The TRX450R is a high-performance all-terrain vehicle manufactured by Honda, produced from 2004 to 2014. Although the CRF450R and TRX450R share the same displacement figure, there are very few common components between the two engines.
Honda TRX450R at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Production | 2004–2014 |
| Type | high-performance sport ATV |
| Displacement | 450 cc |
| Related motorcycle | CRF450R |
| Shared parts, 2004–2005 | camshaft only |
| First-generation power | about 33 hp (25 kW) |
| First-generation compression | 10.5:1 |
| Second-generation power | over 41 hp (31 kW) |
| 2006 compression | 12:1 |
| Carburettor, first generation | 42 mm Keihin butterfly |
| Carburettor, second generation | 40 mm Keihin FCR |
| Racing debut | 2003 Baja 1000 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the TRX450R. No free photograph was found among the Commons candidates.
History of the Honda TRX450R
A torquey ATV engine
Many people were initially disappointed because the first TRX450R felt weak compared with the CRF450R. Honda said it designed the TRX450R engine to produce more torque so that it suited ATV use, and in 2004 and 2005 the only interchangeable part between the ATV and motorcycle engines was the camshaft.
The 2006 overhaul
For 2006 Honda made the TRX450R engine more like its motorcycle counterpart, with a more aggressive cam profile, a larger bore with a shorter stroke, a new short-skirt piston and titanium rather than steel valves. The carburettor changed from a 42 mm Keihin butterfly type to a 40 mm Keihin FCR, raising power from about 33 horsepower in the first generation to over 41 in the second. The compression ratio went from 10.5:1 to 12:1.
Racing
For many years the four-stroke class had a 440 cc displacement limit, and many racing bodies raised it so that the new 450 cc bikes and ATVs could compete. With the TRX450R, Honda announced after 17 years that it would again support factory-sponsored racing, and the 450R became the first factory-sponsored ATV of any manufacturer. Honda’s first sponsored rider on the new model was Tim Farr, and the team competed in the ATVA MX and TT Nationals in the Pro-Production class. The 450R’s first national race was the 2003 Baja 1000, where it finished first in the ATV class in 22 hours, 27 minutes and 24 seconds at an average of 37 mph.
Design and features
- Torque-focused 450: tuned for ATV work rather than motocross.
- 2006 engine overhaul: more aggressive cam, titanium valves and a Keihin FCR.
- Factory racing: Honda’s return to supported ATV competition.
- Baja success: a class win on its first national race.
Honda TRX450R versions
- TRX450R (2004–2005): the first generation, about 33 hp.
- TRX450R (2006–2014): the revised engine with over 41 hp.
The TRX450R shares its displacement class with the Honda CRF450R motocross bike and sits above the utility Rancher. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda TRX450R, English Wikipedia: engine, 2006 changes, racing, Baja
