VOL. 53 ISSUE 32 AUGUST 16, 2016 P47
T
he 2017 Honda CRF450R is essentially all-new from
the ground up.
The redesigned engine retains its Unicam valve-
train design but has been completely reworked and is more
compact than before. There's a new piston and a higher-com-
pression ratio, as well. Honda claims the new motor is higher
revving, has increased torque across the range and more peak
horsepower (by about five hp).
Electric starting is available as an option in kit form. If you
want the magic button, you must purchase the kit separately.
The kit does not include a battery and will sell for about $650.
There had been talk about the bike possibly getting a hy-
draulic clutch, but Honda chose to stick with a cable-actuated
system because they did not feel that the added weight and
cost of a hydraulic system were worth the advantages over
a cable system. Honda did, however, modify the clutch to get
what they call a hydraulic-like feel.
In the suspension department, Honda went back to a
simpler-to-maintain and adjust coil-spring fork, but not just any
spring fork. It's Showa's 49mm race-kit fork.
The aluminum twin-spar frame, now in its sixth generation, is
all new and lighter, which makes up for the heavier spring fork.
As a result, Honda says the bike has retained its 243 pounds
(that's wet, full fuel). A lighter titanium tank replaces the former
plastic tank but capacity remains the same at 1.6 gallons.
The airbox has been repositioned higher up in the chassis,
which allows for a straighter intake and the shock to be cen-
trally mounted in the frame for improved CG. The upper shock
mount is 39mm lower and the shock itself is shorter.
The bike also gets all-new bodywork, which includes in-
mold graphics.
The 2017 CRF450R will be available in October. Honda has
not yet announced an MSRP.
For more photos and technical information on the 2017
Honda CRF450R, click HERE. CN
NEW EVERYTHING
FOR 2017
