Ace DR test rider Ryan Orr...
Ace DR test rider Ryan Orr is hungry for horsepower, but even he was a little hesitant to really whack open the throttle on the L.A. Sleeve CRF450R. "This motor is so gnarly, I can hardly keep the back end straight!" commented Ryan after a test session.
Parts and modifications:
L.A.SLEEVE CO: www.lasleeve.com; 562-945-7578
Wossner Piston: $184.95
Flow Port/ Radius Valve Job (4 valve): $500.00
Seat Installation (4 valve): $325.00
L.A.SLEEVE Off-road EFI Re-map: $75.00
AP Racing: www.apbrakesusa.com; 562-945-1098
377ORR Rear Brake Pads: $35.99
294ORR Front Brake Pads: $35.99
PRF Hi-temp. Brake Fluid: $34.00
Dubach Racing: www.dubachracing.com; 951-808-1114
Titanium Exhaust: $779.95
Hour Meter w/Bracket: $49.95
Hinson Racing: www.hinsonracing.com; 909-946-2942
Billet proof Clutch Cover: $159.99
Billet proof Basket w/Cushions: $274.99
Billet proof 6 Spring Inner Hub/Pressure Plate Kit w/High Temp Springs: $569.99
Works Connection: www.worksconnection.com; 530-642-9488
Radiator Braces: $41.10
CRF Aluminum Throttle Tube: $32.50
Elite Clutch Perch w/Hot Start: $116.95
RTT Motorsports: www.rttmotorsports.com; 928-505-8088
CRF450R - 22m Offset Upper and Lower Stabilizer Kit: $789
Precision Concepts: www.precisionconceptsracing.com; 951-656-5949
Suspension Revalve Front and Back: $434.00
(If springs are needed price may increase.)
Lightspeed Products: www.lightspeedperf.com; 714-990-5767
Carbon Fiber Glide Plate: $124.95
Engine Case Guards: $ 69.95
Chain Guide: $ 69.95
Rear Caliper Guard: $41.95
Lower Fork Guards: $ 109.95
Factory Titanium Pegs: $229.95
Fork Leg Axle Lug Guard: $69.95
Inner Body Pipe Heat Shield: $109.95
QTM: www.qtmi.com; 714-575-5000
Brembo 270mm Oversized Front Rotor w/Bracket: $299.00
IMS Products: www.imsproducts.com; 951-653-7720
2.7 Gallon Clear Tank: $275.00
CV4 Products: www.cv4.net; 888-835-3322
Honda White Medical Grade Hi-temp Radiator Hoses: $412.73
Cycra: www.cycra.com; 740-929-0188
Primal Hand Guard Racer Pack: $34.95
Zip-Ty: www.ziptyracing.com; 760-244-7028
Front Wheels Spacers: $34.95
Rear Wheel Spacers: $34.95
Front Axle Pull Handle: $21.95
Dunlop: www.dunloptire.com; 800-845-8378
L.A. Sleeve paid special attention...
L.A. Sleeve paid special attention to the handling of this CRF, and as a result we were met with one of the best cornering Hondas that we've ever ridden. No matter what the conditions, this 450R just sliced around corners like it was born to carve.
Dirt Rider Post Torture Evaluation:
The best all-around bike because:
An amazing hit of power followed by plenty of juice left all of our test riders satisfied about the amount of power in this 450R's motor. The handling was nimble and encouraged perfect cornering, while a multitude of quality accessories graced the package. As far as we're concerned, this bike had the best brakes in our test bike rotation.
Not the best all-around bike because:
With explosive power can come too much hit, and this bike suffered from exactly that. The abundance of ponies would cause the rear end to step out while accelerating, and it was easy to lose traction and wear yourself out by whacking open the throttle. Handling-wise, our biggest complaint was a twitchy-feeling front end at high speeds. And we know that this is an "R" model, but nevertheless we all missed the electric start.