2012 Honda CRF450X Shootout Photo Gallery

The Honda CRF450X holds no undisclosed secrets, no mind-bending upgrades and no major transformations.

See how the Honda CRF450X stands up to three other Enduro bikes in the 2012 450 Enduro Shootout. Read more in the 2012 Honda CRF450X Shootout.

The muffler is dated and fairly restricted.

With Yamaha upping the game from Japan, we needed to include the venerable Honda in this shootout to see what has given it such staying power across the past decade.

A smaller rear sprocket could help give the 450X a chance against the six-speed trannies of the Beta and KTM.

2012 450 Enduro Horsepower

The CRF-X has the best cable-clutch in this group,
but it doesn't compare to the hydraulic units.

The Japanese mill cranks out slightly higher dyno numbers than the Yamaha with 29.41 lb-ft of torque and 41.98 horsepower.

Its 47mm Showa fork and Pro-Link Showa shock are both very rigid and work best when slamming rough terrain at max speed.

When it comes to the computer, not having the technology is sometimes less frustrating than having it and needing a user’s manual.

The HPSD is a feature that none of the other bikes have.

2012 450 Enduro Torque

The aluminum frame provides excellent ergonomics that feel comfortable and familiar right away, and it excels in fast terrain where it refuses to get out of shape.

Trying to get the suspension to work can take a toll on the pilot, but coaxing the chassis takes virtually no effort.

Based on the Yamaha’s updates and $8090 pricetag, the Honda seems a bit expensive at $8440.

2012 Honda CRF450X Dyno Chart

Despite being dated, the Honda is still a good motorcycle, especially in these riding conditions.

It has binders that are plenty strong, but they don’t compare to the extreme power of the Beta and KTM.

Honda employs a 96mm bore and retains a 40mm flat-side Keihin carburetor for fuel delivery.

When it was all said and done, two of our riders chose the Honda as their preferred machine.

The CRF450X didn’t win a single category. Sometimes being good at everything, but great at nothing can earn a shootout victory, but not this time.