Honda has announced the worldwide arrival of two of its most significant off-roading vehicles. A totally revised CRF450R moto-crosser, and a new enduro racer called the CRF450RX.
Honda’s CRF450R has been a moto-cross benchmark ever since it first hit the market in 2002. Keeping this in mind, engineers have redesigned the 2017 model to rope in more top end performance in an even more sharper and rider-friendly package. What’s new in the all-new 2017 CRF450R is an overall power upgrade of 11 per cent with stronger low end torque, and a five per cent improvement in acceleration. It finds more traction thanks to the new aluminium frame with a lower centre of gravity and shorter wheelbase. It also gets 49mm Showa steel spring front forks, a titanium fuel tank and the option of an electric starter.
Mikio Uchiyama, project leader for the new CRF450R, said, “Our focus has been on producing a machine with exceptional engine performance, outstanding traction and a low centre of gravity – to create a 5% improvement in acceleration on the previous model. The phrase underpinning development was ‘Absolute Holeshot’. The CRF450R is already proving its worth in the Japanese MX championship, winning the first five races. We are proud to give this kind of performance to motocross lovers worldwide.”
On the other hand, Honda now provide enduro riders with a race-ready machine called the new CRF450RX. It shares the latest CRF450R’s new engine and frame package, but adds other changes for the enduro focus this bike is based on. These include an altered suspension setting, revised fuel injection settings, and a larger 8.5-litre fuel tank. There’s also an 18-inch rear wheel, side stand, electric start, and new engine maps that can be selected at the handlebar.
Uchiyama, said, “The CRF450RX is a pure, race-ready enduro tool like nothing else Honda has ever made. It uses the greatly improved performance of the brand new CRF450R and we made no sacrifices in producing this ‘RX’ enduro version, which offers something completely new to expert riders everywhere. It is built to win straight from the crate, at the highest level of competition.”
Both the Honda CRF450R and CRF450RX will be unveiled at the next Assen MX GP scheduled between August 27th and August 28th in Netherlands.
