The sleek sidepanels leave...
The sleek sidepanels leave room for numbers, not for mud. Plus, there is a solid place to pick up the CRF.
The brakes are Honda good, not too strong or grabby, just right for most riders. The clutch control is about as good as it gets, and this is with cable actuation. Shifting is the best there is; even with half-hearted stabs at the lever the transmission shifts smoothly and never missed a gear. The air filter has about twice the room coming out through the frame rails than before, and it is simple to wipe out any dirt that falls into the airbox, though the airbox seemed much more open for dirt to get at it. The chain seemed to stretch a little more than we're used to, and it lets you know it's loose with a high-pitch hit to the swingarm pad.
What has Honda done here? It has launched an all-new platform for the next few years of CRF development. Currently, it's ahead of the curve with plenty of room to grow. Considering the economic slowdown and fewer and fewer dollars for major R&D efforts, the timing was right for this machine to arrive now. Considering the improvements you will be getting for your dollar, the outstanding durability records of previous Hondas and the company's proven track record of developing technology to the highest possible level before releasing it for public consumption, you can't go wrong with this CRF450R. Where things could take an interesting turn come shootout time is here: Hondas have been so good at riding the middle of the road of MX performance that a bike like this may alienate the riders on the fringes of its intended use.
What this bike has done is strived to be the best at all things motocross-suspension, motor and handling-to such an aggressive level that come shootout time this Honda may stand out from the crowd. It can be a great progression or a dangerous and lonely position, and only our upcoming 450 comparison will put the bike in its place.
Specifications
MSRP: $7599
Claimed weight (ready to ride, no gas): 226 lb
Fuel capacity: 1.5 gal.
What's Hot!
Pretty much everything
Smoother, faster, stronger
Light like no other 450 we've ridden
FI is right.
What's Not!
A kicking procedure?
Sensitive to proper setup