Back to 2015 Honda Motorcycle Model Review Page

Click photos to enlarge. Our big, clean bike pics make great desktop wallpaper.

2015 Honda CRF450X

2015 Honda CRF450X Review

2015 Honda CRF450X on www.Totalmotorcycle.com

King of its Class…

Taking its inspiration from Honda’s revolutionary CRF450R Motocross machine, the CRF450X gets Honda’s magical touches that transform it into the king of the trail. Touches like the Honda Progressive Steering Damper, which helps reduce rider fatigue and improve cornering. An electric starter for easy start-ups in even the worst conditions. A Pro-Link suspension, bulletproof Unicam® engine and the kind of durability Honda is known for.

Open-class competition bikes are all about power, but big power can often lead to early fatigue and reduced rider performance; the CRF450X’s reduced fatigue design helps make it stand out in this category. The lightweight aluminum frame, electric start, steering damper and rubber-mounted handlebars all contribute toward reducing rider stress and effort, but the big gains come from the unique Unicam engine design and the trail-tuned suspension. The CRF’s patented Unicam engine design lowers centre of gravity and centralizes mass far better than traditional double overhead-cam designs. This super-compact engine makes rapid left-right transitions seem almost effortless, and the gear driven counter balancer further reduces fatigue by virtually eliminating engine vibration. The well thought out chassis also helps fight fatigue with a super-slim ergonomic design and trail-tuned suspension that seems to float over just about anything that comes its way. The inverted forks and tapered aluminum-swingarm are “tuned” with just the right amount of flex to allow the wheels to absorb minor obstacles and still track true without constant, immediate correction by the rider. Over 12 inches of travel at either end helps the suspension absorb the big hits and of course both shock and fork are fully adjustable to allow the rider to set the CRF450X up to match trail conditions. Big horsepower in a surprisingly low effort package, but the CRF450X has one more stress reducing advantage up its sleeve; Honda durability and reliability. Honda’s enviable reputation for quality reduces worry out on the trails and helps the CRF450X to offer higher than average retained value.

CRF450X – open class power, all day long

 

2015 Honda CRF450X www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

•Crankshaft is made of high-strength, low-carbon steel with carburized main journals for maximum durability at sustained high-rpm operation.
•Forged 12:1-compression slipper piston is lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.
•Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
•Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.

The Power to Win.

Utilizing a Unicam® cylinder head, the CRF450X’s 449cc liquid-cooled four stroke puts out maximum power over a wide rpm band.

Easy Starts.

Our push-button electric starter offers all-around convenience, whether you’re starting out on your ride or quickly restarting in tough conditions.

Control Freak.

Perfected on the MX circuit, the Honda Progressive Steering Damper not only improves cornering, but also helps reduce arm fatigue.

 

 

2015 Honda CRF450X www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Works-Style Front Brakes

Compact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized-aluminum brake pistons and lightweight 240mm front disc offers great stopping power while minimizing unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.

Dual Radiators

Dual radiators feature a refined core area for improved heat dissipation compared with conventional dual-radiator designs. Coolant recovery tank is located in front of the engine between the frame downtubes for improved center of gravity. Coolant tank is protected by a plastic skidplate.

Electric Starter

Electric start system ensures trouble-free starting in all conditions. Electric starter also drives the clutch side of the crankshaft to provide superior lubrication to starter gears while producing a narrow engine with a short, strong crank.

Renthal Handlebar

Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.

Titanium Intake Valves

Lightweight titanium intake valves permit use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.

449cc Unicam® Engine

Honda’s Unicam cylinder heads combine the best of single— and double-overhead-cam designs. The configuration contributes to a compact engine that saves weight over a comparable dual-overhead-camshaft motor and also permits a narrow included valve angle. This flattens the combustion chamber to facilitate ignition flame propagation, allowing a high compression ratio. Since less space is taken up in the cylinder head, the camshaft sits lower in the head for a more compact engine and a lower center of gravity.

Gear-Driven Counterbalancer

Gear-Driven Counterbalancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump. Eight clutch plates provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine’s massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.

