2022 Honda CRF450R-S: HOLESHOT PERFORMANCE. CHAMPIONSHIP VALUE.
Introducing the 2022 Honda CRF450R-S…
This year, we’re happy to announce an extraordinary opportunity for motocross riders: The 2022 Honda CRF450R-S, a new machine built to the proven 2020 CRF450R specs. But here’s the best part: We’re also offering it at a greatly reduced price that’s going to make it one of the best dirtbike deals ever.
The CRF450R-S offers a spectacular list of features, like our balanced twin exhaust for riders who prefer that system. And the Unicam® engine, selectable engine modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control and HRC Launch Control all put this bike right at the front. And if you do your part, it’ll put you there, too.
The motocross category has seen exceptional growth in recent years, creating strong demand for 450cc motocross machines. While many riders demand the latest technology, many customers also see price as a top priority, but without making a big sacrifice in terms of performance. By offering both the advanced CRF450R and the CRF450R-S (based on the 2020 CRF450R platform), Honda addresses the needs of both groups.
The CRF450R-S—the same platform raced by Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen in 2020—features Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), which maximizes rear-tire hookup to keep the Unicam® engine’s horsepower driving the bike and rider forward.
2022 Honda CRF450R-S Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- STANDARD FEATURES
- Twin-Muffler Exhaust
- Cable Clutch Actuation
- Angle-Port Cylinder Head
- 7-Plate Clutch
- Wide-Spar Frame
- 12.0 inches Front Suspension Travel
- MX3S Tires
- Curb Weight: 247 pounds
American Honda today announced the return of the CRF450R motocrosser for 2022, as well as its five siblings that specialize in a variety of applications. The clear point of reference when it comes to motocross, Honda’s CRF450R currently leads the 2021 AMA Supercross series, at the hands of Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen, while the CRF450RWE adds top-shelf performance features for the most demanding customers. The CRF450RX opens things up a bit to closed-course off-road racing, whereas the CRF450X expands horizons to everything up to and including the deserts of Baja. Meanwhile, the CRF450RL adds the possibility of linking trails and dirt roads via public roads. Finally, there’s the CRF450R-S, a great option for value-focused motocrossers. Add them up, and it’s a collective of dirt bikes that covers the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy getting dirty in any number of ways.
“Back when we first expanded our CRF450 lineup for the 2019 model year, our goal was to offer application-specific models that would put Red Riders at the front of the pack no matter what their preferred means of dirt-bike riding,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising, Experiential and Sports at American Honda. “Three years later, the family has expanded and improved, and the 2022 collection is better than ever. We expect these bikes to continue to run at the front of the pack, in the dirt and on dealer showrooms.”
2022 Honda CRF450R-S Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
HANDLING
NEXT-GENERATION ALUMINUM FRAME
The CRF450R-S’s Next-Gen twin spar aluminum frame positions the rear shock’s mounting point lower, opening up the airbox area and contributing to a lower center of gravity for more holeshots. The frame geometry also helps improve traction, feeling and steering precision.
LOW-MOUNT BATTERY BOX
Check out the battery-box location on the 2022 CRF450R-S. Putting it low in the chassis helps lower the overall center of gravity, which is always a benefit for responsive handling.
DIALED-IN SUSPENSION SETTINGS
The CRF450R-S has special suspension settings designed to work with its chassis and engine. What you’ll experience is excellent overall performance ad superior front/rear balance.
SHOWA SPRING FORK
The 49mm Showa fork features a conventional spring design that helps increase the CRF450R-S’s front-suspension precision, handling and feel. The spring rate provides better bottoming resistance and improved handling.
SWINGARM
The CRF450R-S’s swingarm uses a special fabrication technique that lets us fine-tune the flex to work with the chassis and give you better rear traction and cornering precision.
TWIN-MUFFLER EXHAUST SYSTEM
The CRF450R-S’s dual exhaust system is light, compact, and positioned close and low in the frame to take weight off the rear end and bring more mass to the bike’s center for improved handling. It also allows for more air flow, and that equals added horsepower.
ENGINEERING
HRC LAUNCH CONTROL
We’re talking about a special ECU program here: push the button to select the mode, hold the throttle open, release the clutch, and the CRF450R-S will do the rest, launching you into the first turn with a big advantage. It turns your bike into a holeshot-seeking machine!
Honda SELECTABLE TORQUE CONTROL (HSTC)
Notice that button on the handlebar by the clutch perch? That’s for a great feature on your CRF450R-S: Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). You can choose from one of three settings to perfectly dial your bike in depending on how much traction is available.
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 track conditions.
SPECIAL REAR BRAKE PADS
Brakes are for more than just stopping: they help you set up the bike in turns and jumps. The 2022 CRF450R-S’s pads are designed for long life and to give you superior stopping power—a real win/win to help you win.
260mm FRONT BRAKE
The CRF450R-S’s large front-brake disc measures a whopping 260mm. You get great brake feel and a pattern that cuts down on weight. Front and rear brake-disc guards are part of the package too.
TITANIUM FUEL TANK
Grams and performance count, and the CRF450R-S uses a titanium fuel tank. Light and strong, it’s also thinner than our previous plastic unit, while maintaining the same capacity, freeing up more space and helping to centralize fuel mass.
CONVENIENCE
ELECTRIC STARTER
Kickstarting? Maybe if you’re riding in the vintage class, but not here. By ditching the kickstarter entirely, our engineers can make the CRF450R-S lighter. Electric starters and lithium-ion batteries are so light now and so good that putting them on a bike like this is a win/win combination. And winning is what a CRF450R-S is all about.
