50 years of CR/CRF Motocross legend
The 2023 CRF450R marks 50 years since the arrival of Honda’s first sports motorcycle for all riders, not just racing teams.
The five decades since then have been marked by a number of technological leaps that made the letters ‘CR’ and later ‘CRF’ synonymous with off-road performance. Here’s a look back at some of those key milestones.
1973 Honda CR250M Elsinore
The CR250M Elsinore is the product of increasing motorcycle competition (and sales demand) in the United States and Europe. This is Honda’s first built-in two-stroke production MX machine and has been an instant success for its user-friendliness, quality and reliability. Promotions for the new bike include a much-loved promotional film starring Steve McQueen.
Named after the legendary Elsinore Grand Prix (hosted by Lake Elsinore, California), the air-cooled 247.8cc engine delivers 104kg of thrust while the chassis consists of a semi-twin tubular steel frame and tubular fork cage, steel swingarm, twin rear shock absorbers and front and rear drum brakes. Honda’s MX journey has begun…
1981 Honda CR250R
A big year to grow. The CR250M won the “R” title in racing in the late ’70s, and in 1981, Honda introduced their factory bicycle technology to the public with a liquid-cooled machine manufactured first output.
The engine is a long stroke design cooled by two small radiators. Perhaps more talkative than the chassis; The aluminum swingarm and single rear shock, the future-oriented Pro-Link remote reservoir complement the known number of steel frames and dual lead drum brakes.
Just one year later in 1982, the Honda Racing Service Center was reborn as Honda Racing Corporation. HRC soon became synonymous with motocross success.
1985 Honda CR500R
Originally launched in 1984 as an air-cooled (with more than 70 Nm of torque), the CR500R switched to water-cooled in 1985.
Now very much a bike of legend and legend, it perhaps defined the golden age of motocross in the 1980s with the aesthetic that inspired the 2023 CRF450R 50th Anniversary model. It tested the limits of chassis technology – and the capabilities of most racers – to a very limited extent.
1997 Honda CR250R
To take advantage of advances in engine technology and thus increased power and torque, Honda took the bold step of producing the first aluminum frame for the MX bike. The rigidity of tubular steel has been replaced with parallel flexibility and other components have been incorporated for a more high-tech feel, like the fully adjustable Showa suspension and front disc brakes. and behind.
Recognized as one of the most influential machines of the ’90s, the CR250R started an off-road revolution that can still be seen in MX bikes today.
2002 Honda CRF450R
Honda began the new MX mission with the first generation 450, the first four-stroke engine and direct replacement for the CR250R. And with a 250-based chassis, it’s very thin and light.
The powerful, smooth 449cc engine and wide power range make it equally powerful but much less intimidating than the equivalent 250cc two-stroke. The CRF450R makes riding faster, easier.
2009 Honda CRF450R
After steady development, the CRF450R was reborn with a fuel injection engine with a 50 mm throttle body and 12-hole injectors. Owners can also adjust fuel delivery and ignition timing through the HRC PGM-FI setting tool.
A redesigned engine and newly built chassis, along with a focus on mass concentration, make it possible for a compact machine to carry its weight even lower. Suspension is from Kayaba: 48mm USD fork with air-oil separator (AOS) and compact rear shock absorber.
2017 Honda CRF450R
Europe’s favorite open-top MX engine has been completely redesigned, with an all-new chassis, complete Showa suspension and the biggest power boost from the all-new engine.
The standard-fit electric start was a convenient addition a year later, and in 2019 the HRC-developed cylinder head has significantly increased power and torque; HRC boot control is also added. For 2020, Honda’s 3-Stage Torque Control (HSTC) has given riders options for managing rear-wheel traction.
2023 Honda CRF450R 50th Anniversary
In 2021, beyond the basic wheel and engine architecture, the CRF450R is truly a brand new bike, based on developments from Tim Gajser’s 2019 MX GP championship-winning CRF450RW. He and HRC won the title for a second year in 2020 and finished in third place in 2021.
As always with motocross and the CRF450R, the game goes on and the latest machine comes loaded with a bunch of factory and HRC updates to the engine and chassis that aim to make going fast – really fast – much easier.
