2009 Honda
Just when you start to think that the "other guys" have Honda in their sights, the Red guys drop a bomb. Now that every player in the 450cc class has a new four-stroke model at least a second generation model, they should be getting closer. The problem, as we have said before, is that when the shots started hitting to close for comfort, Honda moves the target. Of course, we haven't ridden the bike yet, but on the strength of the specs and obvious changes as well as accounts we've heard from those who have ridden the bike, the target the competition was shooting at is gone. The 2009 Honda CRF450R definitely looks like the new measuring stick. Like the Suzuki and the Kawasaki 450s, the Honda is fuel-injected, but the induction system is only a small percentage of the changes to a bike that resembles none of the preceding models. Enormous effort has been expended to lighten the bike and centralize mass, and it just looks plain radical. We can't wait to ride it!
In the all-new and lighter 2009 CRF450R, a brand-new engine with electronic fuel injection, developed concurrently with an entirely new rolling chassis, work together to deliver 450-class-leading power along with 250-style handling. It's an unprecedented blend of power, suspension and handling that together bring a genuine revolution to the premier motocross class.
2009 CRF450R
Features & Benefits
New for 2009
- All-new lighter engine.
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
- All-new fifth-generation aluminum frame features a longer swingarm, and a lower Cg for improved acceleration and better front-wheel traction.
- Kayaba front and rear suspension.
- Redesigned higher-capacity airbox improves filter access.
- Innovative exhaust system improves mass centralization.
The CRF450R's frame is all-new with a longer swingarm and many refinements. The pipe is almost hidden from the side thanks to a new head with an exhaust port that exits left of the downtube. All of the plastic is new as well.
- All new bodywork.
Engine/Drivetrain
- All-new engine spins faster--11,450 rpm--and harder, churning out 56.3 bhp at 8500 rpm and 37.5 lb./ft. of torque at 7000 rpm.
- Liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam 449cc engine produces more than 125.3 hp per liter and now utilizes a four-lobe camshaft and individual rocker arms for each exhaust valve to reduce weight and contribute to higher rpm ceiling.
- Engine completely redesigned to lower the overall height and position it closer to front wheel, resulting in a lower overall Cg and better weight distribution for better handling.
- Engine height reduced by shortening length of connecting rod 3.5mm (105.6 to 102.1mm) to allow shorter cylinder.
- Relocated crankshaft main journal cradles (inside of flywheels) allows reduction of connecting rod big-end diameter (34 to 33mm), reducing weight while maintaining overall strength. Crankshaft cutaway eliminates piston skirt contact at BDC, also reducing weight.
- Reshaped cylinder head combustion chamber is shorter yet has a larger volume squish area for better flame propagation.
- Lightweight titanium intake valves and redesigned valve springs reduce overall engine height and permit higher rpm. New intake valve stem diameters reduced (5.5 to 5.0mm).
- Lower camshaft mount built into the cylinder head to reduce weight and engine height.
- Cam sprocket now press-fitted to camshaft, reducing weight by 20 grams compared to previous bolted design.
- Cylinder attaches to engines cases with through-bolts instead of studs, allowing in-frame cylinder removal.
- New forged slipper-piston material permits thinner crown, contributing to shorter cylinder height. Low-friction surface treatment assures high-rev potential.
- Lightweight Ni-SiC cylinder lining provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
- Redesigned, lighter auto decompression system and hot restart procedure is simplified with cam-integrated plunger and shaft-integrated decompression weight for easy starting in hot or cold conditions.
- All-new Programmed Fuel Injection system (PGM-FI) utilizes a 50mm throttle body design with 12-hole injection nozzle fed by lightweight 50-psi pump to ensure optimum fuel atomization and precisely targeted fuel charge. System also achieves an improvement in fuel consumption.
- PGM-FI system monitors throttle position, intake air and coolant temperatures, air pressure and gear position to accurately map fuel charge and ignition spark, significantly improving partial-throttle response and helping assure excellent rideability.
- AC generator enlarged to service PGM-FI system. Two crankshaft position sensors quickly determine crank position to provide quick starts, hot or cold.
- Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil and reduces the amount of circulating oil, allowing the oil pump size to be reduced.
- Redesigned exhaust system incorporates a left-side cylinder head exhaust port, increasing header length and allows muffler to be positioned closer to center of mass, contributing to significantly improved weight distribution and handling.
- Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.
- New mechanical water pump seal improves durability.
- Coolant flow rerouted outside engine cases via bolt-on flange/jacket, allowing reduction of crankcase and cylinder width, and overall weight.
- Oil pump strainer now built into the engine case to reduce parts and weight.
- Eight clutch plates handle the engine's massive torque while the number of clutch springs is reduced from six to four. This reduces centrifugal weight, allowing the engine to rev quicker.
- Kashima coating applied to the clutch basket, clutch center and pressure plate improve clutch life and clutch feel.
- Numerous transmission modifications narrow transmission width and reduce weight without sacrificing durability.
Chassis/Suspension
- Fifth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head is now 14 ounces lighter than previous design. Spar height was reduced (70 to 66mm) and width was narrowed (27 to 26mm). Stronger downtubes improve front-end feel.
- Steering response and overall handling were improved by moving the steering head pipe back 10mm (and closer to swingarm pivot). Positioning the front wheel 15mm farther back and closer to the crankshaft.
- Swingarm is 18mm longer for improved traction.
- Frame, steering head and swingarm modifications permit a reduction in triple-clamp offset (22 to 20mm).
