Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Keefer Tested

Arguably the two most popular 450s in 2027 are the blue and red bikes so we put them up against one another to see how they compare on the track. We take four test riders and break it down to see which one is best for which type of rider. Eddie Laret joins Keefer for a roundtable discussion on blue vs. red.

--- CHAPTERS ---
00:37 Intro and sponsor reads
07:59 Meet Eddie and Greg
10:03 Test setup: riders, Yosh pipes, Dunlops
14:48 Yamaha sprocket bolt PSA and Loctite
18:33 Eddie's first impressions of the 2027 Honda
24:44 Seat foam breakdown
25:45 Who picked which bike and why
41:04 Ad reads: Blood Lubricants, Ride Engineering, Power Motorsports
46:16 Stock valving, springs and suspension tuning
54:54 Test sheet: engine, clutch and gearing
1:06:01 Test sheet: handling and steering
1:13:24 Test sheet: suspension, brakes and comfort
1:21:20 Verdict and track toughness
1:27:05 Pyramid idea: KTM vs Cowie next
1:28:52 Who won and wrap-up
1:30:22 Texting 'I love you' tangent
1:35:04 Sign-off

Keefer grabs his KTMN 450 Factory Edition and rides a couple different sets of suspension to diagnose what each strengths and weaknesses are out on several different types of tracks. Slapping on a set of WP Cone Valve/AER forks and Traxx/bladder style shocks, back to back, was the only way to see how each reacted so Keefer discuses the findings in this episode. Should you keep your AER set up on your bike? Orrrr is the Pro Components on your FE actually worth the money?

--- CHAPTERS ---
00:38 Intro and WP AER vs cone valve preview
03:14 Sponsor reads: FXR, REP, Power and more
09:27 Glen Helen Honda/Yamaha test and reader contest winner
13:03 Testing setup: Factory Edition across different tracks
20:57 Why a linkage helps the KTM rear end
23:14 Sand tracks: AER fork vs cone valve, bladder vs Traxx
36:08 Hard pack findings: cone valve lean angle traction
44:00 Turn track test and other riders' feedback
50:55 Torque settings, Arc levers, Akrapovic and fork height
58:24 Wrap-up and sign-off

We had the chance to test the new 2027 YZ250F at Club MX but how does the Yamaha handle Southern California's hard pack? New frame, new engine and a new feel for the YZ250F so sit back and relax as Keefer and guests talk about how the new bLU cRU handles compared to the previous generation. If you're looking for set up tips you will be able to find some within this show as well!

--- CHAPTERS ---
00:37 Intro and sponsor reads
07:50 Meet Aden and Dylan from Hinge
12:37 Glen Helen test and Yamaha vs Honda vs Kawi
20:59 Engine comparison and the hot chick analogy
28:09 Track toughness and power tuner maps
33:54 Ad reads: ScreenPrintingDone, Blood, Ride Engineering, Power
39:01 Chassis and cornering
49:34 Clutch, brakes and ergonomics
58:06 Overall verdict and Triumph comparison
1:01:11 Baseline setup tips
1:03:36 Wrap-up, who each bike is for, and Glen Helen contest

Let us walk you through the updates that Yamaha made to the 2027 YZ450F. Is the 2027 that much better where you need to spend the extra money on it or is the 2026 version jus as good? Get some settings as well as some mods you can do to your new bLU cRU in order to make it ride a little better!

--- CHAPTERS ---
00:00 Show open & sponsor rundown
09:10 Glen Helen test day & Aden's contract update
10:48 Guest test rider contest announcement
13:56 2027 YZ450F clutch, brake & suspension updates
25:24 MX-33 front tire rant
27:09 Shootout stats & Honda comparison tease
29:00 Mid-show ad reads
34:08 Engine feel & clutch hose follow-up
43:22 Chassis, stability & comfort comparison
48:02 Reliability & engine longevity
50:24 2026 vs 2027 buying advice
51:45 Sign-off & next week preview

Honda left the CRF250R unchanged in 2027 but that doesn't stop us from bringing you some info about the red machine and where this bike could fit in for your next purchase. Get some mod suggestions as well as some settings all within this episode.

--- CHAPTERS ---
00:00 Show intro
08:14 2027 Honda CRF250R overview: the vanilla ice cream take
13:18 Engine breakdown: maps, gearing, and mods
19:37 Chassis feel and rigidity
24:45 Offset clamps, engine mounts, and torque specs
29:20 Ad reads: Blood Lubricants, Ride Engineering, Yamaha, Eagle Grit
33:44 Suspension settings for the CRF250R
36:56 Clutch, seat foam, and Works Edition upgrades
41:53 Ergonomics and looks
42:55 Aden, Kenny Day, and who this bike suits
45:17 Next week preview and sign-off