VOLUME 58 ISSUE 14 APRIL 6, 2021 P95
In the cockpit, the Throttle Jockey grip-
per seat cover offered the perfect amount
of rear-end traction without trying to pull my
pants off in the process. The Renthal grips
were another welcomed "mod" compared
to the stockers.
During our test day, we were able to do
back-to-back motos on the Works Edition
and the standard '21 CRF450R. Simply
put, the Works Edition comes from the
factory with everything we would change
about the R. It has stiffer suspension with
better hold up, a flashed ECU for smoother
throttle response—which is indeed much-
improved over the standard model—and
overall more power from bottom to top.
Other add-ons like the Yoshimura exhaust
quiet the audibles, while the aftermarket
grips and seat cover give the WE a much
more comfortable feel in the rider cockpit.
The answers to our two main questions
are yes and yes. Yes, the added parts
seem worth the one-time hit when you
break it down into their individual price
tags. Exhaust, wheels, suspension, porting
and graphics will all run you a pretty penny
no matter where you do your shopping
these days. Plus, the Honda has more
bolt-ons than any of the other Factory Edi-
tion models. The second yes, came when
we rode this thing out on the track. This
is what we've been searching for from our
standard CRF, and having it race-ready
with everything we want is a massive bonus
in our book. In fact, if Honda enlisted this
bike in our 2021 450cc Motocross Shoot-
out late last year, it just might have taken
top honors.
(Left) The
Honda isn't the
lightest bike in
its class, but it's
so well balanced
that it feels
that way.
