Husqvarna FE 450 2015 vs. Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

Husqvarna FE 450 2015

Husqvarna FE 450 2015

Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

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Overview - Husqvarna FE 450 2015 vs Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

The Husqvarna FE 450 2015 and the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 are both powerful and capable enduro motorcycles. However, there are several key differences between the two models.

In terms of engine specifications, the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 has a bore of 95mm and a stroke of 63.4mm, while the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 has a slightly larger bore of 96mm and a shorter stroke of 62.1mm. Both bikes have a single cylinder and a displacement of around 450cc. The Husqvarna FE 450 2015 has a kick starter, while the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 features an electric starter.

When it comes to suspension, both bikes have upside-down telescopic forks at the front. However, the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 is equipped with WP suspension, while the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 uses Showa suspension. Both brands are well-regarded in the industry for their quality and performance. The rear suspension on both bikes is also provided by the respective brands.

Husqvarna FE 450 2015

Husqvarna FE 450 2015

In terms of chassis, the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 has a steel frame with a central tube design, while the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 features an aluminum frame with a double cradle design. The choice of materials and frame design can have an impact on the overall weight and handling characteristics of the bikes.

When it comes to dimensions and weights, both bikes have a 21-inch front tire diameter and an 18-inch rear tire diameter. However, the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 has a wider rear tire width of 140mm, compared to the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017's 120mm rear tire width. The wheelbase of the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 is slightly longer at 1482mm, compared to the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017's 1477mm wheelbase. The seat height of the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 is also slightly higher at 970mm, compared to the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017's 959mm seat height. In terms of fuel tank capacity, the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 can hold 9 liters of fuel, while the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 has a slightly smaller capacity of 8.5 liters.

Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

In terms of strengths, the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 is praised for its powerful yet manageable performance, superior handling in various situations, high build quality, and a proven concept. On the other hand, the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 is commended for its sufficient power, confidence-inspiring handling, and being considered the best in the 450 class.

However, both bikes have their weaknesses. The Husqvarna FE 450 2015 is said to be slower than a 350 or a two-stroke on special stages and can feel heavy after a crash when compared to lighter bikes. The Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 has been reported to have issues with the engine cutting out and its chassis being more suited for fast stages rather than technical terrain.

In conclusion, the Husqvarna FE 450 2015 and the Honda CRF 450 RX 2017 are both capable enduro motorcycles with their own strengths and weaknesses. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the rider's preferences and priorities in terms of power, handling, and overall performance.

Technical Specifications Husqvarna FE 450 2015 compared to Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

Husqvarna FE 450 2015
Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

Engine and Drive Train

BoreBore95 mmBore96 mm
StrokeStroke63.4 mmStroke62.1 mm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio11.8 Compression Ratio13.5
StarterStarterKickStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bathClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionChainTransmissionChain
CylindersCylinders1Cylinders1
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
DisplacementDisplacement449.3 ccmDisplacement449.7 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic forkFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa

Suspension Rear

Shock mountShock mountDeflectionShock mountPro-Link
BrandBrandWPBrandShowa

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameAluminium
Frame typeFrame typeCentral tubeFrame typeDouble cradle

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width90 mmFront tyre width90 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height90 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter21 inchFront tyre diameter21 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width140 mmRear tyre width120 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height80 %Rear tyre height90 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter18 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
WheelbaseWheelbase1,482 mmWheelbase1,477 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height970 mmSeat Height959 mm
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity9 lFuel Tank Capacity8.5 l

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

Husqvarna FE 450 2015

Husqvarna FE 450 2015

Still the golden mean. Much easier to ride than a 350. Not quite as nervous, but just a tad more ponderous. It has no end of power and torque. The 501 is frankly superfluous. This bike is not too weak for anyone. Probably not the coolest choice, 450 was "mainstream" for years, but in the course of a hard enduro week the best partner you could wish for. The few extra kilos are quickly forgotten on the leisurely connecting stages. During the test we also rode it with a Rekluse automatic clutch. This worked great and saved power.

lots of power but still easy to drive

superior handling in almost every situation

not nervous, not tippy, stable but manageable enough

high build quality

mature concept, proven thousands of times over

Slower than a 350 or a two-stroke on the special stage

After the crash you are reminded of the extra pounds compared to 350s - if you have to pick them up

Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

Honda CRF 450 RX 2017

In the cross-country sector, the Honda CRF 450 RX is probably the number 1. Its single-cylinder convinces with sufficient power, but keeps popping out in our testers. As is typical for Honda, the CRF 450 RX gives a lot of confidence right from the start and has the best handling in the 450 class. However, the chassis is designed for fast stages and is not very convincing in the hard enduro sector. A lively and agile enduro for the cross-country segment!

sufficient power

gives a lot of confidence

best handling in the 450 class

Engine often blops out

Chassis designed for fast stages

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price Husqvarna FE 450 vs Honda CRF 450 RX

There are a few key differences between a Husqvarna FE 450 2015 and a Honda CRF 450 RX 2017. It takes less time to sell a Husqvarna FE 450 with 97 days compared to 250 days for a Honda CRF 450 RX. Since model year 2014 1000PS.de editors have written 7 reviews for the Husqvarna FE 450 and 7 reviews for the Honda CRF 450 RX since model year 2017. The first review for the Husqvarna FE 450 was published on 16/10/2013 and now has more than 21,800 views. This compares to more than 19,100 views for the first review on Honda CRF 450 RX published on 18/08/2016.

Price Husqvarna FE 450

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Honda CRF 450 RX

Model year
Current average market prices

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