Honda CRF 450-R Review

Honda has released its newest off-road machine, and I must say I am pretty impressed. Honda, who makes everything from an automobile to an industrial generator, has once again created a top-quality dirt bike that can be ridden in multiple disciplines including motocross, supercross, flat track, hill climbing and supermoto. Here is a quick review on the new Honda CRF 450-R:

Tech Details

The new CRF 450-R has a powerful 449cc Unicam racing engine, which is known as one of the best all-around track engines. When it comes to its powertrain, the CRF 450-R has some of the friendliest starting and power delivery characteristics. The updated fuel-injection and ignition map settings greatly reduce engine starting problems, making turning the key on this bike no problem. “The motor is definitely a strong point of this bike. Not only is it fast, but it’s a lot smoother than last year. It has better roll-on performance which made it easier to ride. Plus it’s easy to start even when hot or in gear.

Body Work

Part of the reason the CRF 450-F is so competitive with other machines, despite being slightly down on power, is that it only weights 237 pounds. And that is with a full 1.5 gallons of fuel. That’s 14 pounds, less than the bulky KX450F, 13 pounds less than the YZ450F, and 12 pounds less than the KTM, giving it the distinction of the lightest machine in this comparison

Handling

When entering a corner, there’s no question that the Honda is the sharpest handling bike out there. The Honda’s front end feels telepathic. It turns your thought into an instantaneous action. Just imagine where you want the bike to go and instantly it’s there. It steers so quickly and with such little effort that it’s hard to believe that you’re at the controls of a 450 Motocross bike. However, this pin-point accuracy comes at the cost of stability. FMX stunt rider Drake McElroy commented that the CRF 450-F “turns better than any other bike out there. Right now it is the absolute best bike for Supercross, hands down.”

Conclusion

If you are looking for the lightest, most agile 450 on the market, than make no mistake about it the 2010 Honda CRF 450-R is the bike for you. The bike’s engine has plenty of steam, plus it’s versatile and easy to use. It is the lightest Supercross bike out there, weighing in at a mere 237 pounds. And it is the sharpest handling bike you can buy. The Honda CRF 450-R is one incredible machine.

Source: http://www.emotocrossblog.com/honda-crf-450-r-review/

Gaylon Mosier Marvin Musquin