The Honda CRF450R is a four-stroke racing motocross motorcycle built by Honda, the successor to the CR250R two-stroke. The CRF450X is its enduro version. Since 2002 the model has passed through six generations of chassis and engine development.
Honda CRF450R at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 2002 |
| Type | racing motocross |
| Predecessor | CR250R two-stroke |
| Enduro version | CRF450X |
| First generation | 2002–2004, aluminium frame |
| Second generation | 2005–2008, HPSD steering damper from 2008 |
| Third generation | 2009–2012, fuel injection |
| Fourth generation | 2013–2016, twin exhaust and air forks |
| Fifth generation | 2017–2020, coil spring forks and electric start |
| Sixth generation | 2021 onward, new frame and oval exhaust port |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the CRF450R. The Commons candidates were unidentified show photographs, so the article has no new photos.
History of the Honda CRF450R
First generation (2002–2004)
The CRF450R was introduced in 2002. Unlike the competing Yamaha YZ426, the first generation had an aluminium frame. In 2003 Honda added a longer shock and new linkage to raise the rear and steepen the head angle, and revised the camshaft, exhaust and ignition map; the handlebar went to 7/8 inch in 2004.
Second generation (2005–2008)
The second generation had a redesigned engine and frame with new bodywork styling from the CRF250R. In 2008 Honda introduced the Honda Progressive Steering Damper, which allowed more aggressive steering geometry.
Third and fourth generations (2009–2016)
The third generation of 2009 brought fuel injection and an all-new bike. The fourth generation of 2013 introduced a twin exhaust to centralise mass and air forks.
Fifth and sixth generations (2017 onward)
The 2017 bike had a new engine design and optional electric start; air forks gave way to Showa coil spring forks. For 2018 electric start became standard and new engine mounts allowed more chassis flex. The 2019 model gained an all-new swingarm and a launch control setting. The sixth generation of 2021 introduced a slimmer frame and plastic design with a single exhaust passing through the centre of the upright, and an oval rather than round exhaust port.
Design and features
- Aluminium frame: used from the first 2002 model.
- Fuel injection: introduced with the 2009 generation.
- Progressive steering damper: the HPSD from 2008.
- Electric start: optional in 2017, standard in 2018.
Honda CRF450R versions
- CRF450R (2002–2004): the original aluminium-framed bike.
- CRF450R (2005–2008): redesigned bodywork and the HPSD.
- CRF450R (2009–2012): fuel injection.
- CRF450R (2013–2016): twin exhaust and air forks.
- CRF450R (2017–2020): coil spring forks and electric start.
- CRF450X: the enduro version.
The CRF450R leads the Honda CRF series above the CRF150R. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda CRF450R, English Wikipedia: generations, chassis, engine changes
