New X From Big Red?

I've been a subscriber of your magazine for over two years now. You are doing a great job. I am a full blown Honda Rider. I’ve been racing in South Africa at all national and club events competitively. I’ve owned numerous Honda motorcycles of which I enjoyed the CRF450X the most. Can you please tell us, or give us any information, about a new Honda CRF450X EFI 6 speed? Or any idea when Honda will wake up and build an Enduro competition bike that can match the KTM or Husqvarna? Any news or response will be appreciated.

Hannes Venter

Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

I really hate to burst your bubble but we haven't heard much out of Honda on revamping their "X" line. I think they have been putting a lot of energy into their new Africa Twin CRF1000L, which is pretty cool but not a dirt bike. It sounds like you are pretty loyal to the red brand, but something you might want to think about is checking out either Yamaha, KTM, and/or Husqvarna. KTM and Husqvarna have long been a powerhouse in off-road racing. But, if you want to stick with a Japanese manufacturer, Yamaha has shown a renewed dedication to off-road bikes with their new YZ250FX, WR250F, and YZ250X. Hopefully an EFI equipped 450 is around the corner. We are not bashing Honda, and to be honest, we really like their CRF-Xs, but we just don't have the scoop if they plan on making any changes to those bikes any time soon. —Sean Klinger