VOLUME 59 ISSUE 3 JANUARY 19, 2022 P91
a solid pull through the rpm range
and a hearty over-rev of the red
ride. We'll take this engine any day.
Honda's new frame is also a
significant change for the new
year. The sharp lines, ultra-thin
radiator shrouds and flat seat
seem to take after the KTM. And
did we mention the single exhaust
is back? Thankfully. Ditching the
two bulky mufflers again aids
in that slim feeling on the CRF.
This more neutral design looks
to be the way of the future as
Honda is the first Japanese brand
implementing the "European"
styling. Regardless, we're a fan of
this design, and every one of our
riders commended the Honda's
narrow and rider-friendly cockpit.
The suspension is ultimately
where the Honda fell short. The
new chassis is stiff and precise,
but the forks felt too soft, which
also unweighted the rear end
and made it feel too light and
unpredictable. Our riders turned
the compression in two clicks on
the fork to stiffen it up and get
more balance placed on the rear.
These clicks improved the overall
feeling of the bike's handling, as
it became much more settled and
predictable under heavy braking.
Our riders applauded the
new frame, rider cockpit and
improvements to the engine.
However, as the tracks roughened
up late in the day, the ultra-stiff
Honda simply became harder and
harder to hang on to. This is the
first rendition of the new CRF, and
the red riders are certainly on the
right track.
The Honda's
suspension is
improved for '22
but still needs
some tweaking.
