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The all-new 2002 CRF450R, Honda’s first ever four-stroke MotoCross bike, is arriving in New Zealand in November. Loaded with CR-inspired racing technology, the CRF450R features the powerful new Unicam engine with its compact and efficient valve train, together with Honda’s latest lightweight twin-spar aluminium frame and swingarm. Its innovative design not only saves weight, but also contributes to improved rider ergonomics. With the best power to weight ratio available, it is destined to be the new MX class leader.
Using a lightweight and simple single camshaft system, the four-valve 449cc engine produces no less than 55 bhp at 9000rpm and 36 lb/ft of torque at 7000rpm. The compact valvetrain design provides an optimum combustion chamber shape for maximum power at all engine speeds. The carburised single camshaft directly actuates the two 36mm titanium intake valves. The camshaft exhaust lobe actuates the two 31mm steel exhaust valves via a forked, low-friction, roller rocker arm. A separate cam holder contributes to the compact design, which allows a remarkable 21.5 degree included valve angle and saves 380g over a comparable DOHC system. The crankshaft is made from high-strength, low-carbon steel with carburised main journals for maximum durability in sustained high-rpm operation. The auto decompression and hot restart system makes starting easy in all conditions.
The CRF450R uses a new twin-spar aluminium frame and swingarm, utilising Honda’s unmatched CR aluminium frame design expertise to ensure an optimal balance of compliance, rigiidity and strength. The narrow frame cross section provides superior rider comfort and manoeuverability.
With a class-leading dry weight of only 102kg, the CRF450R has incredible acceleration and handling performance, and the sophisticated suspension system is designed for maximum agility with smooth, low-friction operation.
‘Overseas, the CRF450R is rewriting the MotoCross record books’, said Clive Cooper-Smith, General Manager of Blue Wing Honda Ltd., ‘We cannot wait to get our hands on this exciting machine, and we are looking forward to being able to take Honda’s huge profile in off-road racing to new heights here in New Zealand’.
Images available on request to gb@geebee.co.nz
| Specifications: | Honda CRF450R |
| Engine type: | 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Bore & Stroke: | 96mm x 62.1mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11.5:1 |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC 4-valve |
| Carburetion: | Keihin 40mm flat slide |
| Ignition: | Solid-state CD with electronic advance |
| Transmission: | Close-ratio five-speed |
| Final Drive: | #520 chain, 13T / 50T |
| Suspension, front: | 47mm inverted showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability, 30mm travel |
| Suspension, rear: | Pro-link Showa cartridge fork with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment seperated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns), 31mm wheel travel |
| Brakes, front: | Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper |
| Rear: | Single 240mm disc |
| Tyres: | Front 80/100-21, rear 110/90-19 |
| Wheelbase: | 1509mm |
| Rake (Caster angle) | 28.6 |
| Trail | 119mm |
| Seat height | 94mm |
| Ground clearance: | 330mm |
| Dry weight | 102kg |
| Fuel capacity: | 7.5 litres |
| Colour: | Red |
