Comparison test: enduro class 450 4T

The motorcycles we have ridden in mixed enduro terrain over rocks, mud, steep slopes and even snow are in turn athletes. You could even say that this is a sports equipment, just like the devices in the fitness studio. The difference between fitness is mainly that we wrestle indoors and here in a natural environment, which (at least for us) is much more fun.

Speed, jumps, engine sound and constantly unpredictable situations on the field - that's what fills us with adrenaline, and a person can quickly become addicted. On the other hand, enduro is a type of motorsport that is gaining more and more importance. Many motorcyclists have found that the adrenaline rush on the road is neither safe nor cheap. Due to police radar checks and more and more traffic, riding a road bike is getting more and more exhausting and exhausting every year. Thus, enduro is the law!

So let me introduce you to the current candidates for the coveted Master of the Middle World title: Husqvarna TE 450, Husaberg Fe 450 e, Gas Gas FSE 450, KTM EXC 450 Racing, KTM EXC 400 Racing, TM Racing EN 450 F. and Yamaha WR 450 F Street. All are equipped with water-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke engines and are all ready to race from the moment they leave the factory. Athletes to the core, with racing suspension and brakes.

We also invited third-party employees of Auto magazine to such a large project, and they successfully filled all areas of motorcycle knowledge and experience. Our Medo, who cares about the technical perfection of the appearance of the beauties in the Slovenian Playboy (allegedly, he has a very demanding, monotonous and boring job - oh poor thing), represented all the enduro beginners and moderate outdoor enthusiasts, passionate outdoor enthusiasts Gabriel Horváth. Veterans Silvina Vesenjaka (a Slovenian enduro legend who is now the AMZS leader in enduro and trials) and Roman Jelen are demanding professional riders who do nothing but race in life.

Like the diverse selection of motorcycles, there was also a diverse selection of Auto Magazine test riders, as identifying the best is no easy task. Motorcycles have been comprehensively assessed in all operating conditions, including cost and regular maintenance costs.

In terms of looks, i.e. design, manufacturing and equipment, Husqvarna and both KTMs were at the forefront, followed by Gas Gas, Husaberg, TM and Yamaha. In terms of engines, horsepower and torque, the KTM 450 and Husqvarna came to the fore. Both turned out to be strong and differed minimally. The KTM performs better on slightly more open routes during fast and smoother driving, and Husqvarna has proven to be good at climbing very difficult terrain on steep slopes.

Yamaha and Husaberg lacked power at the lowest to mid-range to reach the very top, but the KTM 400 was surprised, which, despite having 50 cubic meters less in the engine, offers more net power. It lacks the hint of aggression that its 450cc brother possesses. Throttle Throttle is a bit weak in the engine area for the most demanding enduros, while the TM is strong, but it has this power distributed over a rather narrow speed range that only experienced drivers knew how to make the best of it.

In terms of the gearbox and clutch, everyone except Husaberg, Gas Gas and TM received all possible points. Berg has indeed lost a bit of the gearbox, while the TM could have had a more precise gearbox and clutch. Gas Gas has a good gearbox and the simplest clutch lever (very suitable for weak hands and women), the only one even equipped with a rear wheel anti-lock system, but the clutch could be a little more precise. and harder.

In terms of ergonomics and handling, both KTMs dominate again. In addition to the adjustable front end and handlebars, the vast majority of riders allow the most relaxed sitting and driving in the basic settings. They "fall" into turns by themselves, they change direction very easily and act most easily both on the ground and in the air. Close, with a really small lag, is followed by the Husqvarna, which at certain points works a little harder in the hands.

It is followed by Yamaha, which has a slightly higher center of gravity and gives the feel of a big bike, followed by the level TM (sitting and standing positions are better for small riders) and Gas Gas (it turns out to have a slightly high center of gravity in mud). However, the ungrateful place belonged to Husberg, who was the toughest and required the driver to make the biggest change in direction. It is interesting, however, that the heaviest rider (115 kg) liked him because of such rigidity and would have chosen him himself.

The suspension is as follows: Yamaha is clearly too soft (this was especially evident in jumps) and required refinement to perfection, after technical off-road, where the speeds are low, it would have overcome obstacles without problems. ... All the others are well cushioned and fairly level, we would only underline the KTM problem as the PDS cannot cushion the impact on fast rocky or bumpy areas as quickly and efficiently as the competition.

We were surprised by the TM that scored the most points here. TM and Gas Gas have a great Öhlins shock in the rear, Husqvarna has a reliable Sach Boge, KTM and Husaberg White Power PDS, and Yamaha has a Kayaba shock. As for the brakes, we note that everyone here, except Gas Gas and TM, scored the maximum possible number of points. The Spaniard and the Italian were minimally behind, but we want to note that everyone judged on the enduro, and not on the motocross track.

Looking at each bike as a whole, we of course decided on a winner at the end of the test. Let us just trust you that the choice between first and second place was the most difficult, as two bikes are very straight, the other five are completely lacking in detail and detail, and none of them are absolute losers or “underdogs”. “who has nothing in the dirt. search.

The “master” of the hard enduro mid-range is none other than the KTM EXC 450 Racing, according to Auto Magazine. This is the best stock bike to complete your weekend trip into the countryside or while hunting for seconds in an enduro race. As you'll be able to read in the reviews, it didn't get an A, it would reach perfection when Mattighofn improved the fork adjusters (a flaw only professional driver Roman Elen noticed) and attached a PDS rear shock. directly on the pendulum to cushion successive impacts on a dug base.

This is why a bit more power is required from the rider (a firm grip on the handlebars is needed) if he wants to keep the bike in the desired direction and on both wheels. The engine, ergonomics, handling, equipment and workmanship are to be commended.

