The latest model of Honda CRF450R is one of the finest dirt bikes ever designed by the Honda group. This model boasts of a 449.00 ccm displacement, 26 degrees fork angle and double disc front brakes.

Front suspension is 48mm whereas rear suspension is characterised by single shock Pro-Link KYB having superior damping adjustability. With 58.7 wheel base, this Honda CRF model is the perfect companion for an avid bike racer.

It’s basically the 4-stroke, high performance engines that challenge the older generation ones in producing more mileage per pound. However, if you ask about their drawbacks, there’s only one that can be mentioned and that is maintenance.

Since these bikes have been designed for off-road purposes the power level has been highly boosted. This will in turn affect the longevity of the machine unless proper maintenance is provided.

Honda’s 2012 CRF 450 R  comes with a gamut of improvements that enables it to set a standard for other dirt bikes manufacturers. Stiffer fork outer tubes to give you a greater feel of the front end, new fork collars to add weight to it. New longer and wider, silver foot pegs adds to the look and feel and gives you more support. Its brand new chain roller improves its durability manifold.

There’s more! Revised suspension settings (front & rear), stiffer fork springs and a new shock linkage give you unparalleled confidence while you show your skills on treacherous terrains. The new CRF 450 R will be hailed for its accurate handling and considerably improved tracking.

Needless to say, the Honda CRF 450 series can’t roar without its premium Dunlop MX51 tires. These dirt bikes are a bikers’ paradise for their considerable lead in the four-stroke revolution. One, who possesses a CRF 450, is sure to stick to it for a lifetime.

Honda installed a new delta linkage and a shorter pull rod to do away with the issue of balance in the suspension and the chassis. This resulted in a better rear wheel traction and a better riding feel. A lighter cartridge was introduced in this Honda CRF 450 series edition and the shock settings as well as the damping settings were modified, to match the new linkage arrangement.

The Progressive Steer Damper was replaced by a 4mm large piston. The torque and the midrange power is the dirt bike’s most admiring feature. A new muffler in the exhaust immensely brings down the exhaust output.

The power spread seems to be more linear due to a third gear roll-on. It confirms the bike’s strong-pull and runs smoothly throughout the RPM range. However, the first acceleration can go hard on the rider because of the tremendous power capacity that is so identifiable with most Honda CRF 450 series bikes.

It leads to a low-to-midrange curve that draws loads of traction or whirls straight up depending on the rider’s wrist during acceleration. This feature has received mixed reactions from riders. Some used it as a plus point for getting a lead while others had controllability issues.