2021 WR450 vs. 2021 CRF450X - which is the better option

Aussie Thunder
Edited Date/Time 3/2/2021 5:55pm
Hi all, looking for some feedback on bike preferences for me. About me, been riding for 35+ years would consider myself as low end advanced in terms of skill, am 50, 6 ft 1 inch and 250 lbs.

My preferences are high speed trail/desert riding, hill climbs, and some rock crawling.

Thank you in advance for any feedback!
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DB505
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DB505 3/2/2021 11:51am
3/2/2021 11:51am
Probably the WR, unless you’re going racing then the crf or the yz fx
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CSAR FE
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CSAR FE 3/2/2021 12:30pm
3/2/2021 12:30pm
The 450x has more aftermarket support in terms of engine upgrades: uncork, exhaust, vortex ECU with an RX head and cam will make it a screamer. Hit up Joe at JCR Speedshop.
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tobz
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tobz 3/2/2021 12:47pm
3/2/2021 12:47pm
They’re essentially machines for different purposes. Have you seen a 450x in person lately? Composite injected swingarm and plastic guards and moulds everywhere to prevent road noise, it’s pretty much a daily commuter/safari/multi purpose machine.

WR is essentially a mx bike with a headlight with a few minor changes to make it trail friendly.

Only you can answer what you’ll find more useful.
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Xeno
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Xeno 3/2/2021 12:50pm
3/2/2021 12:50pm
You had me at "high speed desert" lol

We have some great setups for the CRF450X. The bike is really good stock, too.





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CSAR FE
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CSAR FE 3/2/2021 12:58pm
3/2/2021 12:58pm
@xeno How do you feel the new X compares to the first gen?
Aussie Thunder 3/2/2021 1:08pm
3/2/2021 1:08pm
Xeno wrote:
You had me at "high speed desert" lol We have some great setups for the CRF450X. The bike is really good stock, too. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/03/02/481109/s1200_IMG_2083.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/03/02/481108/s1200_IMG_2089.jpg[/img] [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2021/03/02/481107/s1200_IMG_2084.jpg[/img]
You had me at "high speed desert" lol

We have some great setups for the CRF450X. The bike is really good stock, too.





Nice! I like that A LOT, thank you.
Xeno
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Xeno 3/2/2021 1:34pm
3/2/2021 1:34pm
CSAR FE wrote:
@xeno How do you feel the new X compares to the first gen?
I did some back to back comparison recently. The Gen 2 steering is more precise. The chassis will follow where your eye is looking with more accuracy than the Gen 1. The new bike is 10mm wider at the footpegs (to fit the 6-speed trans) and it seems heavier when I have to pick it up. The new bike vibrates less and of course has more linear power due to the fuel injection.
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Xeno
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Xeno 3/2/2021 1:37pm
3/2/2021 1:37pm
Aussie Thunder wrote:
Nice! I like that A LOT, thank you.
The pictures are of a customer bike that I finished last week. This customer is 6'-5" and 260lbs. We installed heavier fork/shock springs and a tall handlebar/riser combination (amongst other parts and mods). Cool
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Aussie Thunder 3/2/2021 2:14pm
3/2/2021 2:14pm
Aussie Thunder wrote:
Nice! I like that A LOT, thank you.
Xeno wrote:
The pictures are of a customer bike that I finished last week. This customer is 6'-5" and 260lbs. We installed heavier fork/shock springs and a tall...
The pictures are of a customer bike that I finished last week. This customer is 6'-5" and 260lbs. We installed heavier fork/shock springs and a tall handlebar/riser combination (amongst other parts and mods). Cool
Very very cool, thank you for sharing!
motomad724
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motomad724 3/2/2021 2:40pm
3/2/2021 2:40pm
That Honda is sharp.
Have you considered a KTM 450 XCF?
Aussie Thunder 3/2/2021 2:50pm
3/2/2021 2:50pm
motomad724 wrote:
That Honda is sharp.
Have you considered a KTM 450 XCF?
Yes I have considered both the KTM450XCF and the Husky equivalent also. I must say I currently have a 2018 Husky 450 with 38 hours on it and I just this past weekend blew the second clutch slave. I am trading that bitch in and will not go back to the Euro brands again.
CSAR FE
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CSAR FE 3/2/2021 2:56pm
3/2/2021 2:56pm
motomad724 wrote:
That Honda is sharp.
Have you considered a KTM 450 XCF?
Aussie Thunder wrote:
Yes I have considered both the KTM450XCF and the Husky equivalent also. I must say I currently have a 2018 Husky 450 with 38 hours on...
Yes I have considered both the KTM450XCF and the Husky equivalent also. I must say I currently have a 2018 Husky 450 with 38 hours on it and I just this past weekend blew the second clutch slave. I am trading that bitch in and will not go back to the Euro brands again.
Put a Brembo clutch slave on it and you’ll never have another problem.
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Broseph
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Broseph 3/2/2021 3:10pm
3/2/2021 3:10pm
CSAR FE wrote:
The 450x has more aftermarket support in terms of engine upgrades: uncork, exhaust, vortex ECU with an RX head and cam will make it a screamer...
The 450x has more aftermarket support in terms of engine upgrades: uncork, exhaust, vortex ECU with an RX head and cam will make it a screamer. Hit up Joe at JCR Speedshop.
The WR is a YZ450FX with a locked ECU and a quiet muffler. Fix those two items and it’s good to go. The CRF450X is much more plugged up by comparison.
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quadzrulebro 3/2/2021 5:34pm
3/2/2021 5:34pm
At your height, you might want to add the KX450XC to your list of possibilities. You might enjoy having the ability to lower the pegs and move the bars forward to make the cockpit bigger. I’m tall and came from Honda to Kawasaki and am more comfortable now.
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Aussie_power_sports 3/2/2021 5:44pm
3/2/2021 5:44pm
The wrf is a fair bit ahead of the crx in the australian form.

That said the ktm, husky ,gas gas are ahead of the wrf for then general fast rider / racer
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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 3/2/2021 6:38pm
3/2/2021 6:38pm Edited Date/Time 3/2/2021 6:39pm
I have the new X. It’s does EVERYTHING really well and even held its own at a Motocross race in box-stock form.

It’s currently at JCR Speed to get some of their mods that make it a bit “racier”. We’re gonna start with a Yosh pipe and Twisted Development Vortex complete with the handlebar-switch.
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