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2017 Honda CRF450RX Review
2017 Honda CRF450RX on www.Totalmotorcycle.com
The ultimate off-road weapon…
When it comes to motocross, our new 2017 CRF450R is huge news this year.
But in the enduro, hare scrambles, and GNCC world, there’s even bigger
news: Introducing the new 2017 Honda CRF450RX, the ultimate weapon for serious
off-road competitors. At its core, we’ve taken our new CRF450R and optimized
it for off-road racing. And not with just some new tires or graphics. We’ve
done it the Honda way—the right way. And the results are, well, electrifying.
As a brand-new model, Honda’s CRF450RX boasts most of the features of its motocross-directed sibling, but in a package that’s designed for closed-course off-road riding and racing. Among the features that distinguish it from the CRF450R are a smoother ignition map and standard electric start (with kick-start backup), while chassis differences include off-road-focused suspension settings, a revised cylinder-head hanger and changed wheel hubs and axles. The CRF450RX also comes with off-road-appropriate components like a larger plastic fuel tank, forged-aluminum side stand, 18 inch rear rim and Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires, making it the ultimate weapon for events like those in the GNCC series.
On the 15th anniversary of Honda’s original 450cc class four-stroke motocross model, Honda announces a revolutionary CRF450R that promises to be the most powerful, best-handling Honda motocross machine ever. Honda’s no-compromises approach to designing and developing the new bike was intended to put it at the front of the pack in all areas of performance, resulting in what Honda is calling the “Absolute Holeshot.”
Since its 2002 introduction, the CRF450R has earned an enviable racing pedigree, and the 2017 edition is the best yet, with superior technology and style. Riders know that the most important part of any motocross race is the start, and the new CRF450R Unicam® engine has been developed to achieve overwhelming performance in the first 100 feet of battle, offering increased power output but also allowing unparalleled traction. And while arriving to turn one first is significant, winning requires staying in front for the entire moto, which is why Honda engineers designed an all-new chassis with reduced weight and centralized mass. The result is a machine that is at once fast, reliable and forgiving, and that allows riders to more easily extract maximum performance, consistently turning low lap times while simultaneously taxing their bodies less.
In addition, Honda is offering a brand-new model, the CRF450RX, which is based on the 2017 CRF450R but with a number of differences that make it appropriate for closed-course off-road racing like the GNCC series. Like its motocross-focused sibling, the CRF450RX is designed for maximum agility and performance, offering owners superior power along with effortless handling—the ideal woods-racing combination.
Honda also took the opportunity to announce the remainder of its 2017 model-year CRF competition dirt bike model line, including the CRF250R and CRF150R motocross bikes and CRF450X and CRF250X off-road motorcycles.
“We’re very proud to introduce the milestone 2017 edition of Honda’s
legendary CRF450R, as well as the brand-new CRF450RX,” said Lee Edmunds,
Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “Both
of these models are high-performance machines that represent the epitome of
dirt bike engineering. Over the years, each of the milestone CRF450R models
has been eagerly anticipated, and the 2017 version is the best yet. We can’t
wait to see these models being piloted at the front of the pack by our factory
Team Honda HRC and Johnny Campbell Racing squads, our satellite teams, our
amateur racers and our customers.”
How about Enduro?
Honda has an all-new, genuine competition-ready enduro machine in its off-road line up – the CRF450RX. And it takes as its rock-solid base the engine and chassis package of the 17YM CRF450R – Honda’s totally new 450cc moto-crosser.
This makes it the perfect platform on which to build an enduro machine, giving the CRF450RX both the pure moto-cross DNA to deal with any special enduro stage and the confidence-inspiring competence to handle flat-out trails, challenging climbs and tight, tricky sections with ease.
The CRF450RX is something truly special, not just for Honda, but for the enduro world to ride and race. It looks different and feels different to the rest of the pack.
And, just like the new CRF450R, it is compellingly fast.
2017 Honda CRF450RX www.Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
Electric and Kick Start
Talk about the best of both worlds: The new 2017 CRF450RX comes with both
a kick- and electric-starting system as standard equipment. Having both options
will ensure faster GNCC starts for the ultimate holeshot.
18-Inch Rear Wheel
An 18-inch rear wheel is another indication of the CRF450RX’s off-road
heritage. Whether it’s red Georgia clay, Florida loam, or Baja sand and
rocks, you’re going to find this bike offers the performance you need.
Large Fuel Tank
Stopping for fuel in a race costs time. With the CRF450RX’s 2.2-gallon
fuel tank, depending on the course and how much roost you’re making everyone
else eat, it’s possible to make it through a three-hour enduro with just
one fuel stop.
Engine Mode Select Button
This simple, handlebar-mounted button lets you dial in engine power delivery
character with a push of your thumb. Choose between Standard, Smooth, and
Aggressive, depending on course conditions.
