James Albert is a dirt biker for about 6 years with a passion for helping others get into the sport without knowing anything. He shares...Read more
Dirt bikes have gradually become a mainstream thing, both as a hobby and as a sport. While conventional motorbikes are designed for paved roads, dirt bikes are essentially built for off-roading. When it comes to the fastest dirt bikes, the 450cc model is among the top.
But, how fast can a 450cc dirt bike go?
A 450cc engine dirt bike can reach a top speed ranging from 75mph to 110mph. However, this speed may vary depending on underlying factors such as engine stroke, rider’s weight, modifications, brand, terrain, etc.
Dirt bikes are not intended for high-speed rides or maintaining top speed over time. The idea is to have more power to ascent the hills and control across all types of terrain. Today, we’re looking at 450cc dirt bikes, how fast they go, factors that affect their speed, and how to boost speed. Keep reading to find out more.
What Exactly Is A 450cc Dirt Bike?
First things first, a 450cc dirt bike is not for beginners and kids; instead, experienced riders who can handle such high power. This bike has an increased engine capacity producing up to 60 hp (horsepower), a torque of 34 pound-feet, and a high speed of 110 miles an hour.
It is a heavy bike; it weighs approximately 240lbs (108Kgs). A 450cc dirt bike is a versatile machine that can handle terrain (street, enduro, trail, and MX) and any weight, even if you weigh 200 pounds or more.
The 450cc engine dirt bike is suitable for an advanced rider who is into racing at high speeds. It has a substantially low-end torque, making it easier to ride faster than other dirt bikes. A 450cc bike is more reliable since the engine spins at fewer rpm (rotation per minute), and it has minimal wear and tears. The average cost of a 450cc dirt bike is about $9,700; however, the price varies with brand and engine type.
How Fast Can A 450cc Dirt Bike Go?
The question of how fast a 450cc dirt bike goes mainly depends on the engine type and other essential factors like weight, brand, terrain, and brand. Engine stroke and brand are predominantly the vital factors that affect the speed of a 450cc engine dirt bike.
The average maximum speed of a 4-stroke 450cc dirt bike is about 87 miles per hour. A 2-stroke similar engine capacity will ride slightly faster, about 90 miles an hour. Whether your 450cc dirt bike has a four-stroke or two-stroke engine, how fast it goes depends on you, as a rider, and the engine modification.
Factors That Affect The Speed Of A 450cc Dirt Bike?
Although 450cc dirt bikes are made for high-speed off-road riding, most riders do not attain the maximum speed on these bikes. If you take five riders and each ride a 450cc dirt bike on a similar course, they will not achieve the same speed. Why?
The speed of a 450cc dirt bike can be affected by a few factors as listed below:
Engine type
The most fundamental aspect of your dirt bike engine is the engine stroke. There are two types of it: 2-stroke and 4-stroke. A 2-stroke engine dirt bike has fewer parts making them lighter. They consume more fuel but produce more power and are faster. 4-stroke engines, on the other hand, are heavier. They are fuel-efficient but ride slower.
Weight
As much as dirt bikes have a weight limit, a heavier bike will undoubtedly struggle to attain its top speed. A lightweight 450cc dirt bike accelerates and rides faster than a heavier bike with the same engine capacity. However, some weight could result from performance gears intended to help ride faster.
Terrain
If ridden on suitable terrain, a 450cc dirt bike can easily hit its maximum speed. While dirt bikes are designed for off-road riding, obstacles such as debris, gravel, dust, sand, and steep slopes can likely affect how fast you go.
Wind drags
The wind is the most significant speed barrier when riding a dirt bike. If you are riding along the wind direction, chances are, you’ll reach top speed much faster than if you were riding against the wind. Side winds can affect riding speed, but it rests on the rider’s confidence rather than reducing speed.
Gear ratio
A dirt bike with a lower gear ratio will undoubtedly have slower speed than one with a higher gear ratio. Some riders adjust their gearing system to boost their bike’s speed. A small rear sprocket delivers high top speed compared to a bigger sprocket.
Bike brand
Different bike manufacturers build their bikes in different styles. Some are more aerodynamic, have high horsepower, high gear ratio, etc. For example, KTM is a premium brand that offers the most performance modifications. They have the most expensive models too. Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, and Kawasaki fall behind KTM. Razor dirt bikes are also a great option to go with.
How You Can Boost The Top Speed Of A 450 Dirt Bike?
When you are out there racing or performing stunts on your dirt bike, you might be tempted to explore how fast your 450cc dirt bike can go, and how you can make it go even faster. Consider the tips below to boost the top speed of your 450cc dirt bike to make the riding experience more exhilarating:
Use genuine engine oil
Use 100% synthetic engine oil. This engine oil is more effective for cooling and lubricating than regular engine oil. Cooling and lubrication are essential for safety and performance when pushing your 450cc dirt bike beyond its recommended speed.
Clean your spark plug
Cleaning or replacing damaged spark plugs improves your dirt bike’s acceleration. Also, upgrading to V-notch spark plugs can drastically boost the performance of your bike. These spark plugs ignite much faster than conventional plugs.
Adjust your suspension
Buying an aftermarket 125cc dirt bike suspension might be a costly mod, but worth it after all. With an improved suspension, you get more comfort and better control of your bike regardless of the terrain. This positively affects your dirt bike speed.
Remove carbon residue
More often, carbon residue accumulates inside your bike’s exhaust pipe, blocking airflow into the engine. This affects the performance of your bike. Disassemble the exhaust and muffler, and use a rag or brush to remove the buildup of carbon residue. You can also modify it by drilling holes to boost airflow into the engine.
Boost compression
Changing the compression ratio of your dirt bike helps enhance its performance and increase speed. This process varies depending on the engine type. Changing a 2-stroke engine’s compression ratio involves milling the head. On the other hand, for a 4-stroke engine, you’ll have to replace its pistons with dome-shaped pistons.
What Are The Brands Run At Maximum Speed?
If you are a speed maniac looking for a top speed machine, look no further. We have compiled a list of 12 premium brands with models that run at maximum speed in the table below.
Brand | Model | Top Speed |
KTM | 450 SX-F | 123 mph |
Aprilia | RXV 5.5 | 113 mph |
Beta | 450RS | 110 mph |
ATK | Intimidator | 110 mph |
BMW | G650 XChallenge | 104 mph |
MuZ | Baghira | 102 mph |
Husqvarna | FE 501 S | 101 mph |
Kawasaki | KLR650 | 98 mph |
Honda | XR650L | 98 mph |
Suzuki | DR-Z400SM | 94 mph |
Yamaha | WR 250R | 89 mph |
Honda | CRF 450R | 87 mph |
Conclusion
A 450cc engine dirt bike should be top of your list when purchasing a fast dirt bike. With high speeds of between 75mph and 110mph, what other faster speed would you want on a bike? Before getting one of these, ensure you have sufficient experience and can handle such high speed. After all, such high speed is ideal for motocross racing and not the street.
We hope you found this guide informative and the tips above helpful as you seek to modify your dirt bike for better performance. Ensure you always wear proper protective gear when riding your dirt bike. For beginners, make sure you have an instructor to supervise you. Do not attempt top speeds until you get used to the speed and power of the bike.
James Albert is a dirt biker for about 6 years with a passion for helping others get into the sport without knowing anything. He shares his expertise and reviews dirt bikes and related tools.
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