VOLUME 58 ISSUE 8 FEBRUARY 23, 2021 P107
WEBSITE: Tokyomods.com
MSRP: $149.95 (Plus shipping)
S TANDOUT FEATURE
A simple quick fix to improve the '21
Honda CRF450R's power delivery
RIDER AN ALYSIS
Honda's all-new 2021 CRF450R was
the most anticipated motocross model
of the new year and it, indeed, lived
up to many of the high expectations
that came with it. Unfortunately, it also
came with one "minor" flaw that put
a damper on the bike's whole riding
experience. It didn't take long for those
who hopped on the '21 CRF450R for
the first time to notice a somewhat
annoying hiccup or slight hesitation
in the bike's power delivery when you
first crack the throttle. As a result, the
Honda felt heavy and lethargic off the
bottom, ruining the balance and over-
all feel of the CRF's powerful engine.
This is where Tokyomods came to my
rescue.
The crew at Tokyomods created their
own ECU settings for the Honda that
remedies this issue. Removing the stock
ECU for shipping is a basic process
that takes about 20 minutes. The ECU
is located on the bottom portion of the
airbox near the rear shock.
Then visit Tokyomods.com, and
simply complete an online ECU form
(which asks you some basic questions
about your bike/riding and the type of
fuel you plan on using) and ship your
ECU to Tokyomods, which is located in
San Juan Capistrano, California. Once
received, Tokyomods quickly re-maps
your ECU, and it leaves the shop the
very next day. I live in Reno, Nevada,
and the whole process took less than
a week. By the way, I spoke with a
Honda dealer who said they expect an
ECU fix from Honda but didn't know
when. I didn't want to wait.
Installing the updated ECU is just
as easy as removing it, just reverse the
steps. No adjustments are necessary,
simply plug it in and go ride!
The '21 CRF450R has three ECU
modes: Mode 1 (standard), Mode 2
(smooth) and Mode 3 (aggressive).
Mode 1 is locked from the factory and
cannot be re-programed, but modes 2
and 3 are open for business.
Installed and ready to ride, the dif-
ference in the re-mapped Tokyomods
ECU settings is noticeable right away,
even while just warming up the motor-
cycle on the stand. The instant crack of
the throttle is noticeably cleaner and
more responsive. While on the track,
things get even better.
Tokyomods created what it calls a
"torque setting" for map 2. This setting
greatly cleaned up the rich, dirty feel-
ing and provided a smooth and linear
power delivery from bottom to mid. This
allows the bike to be ridden in a gear
higher, especially entering and exit-
ing turns. The improved initial throttle
response makes the bike feel lighter and
more playful.
Mode 3 was re-mapped with a "mo-
tocross setting." This mode also cleans
up the initial throttle response and
bottom end, while still pulling strong
and quickly into the upper rpm range of
the engine. This setting was excellent for
faster tracks and higher-speed terrain.
Both settings are a significant improve-
ment over the stock ECU settings. These
settings allow you to utilize the full po-
tential of the Honda's powerful engine.
Yes, it's a little unfortunate having
to spend more money on a brand-new
motorcycle, but while it might not be an
absolutely necessary purchase, it is, in
my opinion, one well worth it.
Matt Bussell
LOWDOWN
Your re-mapped
ECU is ready to go
once you receive it,
just plug it in and
go roost.
REPROGRAMMING –