Power to victory
The Unicam engine that powers both the CRF450RX and CRF450R has been radically improved for 2017, with more horsepower, more torque, and a higher rev limit. The RX’s engine has special ignition mapping to suit the unique demands of cross-country and endurocross competition.
New cylinder head
Completely new Unicam cylinder head design uses finger rocker arms, oval cross-section valve springs, bigger intake valves, and increased valve lift to boost horsepower and allow a higher rev limit.
Improved combustion efficiency
By straightening the intake path, reducing valve angle, and revising both combustion chamber and piston shape, engineers were able to improve flow and increase compression ratio for an even bigger power boost
Better lubrication
A new scavenge pump system with no separate oil tank improves engine lubrication, reduces friction, and requires less oil for reduced overall engine weight.
Programmed for power
The CRF450RX’s Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) settings contribute to the engine’s strong low-end torque, remarkable top-end power and generous over-rev capability.
Engine Mode Select button
The CRF450RX’s Engine Mode Select (EMS) system lets you modify fuel-injection and ignition mapping with the simple push of a handlebar-mounted button. Choose between Standard, Smooth and Aggressive to dial in the best power curve for better starts, better drive out of corners, better traction, or simply to better suit your riding style. Mode selection is easily accomplished without changing your hand position or shutting down the engine (as long as the engine is idling).
Twin to win
The CRF450RX’s twin-muffler exhaust system not only contributes to the engine’s exceptional power characteristics, it’s also positioned tightly to the frame’s centre to take weight off the rear end and optimize mass centralization for improved handling.
Easy starting
Standard electric start – with the kick-start system still installed as backup – gets you going quickly and effortlessly with the push of a button.
Special gearing
Transmission ratios and final gearing are unique to the CRF450RX for optimum performance on cross-country and endurocross courses. Extra-strong transmission gears enhance durability while delivering smooth, sure shifts.
Light, responsive frame
The CRF450RX’s twin-spar aluminum frame is shared with the CRF450R. It’s lighter for 2017, and its torsional stiffness has been reduced to give you more feedback and to improve turn-in and corner-exit performance, without giving up high-speed stability.
Precise handling
The CRF450R-spec chassis, with revised swingarm location, centralized rear shock, and other improvements for 2017, boasts a lower overall centre of gravity and a shorter wheelbase that contribute to the type of precise handling that carries you to the front and keeps you there.
Latest Showa fork
Easy to tune to match changing track conditions or your riding style, the CRF450RX’s new Showa coil-spring fork was developed to work in conjunction with the improved chassis for enhanced traction, agility and stability. Settings for both the fork and the shock are unique to the CRF450RX.
Keeping cool
The front fender and tank shrouds are designed to optimize airflow to the radiators, keeping the engine running at peak efficacy from start to checkered flag.
Excellent traction
Dunlop AT81 tires – the rear on an 18-inch wheel – offer excellent traction in a wide variety of conditions.
Larger fuel tank
The CRF450RX’s 8.5-litre plastic fuel tank is larger than the CRF450R’s, providing extra capacity for longer races.
Enhanced mobility
Smoother CRF450R-spec bodywork with fewer edges for 2017 allows you move even more freely in the CRF450RX’s saddle, while improved durability of plastic components and graphics keeps your CRF looking new win after win.
Convenient sidestand
Need to make a quick on-course pitstop? The standard sidestand means you don’t need to find a nearby tree to keep your CRF450RX upright.
Easy to adjust
Quick-adjust clutch perch simplifies cable adjustment.
Reduced rider fatigue
Aluminum handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
Preventative indicator
The engine stop switch with integrated LED indicator lets you know if the PGM-FI system is working properly.
2017 Honda CRF450RX www.Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
For 2017, Honda offers the brand-new CRF450RX, which is based on the 2017 CRF450R but with a number of differences that make it appropriate for closed-course off-road racing like the GNCC series campaigned by the JCR Honda team. Like its motocross-focused sibling, the CRF450RX is designed for maximum agility and performance, offering owners superior power along with effortless handling—the ideal woods-racing combination.
Engine/Drivetrain
•Smoother ignition map than CRF450R for better performance in low-traction
situations.
•Downdraft intake layout increases power by reducing resistance, improving
air-charging efficiency.
•Combustion chamber with high compression ratio, narrow valve angle for
efficiency.
•Use of finger rocker arm allows high valve lift while retaining compact
Unicam layout.
•Coils on valve springs have oval cross-sections to allow low engine
height.
•Port layout with straight flow for efficiency.
•Diamond-like carbon (DLC) on piston pin, rocker arm minimizes friction,
increases durability.
•Dual muffler with gradual pipe bends for smooth exhaust flow.
•Standard electric start, with kick start as a backup.