With a minimum clearance of just two points, it breathes behind the Husqvarna collar. We have never seen such a close result since evaluating motorcycles. Husqvarna lost the duel only because of a little less ergonomic flexibility and a little more weight, which is felt during quick changes of direction and when flying through the air. Surprisingly, the small KTM EXC 400 is powerful enough to tackle the rough enduro terrain, and is even more maneuverable than the 450cc model. See, and it lacks the aggressiveness of the engine.

It is great for beginners who want an undemanding enduro bike. In fourth place is Husaberg, which proved to be the most affordable and cheapest to maintain and a powerful engine, but lame in handling. Fifth place was taken by Yamaha, its main drawback is the soft suspension, otherwise you want even more Japanese enduro bikes like Yamaha (everything is in place and always works). Gaz Gaz took sixth place.

The Spanish brand is just coming to us (we worked with an Austrian representative who is considering entering the Slovenian market, otherwise Austria is still close to everyone). It impressed us with its ruggedness, precise and flawless handling, and quality suspension that performed well in enduro conditions, and it needs a more powerful engine and a slightly lower center of gravity to appreciate it better. The last place was taken by TM. The Italian specialist and boutique manufacturer is primarily a competitive weapon for enduro tests ("spaghetti") as they are used in racing.

It impresses with quality components and disappoints with its narrow engine and transmission power range. But even he could be a big winner with minimal tweaks. This is the next chapter of enduro, aimed mainly at the participants, who will find it easy to allocate a few hundred euros for various modifications and settings according to personal preferences.

And one more thing - don't miss the next issue of Avto magazine, where you can read who is the winner in the royal 500cc enduro motorcycle class. Cm.

1st city: KTM 450 EXC Racing

Test car price: 1.890.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 447, 92cc, Keihin MX FCR 3 carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear hydraulic single shock absorber (PDS)

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.481 mm

Seat height from ground: 925 mm

Fuel tank: 8 l

Dry weight: 113 kg

Representative: Motor Jet, doo, Ptujska, 2000 Maribor, tel.: [phone], Moto Panigaz, Kranj, tel .: 04/20 41, Axle, Koper, tel.: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ sales and service network

+ powerful engine

+ precise and simple handling

- restless in hilly terrain

Score: 4, points: 425

2nd place: Husqvarna TE 450

Test car price: 1.930.700 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 449 cm3, Mikuni TMR carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear single hydraulic shock absorber

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.460 mm

Seat height from ground: 975 mm

Fuel tank: 9, 2 l

Total weight: 116 kg

Representatives and sellers are: Gil Motosport, kd, Mengeš, Balantičeva ul. 1, tel.: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ powerful and flexible motor

+ suspension

+ production

- weight

Score: 4, points: 425

3th city: KTM EXC 400 Racing

Test car price: 1.860.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 398 cm3, Keihin MX FCR 37 carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear hydraulic single shock absorber (PDS)

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.481 mm

Seat height from ground: 925 mm

Fuel tank: 8 l

Dry weight: 113 kg

Representative: Motor Jet, doo, Ptujska, 2000 Maribor, tel.: [phone], Moto Panigaz, Kranj, tel .: 04/20 41, Axle, Koper, tel.: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ sales and service network

+ undemanding and economical engine

+ precise and simple handling

- restless in hilly terrain

Score: 4, points: 401

4nd city: Husaberg FE 450

Test car price: 1.834.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 449 cm3, Keihin MX FCR 39 carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear hydraulic single shock absorber (PDS)

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.481 mm

Seat height from ground: 925 mm

Fuel tank: 9 l

Total weight: 109 kg

Representative: Ski & sea, doo, Mariborska 200a, 3000 Celje, phone: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ powerful engine

+ price in service

– stiffness

Score: 4, points: 370

5.place: Yamaha WR 450 F

Test car price: 1.932.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 449cc, Keihin carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear single hydraulic shock absorber

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 130/90 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 250mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.485 mm

Seat height from ground: 998 mm

Fuel tank: 8 l

Total weight: 112 kg

Representative: Delta Team Krško, doo, CKŽ, 8270 Krško, phone: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ powerful engine

+ workmanship

- soft suspension

Score: 4, points: 352

6. Place: Gas Gas FSE 450

Test car price: 1.882.944 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 443 cm3, electronic fuel injection, el. Get started

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear single hydraulic shock absorber

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 260mm disc rear

Wheelbase: 1.475 mm

Seat height from ground: 940 mm

Fuel tank: 6, 7 l

Total weight: 118 kg

Representative: Gas Gas Vertrieb Austria, BLM Marz-Motorradhandel GmbH, Tragosserstrasse 53 8600 Bruck / Mur - Austria. www.gasgas.at

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ friendly engine

+ suspension

+ production

- lack of power

– high center of gravity

Score: 3, points: 345

7th city: KTM EXC 400 Racing

Test car price: 2.050.000 SIT.

Engine: 4-stroke, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled. 449 cm3, Mikuni TDMR 40 carburetor, el. Get started

Transmission: 5-speed gearbox, chain

Suspension: Front adjustable hydraulic telescopic fork (USD), rear single hydraulic shock absorber

Tires: front 90/90 R 21, rear 140/80 R 18

Brakes: 1mm disc front, 270mm disc rear

Wheelbase: no data

Seat height from floor: not available

Fuel tank: 8 l

Dry weight: no data

Representative: Murenc Trade posredništvo v prodaja, doo, Nova Gorica, tel .: [phone]

THANKS AND CONGRATULATIONS

+ powerful engine

– price

- Transmission

Score: 3, points: 333

Petr Kavčič, photo: Saša Kapetanovič