Honda CRF 450: reviews, technical specifications, speed

Since the beginning of 2000, Honda developers began to gradually change the line of XR motorcycles to CRF . The new models are offered in three versions:

Honda CRF450R - cross version . There are no mirrors, headlights, or minimal electrics.
Honda CRF450F - motocross tires , retuned suspension and engine are features of hard-enduro.
Honda CRF450X is a symbiosis of both models . It belongs to ENDURO, but has a full set of electrics, mirrors and head optics .

Honda CRF450R – cross.

Honda CRF450F – hard enduro.

Honda CRF450X with headlight.

In 2006, the line underwent rebranding, which is discussed below. The release of updated versions continues. Initially intended for domestic markets, the models can be seen at American and European Honda dealers.

Specifications

When creating an engine for the line, the developers took into account that air cooling in cross-country racing conditions is often not enough, so the new version of the bike is liquid cooled.

The aluminum radiator of the cooling system is located under the gas tank.

No other special solutions were used and the bike received a 4-stroke engine with the following parameters:

working volume - 448 cm3;
power - 48 hp;
number of valves - 4;
cylinders - 1;
cooling - liquid;
fuel supply - carburetor;
ignition - electronic;
start - kick starter;
fuel tank - 8 l.

Engine start

On the first models, starting the engine was possible only from the kick starter foot.

Minimum electrics did not provide the possibility of starting the engine from a button. But after the rebranding of 2006, such an opportunity arose. Buyers of the X version were offered a choice of three options:

kick starter leg only;
electric start button only
both options at once.

Those who wanted to have a second or third option had to pay extra for wiring additional electrical equipment.

Transmission and clutch

The bike is equipped with a 5-speed gearbox, specially rebuilt for cross-country competitions.

The volume of oil poured into the crankcase is indicated on the engine body.

Unlike the standard sequential circuit the gear ratios were reconfigured (reduced) and the pedal stroke length was changed. This was appreciated by both athletes and off-road enthusiasts. The box switched without problems , reacting very sensitively to the movements of the motorcyclist’s legs.

Multi-disc clutch in oil bath.
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Next to the clutch cover is an aluminum alloy brake foot.
Drive by chain.

Traditional chain drive.

Chain tension roller.

Brakes

Both axles use disc hydraulics.

Front brakes:

number of disks - 2;
disc diameter - 240 mm;
support - 2 pistons (Nissin).

Front brakes.

Rear brakes.

Rear brakes:

number of disks - 1;
disc diameter - 240 mm;
support - 1 piston, floating bracket (Nissin).

No additional options are provided.

Honda CRF450X 2022

Legendary and invincible - this is how the Honda CRF450X is described in discussions about rally racing. The Honda CRF450X delivered its thirtieth Baja 1000 victory last November in the hands of SLR Honda's Mark Samuels, Justin Morgan and Justin Jones. A great tool for desert racing, this model is also great for outdoor racing thanks to its outdoor homologation and convenient features like a side stand, 18-inch rear wheel, headlight, closed chain and six-speed transmission.

Driving performance

Fuel consumption directly depends on the quality of the road surface. Depending on their driving style, users give different numbers. Average - 8 liters per 100 km (it is worth noting that the tank has the same volume).

Maximum speed

The maximum declared speed is 100 km/h.

According to user reviews, the bike is dynamic and accelerates quickly. This largely depends, of course, on the conditions of use.

Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h

To accelerate from 0 to 100 km, the developers voice a figure of 4.2 seconds .

Honda CRF450RL 2022

Dual-purpose motorcycles not only combine the best of both worlds, but also must meet many requirements at once, which poses certain difficulties for designers. That's what makes the CRF450RL special: based on a legendary platform, powered by a 449cc Unicam engine, built on a twin-beam aluminum frame and premium long-travel suspension, it's perfect for off-road riding. And at the same time, its smooth, comfortable character, quiet muffler, vibration-smoothing polyurethane-filled pendulum and six-speed gearbox with widely spaced gears make this model perfect for driving on asphalt.

Dimensions and weight

Attempts to lighten and accelerate the motorcycle as much as possible have led to the fact that the dry weight of the models is not much higher than the weight of the average pit bike - 116 kg.

The equipped motorcycle (filled with all fluids) weighs 123 kg.

The side stand adds a couple of kilograms to the weight. Whoever fights for lightness can take it off.

Before describing the external parameters, it is worth recalling that enduro has a high seating position by definition. This affects both ground clearance and the rider's riding position.

The motorcycle has:

in length - 2180 mm ;
width - 780 mm (including protruding mirrors on X versions - 820 mm );
height - 1275 mm , seat - 863 mm .

Wheelbase and ground clearance are 1490 and 340 mm, respectively.

Who is it suitable for?

Despite the initial positioning of the bikes only for Japanese markets, tall European users note that it is quite comfortable to sit and ride. The steering wheel does not touch the steering wheel; it reaches extreme positions without problems.