Chassis/Suspension
•Compared to CRF450R, suspension settings are more appropriate for technical
off-road conditions.
•With a 2.25 gallon capacity, the plastic fuel tank is larger than that
of the CRF450R for increased range off-road.
•Forged-aluminum side stand is standard to allow trailside parking.
•Off-road-focused, durable Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.
•One-tooth larger rear sprocket than CRF450R, for better performance
in tight woods conditions.
•Different cylinder hanger than CRF450R, for comfort in technical off-road
conditions.
•Chassis layout maximizes traction through concentration of mass, low
center of gravity.
•New, lighter sixth-generation aluminum twin-spar frame with revised
geometry; allows improved cornering performance through reduction of torsional
stiffness (lateral stiffness is unchanged).
•Lightweight swingarm assembly is stiff vertically and laterally.
•Rear-suspension location lowers center of gravity.
•Lightweight aluminum rear subframe with extruded gussets.
•Coil-spring 49mm Showa fork.
•Plastic bodywork with smooth layout and film-insert graphics for appearance
and durability.
•Front fender shape allows efficient air path to radiator.
•Consult owner’s manual for optional racing parts
•Meets current CARB and EPA emissions standards
2017 Honda CRF450RX – www.Totalmotorcycle.com
USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9249 USD
” ENGINE
Engine Type
449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore And Stroke
96mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio
13.5:1
Valve Train
Unicam® four-valve; 38mm intake, titanium; 31mm exhaust, Steel
Induction
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 46mm downdraft throttle body
Ignition
Full transistorized with electronic advance
” DRIVE TRAIN
Transmission
Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive
#520 Chain; 13T/50T
” CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension
49mm inverted Showa fork with rebound and compression damping adjustability;
12.0 inches of travel
Rear Suspension
Pro-Link® Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound and
compression damping adjustability; 12.28 inches of travel
Front Brake
Single 260mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake
Single 240mm disc
Front Tire
Dunlop Geomax AT81 90/90-21
Rear Tire
Dunlop Geomax AT81 120/90-18
” DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase
58.1 inches
Rake
27° 22′ (Caster Angle)
Trail
116mm (4.6 inches)
Seat Height
37.8 inches
Ground Clearance
12.9 inches
Fuel Capacity
2.2 gallons
Curb Weight
261 lbs (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of
fuel-ready to ride.)
” OTHER
Available Colors
Red
Model ID
CRF450RX
2017 Honda CRF450RX – www.Totalmotorcycle.com
Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $10399 CDN
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Displacement
449.7 cc
Bore & Stroke
96 mm x 62.1 mm
Compression Ratio
13.5:1
Valve Train
Unicam, 4 valves
Fuel Delivery
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 46 mm throttle body
Transmission
Close-ratio, five speed
Final Drive
#520 T-ring-sealed chain; 13T/50T
Chassis & Suspension
Front Suspension
Showa telescopic inverted coil spring. 305 mm (12.0 in ) travel.
Rear Suspension
Pro-Link® KYB single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound damping
adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed
and high-speed; 312 mm (12.3 inches) travel
Dimensions & Additional Information
Tires
90/90 – 21 front; 120/90 – 18 rear
Brakes
Front 260 mm disc with dual-piston caliper; rear 240 mm disc
Ground Clearance
328 mm (12.9 in.)
Seat Height
959mm (37.8 in.)
Wheelbase
1,477 mm (58.1 in.)
Curb Weight
118.2 kg (260.6 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready
to ride
Fuel Capacity
8.5 litres
Colour
Extreme Red
Warranty
No warrranty
2017 Honda CRF450RX – www.Totalmotorcycle.com
European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ See dealer GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Engine
Bore × Stroke (mm) 96.0 x 62.1
Carburation Fuel injection
Compression Ratio 13.5:1
Engine Displacement (cc) 449.7
Engine Type (cm³) Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder uni-cam
Starter Electric
Wheels
Brakes Front 260mm hydraulic wave disc
Brakes Rear 240mm hydraulic wave disc
Suspension Front Showa 49mm coil spring fork (305mm stroke)
Suspension Rear Showa monoshock using Honda Pro-Link system (133 stroke, 312.5mm
axle travel)
Tyres Front 90/90-21 Dunlop GeoMax AT81
Tyres Rear 120/90-18 Dunlop GeoMax AT81
Wheels Front Aluminium spoke
Wheels Rear Aluminium spoke
Dimensions and Weights
Caster Angle 27° 26′
Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) 2,175 x 827 x 1,274
Frame type Aluminium twin tube
Ground Clearance (mm) 328
Kerb Weight (kg) 118
Seat Height (mm) 959mm
Trail (mm) 116
Wheelbase (mm) 1477
Transmission
Clutch Wet multiplate
Final Drive Chain
Transmission Type Constant mesh
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
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