About the Bike:
The Dubach Racing Development (DRD) CRF450X started out life as a mild mannered, unassuming trail bike that came from Motoworld of El Cajon. With countless man-hours of testing and developing, every aspect of the CRF450X has been transformed turning the trail bike into the Ultimate All Around Off-road machine. To achieve this feat, here is a synopsis of DRD modifications:
Motor: First and foremost DRD had to unplug anything and everything so we removed the stock pipe, emission control system and rerouted the vent tubes. During tear down DRD decided to take the head off for some secret cleaning and massaging of intake and exhaust ports, valve seats along with a couple of things DRD cannot disclose. DRD matched the motor mods with a Stainless Steel/Aluminum exhaust system, complete with spark arrestor ability to use a quiet core insert if needed, and the new Pro-packing system just released to the public. Applied Racing provided the clean emission block off kits along with all the hardware needed to reroute vent hoses that were displaced. Next step for the motor was to install a steel clutch basket from Hinson Racing along with all the billet aluminum inner basket and pressure plates. The steel clutch basket will enhance the tractable power in low RPM situations where it is needed without taking away from the mind blowing top end power of the Dubach Racing Development CRF450X. Once we had the motor running at its peak we looked to the guys at Ride Engineering to make it look great with their engine plug kits.
Wheels / Tires: DRD wanted to make sure, with all the useable power the DRD CRF450X was now producing, it had wheels and tires that could withstand the punishment. QTM Wheel Sets with oversized spokes, Excel rims and strong Talon hubs, both front, rear wheels are wrapped with Dunlop rubber. Of course to be able to stop the Dubach Racing Development CRF450 QTM also added an oversized floating rotor kit coupled with AP brake pads, this bike stops on a dime.
Controls: With the new GPR Version 4 Pro Kit installed holding the Universal fat bars sleek is an understatement and increased stability is the end result. ARC racing provided DRD with their RC-8 clutch perch system along with folding front brake lever to match for that factory feel everybody is looking for. The torture test requires many hours straight on the motorcycle so for the comfort of the Dirt Rider test pilots (We know Jesse Ziegler's hands are soft!) we installed ODI Cush grips. For more bling we put Ride Engineering kill and starter switches on, teamed with a very functional DRD Hot start lever.
Doug Dubach took to the air...
Doug Dubach took to the air above the Torture Test for some X evaluation.
Chassis: DRD bolted very functional aftermarket parts from companies such as Zip TY Racing, Lightspeed, and TM Design Works. Zip Ty provided chain adjuster kits, axle puller handles for quick wheel changes coupled with a rear rotor shark fin. Lightspeed provided a sweet Carbon Fiber skid plate with built in engine guards, lower front fork guards and a trick carburetor heat shield all designed for ultimate protection without the weight associated with other materials. Having a bike moving for hours on end wreaks havoc on chain sliders and chain guides so to remedy this problem the guys from TM Designs sent DRD their beefy and almost indestructible rear chain guide teamed with their upper swingarm slider.
Suspension: One of the most important aspects of a project. Dubach Racing Development turned to Precision Concepts to put the raw power to the ground that the DRD CRF450X is producing. With years of factory Honda off-road suspension tuning under their belt it's a perfect fit. The Dirt Rider test crew won't want to ride anything else.
(DR Note)
Now you're into the top six!
This bike stood out at Dirt Rider's annual Torture Test and was chosen by the editors and test riders of Dirt Rider Magazine to be included in the magazine. You've likely read about how it compared to the other top five contenders in the test in the June issue of DR. This is the singled-out test of one of the best bikes we've tested all year. Enjoy!