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.