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2005 4-Stroke MX Shootout Photo Gallery
Honda and Yamaha have been on top in the big-bore 4-stroke MX wars of late, but Suzuki joins the party in 2005 with the RM-Z450. Check out how came out on top in our
2005 4-Stroke MX Shootout
.
Harrison felt the suspension on the YZ450F was a bit stiff.
More B.C., this time on the CRF450R.
Hamblin test the high speed cornering capability of the RM-Z
B.C. makes funny faces on the RM-Z.
Mason Harrison is a former number one plate holder in Oregon Cross Country series and is a podium regular in District 36.
Hamblin pitches some sand on the YZ450F
Jeremy Hamblin catches some air over a table top.
For a first effort, Suzuki gets big points from our testers.
The RM-Z was judged to be quick-steering and fairly stable at high speeds.
Rookstool does his best Ricky Carmichael imitation.
Our three ringers lineup for test the starting capabilities of each bike.
The CRF weighed in at a respectable 244 pounds.
Kevin Rookstool loved the frame and plastic shrouds, giving the RM-Z a big thumbs up in the style department.
We couldn't pry Horban off the CRF during the track test.
Mikey Horban styles it out while collecting onboard footage.
While korf tests the front brake, Mason Harrison, Kevin Rookstool, and Mikey Horban all take notes.
Is that...Kevin Win...oh, it's Korf.
Yet another shot of B.C. with the front wheel in the air.
These three bikes will turn any terrain into a blur of green and brown.
Kenny rails the CRF in the tight stuff.
Korf does his best RC imitation, albeit slightly slower.
Suzuki's first effort in the big-bore high performance 4-stroke class is quite impressive.
Even though they were designed with the track in mind, these big-bore thumpers are impressive in tight trails as well.
If you love getting the front end in the air, the Yamaha powerband is perfect.
Ripping soil loose is as easy as twisting the throttle on this trio.
B.C. shows off for the camera aboard the YZ450F.
B.C. found plenty of power in the RM-Z.
Keeping the front wheel down on uphill slopes is nearly impossible.
Of the three MX'ers in our shootout the CRF seemed most capable in the woods, but its heart still remains on the track.
With a 4-speed transmission the Suzuki was better suited for the track, but was still a fun bike in the woods.
For this test we opted to combine our track and trail notes and then designate an overall winner with a heavy emphasis on track performance, since that's what this trio was designed for.
The CRF450R comes out on top of the horsepower battle, topping the chart at 49.52 hp @ 8300 rpm. The RM was next with 48.84 hp @ 800 rpm, while the YZ450F churned out 47.22 hp @ 8700 rpm.
The RM-Z450 topped the torque chart with 34.75 lb-ft @ 7000 rpm. The CRF was second at 33.26 lb-ft @ 7500, and the YZ450F pumped out 31.85 lb-ft @ 6700 rpm.
The 4-speed transmission of the YZ450F seems better suited to the motocross track.
Honda's 5-speed tranny made it a true double threat.
Korf finds the quick turn-in capabilites of the CRF to be a major advantage in the woods.
