Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128168
003 Honda CRF450R • , Tech Ticker WHAT'S NEW? MOTOR ankle getting out when the temperatu first effort in thE: fourwars of 2002 was so impressive that we would not have been surprised at all had Honda decided to leave well enough alone and make absolutely no changes to the '03 CRF450R. But Honda, a company not known to just sit back and bask in its glory, felt that the CR could be improved with a few subtle changes for '03 (see Tech Ticker). And they recently wanted to prove it. Honda introduced the new CRF450R (along with the '03 CR250R, which we reviewed in last week's issue, #32) to the media at Cyrus Canyon OHV Park's MX track near Lake Isabella in Kernville, California. When I arrived at the track (which I am quite fond of, by the way). the temperature gauge inside my truck read 1 10 degrees, and had it not been for all of the effort Honda put into making this intro happen, and the engineers from Showa and the designers from Japan that attended, I TRACK: TRACK STYLE: AUGUST 21, 2002' the next day, I wa quite a few laps on w 450. After all, I was getting used to the heat after spending the previous day in 100plus-degree temperatures at Glen Helen, attending Yamaha's introduction of its new YZ 125 and 250 models. Meanwhile, I couldn't help but think about fellow eN editor, Chris Jonnum, who was attending Kawasaki's KX intro amid the pine trees at Washougal MX Park, then spending the following day playing in a nearby lake on Kawasaki personal watercraft. Obviously, it's the intro time of year, and I think Chris got the better end of the deal this time around. But, hey, I can't complain, really, because what's a little heat when you get to ride the new Honda CRF450R, the newest version of our 2002 Open Four-Stroke Shootout winner? Cyrus Canyon OHV Park, Kemville, Califomia Soft and borderline sandy, moderately rough with rounded bumps (no square-edged stuff), moderately high speed Well·watered, hardpack wlsome sand Hotter than . A few hours One Vet Intermediate; one Novice Set ride height, left clickers alone CONDITIONS: WEATHER: TIME ON BIKE: RIDERS: SETUP: 36 degrees later on t C U .. • • n e _ s CN MOTOR • Changes to camshaft timing and valve lift have been designed to improve lowend power (claimed 55 bhp at 9000 rpm and 36.5 Ib./ft. of torque at 6500 rpm) • The clutch damper has been designed to improve traction at the rear wheel • New ignition·timing settings have been made to enhance bottom-end power and power on the over·rev • The muffler is now 50mm shorter to improve throttie response • New carburetor jetting • The shifter is 10mm longer to improve ergonomics • A new chain-guide material is claimed to offer improved wear resistance, with service life claimed to be five times greater than conventional materials • Five-speed, close-ratio transmission features a thicker, more durable fourth gear just might've purpo WHAT'S NOT-SO NEW • Auto decompression and hot restart system • Compact, lightweight engine assembly weighs 65.4 pounds. • Lightweight, titanium intake valves • Auto decompressor for kickstarting • Forged, 11.5:1 compression slipper piston • Nikasil cylinder lining • 40mm FCR-type. flat-slide carburetor • Eight-bit digital CPU capacitive dis charge ignition system • Twin-sump lubrication system sepa rates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve·train from the clutch and transmission • Exhaust system uses a titanium exhaust header • Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump. CHASSIS • A new shock linkage raises the swingarm pivot 7mm • The front suspension stroke has been increased by 10mm • The steering rake is now steeper CHASSIS • Third-generation, twin-spar aluminum frame • Semi-double-cradle frame design • CR-type swingarm features a dual·axis, double-taper design with a large, (27° vs. 28.6°) • The suspension settings are now more plush • Roomier rider ergonomics were sought by recontouring the seat and moving the handlebar forward 3mm • The frame's downtubes are thicker and stronger, and the top and bottom engine hangers feature stronger casting to increase overall chassis rigidity for improved tracking and steering • The CR features a new airbox and air cleaner for improved breathing • (Jnic-am valve-train cast-aluminum cross-member. • CR-spec front and rear wheels feature HRC, works-type, lightweight aluminum spoke nipples • Optional 20-inch front wheel • 47mm inverted Showa twin-chamber cartridge fork • CR-type Pro-Link single-shock rearsuspension system • HRC works-type rear-brake system, integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir • 240mm front and rear brake discs