2 0 1 7 Y A M A H A W R 4 5 0 F V S . S U Z U K I R M X 4 5 0 Z V S . H O N D A C R F 4 5 0 X
P98
SHOOTOUT
making the bike run decent with-
out using a throttle limiter that
the Yamaha and Suzuki have.
We aren't saying the Honda
CRF450X is perfectly jetted in
stock form, it isn't, but it is ride-
able. Both the Suzuki RMX450Z
and the Yamaha WR450F use
throttle stops (or limiters) to
regulate how far the throttle
body opens, drastically reduc-
ing horsepower and, of course,
fun. The throttle stop, combined
with a lean ECU setting and
restricted airboxes, ensure that
the RMX450Z and WR450R
earn the right to run the Green
Sticker.
Because we test these bikes
on private land (as well as during
the winter months) we happily,
and without guilt, removed the
throttle stop on both the Suzuki
and the Yamaha, but we left the
airbox and exhaust systems in
stock form, because the ECUs
on both the RMX and WR are
locked and can't be adjusted,
so modifying either or both of
the airboxes or exhausts on the
RMX and WR will actually hinder
performance, not improve it.
The Honda didn't escape some
fixing, too, as we took the liberty
of changing out the ultra-lean
needlejet in the carburetor for a
slightly richer NCYS needle, with
the clip positioned on the third
groove from the top. (Keep in
mind that, again, this seemingly
harmless mod wipes away the
X's Green Sticker status. But you
didn't want to ride in the heat
anyway, right?). Now we have
three comparable motorcycles.
The Suzuki RMX returns with EFI.
