Marginal gains: 2014 Honda CRF450R

Published Sep 4, 2013

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Honda's big-bore CRF450R motocrosser has been upgraded for 2014 with a host of detail improvements - mostly to engine and suspension - aimed at improving power delivery and damping consistency.

ENGINE

The 449cc single's 'dual fuel' injection timing has been revised for more bottom-end torque and better feel for power and torque at partial throttle openings, the dual rear silencers have been re-engineered and the intake and exhaust ports re-shaped to improve over-rev and peak power.

The clutch springs are lighter, to provide a more direct connection between right hand and rear tyre, improving both rear traction and the rider's feel for available grip.

CHASSIS

The sixth-generation aluminium twin-beam frame, introduced in 2013, remains unchanged, as do the aluminium swing-arm and Pro-Link rear suspension, but the rebound and compression damping on the KYB monoshock have been refined.

The rebound pistons and centre rods of the fully adjustable 48mm KYB inverted air-forks have been revised, while new oil lock guides improve oil flow and damping characteristics. In a sport where marginal gains matter, the unsprung weight of the front suspension has been reduced by 25g - which Honda reckons is important enough to be worth mentioning in its media release.

The 2014 Honda CRF450R is available now at R85 990.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine:449cc liquid-cooled four-stroke single.

Bore x stroke:96 x 62.1mm.

Compression ratio:12.5:1.

Valvegear: SOHC with four overhead valves per cylinder.

Power:38.3kW at 8500rpm.

Torque:47.7Nm at 6500rpm.

Induction: PGM-FI electronic fuel-injection with one 46mm throttle body.

Ignition: Fully transistorised digital electronic.

Starting: kick.

Clutch: Cable-operated multiplate wet clutch.

Transmission: Five-speed constant-mesh gearbox with final drive by chain.

Front Suspension: KYB 48mm inverted air-sprung cartridge forks adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.

Rear Suspension: Pro-link with KYB monoshock adjustable for preload, compression and rebound damping.

Front brake:240mm petal disc with twin-piston floating calliper.

Rear brake:240mm petal disc with single-piston floating calliper.

Front tyre:80/100 - 21 tube type.

Rear tyre:120/80 - 19 tube type.

Wheelbase:1492mm.

Seat height:953mm.

Kerb weight:111kg.

Fuel tank:6.4 litres.

Price: R85 990.

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