VOL. 54 ISSUE 34 AUGUST 29, 2017 P103
Now that Honda has an-
other year of testing under its
belt, the 2018 comes with new
engine mapping. Like last year,
there are three pre-programed
map settings to chose from,
which you can access via a
button on the handlebar.
Map 1 (the standard map
and the one you'll probably
use most) has been tweaked
for better roll-on power deliv-
ery and smoother transition
through the rpm range. Map 2
(softer) and map 3 (aggressive)
remain the same.
That's about it for engine
changes, but it does have new
upper engine mounts. Over
the years, it's been discovered
that engine mounts can play a
significant role in how a mo-
torcycle handles and feels on
the track, and Honda says that
the new shape of the upper
engine mounts are designed
to promote more flex, resulting
in improved "comfort" for the
rider. Honda test riders say that
with the new map setting and
new upper engine mounts, the
Honda has improved power,
allows for better overall control
and improved traction. Our test
riders agree.
While the changes Honda
made to the CRF450R might
seem small—and they are, re-
ally—they do make a noticeable
difference on the track, and all
for the better. During out testing,
we got the chance to ride a 2017
model back to back with the
2018 and you can indeed feel
the difference in both the power
and handling departments.
As far as power in Map 1, off-
idle, it's similar to the '17 with
good engine spin-up, but right
after (we'll call it low-midrange
or upper off-idle) there's a
meaty part of the power deliv-
ery that really pulls with control.
If It Was Ours…
…We wouldn't make many chang-
es right away to the 2018 Honda
CRF450R. We'd be plenty happy
racing it just the way it is. However,
down the road, we'd probably look
for ways to shed some weight, and
an aftermarket single muffler exhaust
system might be the best way of
doing that. But, handling might be
compromised. Honda claims that its
dual exhaust system is there to help
improve handling.
We've experienced some clutch
fading with the CRF450R in the
past, and since the clutch hasn't
changed all that much over the
years, we'd also consider beefing it
a up bit, and one good way of doing
that is giving Hinson Racing a call.
(Left top) Dual
mufflers are now a
Honda trademark.
When it comes to
improving handling,
Honda says two is
better than one.
(Left bottom) See
that seemingly
innocent-looking
upper engine
mount? It's been
redesigned to help
improve handling.
(Right) We
love this little
button. Electric
starting is now
standard on the
'18 CRF450R.
