2021 HONDA CRF450R
R I D E R E V I E W
P94
(traction control), and a red kill
button are conveniently labeled
and easily accessed from the
rider's left hand. Yes, this bike car-
ries over the handlebar-mounted
maps with three modes—standard,
smooth and aggressive. The three-
mode HSTC (Honda Selectable
Torque Control) again finds itself
equipped on the '21 model after
being introduced last year. Three
HRC Launch Control settings are
also available, with RPM settings
designed for advanced, intermedi-
ate, and novice riders. There are
more switches and settings than
most riders are probably used to,
but we assure you it's not as com-
plicated as it sounds. Simply hold
the select button for three seconds
while in neutral, and the color-cod-
ed display will flash once, twice, or
three times to indicate which mode
you're in. Find a setting you like,
and it's off to the races, literally.
The topography of Glen Helen
impatiently sifts out any imperfec-
tion, giving design flaws nowhere
to hide. We fired it up and rolled
out the new hydraulic clutch,
(Above) The frame
alone is a pound and
a half lighter than last
year. (Left) Back to a
single muffler system.
One muffler means less
weight and less cost.
It sounds better, too!
(Right) The Honda still
delivers a ton of power
but in a little bit more
manageable way.
