Braking Performance
Every one of the machines in our 2018 450cc shootout has very good binders, with all of them boasting front rotors of at least 260mm in diameter with twin-piston calipers to bring the proceedings to a halt quickly as the rider enters a corner or approaches an obstacle. Three of the Japanese machines, the Kawasaki KX450F, the Suzuki RM-Z450 and the Yamaha YZ450F all boast even larger 270mm rotors up front; Suzuki finally made the switch to 270mm from its 250mm rotor for 2018. Out back, braking is handled by 240mm rotors on the Japanese machines and 220mm rotors on the KTM 450 SX-F and the Husqvarna FC 450.
The KTM and the Husqvarna are also fitted with Brembo master cylinders and calipers, and once again our test crew was unanimous that the Brembos rule when it comes to ultimate stopping performance in the 450cc class. In the only first-place tie in any of our categories, the 450 SX-F and the FC 450 handily beat the Japanese when it comes to stopping power. The Brembos may have a slightly less linear feel than the others, but it takes very little time to master them, and once you do you can stop on a time in just about any type of dirt.
“The Husqvarna and the KTM stand out to me,” Abbatoye said. “Some people might find the Brembos to be super touchy, but they work so well. Get used to them, and you won’t stop quicker on anything else!” Stover agreed, noting that the Brembo units on the KTM and Husqvarna are, “Best in class. Nice and strong. Good power. Excellent modulation.”
Second place was very closely contested among the Yamaha YZ450F, Suzuki RM-Z450 and the Honda CRF450R, with the Yamaha edging out the other two in overall braking power and feel. Smith summed it up best when he said, “The Yamaha front brake lever has a positive, soft feel compared to the rest, but you can feel where you are in the braking power much better, so you can play where you want to with the power. The YZ’s brakes aren’t as strong as the KTM’s and Husky’s, but they feel really good.”
Stover felt that the Yamaha’s brakes were a little too progressive for his liking, but he felt that they still delivered good stopping power. Abbatoye also noted that the Yamaha’s brakes work well but aren’t on par with the KTM and Husky.
Suzuki’s switch from a 250mm front rotor to a 270mm front rotor was worthwhile, as the RM-Z450 came in right behind the Yamaha in our Braking Performance category scores.
“The Suzuki stops well,” Abbatoye said. “The brakes are easy to modulate, but they don’t even come close to the Brembos on the KTM and Husqvarna when it comes to power.”
While Smith complained that the RM-Z’s front brake was a little on the touchy side, Stover said, “The Suzuki’s brakes are good without being too powerful. Not the strongest in the class but not the weakest. They’re just not really an issue.”
The Honda CRF450R’s stopping performance was on par with the Suzuki RM-Z450 at Cahuilla Creek. Abbatoye pronounced them, “Good as always,” but Smith and Stover both nitpicked the Honda. Smith felt that the front brake pull on the CRF450R was on the stiff side. Stover had a little more to say.
“The Honda front brake could stand to be a little more aggressive,” Stover noted. “I don’t want to say it’s spongy, but it gave just a little more than I would prefer. The rear brake works well. It’s strong and has a good feel.”
While no one had any major complaints with the Kawasaki KX450F’s brakes, the group felt that they simply didn’t feel as strong as the binders on the other machines in the comparison. Smith noted that the KX’s stopping power was adequate while Abbatoye said that they exhibited “decent power and feel.” Stover was less impressed.
“The KX’s brakes leave something to be desired,” Stover said. “You really have to get into them in order to get them to lock up.”
2018 450cc Motocross Shootout Braking Performance Results
1. (TIE) Husqvarna FC 450/KTM 450 SX-F
2. Yamaha YZ450F
3. Suzuki RM-Z450
4. Honda CRF450R
5. Kawasaki KX450F
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