First Look: Inside the 2013 Honda CRF450R 11

Honda recently had some fun with the moto media, inviting them out to ride a new bike...but without giving them any specifics as to what it was. They're probably still chuckling at the range of guesses...everything from Works bikes to electric military scooters. In the end, it proved to be something very worthwhile, their eagerly anticipated, and brand-spanking-new 2013 CRF450R. 

There had been some teasers of things to come from the GP side, and a couple variations of different bikes out there, but as you can see, there's a lot in the all-new here, including the aluminum frame and swingarm, as well as the lighter subframe and airbox. The suspension components are all-new, with the KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork), and new KYB rear shock. They also added some goodies like a new dual-muffler setup that's designed to be more compact, as well as meeting current sound levels. The look is new, too, with a more aggressive and minimal style to the bodywork.

Those are some of the big hits, but they didn't stop there. They added an improved footpeg mount with a new debris-shielding design, as well as new front and rear rotor covers, new Dunlop MX51FA front tire, and a .16/gallon boost in fuel capacity.

What's new in the powerplant? There's an all-new piston and a boost in the compression ratio, as well as a new two-hole oil jet adds extra cooling to the piston’s underside. The cylinder head has revised porting and 1mm larger exhaust valves. Add in revised cam timing, an all-new six-spring clutch design, updated transmission, and all-new radiators that are mounted lower in the chassis, and you've pretty well covered the new here, short of changes to the fuel injection and ignition maps.

How about a couple videos to help you digest all the changes here? There's one that covers the new features, and includes some post-ride comments from our tester for the day, Scott Champion; and another that deals specifically with the new KYB PSF fork.

If you want even more photos, click here for a gallery on the all-new 2013 Honda CRF450R.

2013 Honda CRF450R Specifications

Model: CRF450R
Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96mm x 62.1mm
Compression ratio: 12.5:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 31mm exhaust, steel
Induction: PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T

Suspension
Front: 48mm inverted KYB PSF® (Pneumatic Spring Fork) with rebound and compression-damping adjustability. 12.2 inches travel.
Rear: Pro-Link KYB single shock with spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed; 12.5 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single 240mm disc

Tires
Front: Dunlop MX51FA 80/100-21
Rear: Dunlop MX51 120/80-19

Wheelbase: 58.7 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 27° 04’
Trail: 116mm (4.57 inches)
Seat Height: 37.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 13.0 inches
Fuel Capacity: 1.66 gallons
Color: Red
Curb Weight*: 242.7 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Consult owner’s manual for optional parts.
©2012 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. • All Rights Reserved
Specifications are subject to change without notice.