2019 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
P92
SHOOTOUT
PROS
•Strong-pulling engine
•Smooth throttle response
•Electric starting
CONS
•Finicky suspension setup
•Flashing map switch
•Dual mufflers
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Actual weight (full fuel):
250 lbs.
MSRP: $9299
The CRF450R's suspension
played a role in its unim pressive
final result, with testers agreeing
the package is overly sensitive to
im perfections in the settings. This
means that, unless testers hit
their setups spot on, the CRF was
finicky on track and struggled to
cope with rough track conditions,
specifically chattering off harsh
braking bum ps. Some added that
a stiffer spring rate in the forks
would help here. For those who
did find the ideal setup, the bike
felt planted once set into the cor-
ner, and the suspension assists in
carrying momentum from corner
entry to exit.
U nfortunately, troubles contin-
ue in the chassis department for
Honda knows that to rule the
motocross world, there is no
time for rest. That's why after
collecting the 450cc shootout
trophy last year, its engineers
went back to work on im proving
the CRF450R, hardly a moment
after the cham pagne showers
had ended. The new CRF sees
a number of engine updates,
major work to its chassis, and
revised internal suspension
settings, all aimed at keeping
Big Red atop the big-bore class.
U nfortunately for Honda, the
2019 CRF gets knocked down
the list—not just one spot, but
instead all the way down to
fourth. It's a year of hardship for
the Honda CRF450R.
Honda
CRF450R
4
th
Place
