How Fast Does a 450cc Dirt Bike Go? [Pushing the Limit] (2023)

For many thrill seekers, there’s nothing like the rush of tearing through rough terrain on a dirt bike. For many professional riders, only a few bikes can compare to the 450cc dirt bikes. But, how fast can a 450cc dirt bike go?

A 450cc dirt bike can go as fast as 120 mph (193 km/h). This speed can depend on the bike model and manufacturing brand.

In this article, you’ll take a closer look at the speed capabilities of a 450cc dirt bike. You’ll also learn the factors that can affect it.

How Fast Can a 450cc Dirt Bike Go?

How Fast Does a 450cc Dirt Bike Go? [Pushing the Limit] (1)

The 450cc dirt bikes are not primarily built for their speed. Their design is to tackle varying terrains. For professional riders, the 450cc dirt bikes are useful in professional racing. This is for their capacity to overcome obstacles with ease.

Yet, a 450cc dirt bike has one of the highest speeds in a dirt bike. The average speed range for a 450cc dirt bike is 97-123 mph (156-198 km/h). Their engines are powerful. They can tear through rugged tracks with lightning speed.

But this speed can be affected by a few factors. These factors can be fixed like the weight of the bike or variable like the track it is being raced on.

Factors that Affect the Speed of a 450cc Dirt Bike

Several factors affect the speed of a 450cc dirt bike. These factors include:

1. Engine power and torque

The engine power and torque of a dirt bike rely on the make and model of the bike. The reputation of the manufacturing brand has great significance in the top speed of a bike.

Some bike models or brands prioritize speed above other performance indices. A few others focus on the torque and overall acceleration of the bike rather than speed.

So, although two brands may have the same engine size displacement, they may not have the same power and torque. This, in turn, impacts the speed of the bike.

2. Weight of the bike and rider

How Fast Does a 450cc Dirt Bike Go? [Pushing the Limit] (2)

It is common logic that heavier objects tend to move slower. In the case of the 450cc dirt bike, this weight can be the weight of the rider or even its own weight.

The weight the bike has to accelerate against puts a strain on the bike’s engine and transmission. As a consequence, heavier riders will find it more difficult to reach a 450cc dirt bike top speed.

3. Type of terrain and track

As is characteristic of motocross racing, some obstacles must be overcome. From taking turns and riding through rough terrain, the motocross track can be treacherous. It is a great risk to the rider to adopt an aggressive riding style on such tracks.

Following that, many experienced riders cannot reach top speed on such terrains. On rough terrain, the speed is low. But on smooth and flat surfaces, the bike can reach higher if not top speed.

The Average Speed Range of 450cc Dirt Bikes

The average speed range for a 450cc dirt bike is 97-123 mph (156-198 km/h). As highlighted earlier, the top speed of a 450cc dirt bike is highly dependent on the brand and/or model of the bike.

Thus, while the KTM 450 SX-F can reach a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h), the Kawasaki KX450’s top speed is 89 mph (143 km/h). Some bike’s top speeds include:

Comparison with other Motorcycle Classes

How Fast Does a 450cc Dirt Bike Go? [Pushing the Limit] (3)

A clear difference in motorcycle classes is the engine size displacement. But this is not where all the difference lies. The handling of these bike classes differs. There is also a difference in how nimble they are as well as their top-speed capabilities.

Let’s look at some of these classes in comparison to the 450cc dirt bike.

125cc Dirt Bikes

The 125cc dirt bikes can be used for both motocross racing and off-road trail riding. But the greatest comfort of the 125cc dirt bike class is how relatively lightweight it is. This especially when compared to the 450cc. This makes acceleration faster.

These bikes are better suited for young riders as the top speed they can muster is 75 mph (121 km/h). This is a speed not too high for the young riders nor too slow to bore them. Unlike the 450cc dirt bike, they cannot be used in professional motocross racing.

250cc Dirt Bikes

250cc dirt bikes combine the nimbleness of the 125cc with the 450 dirt bike top speed. Thus, intermediate-skilled riders can handle with ease the power generated by these bikes.The 250cc dirt bikes top speed within the range of 55-75 mph (88-120 km/h).

