2016 450 MOTOCROSS SHOOTOUT
P168
SHOOTOUT
D
espite getting just a few
changes for 2016 (all to the
chassis), the Honda is sur-
prisingly improved over the 2015
model. The motor feels more
lively, giving the bike an overall
much-improved feel. But how
could that be when they didn't
make any changes to the motor?
Good question. As it turns out,
the suspension changes—most
notably new linkages—make the
rear wheel hook up much better
than before, so when you crack
the throttle, it moves! It's funny
how a seemingly small change
like that can completely change a
bike's personality.
The Honda was already one
of the easiest and most comfort-
able of all of the 450s to ride,
and it's even easier now that the
motor "feels" spunkier. Still, at
51.4 horsepower (8400 rpm) the
Honda is one of the weakest of
the group, at least on paper. But
a healthy dose of torque and an
extremely user-friendly power
delivery, work together to make
the Honda's engine surprisingly
lethal. We simply like this motor
because it doesn't wear you out
and works well on an extremely
rough track, but we would like to
have more power overall, espe-
cially on top. Mapping is also
adjustable (three settings) via a
convenient handlebar switch, but
our testers generally preferred to
leave it in "aggressive" mode.
We're still not fans of the dual
mufflers; they add weight, are
twice susceptible to damage and
harder to maintain.
COUNTDOWN
4
RD
PLACE
HONDA CRF450R