PERFORMANCE
449cc UNICAM ENGINE
Honda’s Unicam cylinder head combines 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.
TITANIUM INTAKE VALVES
Lightweight titanium intake valves cut down on reciprocating mass and permit the use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height.
DOWNDRAFT FUEL INJECTION
The CRF450R-S features a downdraft intake tract and FI body to help increase both power and fuel-metering precision. It’s part of the reason the CRF450R-S offers such explosive power and massive torque, especially out of the starting gate and in the critical first 100 feet of the race to the first turn.
DOUBLE-SPRAY INJECTOR SETTINGS
The CRF450R-S’s fuel-injection system sprays twice per intake cycle. That helps increase fuel atomization without adding the weight or complexity of a second injector. The better fuel atomization means more power in the midrange and on overrev—you’ll feel it the first time you race.
DUNLOP MX3S TIRES
Developed using Dunlop’s “block-on-block” design technology, the CRF450R-S’s MX3S tires give excellent feedback and are a perfect complement to the CRF450R-S’s frame and suspension.
CYLINDER HEAD LAYOUT
The CRF450R-S uses our finger-follower rocker design. The Unicam cylinder head remains one of the most efficient in the MX world, giving you the design and performance of a double-overhead-cam layout but the compactness of a single-overhead-cam design.
13:5:1 COMPRESSION RATIO
The CRF450R-S features a refined squish area that helps boost compression to an impressive 13.5:1. That means improved combustion efficiency for more power.
“IN MOLD” GRAPHICS
With all the time you’ll be spending in victory circle, you need to look your best. The 2022 CRF450R-S has you covered. Our “in mold” graphics look great, and stay looking good.
SKID PLATE
A factory skid plate is light and offers the engine and lower-frame protection that a racer demands.
COMFORT
RENTHAL “FATBAR”
The aluminum Renthal Fatbar features a bend that’s even better than the legendary Honda “CR” bar. You’re gonna love it!
BLACK RIMS
They may not help you go faster, but the black DID DirtStar rims sure look good.
FLAT SEAT/TANK JUNCTION
The CRF450R-S features a flat seat/tank junction, including a titanium fuel tank. The superior ergonomics make it easier to move forward and back on the bike, increasing your control.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
- 449cc single-cylinder engine with Unicam cylinder head, downdraft intake tract, electronic fuel injection and electric start offers unparalleled “Absolute Holeshot” performance.
- Honda Selectable Torque Control with three levels of intervention. HSTC monitors rpm spikes and responds by temporarily reducing torque to aid rear traction. A handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between three modes, depending on conditions and rider preference.
- Ignition mapping with riding modes in Standard, Smooth and Aggressive options, selectable via a separate handlebar-mounted switch, enables simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
- Selectable HRC launch control provides a steady stream of torque for excellent performance on race starts.
- Electric starter (powered by a lightweight lithium-ion battery).
- Shift sensor allows a dedicated ignition map for each gear, enabling optimum running.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
- Twin-spar aluminum frame engineered for great traction and cornering feel, and to minimize weight.
- Chassis layout allows heavier components to be located as centrally and low as possible for nimble handling and feel.
- Front-brake caliper uses a pair of pistons (30 mm and 27 mm) for optimal braking performance on a 260 mm rotor with a petal pattern to best dissipate heat.
- Showa® shock and 49 mm coil-spring fork.
- Front brake hose resists expansion for precise, consistent braking feel.
- Top triple clamp has two handlebar-clamp locations for moving the handlebar back and forth by 26 mm. With reversible handlebar clamp enabling an additional 10 mm of adjustment from the base position, there are a total of four different handlebar positions.
- Black Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar encourages active riding position, while also contributing to light steering feel.
- Footpegs shed mud and give the rider great feel and confidence in all riding conditions.
- Lightweight, compact 1.66 gallon titanium fuel tank keeps weight to a minimum.
- Black D.I.D rims deliver a strong presence on and off the track.
- Minimization of lines and gaps in the plastic panels results in a smooth surface, facilitating riding-position changes.
- In-mold graphics are durable and resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion.
- Available only through Honda dealers, Dunlop Geomax MX3S tires provide superior bump absorption and excellent grip.
- Rear brake-pad material yields both performance and durability.
2022 Honda CRF450R-S – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $8599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $ CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 449.7cc liquid-cooled 10º single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Valve Train | Unicam® OHC, four-valve; 38 mm intake, titanium; 31 mm exhaust, steel |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Induction | Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 46 mm throttle bore |
| Ignition | Full transistorized |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | Constant-mesh 5-speed return; manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet (6 springs) |
| Final Drive | #520 chain; 13T/49T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 49 mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ 12.0 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ 12.4 in. wheel travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | 2-piston caliper (30 mm, 27 mm) hydraulic; single 260 mm disc |
| Rear | 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240 mm disc |
| TIRES | |
| Front | Dunlop Geomax MX3S 80/100-21 w/ tube |
| Rear | Dunlop Geomax MX3S 120/80-19 w/ tube |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27°22’ |
| Trail | 116 mm (4.6 in.) |
| Length | 85.9 in. |
| Width | 32.6 in. |
| Height | 49.6 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 12.9 in. |
| Seat Height | 37.8 in. |
| Wheelbase | 58.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.66 gal. |
| Color | Red |
| Curb Weight* | 247 lbs. |
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride
Specifications subject to change
2022 Honda CRF450R-S – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
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2022 Honda CRF450R-S – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
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Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