Top 450cc Dirt Bike Contenders

Overview of some 2023 Models of Motocross and Enduro Bikes

There are lots of 450cc bikes with varying performance and top speeds. Here are a few motocross and enduro bikes of the 450cc class:

Motocross KTM 450 SX-F

How Fast Does a 450cc Dirt Bike Go? [Pushing the Limit] (4)

The KTM 450 SX-F is a high-performance bike with a powerful 449cc engine. This engine has a 54.3HP at 9,400 rpm horsepower. The KTM 450 SX-F is a popular choice among professional motocross riders.

‘When a factory builds a bike, you lose a little somewhere else. “That wasn’t the case…the suspension started working better…they brought to the table a better bike.”

Ryan Dungey, Motocross Champion

Attaining a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h), the KTM 450 SX-F is the fastest dirt bike in the world.

Full-Size MX Kawasaki KX450

The Kawasaki KX450 is one of the big Japanese four. Like the others, its reputation for durability and reliability precedes it. Like its KTM rival, it has won a lot of Motocross championships.

Yamaha YZ450F

Yamaha outdid itself with the improved ergonomics of this bike. Its peak torque of 32.7 lb-ft generates a remarkable 54.4 hp. This gives the bike enough speed to rank among the speed toppers in this class.

Motocross Husqvarna FC 450

The Husqvarna might be a lesser-known name compared to the KTM. But what it lacks in public exposure, it gains in speed and track cred. This bike can reach an impressive top speed of 107 mph (172 km/h).

Motocross GasGas MC 450F

Unmistakably, the GasGas MC 450F is a great addition to the 450cc dirt bike class. The WP XACT suspension system gives it great stability to grind at a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h).

Comparison Table of the Top Dirt Bike Contenders in the 450cc Class

KTM 450 SX-FKawasaki KX450Yamaha YZ450FGasGas MC450FHusqvarna FC 450
Engine 449.9cc,
4-Stroke
449cc,
4-Stroke
450cc,
4-Stroke
449.9cc,
4-Stroke
449.9cc,
4-Stroke
Power 54.3 Hp
and
33.8 Lb.-Ft.
51.9 Hp
and
32.6 Lb.-Ft.
54.4 Hp
and
32.7 Lb.-Ft.
53.0 Hp
and
33.9 Lb.-Ft.
53.7 Hp
and
33.2 Lb.-Ft.
Weight228 Lbs 233.2 Lbs 240 Lbs 220 Lbs 228.62 Lbs
Dimensions N/A86.0 In. x
32.3 In. x
49. 8 In.
86.0 In. x
32 In. x
50 In.
85.8 In. x
32.5 In. x
50.2 In.
N/A
Top speed 123 Mph 96 Mph 90 Mph 120 Mph 107 Mph

Analysis of the Top Contender Dirt Bikes

From the table, you can see that the KTM 450 SX-F can reach a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h). While the Kawasaki KX450’s top speed is 89 mph (143 km/h). Among these top contenders, the bike with the least top speed is the Yamaha YZ450F.

Pros and Cons

ProsCons
KTM 450 SX-FSturdy frame
Superior suspension
High speed
Stiff ride experience
Slim cockpit
Kawasaki KX450Swift throttle response
Strong brakes
Great power
Not as fast as others in the class
High maintenance cost
Yamaha YZ450FPremium suspension
Well balanced
Electric starter
Not fuel-efficient
Too heavy
GasGas MC450FHigh-quality components
Reliable and durable bike
Limited availability of parts
Maintenance can be expensive
Husqvarna FC 450Predictable handling
Friendly control
Intuitive response
Dealers are not widespread
Can feel heavy to some riders

Bottom Line

Factors including riding skills, the weight of the rider and the type of terrain the bike is being ridden on can affect speed. They add up to affect the power and performance of a 450cc dirt bike. But, the 450cc bikes are one of the fastest in the dirt bike world.

