Honda Crf450r

HONDA CRF450R

Big Red’s Redemption

TALK ABOUT AN UNEXPECTED THRILLER. THE 2012 HONDA CRF450R has only five minor updates and no real headline changes, so I was surprised and impressed by the positive impact these tweaks made to the new bike’s performance. It only took a few laps around Racetown 395 in Adelanto, California, at the bike’s press introduction to realize that the CRF has taken another step forward.

Big improvements come in the form of suspension upgrades and a new shock-linkage assembly. Upper KYB fork stanchions (outer tubes) have stiffer construction to help eliminate flex that can cause stiction, while larger-diameter axle collars improve rigidity down at the wheel junction. The result is crisp steering feel without transmission of additional harshness to the rider’s hands. Stiffer springs and revised valving round out fork improvements. Out back, Honda changed both the shock linkage’s length and ratio, and altered the valving accordingly.

No longer does the bike become unsettled midcorner as it squats in its travel. Front-to-rear balance is improved while tracking over bumps, and it also gives improved feedback when hitting jump faces. Another key change that alters the ride is a new chain roller, which reduces torque when the swingarm is moving through its stroke and allows the suspension to do its job more efficiently. New Dunlop Geomax MX51 tires are a positive upgrade, while wider and longer footpegs provide a larger platform for more secure footing.

Honda has decided to leave the engine alone for 2012. In my opinion, the power is a bit flat on top, and I would like to see a simpler way to personalize power delivery, either via plug-in couplers or an easier-to-use fuel-injection tool—similar to Yamaha’s YZ450F unit—instead of the required connection to a laptop.

Overall, the $8440 CRF450R’s seemingly minor changes pay big dividends for 2012 and keep Big Red solidly in the 450 game. —Ryan Dudek