RIDE REVIEW I 2021 HONDA CRF450R
P94
Updating the '21's
ECU does wonders
for the Honda.
A few months later and more than 25 hours of
ride time on the CRF's hour meter later, we've
learned a few things about the new CRF450R.
First, let's address the ECU. The Honda crew
flashed our ECU with settings that the bike
should've had in the first place. The new settings
eliminate that dreaded gurgle that made it feel like a
dirty carburetor with a hesitant bog in high gears at
low rpm's. Trying to roll on the gas through a sweep-
ing rut? Nope. Popping out of a deep turn and trying
to use the power to pull you out? Think again. There
was a night-and-day difference in the motor once
this issue was resolved. The overall engine charac-
ter became much more predictable, and the power
rolled on like it was supposed to. If your bike has
the gurgle, no problem, your Honda dealer will be
happy to dial it in for you, just like ours.
So, what was our favorite map with the new
ECU? Map two; traction control one. I prefer mel-
lowing out 450s these days and often choose to
run them in the "slower" map option for added con-
fidence and the ability to ride the bike more towards
its potential. The different maps really do offer a lot
of variety, and while three maps, three modes of
traction control, and launch control are a lot to work
with, there is always a good setup for any type of
rider or track condition to be had.
In the suspension department, the Honda
techs dialed our bike in, literally. I loved the firm
feeling of the CRF450R Works Edition (WE)
model, and while that bike comes with Kashima-
coated everything, the guys were still able to help
us find a similar feeling with the standard model.
Stiffening the fork 2-3 clicks allowed it to hold up
better upon entry under braking and reduced its
willingness to dive through the initial part of the
stroke. The bike worked well for our liking with the
standard shock settings and the typical 105mm
sag, so we placed more of the setup focus on the
forks. I have become somewhat accustomed to
the "spongy" feeling of the CRF components and
found comfort in the bike's ability to stick through
the entirety of a long rut. After the initial lean-in,
the Honda will practically do the turning for you.