FAQs

Is a 450cc faster than 250cc?

Yes, a 450cc dirt bike is faster than a 250cc dirt bike. This is mostly due to larger engine size and higher power output. This translates to a higher top speed.

How Fast is 450cc in km/h?

A 450cc has a speed range of 156-198 km/h.

FAQs

How fast can you go on a 450cc dirt bike? ›

450cc dirt bikes are great for recreational and enduro riding and can reach speeds of 80-120mph.

Can a dirt bike go 100 mph? ›

Motocross bikes can go at speeds of up to 100 miles an hour and more. Although they can match the speed of an on-road vehicle, motocross bikes are rarely driven at their top speed due to the rough and dangerous terrain they are built to ride on at more average speeds.

What is the most powerful 450 dirt bike? ›

Yamaha makes the most peak horsepower of all 450 motocross bikes in 2023. Robert Martin Jr. Because the YZ450F has the strongest low-end power in the class, it's the easiest to ride a gear high, which helps with controlling power and keeping the chassis calm.

What dirt bike goes 60 mph? ›

125cc 4 Stroke – 60mph

A 125cc 4-stroke dirt bike can go very fast. It is capable of going up to 60 miles per hour and has a horsepower of about 9.

How fast is a 1000cc dirt bike? ›

With a 1000cc engine producing upwards of 170 hp, this bike can reach a top speed of 185 mph and complete its 0-60 mph in just under three seconds. The bike also comes with an 8-level traction system to allow riders to achieve such speeds with comfort and control.

Is 450cc faster than 250cc? ›

450cc bikes are much faster than 250cc bikes, but you don't want to choose bikes based on how fast they go. Take into consideration your weight, height, and riding ability, to make the right decision on which bike would suit you best on the track.

Can a bike go 300 mph? ›

No one in history has ever put down faster back-to-back runs sitting on a motorcycle. And at the same time, he became the first person to break the 300-mph mark in an FIM sanctioned meet, going 304.969 mph on one run.

Can you go 200 mph on a motorcycle? ›

Ducati Superleggera V4: 200 mph

The 998 cc V4 engine produces 234 horsepower, which is a mighty amount for the carbon-fiber heavy body, which weighs just 335.5 pounds with the available racing kit. This isn't the first time Ducati has used the Superleggera name for a motorcycle.

Can you run 50 to 1 in a dirt bike? ›

What is the best ratio for motocross? If you stick to high-quality lubricants, MXA recommends anywhere between 24:1 and 32:1 ratios for 125 and under bikes. You can run 32:1 to 50:1 ratios in your 250 and Open engines.

Is a 450 too powerful? ›

Avoid the biggest motor 450 Motocross bike, because these will be too powerful for a beginner. Generally, a beginner should steer clear of anything with more than 300 in displacement.

How much HP does a 450 have? ›

Peak horsepower doesn't always fall on an even number, but it is where the engine reaches its maximum number. The Honda CRF450 peaks at 60.21 horsepower and the remaining five engines fall off in half horsepower increments from 57.51 (Yamaha) to 57.14 (KTM), 56.40 (Husqvarna), 55.86 (Kawasaki) and 54.39 (Suzuki).

How much does a 450 dirt bike cost? ›

450cc. The price range for a 450cc bike is 9,000 to 11,000 dollars. This engine size is the largest one you can find.

What is the fastest stock dirt bike? ›

Top 10 Fastest Stock Dirt Bikes from the Factory
  • ATK Intimidator 700 – 110 mph, 685 cc Engine. ...
  • Honda XR – 110 mph, 650 cc Engine. ...
  • Beta 450 RS – 111 mph, 449 cc Engine. ...
  • Husqvarna TX – 112 mph, 300 cc Engine. ...
  • Aprilia RXV 5.5 – 113 mph, 549 cc Engine. ...
  • Suzuki DR-Z – 114 mph, 400 cc Engine. ...
  • KTM 450 SX-F – 123 mph, 449 cc Engine.

