Updated on August 18, 2022
All-around improvements in performance have been made to dirt bikes during the previous few decades. The cornering, throttle response, maximum speed, and acceleration are all superior.
Surely, they’re getting faster and faster as well! 450cc dirt bikes, in particular, are the most popular choice for riders weighing more than 80 kilogrammes who want to do enduro and recreational riding.
450cc dirt bikes may attain speeds of up to 90 miles per hour or 150 kilometres per hour before the redline is reached. Due to the gearing teeth, gearbox constraints, terrain ridden, and aerodynamic restrictions that most dirt bikes have, this top speed is possible.
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Not Designed for A High Top Speed (like Street Bikes)
Dirt bikes aren’t designed for smooth, paved roads, and while they can achieve high speeds on the highway, that isn’t what they’re built for.
Dirt Bikes aren’t particularly intended for high speeds or long periods of time at high speeds. A dirt bike is a tiny motorcycle that is specifically designed for off-roading and is referred to as such. Dirt motorcycles are designed for off-road use on rough surfaces like dirt, rocks, mud, and sand, which is why they have a knobby tread and strong suspension.
You want the best possible acceleration, control, and power to help you get up hills and across different types of ground. If speed is your only concern, you may want to consider purchasing a street bike.
Factors that Influence 450cc Dirt Bike Speeds
Even if you put the same number of riders on a variety of 450cc dirt bikes, no two will travel at the same pace. On dirt, some drivers will reach their top speeds significantly earlier than the posted limit of 90 mph.
Why? How well someone performs on flat terrain is affected by a number of variables. Among them:
- 4-Stroke vs 2-Stroke. On the other hand, 2-strokes are better suited for motocross racing than 4-strokes because of the higher top speeds they can reach. There are a few extra pieces in the 4-stroke engine to make it fire, therefore it’s heavier.
- Brand of the dirt bike. Most other bikes can’t compete with a top-of-the-line brand like KTM, which has the most options for performance upgrades. Despite this, they can be quite costly. Just ahead of Honda and Yamaha come Kawasaki and Husqvarna. Gas Gas and Suzuki are only a few places back.
- Weight of the dirt bike. Just because a dirt bike is heavier doesn’t mean it can’t go faster. There is a chance that some of that weight is actually performance gear meant to help it outpace the competitors and secure a podium spot.
- Wind drag. Unless you’re riding in the opposite direction of the wind, you’ll likely exhaust yourself far sooner than the rider with a tailwind does. This can also be affected by a sidewind, although it has a greater impact on the rider’s self-confidence than a reduction in speed.
- Rear sprocket. A smaller rear sprocket and a larger front sprocket can give you an extra few miles of top-end acceleration, but you’ll sacrifice some acceleration in the process. There is no hope of winning a hill climb or a drag race because of this.
- The height and weight of the rider. It’s evident that if you’re a heavy person, you’ll slow down the bike. Because of your greater height, you’ll need to use more of your body’s surface area to counteract the wind. Riders with a shorter stature and a lower weight have a better chance of setting speed records.
Top Speeds aren’t the goal
Enduro racing is a risky sport, and anyone who attempts to reach speeds of nearly 100 miles per hour on the dirt is doing it at their own peril. It’s not a reality in the actual world, where dirt motorcycles were engineered to be able to accelerate quickly and traverse difficult terrain.
Just because the salesman is selling it quickly doesn’t mean you should purchase it. Ideally, you’ll be looking for a bike that can still be thrown around and sped through the curves, but still has superb suspension and solid control.
As far as speed records go, road-based motorbikes are superior than dirt bikes. If you’re still looking for that adrenaline rush, a dual-sport bike like the KTM990 might be just the ticket. It boasts a top-notch adventure fairing, making it an ideal motorcycle for both the highway and the dirt roads.
It’s a thrill to ride a dirt bike, even at 50mph, since it’s enough to put a grin on your face. And it’s fast enough to put you in the hospital for the rest of your life. You’ll come to realise that reaching these high speeds isn’t the point of riding for lengthy periods of time.
High-End Bikes vs. Low-End Bikes
The more money you spend, the better the thing you get. Sadly, this is a general statement that unfortunately holds true. While many dirt bikes are exposed to tinkering and modification, the more expensive and newer types of bikes are often faster and more efficient when talking about base models and results.
High-End Bikes vs. Low-End Bikes
The more money you spend, the better the thing you get. Sadly, this is a general statement that unfortunately holds true. While many dirt bikes are exposed to tinkering and modification, the more expensive and newer types of bikes are often faster and more efficient when talking about base models and results.
For street racing or even conventional dirt bike racing weight isn’t always a deciding factor, as long as there’s a wide disparity between your weight and that of your competitors (and in their favor). Knowing how to ride and control your bike is more useful than worrying about your weight in most situations. When it comes to racing, having a good riding technique is critical.
If we’re just talking about speed, racing from Point A to Point B, the lighter guy has the upper hand. However, no matter how much weight you lose, it will do you no good if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’ve just eaten a triple stack hamburger and a large shake, and you’re racing against someone who has routinely practised but hasn’t, you’re going to lose.
Weight of the Bike
The 450cc dirt bike is one of the larger models, and in the realm of rational thinking, larger usually equates to heavier, and heavier usually equates to slower. In the case of the 450cc bike, or even dirt bikes in general, this isn’t quite the case.
Literally translated as “cubic centimetres,” the terms “250cc” and “450cc” refer to volumetric quantities. With regard to an engine’s combustion chamber size, a higher number indicates higher output. In general, the stronger your engine’s power, the greater your potential for speed.
In terms of overall speed, 450cc dirt bikes are the best option for anyone looking for a machine that will get the job done. Despite this, there are numerous ways to lighten your dirt bike without sacrificing anything crucial, other than the money in your wallet.
Faster Acceleration
A smaller front sprocket or a larger rear sprocket will give you better acceleration. Tight trails and tracks with lots of turns are ideal for riding your bike with this set of gears. As a result, the “gearing ratio” is reduced.

Hey, all I am Joe Marino I love to ride bikes and teach others how to ride them. Most of my articles are about which bike is best for others. I am passionate about cycling and it shows, whether I am writing about a $25 bicycle from any random website or a $5000 Santa Cruz.
I have always been the guy who gets calls from friends while at work asking which bike they should buy. I have written about the best city bike for commuting, the best folding bike for use on public transit, and even what to keep in mind when shopping for kids’ bikes.
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