2019 Honda CRF450R gets a serious performance boost

By Réhann Coetzee

 

Honda has just announced the 2019-model of their bruising motocross bike, the CRF450R.

“Updates to the model include a major boost of top-end power and torque and improved performance throughout the rev range,” says Barend Fouché, head of Honda Motorcycles South Africa.

He says it also gets launch control with three levels and other upgrades aimed at improving the bike’s durability. The chassis has revised suspension settings, weight-saving updates and a new Renthal Fatbar handlebar.

“The CRF450R has been the moto-crosser to beat since its introduction 2002. It has always offered its rider total control and the chance to get the very best from his or her ability, plus the durability and longevity that Honda has long been famed for.”

He says the CRF450R has constantly evolved, with every upgrade coming from feedback from Honda’s racing programmes throughout the world.

“For the 2017 model year, the bike was completely redesigned. It was effectively a brand-new machine with a major power boost from a brand-new engine, plus increased grip and drive from a completely redesigned chassis. It looked different from its predecessors, felt different and delivered a whole new experience on track. The 2018 model year saw the addition of an electric starter as standard equipment.

“And now, for the 2019 model year, the CRF450R is getting a straight shot of HRC works technology with major upgrades that make it even faster. HRC-led tuning of the cylinder head, intake and exhaust now gives considerably more power and torque without sacrificing tractability at lower engine speeds.”

The new three-mode HRC Launch Control will help a rider of any skill level to get the best from the starting gate. The three modes are:

• Level 3 at 8 250rpm, muddy conditions, novice-friendly
• Level 2 at 8 500rpm, dry conditions, basic skills needed
• Level 1 at 9 500rpm, dry conditions, preferably for an expert

Activating HRC Launch Control is easy: to turn on, pull in the clutch and push the Start button (on the right). The LED will blink once for Level 1. Push the Start button again, for 0.5s or longer, and the LED will blink twice for Level 2. Repeat the process and the LED will blink three times, indication Level 3 has been chosen.

Honda’s EMSB (Engine Mode Select Button) puts instant engine character adaptability at the rider’s control. With the machine stopped, and engine at idle, a simple press and hold of the button for just under a second selects the next map in sequence.

The LED built into the button signals the map in use with a quick press and number of subsequent flashes (one flash for Mode 1, etc). If a new map is selected the choice is also confirmed to the rider.

Mode 1 uses the standard combination of ignition and fuelling maps to present a balanced power and torque delivery. Mode 2 is more mellow in nature, giving easy-to-manage throttle feel. Mode 3 hits sharply, with aggressive and responsive power. Mode 2 and 3 can be further tailored via the existing HRC setting tool for mapping hardware and software.

A shift sensor enables the use of specific ignition maps for each gear and PGM-FI has been optimised to inject twice per cycle. Oil pump capacity has been uprated and the clutch lifter and pressure plate have been redesigned.

“The aluminium twin-spar frame and the swingarm are basically unchanged but have been made slightly lighter. Even the new front brake calliper is lighter.”

He says that revised oil and spring/damping settings for the 49mm Showa upside-down fork enhance reaction, complemented by a ‘Super Finish’ process for the rear shock’s damper, plus revised Pro-Link ratio.

While the architecture of the 449cc four-valve Unicam engine remains essentially unchanged – apart from removal of the kick start – a host of detail changes deliver the increase in power and torque.

 

And while the peak boost is significant – 1,8kW more power at 9 500rpm and 2Nm more torque at 7 500rpm – it has not been achieved at the expense of low-down performance. The strength of the 2019 engine’s power and torque curves from 3 000rpm up are well above the previous design, and corner-to-corner over-rev has also been enhanced.

 

Technically speaking: Honda CRF450R

Engine: 449,7cc, single-cylinder, SOHC, four valves, liquid cooled

Power: 43,8kW @ 9 000rpm

Gears: 5 speed, chain

Fuel tank: 6,3 litres

Seat height: 960mm

Tyres: 80/100/21 front, 120/80/19 rear

Brakes: 260mm single disk (front); 240mm single disk (rear)

Wet weight: 112,3kg

Price: R109 999