How fast is 100cc in mph? ›

How Fast Are Mopeds?
Moped TypeTop Speed
50cc30 mph
100cc40 – 70 mph
125cc60 mph
150cc70 mph
1 more row
Dec 28, 2022

How fast is the 72v Sur Ron BAC 4000? ›

Its extreme durability for on and off-road capabilities, 50MPH max speed, a 100-mile range, and 2-person seat give it everything you could ever want in an eBike and more!

Is 1000cc too much for a beginner? ›

If you are brand new to the road with no car driving experience, you should stay away from a 1000cc motorcycle. Learning the skills to ride and learning the road rules simultaneously on a race like engine designed for extreme performance…its simply too much for you to process, and will end in tragedy.

What is the max speed of a dirt bike? ›

How Fast Are They? Dirt bikes are known for their lightweight design and well-constructed engines. The top speed of a 150cc dirt bike can vary, but the average top speed of a 150cc dirt bike is about 50 to 60 mph. Many factors can contribute to the potential top speed of a dirt bike.

How fast are most dirt bikes? ›

The average speed a dirt bike can achieve is between 50 and 60 miles per hour. These numbers will ultimately depend on a combination of factors including the type of engine, horsepower and the terrain being ridden. Although dirt bikes aren't designed primarily for speed, they are fast and fun to ride!

What age is a 450cc for? ›

In all events, a rider must be 14 or older to ride motorcycles above a 250cc. In motocross events, a rider must be 14 or older to ride a 250cc 4-stroke/2-stroke motorcycle. In motocross events, a rider must be 16 or older to ride a 450cc or above motorcycle.

Is 450cc dirt bike too big? ›

Choosing something between 250cc and 450cc might be a better choice. However, again, experience plays an important role - even if you're heavier or taller. Choosing a 450cc might be too powerful for the extremely novice rider, but going above 250cc's is smart for those who have grown accustomed to riding dirt bikes.

Is a 450 harder to ride than a 250? ›

250 will be way easier on a beginner rider. but a 450 will last longer. if you are just an average rider that wants to hit the trails and mx track every now and again, a 250 will be fine for you tho.

What bikes can go 180 mph? ›

Here Are The Top 10 Fastest Road-Legal Motorcycles
  • Yamaha YZF-R1M (185.7 MPH) - The Crossplane Monster. ...
  • KTM 1290 Super Duke R (186+ MPH) - Hooliganism Prevails. ...
  • Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP (186+ MPH) - Japanese Precision. ...
  • Suzuki Hayabusa (186+ MPH) - The Iconic Peregrine Falcon Returns In A New Avatar.
Feb 24, 2021

What bike goes 240 mph? ›

The 11 fastest motorcycles in the world are:

Kawasaki Ninja H2R: 240 mph. Lightning LS-218: 218 mph. Ducati 1199 Panigale R: 202 mph.

How fast can a human ride a bike? ›

Fastest Bicycle Speed
SpeedType of record
35.495mphMen's World Hour – 60 minutes unsupported around a 250m indoor velodrome
30.784mphWomen's World Hour – 60 minutes unsupported around a 250m indoor velodrome
26.569mphMen's 24 Hours record – Hinterstoisser Air Base, Austria
3 more rows

Can you go 80 mph on a bike? ›

Tom Donhou, a bicycle builder based in Hackney, London, just went 80 mph on a bike. As a point of reference: You or I might hit 30 mph, tops, on a flat surface; a professional might max out at about 45 mph. But to get anywhere over that speed, you need a bike explicitly designed to go really freaking fast.

Is it hard to bike 20 mph? ›

To hit an average speed of 20mph/32kph, you'll probably have had to put in lots of systematic training. Since it takes eight times as much effort to overcome air resistance at 20mph as it does at 10mph, that's a big increase in power output.

What is the world fastest bike? ›

The Ninja H2R is capable of incredible speeds of 400 km/h. The highest of any commercial bike in the world, it has a power-to-weight ratio of 1.48 horsepower per kilogram. The Kawasaki Ninja H2R is indeed the world's fastest motorcycle since no other machine can compare to this turbocharged beast.

