1.69 US gallons) | ✓7.20 litres (1.90 US gallons) |
| Oil capacity | 1.80 litres (1.90 US quarts) | - |
"Best" (✓) reflects that single spec only, not overall suitability - a bike can win on paper and still be the wrong choice for you. Ties are all marked; specs with no clear better/worse direction (e.g. displacement, wheel size) are never marked, only tinted where bikes differ.
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Specs are pulled from the same categories used throughout the site: engine and transmission (capacity, power, torque, gearbox), physical measures (weight, seat height, fuel and tank capacity), frame and dimensions, speed and acceleration, and brakes, suspension, frame and wheels (including tyres) - plus general information and maintenance data where it's on record for a bike.
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