2021 Honda CRF450RX vs 2021 KTM 450 Factory Edition: Back to Back!

2021 Honda CRF450RX and 2021 KTM 450 Factory Edition lap time comparison. Set up a short loop that combined a GP style section and woods section and rode both bikes back to back for a lap time comparison and to get a feel for how these bikes worked on this short lap.

Lap times:
'21 Honda CRF450RX 2:44.2
'21 KTM 450 Factory Edition: 2:39.3
KTM was about 5 seconds quicker!

Riding the bikes back to back here is what I noticed:

CRF450RX:
Big power! The CRF450RX engine always feels more powerful than the KTM450 with so much response with little throttle inputs. The RX has a lot of linear easy to control power with strong roll on torque feel (this downdraft intake engine breathes well). Traction Control smoothes the power out for slippery conditions and helps in the woods plus there are (3) selectable levels of TC.
The Showa suspension has an excellent off road setting that gives a plush feel on the trails though you will notice the chassis moving fore and aft as the suspension uses the stroke to absorb bigger inputs. The Dunlop AT81 tires have a softer carcass that contributes to a more compliant ride. The RX chassis has the usual CRF feel with quick response to steering inputs giving the bike a more agile feel. I am not a fan of the RX fuel tank which is wide at the the top and gives the bike a bigger overall feel. The hydraulic clutch works great with a lighter pull effort compared to the previous cable design. The new single muffler is tucked in nicely and is quieter than the previous dual exhaust though the lightweight construction is more prone to damage as the muffler on this bike was dented in a simple tip over.

KTM 450 Factory Edition:
It was interesting to use the suspension section of the myKTM app to dial in a suspension setting on the full moto 450FE. Using the app for my weight and rider skill level and Enduro/Classic track type the app had the following recommended suspension settings:
AER fork: 9.9 bar (Std 10.9 bar) C18/R23 (Std C12/R18) Fork Height 3 rings
Shock: C21/R20 HSC 2.75 (Std C15/R15 HSC 2.0)
These "Enduro" settings were quite good and made a full on moto bike quite rideable on this more GP/woods loop. The AER forks are easily tunable and the '21 model year updates result in a noticeably improved and more compliant front suspension feel. I would still give the edge to the RX Showa suspension which has a little more suppleness at the top of stroke compared to the WP FE suspension.
The 450FE engine has very smooth power and this bike still has the stock long turn throttle cam in place. The KTM 450 engine had a little more vibra vibration compared to the RX engine. I used the myKTM app to dial in a little more throttle response and minimize engine braking on the FE. Reducing engine braking helps free up the chassis and suspension and make the FE feels even lighter than it already is. The Akrapovic slip on muffler is very quiet. The KTM chassis is thin and ergos feel really good. The FE has excellent cornering and good stability at speed. The 450FE is about 15 lbs lighter (before gas) than the CRF450RX and the lighter weight is easily noticeable as the FE is much more flickable on the trails.

Both of these bikes are super fun to ride! It is impressive how Honda and KTM have made full on 450F moto bikes so easy to ride. The powerful and tunable engines are fit into agile handling chassis that make for versatile off road bikes. Both bikes offer a unique riding experience. Nice to have choices!

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