First Look: 2018 Honda CRF450R and CRF450RX 14

Vital MX - After a big year in 2017 with unveiling their most anticipated CRF450R motocross bike since the original in 2002, Honda has announced a few updates for the 2018 model...including electric start standard! This includes a $300 jump in MSRP for the R model and also includes suspension and ECU tweaks. Scroll below for the official press release from Honda to learn more.

TORRANCE, Calif. – 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."

• Color: Red
• Price: $9,149
• Availability: July 2017
• 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
• Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
• Final Drive: #520 Chain; 13T/49T
• 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
• 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.)

For more, head over here: https://powersports.honda.com/2018/crf450r.aspx#specifications

CRF450RX

Currently being campaigned in the GNCC series by JCR Honda's Trevor Bollinger, the CRF450RX already came with electric starting, but for 2018 the model gets a weight reduction with the removal of the kick-start lever and the switch to a lighter-weight lithium-ion battery. The model is based closely on the flagship CRF450R but with off-road-focused updates like a larger 2.2-gallon fuel tank, 18-inch rear wheel, side stand, optimized ECU and suspension settings, and more. When it comes to closed-course competition like GNCC, hare scrambles, and Grand Prix racing, the CRF450RX constitutes the ultimate off-road weapon.

• Color: Red
• Price: $9,249
• Availability: August 2017
• 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
• Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
• Final Drive: #520 Chain; 13T/50T
• 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
• 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: 257 lbs (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.)

Read more at: https://powersports.honda.com/2018/crf450rx.aspx#specifications

CRF150R / CRF150R Expert

As Amsoil Honda hotshot Carson Mumford demonstrates on the amateur national circuit, where he regularly posts moto wins and podium finishes, Honda's smallest motocross machine is more than competitive against its competition, thanks to a Unicam® four-stroke engine (based on the power plants of the larger Honda motocrossers) that offers a spread of ample, useable power and torque across the rev range. Suspension duties are handled by Showa, with a 37mm inverted fork and Pro-Link® rear link system, and new graphics for 2018 align the model with the CRF450R. In addition to the standard version, Honda offers the CRF150R Expert, which features larger wheels, a taller seat and a longer swingarm.

• Color: Red
• CRF150R: $5,099
• CRF150R Expert: $5,299
• Availability: July 2017

ABOUT AMERICAN HONDA

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the U.S. American Honda's Motorcycle Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.