VOLUME 57 ISSUE 39 SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 P93
A new frame design offers nar-
rower spars that shed an extra
pound and a half in the process.
New bodywork and mounting points
complete the exterior with bold
blood-red livery. The redesigned
airbox allows for more airflow and
is paired with an updated air filter,
easily accessible through the left
number plate. The battery
has also moved from the
airbox to behind the
cylinder for lower, more
centralized mass. Honda
has also ditched the black coatings
on the clutch and ignition covers,
areas that tend to see severe scuff-
ing after just a few rides.
The Honda crew continually
emphasized that this bike was de-
signed with the rider and mechanic
in mind. Some of the exterior
updates include fewer bolts, all
eight-millimeter, to secure the body-
work; the air filter is more easily
accessible, and the sight glass on
the engine eliminates guesswork
while changing the oil. It's always
a welcome change to see ease-of-
maintenance in mind on an elite-
level race bike.
ALL ABOARD
Jumping aboard the new CRF, you
will immediately notice the slimmer
cockpit (thanks to that new frame
and shrouds) and a consolidated
control panel mounted to the Rent-
hal Fatbars. The electronics are
now housed in one cluster rather
than the multitude of buttons from
the previous model year. A blue "M"
for mode, a green "T" for HSTC
Some things
never change;
the CRF450R still
feels light and
maneuverable.
