2017 HONDA CRF450RX
FIRST TEST
P62
track hack and was wonderful
out on the motocross track. The
18-inch rear wheel helps add to
the plush feeling, and the more
mellow power delivery off-idle
equals excellent hook-up out of
the corners. Engine response
is still pretty snappy, and the ex-
haust, which is the same as the
motocrosser (no added muffling
or spark arrestor), is very loud.
Using map two (traction map) al-
lowed us to leave the RX a gear
high out on the trail and smooth-
ly roll on the gas without much
clutch work. When you want a
big blip of power, it is waiting,
just twist the right grip. We're
already talking about trying some
quieter mufflers that will mellow
out the power, and we feel that
the RX will also benefit greatly
with a Rekluse auto clutch,
which we feel would make the
RX more trail friendly without
compromising the motor's high
performance.
While the internal transmis-
sion ratios are the same as the
CRF450R, final-drive gearing is
slightly changed. It has a one-
tooth larger rear sprocket to
improve controllability during su-
per-slow technical riding, and we
didn't have any complaints with
first gear being too tall in tight
riding. The RX likes a little more
momentum and to be ridden
aggressively when compared to
Not a whole lot distinguishes the
RX from the R; most obvious is the
skid plate, larger plastic tank and
18-inch rear wheel (we installed
our own hand guards).
(Left) The battery shares
space in the airbox with the
air filter. We figure most
people will quickly replace it
with a lighter lithium battery.
(Right) Electric starting is
standard on the RX.