This powerful cross bike leaves a lot of positive emotions after the first ride.

As a result of the 2006 redesign, versions of subsequent years of production have no height/weight restrictions .

Honda CRF450RX 2022

2022 Honda CRF450RX
The Honda CRF450RX is designed for off-road competition on closed circuits such as GNCC, WORCS and NGPC. Based on the CRF450R, the RX comes with special off-road features, including custom ECU firmware and suspension tuning (updated for the 2022 model year), as well as an 18-inch rear wheel, aluminum side stand, lever guards and an 8-liter fuel tank.

Rebranding 2006

Taking into account the negative comments and opinions collected over several years, in 2006 the concern’s engineers reassembled the line in a new way.

Rumors that the bikes of the new “bottling” will become much more expensive have not been confirmed. The concern's marketing department froze the price. Authorized Hobda dealers around the world began to offer new models at the prices of old ones.

In 2006 in the lineup:

The engine was moved . 5 mm down, 5 mm forward. The result is increased maneuverability.
The radiator was moved . 5 mm down. The result is a lower overall center of gravity without reducing ground clearance, resulting in better handling.
Reduced exhaust pipe noise. According to the new rules of Japanese law, it should not exceed 96 dB.
The mufflers are raised high to the seat and covered with plastic covers.
The front fork cups were replaced, as well as the front wheel hub . The result is that the motorcycle has become lighter. The consequences have become a whole range of qualities on which comfort when moving depends.
We used new material for the intake valve seat, carburetor needle, and water pump impeller . The result is an increase in the service life of the corresponding units, and as a result, an extension of the overall service life of the model.
Separate adjustments have been made to the suspension components , which generally affect driving comfort.

Flaws

The Honda CRF-450 is definitely suitable for experienced pilots, and beginners will be crazy about it. However, beginner riders will still be more suited to a more modest bike, for example, the Honda CRF-250.

Of course, after the announcement of the reassembly of the line, many users expected the inclusion of features that had proven themselves on equipment from other brands. But, as you know, Honda has never pursued new products, focusing on safety and cost . Therefore, many users, speaking about the disadvantages, describe the disadvantages of all enduro equipment.

Honda CRF450 requires some riding experience . But any off-road, hard or light, will require advanced control skills from the pilot, and the brand is no exception.
Fuel reserve is small . The developers are positioning the bike primarily as a sports equipment, not a road bike. Due to the forced engine and cross-country settings, the bike needs to be serviced more often than a regular one . Well, with frequent maintenance, refilling is just part of the process...

A rather serious disadvantage is the carburetor, not the injector . But converting to an injector will require rebuilding the bike, while a new needle will allow the carburetor to last longer. But among cross-country and enduro fans there is a large caste of people who only recognize the carburetor.

Advantages

The motorcycle will most likely appeal to those riders who like to combine motorsports disciplines such as motocross and classic enduro.

Just like the disadvantages, the advantages of the model are often the advantages of the brand. In addition to the additions used during rebranding, users note:

good handling;
reliability;

As well as a large number of both components and tuning opportunities . Moreover, in some cases, the concern contributes to the latter by releasing for sale a small number of models converted at the factory.

Honda

The 2022 Honda CRF450R introduces the next generation of flagship supercross and motocross motorcycle.
If the main feature of the previous model was the “Absolute Holeshot” system, now the manufacturer has focused on the “Razor Sharp Cornering” technology. What's new and interesting in the 2022 Honda CRF450R (all changes and improvements mentioned above also apply to the 2022 CRF450RWE and 2022 CRF450RX, but do not apply to the 2022 CRF450X and 2021 CRF450RL):

The new aluminum frame is 1 kg lighter. Some structural changes have been made. The side members are narrower, and the drop-down elements and engine mounting points have been redesigned. Honda engineers redesigned much of the frame and overall reduced lateral stiffness by 20% to improve the bike's cornering feel while maintaining vertical rigidity.
The wheelbase has become 1 mm shorter. The fork rake is half a degree lower and the trail is 2mm shorter. The swing angle is now 0.9 degrees steeper. In addition, the distance from the front axle to the steering axle has been increased by 1.8 mm.
The saddle height has increased by 5 mm, and the saddle is shorter and lighter by 150 grams. Ground clearance is 7.5 mm more.
The subframe has become simpler and lighter by 300 grams.
Updated Showa suspension. The 49mm fork has 5mm more travel. The shock absorber was changed slightly to fit the new frame. A new steel shock absorber spring allows for a slight weight reduction.
Dunlop MX33 tires instead of last year's Dunlop MX3S.
The engine is the same, but many changes have been made from the intake to the exhaust.
The most important thing is the single muffler. The new exhaust system saved approximately 1.25 kg. Exhaust gases flow through the pipe with less resistance, which improves efficiency and reliability at low speeds.
A more efficient air box and filter have been installed.
The fuel injector angle has been changed to be more perpendicular to the air flow.
The exhaust port was moved to the center, which was the first reason for modifying the frame. In addition, the port became oval. The changes are aimed at increasing efficiency at medium and high speeds from 5000.
The new clutch is 27% more efficient.
The fuel pump is smaller and lighter.
The modified radiator is 5% more efficient.
New body kit.
Convenient access to regulated electronic systems. Traction control, modes and a force-off button are all controlled by a three-button paddle on the left handlebar.
The Honda CRF450RWE model additionally received a Hinson clutch and a Twin Air filter.
The Honda CRF450RX additionally receives a new 8-liter tank, an upgraded radiator shroud and hand protection as standard.

