VOL. 53 ISSUE 50 DECEMBER 20, 2016 P161
and are more worried
about engine and over-
all chassis performance
versus stock suspension
settings.
The CRF450R isn't
a featherweight, it is 12
pounds heavier than the
winning KTM 450 SX-F,
but that weight isn't as
noticeable on the track
where the Honda is very
light and nimble and easy
to throw around. Honda
did a good job of keeping
the weight low in the chas-
sis. However, they could've
lost more if they ditched its
dual muffler system for a
single muffler system.
All the changes to the
Honda really improved the
bike, enough that it beat
out last year's winner, the
YZ450F, on almost all
tracks. The only time the
Yamaha had an advantage
was on a really hacked-up
and blown-out.
The 450 class is much
closer to call than the
250F class and the bot-
tom line is that each bike
is very good. Really, the
2017 Honda CRF450R is
a second-place bike, but
since the KTM and Husky
are virtually the same
bike (but not as close as
the 250Fs), the Honda
gets pushed back to third
behind the two lightest pro-
duction motocross bikes.
3
rd
PLACE
HONDA
CRF450R
PROS
•Excellent engine
•Great turning
•Good suspension
CONS
•A little tough to start
•One of the loudest 450s
•Dual mufflers
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Weight (full fuel): 245 lbs.
(w/o fuel): 234.8 lbs.
MSRP: $8849
Overall the Honda's sus-
pension is very balanced,
working well for a wide
range of riders. The overall
suspension feel is plush,
and for some, on the soft
side, which is better for the
general public and average
rider. Top pros, and we've
said this before, will change
the suspension right away
We found the new
CRF to be very potent
but still easy ride.
Novices will like the
Honda just as much
as the pros will.
