ABSOLUTE HOLESHOT. ELECTRIFYING PERFORMANCE.

More and more, motocross races are all about getting the holeshot. And Honda’s CRF450R is a machine designed to get you out front by the first turn, and then keep you there all the way to the checkered flag. Everywhere you look, you’ll see features optimized for modern MX competition, where fractions of a second add up to a big lead at the end. Last year we offered an optional electric start on the CRF450R; it was such a big hit that this year it’s standard equipment, and we’ve ditched the kickstarter entirely to save weight. A new lithium-ion battery helps keep things light. Race anything else, and your ride to the first turn just got a lot steeper.

2018 Honda CRF450R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Honda revealed today that the CRF450R gets even better for the 2018 model year, with electric starting now standard. Designed following an “Absolute Holeshot” philosophy that resulted in a downdraft-intake layout achieving optimum power and centralized mass, the revolutionary motocross model is the industry’s top-selling 450cc motocrosser. The electric starter that was previously offered as an accessory is now standard, as is a lightweight lithium-ion battery, and the CRF450R also gets updated suspension settings aimed at improving chassis feel and overall action.

Today’s 2018 model-year announcement also included the updated CRF450RX closed-course off-road bike and returning CRF150R mini motocrosser.

“It’s been amazing to see the success of the CRF450R this year, and we’re even more excited about this model with the improvements we’ve made for 2018,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “In addition to the obvious convenience, electric starting can save valuable seconds following a mid-moto mistake, and with the use of a lithium-ion battery, we can still achieve an extremely light weight. These changes make the CRF450R more competitive than ever, and of course customers can continue to count on Honda durability, quality, and reliability.”

CRF450R
The CRF450R’s downdraft air-intake and fuel-injection layout achieves a potent, broad spread of torque, but it also allows for heavier components to be located as centrally and low as possible so that all that power can be effectively utilized. In addition, the vehicle packaging results in nimble cornering, while updated suspension settings to the Showa® shock and 49mm coil-spring fork improve handling. Corresponding with the addition of an electric starter (powered by a lightweight lithium-ion battery), the kick-start lever has been removed in order to shave precious weight. An updated ECU setting means power delivery is more useable than ever, and the big CRF still has great features like a titanium fuel tank, engine-mode select button, and wave-pattern 260mm front brake. Add it all together and you’ve got a bike that delivers even better on its promise of the “Absolute Holeshot.”

2018 Honda CRF450R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Grab more holeshots

More power, more torque, higher rev limit… the CRF450R’s Unicam engine has been radically improved to get you out front right from the drop of the gate. And keep you there.

Cylinder head design

The Unicam cylinder head design uses our latest finger rocker arms, oval cross-section valve springs and large intake valves to boost horsepower and allow a high 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 CRF450R’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 CRF450R’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 CRF450R’s short 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.

Extra durability

Extra-strong transmission gears enhance durability while delivering smooth, sure shifts.

Scavenge pump system

A special scavenge pump system improves engine lubrication, reduces friction and requires less oil, to help reduce overall engine weight.

Easy starting

Standard electric start gets you going quickly and effortlessly with the push of a button.

Light and responsive frame

Not only is the CRF450R’s twin-spar aluminum frame light, its torsional stiffness delivers great turn-in and corner-exit performance, without giving up high-speed stability.

Precise handling

The CRF450R boasts a lower overall centre of gravity and a shorter wheelbase thanks to the swingarm location and the centralized rear shock—both contribute to the type of precise handling that wins motos, and championships.

Latest Showa fork

Easy to tune to match changing track conditions or your riding style, the CRF450R’s new Showa coil-spring fork was developed to work in conjunction with the improved chassis for enhanced traction, agility and stability.

Keeping cool

The fender and tank shrouds increase airflow to the radiators, keeping the engine running at peak efficacy from gate drop to checkered flag.

Excellent traction

Dunlop MX3S tires offer excellent traction in a wide variety of conditions.

Titanium fuel tank

The CRF450R’s titanium fuel tank reduces high-mounted weight, lowering the centre of gravity and improving mass centralization.

Enhanced mobility

Smoother bodywork with fewer edges allows you move even more freely in the CRF450R’s saddle, while improved durability of plastic components and graphics keeps your CRF looking new win after win.

Ride comfort and agility

The CRF450R’s very narrow midsection helps deliver incredible agility and rider ergonomics.

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.

Durable design

Smooth bodywork allows you to move freely in the CRF450R’s saddle, while durable plastic components and graphics keep your CRF looking new win after win.

2018 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $9149 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

Fully transistorized with electronic advance

  DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission

Close-ratio five-speed

Final Drive

#520 Chain; 13T/49T

  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; 12.3 inches of travel

Front Brake

Single 260mm disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear Brake

Single 240mm disc

Front Tire

Dunlop MX3S 90/100-21

Rear Tire

Dunlop MX3S 120/80-19

  DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase

58.3 inches

Rake

27° 22′ (Caster Angle)

Trail

116mm (4.6 inches)

Seat Height

37.8 inches

Ground Clearance

12.9 inches

Fuel Capacity

1.7 gallons

Curb Weight

248 lbs (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.)

  OTHER

Available Colors

Red

Model ID

CRF450R

2018 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canadian Specifications/Technical Details
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine type

Liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-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/49T

Chassis & Suspension

Front suspension

Showa telescopic inverted coil spring; 305 mm (12 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; 314 mm (12.4 in.) travel

Dimensions & Additional Information

Tires

Front: 80/100-21 Rear: 120/80-19

Brakes

Front: 260 mm disc with dual-piston caliper Rear: 240 mm disc

Ground clearance

328 mm (12.9 in.)

Seat height

960 mm (37.8 in.)

Wheelbase

1,482 mm (58.3 in.)

Curb weight

110.6 kg (243.8 lbs.) including required fluids and full tank of gas—ready to ride

Fuel capacity

6.3 litres

Colour

Extreme Red

2018 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)

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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).