Is 80 hours a lot on a dirt bike? ›

If you're a dirt bike enthusiast who casually drives the motorcycle from time to time, 100 hours is considered high hours. But, of course, this still depends on many factors like maintenance and use. On the other hand, for professional motocross racers, the high hours could vary from 15 hours to 25 hours.

Can you put 93 in a dirt bike? ›

Any fuel type between 87-octane and the 92-octane will work just fine depending on the type of motocross bike you own. If you own a 4 stroke, for example, the 82-octane works just fine, but for a 2-stroke, you should go for the ethanol-free higher octanes (92 and 93) because the lower octanes tend to detonate.

Are 4 stroke dirt bikes faster? ›

4-stroke bikes are heavier, have more stability and traction on the track, but have the higher horsepower for overall power. This means that both are fast.

How many hours can a 450 last? ›

A well maintained 450 ridden by a fast motocross guy will easily go 60 hours on a topend (piston,rings, timing chain).

Are 450s too fast? ›

They can do big obstacles right out of turns, the power stretches far and can do huge combos etc. So yes 450s are clearly too much.

How long do 450 engines last? ›

The amount of hours you will get out of your 4 stroke dirt bike depends on a few variables. 200 hours would be a lot for a 250F motocross bike, but normal for an air cooled trail bike. It's pretty common to see a 450 4 stroke with 300-400+ hours on the original engine if it was just casually trail ridden.

How many gears does a 450 dirt bike have? ›

Why do current 450 motocross race bikes have five gears?

How fast is a Honda 450R dirt bike? ›

In stock condition the top speed of Honda's TRX 450R model is 74 MPH. A lot of things play a role in determining top speed including rider weight, ATV condition, altitude, carb adjustment, wind speed and direction, ground surface and more.

How heavy is a 450 dirt bike? ›

These are the average weights of each kind of 450cc dirt bike: 450 motocross bike bike: 240 lbs. 450 cross-country enduro bike: 254 lbs. 450 off-road enduro bike: 262 lbs.

How much is the cheapest dirt bike? ›

When it comes to the cost of a motocross bike, the options vary greatly. However, if you are looking at a starter 125cc bike, these can be purchased for just over $3,000 brand-new. The 250cc bikes will cost you a bit more, with prices ranging between $8,000 – $10,000.

What size dirt bike is good for a 10 year old? ›

1. Height Dirt Bike Sizes for Adults and Kids
Riders (feet/age)Engine capacity (cubic centimeters)
5-8 yrs old50
8-9 yrs old50-65-110
9-10 yrs old50-65-110
10-12 yrs old110 or 125
7 more rows
Feb 13, 2023

How fast is 125cc? ›

The short answer is that a 125cc bike's average speed will be about 50-60 miles per hour. The average top speed will be around 70-80 miles per hour. However, so many different factors affect how fast any particular motorcycle can go. There are lots of things to consider when determining your actual bike's speed.

Is 2 stroke or 4-stroke faster? ›

While 4-stroke engines perform well and generally last longer than 2-stroke engines, 2-stroke engines are lighter and faster than 4-stroke engines.

What dirt bike is easiest to wheelie? ›

The KTM 1190 Adventure R is the ideal bike for wheelies because of several reasons. First, the V-Twin engine offers the torque you need to jerk up your front end. Even when you are riding above 50 mph, you won't have any trouble getting it up.

Are 2 stroke dirt bikes faster? ›

Two-stroke engine bikes are lighter and faster bikes that have an intense kick to the motor. This makes it easier to throw around your bike with the faster punch per cc. At the same time, these bikes are usually more difficult to ride and control.

How fast is 200cc in mph? ›

A 200cc four-stroke engine will typically have a top speed of around 40-45 mph, while a 200cc two-stroke engine can reach speeds of up to 55 mph or more. The type of engine will also impact the acceleration of the mini bike, with two-stroke engines generally offering better acceleration.

How many mph is 600cc? ›

So how fast are these 600cc bikes? All motorcycle brands have a 600cc motorcycle that will go over 125 mph. Yet, on average, the maximum speed of 600cc bikes is around 160 mph.

