P158
2017 450 MOTOCROSS
SHOOTOUT
W
hat a difference a
year can make. The
Honda CRF450R
went from fourth in last
year's shootout to being
seriously considered for
the top spot in this shoot-
out. The all-new bike really
addressed past issues and
the Honda crew has a bike
that is not only faster, but
is also better handling—a
great combo.
The all-new 2017 Honda
engine has improved
torque throughout the rpm
range and peak horse-
power numbers are up, all
while revving higher. The
downdraft style intake tract
helps boost overall power
substantially. The more
powerful 2017 CRF450R
engine now ranks right
up in the mix amongst the
fastest 450s while putting
power to the ground in a
controlled and predict-
able way. Forward drive is
excellent.
None of our testers com-
plained the 2017 Honda
wasn't fast enough. We no-
ticed the all-new CRF450R
is also louder than in years
past, on par now with the
loud YZ and still loud KX.
The clutch revisions re-
duced the fading problem
that typically plagues the
CRF450R, and feel has
improved.
The strong and snap-
py engine helps the
CRF450R feel lighter
and more responsive. A
handlebar-mounted map
switch also makes it easier
to go between the three
maps. Our fasted riders
liked the stock and aggres-
sive maps, while a majority
of riders liked the mellower
map, which made rolling
on the gas and modulating
the power easier while still
providing plenty of boost.
The mellow map was a
common choice later in the
day as the tracks dried up.
Kick-starting the Honda
isn't nearly as easy as
3
rd
PLACE
HONDA
CRF450R
If you liked the way
the '09 CRF450R
handled (before its
major chassis change
in 2010), then you're
going to love the new
2017 CRF450F. It
feels just like the '09,
only better.
