Honda CRF450R (2005 - ) review

This 450 will bulldoze through any bog and climb any mountain. It’s the daddy of the range and not for wimps
Features many refinements to what is an already well-proven package
Could bite the unguarded on the arse

The Honda hasn’t changed radically for ’05, but the press pack lists around 20 changes I would describe more as refinements to what is an already well-proven package.

Dry weight has been reduced by 1.2kg to just under 100kg, which is what a 250 two-stroke weighed not that many years ago. This is reflected in the ride as it feels the lightest handling of all the 450s I have ridden to date. Compared to the Suzuki RM-Z450, everything seems to be happening a lot quicker, and having less mid-range and five gears makes you feel like you are working harder.

Other changes include stronger rear hub, a new shift drum and forks for slicker gear changes and new front and rear suspension valving for better bump absorption. The Honda hasn’t changed radically for ’05, but the press pack lists around 20 changes I would describe more as refinements to what is an already well-proven package.

Dry weight has been reduced by 1.2kg to just under 100kg, which is what a 250 two-stroke weighed not that many years ago. This is reflected in the ride as it feels the lightest handling of all the 450s I have ridden to date. Compared to the Suzuki RM-Z450, everything seems to be happening a lot quicker, and having less mid-range and five gears makes you feel like you are working harder.

Other changes include stronger rear hub, a new shift drum and forks for slicker gear changes and new front and rear suspension valving for better bump absorption.

The Honda hasn’t changed radically for ’05, but the press pack lists around 20 changes I would describe more as refinements to what is an already well-proven package.

Dry weight has been reduced by 1.2kg to just under 100kg, which is what a 250 two-stroke weighed not that many years ago. This is reflected in the ride as it feels the lightest handling of all the 450s I have ridden to date. Compared to the Suzuki RM-Z450, everything seems to be happening a lot quicker, and having less mid-range and five gears makes you feel like you are working harder.

Other changes include stronger rear hub, a new shift drum and forks for slicker gear changes and new front and rear suspension valving for better bump absorption.

Dryweight (kg)100
Seats0
Suspension FrontShowa usd, 47mm dia.
Suspension RearShowa monoshock
Brakes FrontTwin-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Brakes RearTwin-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Wheelbase (mm)1491
ChassisAluminium twin spar
Dryweight (kg)100
Seats0
Suspension FrontShowa usd, 47mm dia.
Suspension RearShowa monoshock
Brakes FrontTwin-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Brakes RearTwin-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Wheelbase (mm)1491
ChassisAluminium twin spar
Cubic Capacity (cc)449
Max Power (bhp)48
Max Power Peak (rpm)7500
Torque (ft/lb)34
Torque Peak (rpm)7000
Bore (mm)96
Stroke (mm)62.1
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio12
CoolingLiquid-cooled
Fuel DeliveryKeihin 40mm carbs
Stroke TypeFour Stroke
Cubic Capacity (cc)449
Max Power (bhp)48
Max Power Peak (rpm)7500
Torque (ft/lb)34
Torque Peak (rpm)7000
Bore (mm)96
Stroke (mm)62.1
Valve GearDOHC
Compression Ratio12
CoolingLiquid-cooled
Fuel DeliveryKeihin 40mm carbs
Stroke TypeFour Stroke