How fast is 700cc in mph? ›

650–850cc—75 MPH

With a max speed this high, you'll be hitting speeds of 40–50 MPH regularly on trails. With 700cc of displacement, this ATV can put out a lot of power. If speed is what you're after, this quad will give it to you… at least until you hit the built-in rev limiter at around 75 MPH.

How fast is 72V 3000w mph? ›

potentially 60+mph yes...

How fast is 8000W 72V? ›

Advice on Motor Speed

speed of 8000W bicycle motor ranges from 70km/h to 140km/h. 2) The recommend max. speed is 110km/h at battery voltage 72V.

How fast is 72V 5000W? ›

The UltraTRX E-Cheetah Full Suspension Super Bike 72v 5000w Max Speed 53mph / 60 – 70 Miles in Distance.

Can a beginner ride a 450 dirt bike? ›

Avoid the biggest motor 450 Motocross bike, because these will be too powerful for a beginner. Generally, a beginner should steer clear of anything with more than 300 in displacement. If you have almost no experience, it is also wise to keep your budget lower.

Are 450 dirt bikes powerful? ›

Most 450 dirt bikes have around 53-58 horsepower today, which is a lot for an off-road motorcycle. For the most powerful 450 dirt bike, it depends on the year and which dyno is used, but the KTM 450 SX-F is often at the top with 57-57 HP.

Is 55 mph fast for a dirt bike? ›

The average speed a dirt bike can achieve is between 50 and 60 miles per hour. These numbers will ultimately depend on a combination of factors including the type of engine, horsepower and the terrain being ridden. Although dirt bikes aren't designed primarily for speed, they are fast and fun to ride!

How fast can a 500cc dirt bike go? ›

The average 500cc dirt bike has a top speed of about 100 mph. Certain models can reach speeds as high as 120 mph, while others are limited to the low 90s. In most circumstances, riders won't be able to safely reach the maximum speed if they are using bikes for off-road riding.

What dirt bike should a 13 year old be on? ›

How To Size A Dirt Bike For Your Kid
Child AgeChild HeightEngine Size In CC
3 – 7-years2ft 7-inches To 3ft 7-inches50cc
7 – 12-years3ft 7-inches To 4ft 7-inches50cc – 110cc
12 – 14-years5ft To 5ft 2-inches125cc
14 – 16-years5ft 2-inches To 5ft 8-inches125cc – 250cc
May 11, 2021

How much should you weigh to ride a 450? ›

When setting up a bike during pre-production testing, manufacturers have a target weight range for potential consumers. ON a 450cc motocross bike, that is 175 to 185 pounds.

Is a 450 dirt bike bigger than a 250? ›

Are 250 & 450 the same size? As far as the physical size of the bike, a 250 and 450 are virtually the same size. Some 450s are slightly wider at the gas tank, but the seat height is the same on both size dirt bikes.

How long do 450 dirt bikes last? ›

A well maintained 450 ridden by a fast motocross guy will easily go 60 hours on a topend (piston,rings, timing chain).

Is a 450 dirt bike faster than a Raptor 700? ›

In an all-out drag race, the biggerbore Raptor 700 is faster. The quicker revving YFZ-R will get out of the hole quicker, but the massive torque and taller gearing of the 700 will slowly walk away from the race-ready 450.

How fast do street legal dirt bikes go? ›

The top speed of a dirt bike with a 100cc engine is around 60 miles per hour. However, depending on how the engine is adjusted and whether or not there is a secondary carburetor, the top speed can range from 60 to 80 miles per hour. At this rate, you'll be going a lot faster than most cars do on city streets.

How fast is 200cc? ›

A 200cc four-stroke engine will typically have a top speed of around 40-45 mph, while a 200cc two-stroke engine can reach speeds of up to 55 mph or more.

How many strokes is a 450cc dirt bike? ›

The engine is a liquid-cooled 450cc four-stroke that uses a SOHC configuration and four valves.

References

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