Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1546141
P108 RIDE REVIEW I 2027 HONDA CRF450R The new slipper clutch works well, and when combined with reduced compression braking, corner entry is improved, and the chassis feels more stable over the braking bumps. The clutch's new damping system reduces kicking when you're on the brakes, thereby reducing front-to-back rocking mo - tion. A longer wheelbase also helps to make things less pitchy and more stable so you can focus on choosing your lines. Suspension is another big standout. It felt plush and worked well on the Spring Creek track, requiring only minor fine-tuning to keep me happy for the day. It's a good-handling bike that doesn't feel twitchy or nervous, even in the fastest sections of the racetrack. The Honda's sus- pension ate up Spring Creek's famous sand whoops, never feeling out of sorts, even under heavy load. The CRF450R has always been known for its precise cornering behavior, but the '27 doesn't steer or feel as light in the corners as the '26, even though it lost 10 pounds of dead weight. However, it does feel more stable and planted in the corners, which is an acceptable trade-off for that slightly heavier turn-in feel. It might take a bit more effort to get it into turns, but once you're in, you're good. The slightly wider bodywork and seat make it easier to control the bike. As a taller rider, I loved this and thanked the Honda techs for opening up the cockpit. The lower side panels are reshaped, improving grip for the boots, and the seat feels more comfortable with its less-rounded shape. It's hard to fault the new CRF450R—but the grips are harsh, the seat cover has little traction, and the Honda is the only bike in its class, besides the Suzuki RM-Z450, that lacks smartphone connectivity. And, in my opinion, I think Hondas should be all red. Is the 2027 CRF450R better than the 2026 model? Absolutely. You can tell after just a few laps on the bike. What stands out the most to me is that you can ride it faster with less effort than before. What more can you ask for? CN 2027 HONDA CRF450R ($10,099) Engine Type Single-cylinder 4-stroke Displacement 450cc Valvetrain Unicam SOHC; four valves per cylinder Cooling System Liquid Bore x Stroke 97.0mm x 60.8mm Starting System Electric Compression Ratio 13.8:1 Fueling Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm throttle body Transmission 5-speed Clutch Nissin, hydraulic actuation, slipper-style Final Drive 13T/51T Frame Aluminum Front Suspension 49mm inverted Showa fork Rear Suspension Pro-Link Showa single shock Front-Wheel Travel 12.2 in. Rear-Wheel Travel 12 in. Front Wheel 21 in. Rear Wheel 19 in. Front Tire Dunlop MX34 80/100-21 in. Rear Tire Dunlop MX34 120/90-19 in. Front Brake Single 260mm disc with 2-piston caliper Rear Brake Single 240mm disc Wheelbase 58.7 in. Seat Height 37.5 in. Fuel Capacity 1.9 gal. Rake 27.3° Ground Clearance 13.1 in. Weight (wet, claimed) 238 pounds