You've got to consider the weight difference. The 450R only weighs 350lbs as opposed to the DS weighing in at the 450-500lb range.
In my experience the 450R stock-for-stock is NOT any faster than a stock 05-05 DS. Both my brother and cousin bought 450R's about 6 months ago. When we were all stock we raced many times and neither of them could ever take me. They each weigh a little more than I do, but then again my DS is giving up a lot of weight as well.

 

Ok lets take a trip into fantasy land where the machines dont need a rider and all the conditions are perfect................. The DS due to CCs, HP and torque would "PROBABLY" take the win.

The REASON this is a tired debate is that there are so many variables for example ... tire size, tire type, gearing, track condition , sand , mud , dirt asphalt, sow , ice , rider weight , experience, how much you drank before you raced, stock motor , turbo, nos, big bore, stroker.............................. and on and on and on....

Point in case.... My wifes DS is stack as stock gets cept for a couple of stickers and and purple nerf bars , and it still has the stock tires .. 2001 mind you. My DS has a few things mentioned below and geared 2 tooth lower in the rear and 20" tires. My brother in law rode my DS and I rode my wifes. He couldnt beat me!!!! We switched and I left him behind EVERY TIME !!! Absolutely no contest as it should have been. So you see, Rider skill plays a HUGE role in the races.

 

you would think it would be a no brainer but

we got another thing to conceder the 450r like the yfz are pure race/ high performance engines. the DS is not up to the same standard in stock trim. for instance if you divide the rated HP in the 450r say apx 38hp you get .0844 hp per cc , the DS is .0676hp per cc at 44hp apx. that means if the DS was to match the 450r's performance in stock trim it would be .0844 x 650 = 54.86 hp that would be sweet!!

they are like comparing apples to oranges but when your lined up to drag that all goes away you just want to win!!

the big advantage is the DS has allot of room to grow were as the 450r is closer to its limits. I figure most of you know this but I was itchen to throw this in to the mix[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img]
JMO

 

Sam, you done a great job with the explanation, thanks!!