Twin-Sump Lubrication

Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, reduces the amount of circulating oil and permits the use of a smaller oil pump.

LED Taillight

LED taillight integrated into rear fender. It’s light, compact, and bulletproof.

Works-Style Rear Brakes

HRC works-type rear brake system uses a 240mm brake rotor to its integrated rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, a set-up that eliminates the separate reservoir and hose.

18-Inch Rear Wheel

18-inch rear wheel features same lightweight rear hub and HRC works-type lightweight-aluminum spoke nipples as used on CRF250R.

HPSD

Engine/Drivetrain

Powerful four-stroke 449 cc liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam engine is designed to produce power across a wide rpm band..
Electric starter drives the clutch side of the crankshaft to provide superior lubrication of starter gears, and produce a narrow engine with a short, strong crankshaft..
Lightweight, compact, internal auto decompressor system provides superb cold-starting and hot-starting operation..
Unicam valve train provides the light weight of a compact single-cam design and the optimum combustion chamber shape for maximum power..
Unicam valve train features a carburized single camshaft that directly actuates two 35 mm titanium intake valves. The camshaft exhaust lobe actuates two 30 mm steel exhaust valves via a forked, low-friction, roller rocker-arm..
Lightweight titanium intake valves permit use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height..
Crankshaft is made of high-strength, low-carbon steel with carburized main journals for maximum durability at sustained high-rpm operation..
Clutch cover and cylinder head cover are made of magnesium to reduce engine weight..
Forged 12:1-compression slipper piston is lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power..
Nikasil cylinder lining is lightweight and provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life..
Press-fitted aluminum spark plug pipe fits between forked exhaust rocker arms, further contributing to compact cylinder head design..
40 mm Keihin FCR-type carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in very light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability..
Carburetor features a throttle position sensor (TPS) and an accelerator pump that help maintain linear throttle response throughout the rpm range..
Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil, reduces the amount of circulating oil, and permits the use of a smaller oil pump..
Vertically split crankcases feature a built-in oil pump, reducing weight compared to a conventional design..
Exhaust system uses a lightweight stainless steel exhaust header and muffler equipped with a spark arrester..
Dual radiators feature a refined core area for improved heat dissipation compared to conventional dual-radiator designs. Coolant recovery tank is located in front of the engine between the frame downtubes for improved centre of gravity. Coolant tank is protected by a plastic skid plate..
Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump..
Eight clutch plates provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine’s massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever..
T-ring-sealed chain is stronger and approximately 1.6 mm narrower than conventional chains..
Durable and versatile five-speed wide-ratio transmission..

Chassis/Suspension

Neatly tucked away behind the front number plate, the Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) makes a huge difference in the ability to hold the line in corners. Rebuildable, and with up to 15 clicks of adjustment, HPSD also allowed engineers to reduce steering offset and shorten wheelbase for an amazingly nimble feel. The best of both worlds with improved manoeuvrability, and uncanny cornering control..
Semi-double-cradle twin-spar aluminum frame features a single large-diameter tapered downtube. Two rugged box-section rails attach to the base of the downtube and support the engine. A forged aluminum steering head provides a compact and extremely durable mount for the frame spars and engine downtube. In addition, tall swingarm pivot plates and narrow frame spars create a narrow overall frame cross-section for superb rider comfort and manoeuvrability..
The aluminum frame design is matched to rider ergonomics to maximize handling and control..
Swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cast-aluminum cross-member offering high strength and light weight..
18-inch rear wheel features the same lightweight rear hub and HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples as used on CRF450R..
Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity..
Rear-axle diameter of 25 mm and large-diameter bearings provide optimum rigidity to withstand torturous off-road conditions..
Lightweight 47 mm inverted Showa twin-chamber cartridge fork with aluminum dampers is derived from the CRF450R and features settings unique to the CRF450X. The fork offers 315 mm (12.4 inches) of travel, 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability. The inner surface of the front fork outer-tubes receives the same honing treatment as works bikes for low-friction operation..
Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension system features a fully adjustable Showa rear damper and 313 mm (12.3 inches) of wheel travel, separate low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns) compression damping adjusters, and 17-position rebound damping adjustment..
Rear shock damper piston diameter is 50 mm for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions..
Compact twin-piston front brake caliper, anodized aluminum brake pistons and lightweight front brake disc minimize unsprung weight for improved turning and handling..
HRC works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the need for a remote master cylinder reservoir and hose assembly..
240 mm wave-style front and rear brake rotors reduce unsprung weight..

