2018 HONDA CRF450R
FIRST TEST
P106
ing resistance has been
improved, as well.
The trade-off, though, is
that lighter riders probably
will not like the heavier
springs. Our lightest test
rider (135 pounds) pre-
ferred the 2017 spring
rates, but our heavier test
riders (170 pounds and
above) welcomed them.
None of our test rid-
ers were bothered by the
additional five pounds that
the CRF450R put on be-
cause of the now-standard
electric starting system,
saying they definitely liked
the convenience of just
touching the button to get
the engine lit and not ever
having to worry about stall-
ing the bike in a race.
Some things haven't
changed, like the way it
corners. It's still one of the
best in the business and
not in just berms or ruts,
but in all conditions—flat
turns, tight turns, fast turns,
soft turns, you name it and
it rails it. The Honda is also
The Honda
still isn't afraid
of the turns,
but loamier
the better.