And 2023 marks 50 years since the bike that started it all, the CR250M Elsinore.
The limited edition CRF450R 50th Anniversary pays homage to the mighty CRs of the 1980s and stays true to Honda’s roots in sports – and to a blueprint laid out from the years. before – still an HRC racing car that one can buy. They are expected to make landfall in Australia in the last quarter of 2022.
The Honda 2023 range of motorcycles includes the CRF150R, CRF250R, CRF250RX, CRF450R, CRF450RX, and for the first time in Australia, the CRF450RWE “Works Edition”.
2023 Honda CRF450R
The CRF450R’s technical updates include a narrower intake port geometry and longer intake hopper, revised cam profile and a smaller HRC-developed 44mm throttle body diameter, helping to deliver smoother power and increased torque. -low rpm torque, reducing fatigue and improving acceleration when passing corners.
Frame stiffness has been optimized by increasing material thickness in strategic locations, and the use of a steel (aluminum) engine mount improves frontal traction. Engine hangers change from aluminum to steel. Higher-speed damping springs and revised fork settings add to the stiffness-optimized frame and updated shock mount, allowing for more freedom of suspension components and avoid being tied down. The result is increased tire grip and improved stability and impact absorption, making the bike more stable and turning faster.
The front and rear suspension are fully adjustable. The rear shock has 11 positions for recovery and 6 positions for compression, while the USD 49mm coil spring fork has 13 positions for recovery and 15 positions for compression.
To increase strength and reduce noise, the muffler body is now made from heat-treated aluminum and is much more resistant to impact.
Standard electronics package includes Honda 3-mode Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), 3-mode HRC Launch Control, and 3-mode Engine Mode Selector (EMSB) button mounted on the handlebars.
The CRF450R comes in a traditional Ultra Red color with updated graphics for 2023 and is also a 50th Anniversary Special Edition.
Ready-to-Drive Price: $14,098 (Extreme Red), $14,498 (50th Anniversary Special Edition).
2023 Honda CRF450RWE
First available in Australia and built on the legendary CRF450R platform, the CRF450RWE (“Works Edition”) is the ultimate MX machine for riders looking for the ultimate edge.
Crafted with the goal of reducing lap times and providing an unparalleled driving experience, it features a diverse list of premium upgrades inspired by Factory Honda HRC machines, including:
▪ Hinson clutch cover and basket
▪ Yoshimura exhaust with stainless steel header pipe and titanium silencer
▪ Twin Air Air Filter
▪ Graphics Honda HRC Throttle Jockey Team
▪ Seat Cover Jockey Station Seat Cover
▪Red cylindrical end cap
▪ Hand-polished cylindrical ports
▪ DID DirtStar LT-X Wheels
▪ Kashima coated outer fork tube
▪ Titanium oxide coated fork feet
▪Titanium oxide coated 18mm shock shaft
▪ DID-DM2 Gold Necklace
▪Grey Metallic Triple Clamp
▪ Renthal Kevlar Handle
▪ Dedicated ignition and spray mapping
The CRF450RWE is equipped with the same Yoshimura stainless steel exhaust system (head and silencer) used on Honda HRC factory machines, using a resonator to increase power and torque. The engine’s exhaust port is centrally located, oval-shaped and very straight, optimizing exhaust efficiency and torque characteristics. The exhaust tips and silencers are arranged close to the vehicle’s centerline for a slim profile, contributing to the freedom of movement for the driver.
The clutch is hydraulically actuated and features eight discs and a large mass for good durability with minimal slippage and light lever traction. A Hinson clutch basket and cover are standard, further enhancing clutch performance.
The CRF450RWE’s lower fork and shock absorber shaft are coated with titanium nitride to reduce collisions and improve ride quality, while the outer fork tubes are coated with Kashima to enhance the vehicle’s aesthetic. The upper and lower trio of clamps are anodized gray and are designed to provide a good balance of stiffness for optimal handling and feel through corners.
A special edition Throttle Jockey clip seat cover is standard, while the seat base features rear-facing blades and front mounting tabs for easy installation and uses acceleration to keep the seat in place. mind.
The CRF450RWE will be available in limited quantities, in Dark Red. Ready-to-drive price: $17,198
