Renthal bars, quick adjust clutch and a gripper seat cover just some of the new additions to the 2004 CRF. The CRF450R got a complete overhaul from Honda. Some visual changes are the new plastic with a darker red color and a changed front fender and front number plate. The motor received some major changes along with some tweaking in the suspension department. They made many minor changes throughout the bike to help shave some weight, 3 pounds to be exact.
The 04' motor has more power all the way thru the power band. At the crack of the throttle you can instantly feel the increased response and power. As you get into the higher rpm's the new motor pulls harder and revs longer. The suspension feels much more balanced and plush than it has in the past two years. The overall feel of the rider compartment is improved by the seat cover and updated controls. Everybody who rode the bike felt with the new suspension and motor improvements that the 04 received were quit the improvement over the 03.
The new Honda is truly impressive and weather you are looking for a something to race desert, motocross, supermotard or even if you are a weekend trail rider the new Honda is easy to ride and yet a super competitive race bike. Look in the next issue of MxRacer for the full story.
Below is the exact specs.
| Specs: 2004 Honda CRF450R |
| ENGINE |
| Engine Type | 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Bore and Stroke | 96.0mm x 62.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 |
| Valve Train | Unicam; four-valve |
| Carburetion | Keihin 40mm flat-slide |
| Ignition | Solid-state CD with electronic advance |
| DRIVE TRAIN |
| Transmission | Close-ratio five-speed |
| Final Drive | #520 chain; 13T/48T |
| CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES |
| Front Suspension | 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound- and 16-position compression-damping adjustability; 12.4-inch travel |
| Rear Suspension | Pro-Link Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 17-position rebound-damping adjustability, and compression-damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.6-inch travel |
| Front Brake | Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper |
| Rear Brake | Single 240mm disc |
| Front Tire | 80/100-21 |
| Rear Tire | 110/90-19 |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Rake | 26.91 degrees |
| Trail | 108.0mm (4.25 inches) |
| Wheelbase | 58.5 inches |
| Seat Height | 37.6 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 13.4 inches |
| Dry Weight | 222.0 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | 2.0 gallons |