Photos of Honda CRF450R 2022:

Photos of Honda CRF450RWE 2022:

Photos of Honda CRF450RX 2022:

Motorcycle Honda CRF 450X 2011 review

Honda CRF series motorcycles have been produced since 2000, replacing the enduro-cross XR series. Unlike the XR, the new CRF motorcycles have more advanced liquid-cooled engines and chassis (aluminum frame, modern suspension, etc.).

Main modifications of the Honda CRF 450 series:

Honda CRF450R is a cross-country version (has a kick starter, does not have mirrors, headlights or other electrics).
Honda CRF450F is a hard enduro, the model is similar to the motocross model, but with different engine and suspension tuning.
Honda CRF450X is an enduro version (has an electric starter, mirrors and headlights).

A special feature of the Honda CRF450X model is a 1-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled engine producing 49 hp.
at 7500 rpm and 46.8 Nm of torque available at 7000 rpm. Average fuel consumption on the Honda CRF450X, according to owner reviews, ranges from 6 to 8 liters per 100 km. The exact value depends on carburetor setting, riding style and surface. The price for a used Honda CRF450X starts from 100,000 rubles for models that require investment, up to 530,000 rubles for a new dealer motorcycle. The Honda CRF450 is a tough sports rig with a high-performance engine, ultra-light weight and off-road suspension. Despite the fact that this motorcycle is often converted into a motard, it still remains a sports equipment that requires more frequent and periodic major maintenance. Therefore, if you need a city motard or a lightweight enduro with the maintenance of a road bike, it is recommended to pay attention to the Suzuki DR-Z400 S or SM versions. The motorcycle appears exactly in the guise in which it leaves the assembly line; it has not been modernized. Many owners of serious machines can recommend this particular model to beginners as a training, intermediate stage between very simple machines and more advanced choppers and other motorcycles. In many ways, they are right; you can’t win anything at any serious competition with such a vehicle, but the Honda CRF450F is quite suitable for gaining experience. Of course, you can perform in semi-professional races on this motorcycle, but a person is designed in such a way that most often, when achieving any goal, you want to achieve even more.

The Honda CRF450F is good for the entry level, it is light, maneuverable, a powerful 500cc engine that provides impressive torque, this set of characteristics is enough to even compete in local championships and think about awards.

The Honda CRF450F comes standard with virtually no attachments. There are even no signal lamps and lights, that is, the motorcycle is completely naked! This issue is resolved by purchasing additional items. They can be found in special catalogs and ordered. In principle, why the Honda CRF450F is devoid of all the bells and whistles is understandable; they wanted to make it not just simple, but as light as possible, and it wouldn’t be too difficult to install additional signals, lights and other things.

The Honda CRF450F drives great, needless to say, you don’t have to make any significant changes to the design, but your hands are itching to improve something else. For example, the front fork can be improved by installing new cartridges in the shock absorbers. The standard muffler can also be replaced with a more refined tuned version. This is done, in principle, not for the sake of achieving greater power, but because it is easier to remove; in addition, oddly enough, it has less weight and is much safer in case of falls. The decoration of the motorcycle is spartan, there is no special tuning, it is only a small plastic protection and a cover that is stretched over the seat. The Honda CRF450F has a larger tank, it has a volume of 14 liters, a three-layer air filter, and a rear sprocket that has 48 teeth instead of 50. Some instruments are also present.

In races against “cool” motorcycles, the Honda CRF450F loses to them in all respects, but can show its mettle in areas where traffic is difficult. The motorcycle is unique in its kind; it comes with a spare piston, which the manufacturer itself suggests replacing after the engine has been running for more than 8 hours. In fact, testing the Honda CRF450F in “combat” conditions of various tracks, it was not noticeable that the engine behaved any differently, everything was in perfect order.

In general, this is a universal device that allows you to transform at the owner’s discretion; there is no great difficulty in this. The model’s engine is four-stroke, lacks a battery, instead there is an electric starter, the gearbox is tightly structured, the motorcycle is designed for short rides where you need to turn up the power to the fullest. There is no point in going on long trips with it, since it was designed for a completely different field of application. This is the so-called “enduro” class, which can be converted into a good motocross machine. By the way, many people do this; fortunately, this action can be performed quickly and without much effort.

Go to the entire range of Honda motorcycles, on this page you can find Honda CRF 450X motorcycles from other years of production and information about them