VOL. 50 ISSUE 49 DECEMBER 10, 2013
laurels a bit and made no noteworthy changes to
the bike. Would this mean the end of its reign, especially with the totally redone Yamaha YZ450F
coming on the scene, and with the KTM 450 SX-F
and Honda CRF450R taking on some updates of
their own, as well? We would soon find out.
As usual, we gathered up all of the usual players
of the 450 class – including the KTM 350 SX-F
– and headed to the track, a number of tracks,
in fact, including Glen Helen Raceway, where we
really put the bikes to the test more than once.
P33
Flaws can't hide on this challenging track. As we
always do, we left the bikes completely in stock
condition, including tires and ECU mapping. We
chose to leave the motors alone, exactly how you/
we get them from the factory. Mapping can get
quite involved and time consuming, so we left that
for another time. Suspension, handlebars and, in
one case, footpegs, however, are allowed to be
adjusted.
First, we thought we'd give you a quick review
of the five bikes, then rate them from sixth to first.
he BIG-BORES
the Kawasaki off the throne, or…?