Additional Features

All plastic body components (radiator shroud, side covers, rear fender, seat base, fuel tank, front fender, and front headlight) are designed for slim, aggressive styling and light weight..
One-piece cover protects the throttle cable by keeping out dirt and water..
Airbox features easy access to reusable foam air filter..
Resettable, easy-to-read, three-digit odometer..
Powerful 35-watt halogen headlight produces a wide range of illumination..
Integrated LED taillight in rear fender..
Convenient sidestand integrated into left footpeg bracket can be easily removed for competition events..
Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider’s legs at the narrowest cross-section of the frame for improved comfort and handling..
Seat cushion uses foam construction that follows the shape of the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase rider mobility and comfort..
Non-slip seat cover for increased rider control..
Rear-brake pedal and shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum and are designed to complement the riding position..
Wide, cleated, stainless-steel footpegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance..
Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort..
Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort..
Adjustable front brake lever..
Hot-start lever conveniently located on clutch perch..
Quick-adjust clutch perch..
Chain guide material offers durable wear resistance, and service life is five times greater than conventional materials..

 

---

 

2015 Honda CRF450X – www.Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $8440 USD

Engine Type
Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Displacement
449 cc

Bore & Stroke
96 mm x 62.1 mm

Compression Ratio
12:1

Valve Train
Unicam, four-valve

Fuel Delivery
Keihin 40 mm flat-slide carb with throttle position sensor

Transmission
Wide-ratio five-speed

Final Drive
#520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/51T

Front Suspension
47 mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustment; 315 mm (12.4 in.) travel

Rear Suspension
Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustment, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 313 mm (12.3 in.) travel

Tires
80/100 – 21 front; 110/100 – 18 rear

Brakes
Front 240 mm disc with dual-piston caliper; rear 240 mm disc

Ground Clearance
346 mm (13.6 in.)

Seat Height
963 mm (37.9 in.)

Wheelbase
1,480 mm (58.3 in.)

Curb Weight
122 kg (269 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride

Fuel Capacity
7.2 litres, including 1.6-litre reserve

Colour
Extreme Red

Warranty
No warrranty

 

---

 

2015 Honda CRF450X – www.Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN

Usage
Competition

Engine Type
Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Displacement
449 cc

Bore & Stroke
96 mm x 62.1 mm

Compression Ratio
12:1

Valve Train
Unicam, four-valve

Fuel Delivery
Keihin 40 mm flat-slide carb with throttle position sensor

Transmission
Wide-ratio five-speed

Final Drive
#520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/51T

Front Suspension
47 mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustment; 315 mm (12.4 in.) travel

Rear Suspension
Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustment, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 313 mm (12.3 in.) travel

Tires
80/100 – 21 front; 110/100 – 18 rear

Brakes
Front 240 mm disc with dual-piston caliper; rear 240 mm disc

Ground Clearance
346 mm (13.6 in.)

Seat Height
963 mm (37.9 in.)

Wheelbase
1,480 mm (58.3 in.)

Curb Weight
122 kg (269 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride

Fuel Capacity
7.2 litres, including 1.6-litre reserve

Colour
Extreme Red

Warranty
No warrranty

 

---

 

2015 Honda CRF450X – www.Totalmotorcycle.com European/UK Specifications/Technical Details
UK/European MSRP Price: £ (On The Road).

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.

# Please note that the figures provided are results obtained by Honda under standardised testing conditions prescribed by WMTC. Tests are conducted on a rolling road using a standard version of the vehicle with only one rider and no additional optional equipment. Actual fuel consumption may vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.