2007 450 Off-Road Comparison - The Bull

We are constantly surprised by the performance of the stock CRF-X. Why? Because we end up modifying our test bikes and forget about stock.

Riding like a motocrosser or putting like a trail hound, the KLX-R is one happy bike.

"Where did we park?" "Who's not on reserve?" "It's how far?" All in a DR comparison.

Suspension human impression chart

chris Denison5'10"/155 lb/Off-Road IntermediateI may be young, but I can still appreciate how far production off-road machines have come in the past few years. It's amazing to me that you can now purchase a new 450cc enduro bike, take it straight out to your favorite trails and be completely satisfied with the results. That said, this shootout wasn't the easiest one to call; never before have I so badly wanted to roll up all the bikes into one stellar machine. However, that would make for one ugly-colored bike, so I guess I'll just pick a winner instead.In our 450cc motocross shootout (March '07), the big Kawasaki did not score too many points in my book (read: light rider + massive bike = mechanical bull). Here, the KLX450R was my top pick; the color is about the only thing that the two green machines have in common. Kawasaki broke its traditional mold on the new KLX-R by producing a bike that is consistent, handles well and is laughably usable, a noticeable contrast to the company's motocross model. With a comfortable ergo style, snappy motor and excellent exhaust note, the off-road machine really suited my style on a wide variety of terrain types, from slicing through tight trees to bombing across the open desert. More impressive still is that only one year ago this bike was nonexistent to the public! If ever there was an off-road machine that shot out of the womb in a massive power wheelie, this is it. I'd spend my money on a KLX450R any day.

Jesse Ziegler5'10"/175 lb/Vet IntermediateIf you slow down a 450, give it beaucoup traction and somehow trick me into feeling it's lightweight, I'm happy. Beginning with my favorite bike this year, I'd have to go with the KLX450R. The bike literally feels like the MX version mellowed out enough to be a traction hog. The Kawi is ultraquiet while still offering great power delivery, making it the perfect choice for riding in the woods. Wow, the KTM is street-legal, huh? Wait, I change my order. The KTM is first now, and the KLX-R is second. When covering the type of terrain I crave, the KTM does everything fine and dandy, plus I can park it in front of the gas station on beer runs in Hollywood and let all the Mercedes-driving prissy girls look at me in awe and curiosity while the cops ignore me. And that is never a bad thing. The KTM has plush suspension that lets me push it to race pace yet still reminds me to slow down with bottoming, which is a good thing as I hate crashing. I save my race pace for races. Give me a box of sprockets and my motorcycle endorsement and I'm in heaven here.The Yamaha WR450F is still a bit odd for me considering my preferences. Its motor is dynamite, but the suspension lacks the ultraplushness I desire in the rocks or the confidence to crank through loamy, single-track turns. Plus, try explaining to your buddies why you have to work on your new bike to get it even with every other bike out there. The Honda is a fun bike to ride, much racier than the others. Since I lack the throttle control and twist my hand right into the aggressive hit, even when trying to lug, I'm fighting this bike a lot. The suspension followed suit with the harshest initial hit. Both of these traits will come in handy when I'm entering a stock bike in a race, which I really, really like to do. But for the easy trail ride and 99 percent of my seat time, it's just a bit too race-tuned for my preference.

Karel Kramer6'1"/210 lb/B RiderAll of these bikes are truly excellent off-road machines, and it comes down to details and your brand of off-roading to make a choice. The Yamaha is a good do-anything bike but is a little vanilla in this group. The Kawasaki is a miraculous first effort, with a smooth engine and supple suspension. The Honda has the most burst in the low-rpm power ranges, and I realize I like it better than I thought I would. The KTM has a six-speed transmission, is narrower through the pegs so it doesn't stick in ruts and is street-legal. I'm not an average-size rider, so the choice comes down to the KTM and the Honda, since they have the aftermarket support to make them fit my size and style. Even if these bikes were essentially all the same, the six-speed tranny would make a difference to me. Its transmission, ergonomics and license plate make the KTM my choice.