- Swingarm cross-member wall thickness was reduced (3.75 to 3.0mm) to save weight.
- Forged swingarm pivot plates increase rigidity for improved handling.
- Lower engine frame rails are widened and beveled to provide added cornering clearance.
- Removable rear subframe was redesigned to eliminate brackets and cross-members. Shape altered to improved air filter access and narrow the bike profile.
- Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) revalved for more linear damping. HPSD features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to allow more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
- Front and rear wheels feature HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples.
- Front wheel featuring new stiffer axle collar provides excellent rigidity.
- Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide additional rigidity. Axle wall thickness reduced (2.5 to 2.2mm) to save weight (38 grams) while axle collar is strengthened for better rigidity.
- Revised, sophisticated inverted Air-Oil-Separated (AOS) fork features exclusive Honda 48mm diameter fork made by Kayaba with all-new damping and spring settings.
- Pro-Link Rear Suspension features exclusive Kayaba integrated reservoir with all-new damping and spring settings.
- Large 50mm rear shock damper piston diameter for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
- HRC works-style rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate reservoir and hose.
- Link-type front brake master cylinder and a lightweight brake rotor provide strong braking.
- Re-shaped works-style 240mm front brake rotor is 1.3 ounces lighter. Front disc guard is smaller, lighter and vented.
- 240mm rear brake rotor features works-style pattern and is 1 ounce lighter. New plastic disc guard saves 4 grams of weight.
Additional Features
- Honda First: Engine stop switch features an integrated LED pre-ride check indicator with EFI diagnostic capability to ensure CRF450R is operating at maximum capacity.
- New gray color magnesium head cover, clutch cover and left sidecover.
- Clutch cover profile reshaped for improved foot placement.
- Left side oil check dipstick replaces sight glass.
- Redesigned higher-capacity airbox improves filter access.
- New sidecover shape is narrower and improves flow to airbox.
- Redesigned radiator shrouds are narrowed to aid rider movement.
- Kickstarter arm reshaped to reduce weight.
- Seat base redesigned to reduce overall height and width while maintaining foam thickness.
The left-side exhaust port mandates a header that runs across in front of the bike, so the material is tough stainless steel rather than the delicate-when-hot titanium used from '02 to '08.
- New handgrips are 3mm longer and feature a softer compound and wire grooves.
- Front and rear fenders redesigned with greater rigidity; rear fender design helps prevent mud and debris from gathering on muffler.
- Removable engine mounts allow easier engine removal.
- Narrower engine allows right-side engine guard to be eliminated, saving weight.
- New fuel tank tether eliminates need to disconnect fuel line to work on top end.
- Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height for improved comfort and handling feel.
- Lightweight aluminum brake pedal and shift lever are designed to complement new ergonomics.
- Fuel cap height is shorter, allowing rider to move farther forward on the tank.
- Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master-cylinder design.
- Wide, cleated stainless steel footpegs provide excellent grip and are self-cleaning and corrosion resistant.
- Adjustable front brake lever for improved control.
- Quick-adjust clutch perch for easy cable adjustment.
- Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
- Handlebar holders provide two different mounting positions to match rider preference.
- New handlebar grips add to rider comfort.
- Dunlop 742FA front and a new 120/80-19 D756 rear tire maximize traction.
- Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
- Repackable silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise.
- Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
- Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
- Honda RacingTM -inspired colors and graphics.
- When you buy a new Honda Powersports Product, you may be eligible to receive a complimentary one year membership in the Honda Riders Club of America, which includes an exclusive Members-only magazine, rider training benefits, access to the Members-only Clubhouse Web site and much more. Some limitations apply. For more information on the HRCA, log on to
www.hrca.honda.com.
2009 CRF450R Specifications
MSRP $7599.00
Model: 2009 CRF450R
Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 30mm exhaust, steelInduction: Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 50mm throttle body
Ignition: Full Transistor with three-gear-position electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T
Suspension
Front: 48mm inverted Kayaba Air-Oil-Separate (AOS) with 16-position rebound and 18-position compression damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travelRear: Pro-Link Kayaba single shock with spring preload, 20-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (18 positions) and high-speed (1-1/2 turns); 12.6 inches travel
To ease service and minimize the number of times the fuel lines need to be removed, the fuel tank flips to the side and stays there via a hinge. The air filter access is also claimed to better.
Brakes
Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm disc
Tires
Front: 80/100-21
Rear: 120/80-19
Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 26? 52'
Trail: 114.2mm (4.5 inches)
Seat Height: 37.6 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.1 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.5 gallons
Color: Red
Curb Weight*: 234.8 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride
Consult owner's manual for optional parts.
HRC PGM-FI Setting Tool
Honda also has available an HRC PGM-FI Setting Tool, which allows CRF450R owners to alter EFI fuel delivery as well as ignition timing over a wide range of settings to alter engine power characteristics. The price of the HRC PGM-FI Setting Tool is $349.
A larger ignition with more juice was required to make the EFI work without a battery. |  | 
With the left-side exhaust port exit, the more compact head casting and the new ignition cover, the '09 CRF engine doesn't even look familiar. |
With the '09 head (left) and the '08 side by side, it is easy to see the strides Honda made to cut weight and size from the engine. |  | 
Honda's first new kill button in decades is radically new. It lights up, but also flashes problem codes in the event of an EFI malfunction. |
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The throttle body is a whopping 50mm, and that is compared to the 41mm carburetor body that the '08 bike used. | 
For the maniac tinkerers out there, Honda has a tool that will let the owner alter fuel delivery and ignition timing. |