Honda CRF450R reviews

Rode my new CRF450R for the first time on 8/20 at Sandhill Ranch right outside Livermore, CA. Terrain is everything from loose dirt to sand to hardpack, so I was able to put the bike through several terrain conditions throughout the day. 96 degrees though! Of course being brand new I went with the factory settings but later adjusted the sag to about 98-mm for a slight bit improved turning. I had heard the '02 and '03 did not have very good turning characteristics, but the '04 may be much improved. One thing you don't want to do is over steer and then get on the gas too quick. The power will continue to bring the back end around violently. Set up into a turn, point in the right direction, and it is amazingly easy to rail any berm. My KX was never as sweet. The bike actually feels lighter than my KX but the ergonomics probably make it feel this way more than anything else. Very thin and light feel at all times. And the power is just awesome throughout the whole curve. The motor can pull stumps if you need to. Zero to anything seems like milliseconds. The CRF really inspires confidence since it is such a well-mannered machine. Handling is superb -- Honda engineers really do their homework. I didn't jump huge on anything, but the Honda tracked perfectly balanced in the air and landed just as well on the doubles I did hit. The clutch and shifting is also terrific. Braking is superb and starting it hot or cold is no problem. When hot, I never kicked it over more than 2 times except for my one nasty fall on an off-camber turn. Getting back on from the low side and muscling the bike down was tough. It took about 5 kicks for that start and all the energy I had. The only mechanical thing all day was I noticed the clutch perch and hot-start lever bolt (goes through both) loosened up a bit. Maybe was loose from the dealer, but check all bolts before you ride. Of all the bikes I've owned in the 20 years I've been riding, this one is no doubt a race-ready competitor. Of course, factory racing inspires new technology for average Joe's like me, but its great that the public gets the results so much quicker than in the past. I would recommend the Honda to anyone considering a big-bore 4-stroke even if you are a 250 2-stroke fanatic. Show less

I just purchased my 04 CRF450R today. I have been riding 2 stroke CR125's and 250's for years. The CRF starts very easy cold or hot with a pull on the hot start lever the choke is not required, but may be needed in cold climates. The throttle response is simply amazing sharper than any 2 stroke I've ridden. The clutch and gearbox are typical honda and perform excellent. Smooth shifts even under full power. The suspension is firm it is obviously set up for an extremely fast or heavy individual. The brakes are strong. The frame spars(sides of frame)get really hot. I can feel the heat through my alpinestars. The bike came with renthal bars and a pad also like the YZF. It has a quick adjust clutch perch. Like all Honda motocross bikes it is built well. It should come stock with a skid plate the bottom frame rails really take a beaten on these bikes. I also like that the engine and transmission oil are separate this should contribute to longer clutch and engine longevity. Show less

I used to only ride 2 strokes and would never give a 4 stroke a chance, but I must say the CRF450 is the cat's meow. I love it. I will never ride my katoom again. I can do big doubles with no troubles Show less

Crf 450 4-stroke dirt bikes keep getting better especially the Honda CRF450R. This dirt bike wins shoot-out after shoot-out. So many riders switch to this dirt bike from the YZ450F and other motocrossers for one reason. It has an excellent power band, plush suspension and, unbeatable Honda brakes. The CRF's engine is one of its strong points. The 449 cubic centimeter uni-cam engine produces 55 horsepower and 36 ft-lb of torque. 449 cubic centimeters means that the engine could hold 449cc of liquid in the cylinder. This engine is called a unicam because it has one camshaft instead of the usual dual overhead cam. The engine weighs about 65lbs, which is good for a four-stroke engine. In addition to a great engine the CRF has plush suspension. The staff of Dirt Rider magazine says if an engine can pull smoother over bumps then the suspension will perform better. Hondas are well known plush suspension and the most comfortable seat on the market. So it's no surprise the CRF won the suspension portion of DIRT RIDER'S 250cc shoot out. Honda's dirt bikes are well known for their brakes. The CRF's brakes also perform well. You might think brakes don't matter, but when you're in 4th gear speeding down a straightaway and the racer next to you is trying to pass. Theirs a turn so he starts slowing down but your on a CRF so you wait till your right in front of the turn then you lock your brakes up and turn successfully, hit the last double and take the checkered flag. You win the race because you have better brakes. Still think brakes are unimportant? All in all the CRF 450 is a great dirt bike whether it's jumping, riding whoops, or straightaway speed. Yamaha started this 4-stroke revolution with the YZ400F and now their losing the struggle to come out on top, maybe someday Yamaha will make a good dirt bike to challenge the master. It's a good thing that people are riding 4-strokes because their easier on the environment than their 2-stroke counterparts. So are you going to take part in the 4-stroke revolution and ride a CRF or keep riding your polluting 2-stroke? Shawn Moleon Show less

I used to own CR250's until 2003 CRF'S came out and I bought one and after pulling 4 out of 4 holeshot's my brother and friend are looking to buy one. The machine is awesome all around the susp. is great (factory), it starts with no problems or tricks I haven't found a track that I needed fifth gear for fourth gear is very fast, I highly recommend one. Show less

This bike is the best all around bike. You can't go wrong with this bike, unless of course you cant handle it. About the only thing it needs is some Radiator braces, re-jetted, and new Renthal sprockets and o-ring chain then you are set. Lube your chain alot with Honda's HP Chain Lube. It comes with a titainum pipe, but i prefer a White Brothers Racing Series exhaust kit. Put some Works Connection Pro perches, engine guards, skip plate, Rear Caliper Guard, Frame Guards, and Radiator braces on. I use the Pro Taper bars with Pro Taper triple clamps. Excel rims, hubs, and spokes are a must. Use a Twin Air air filter. Clean it and oil it regularly with No-Toil. Use Honda HP4 oil for your engine and tranny. Check you brake pads and rotors and clean them regularly. If you use your brakes alot your back brakes might overheat. To prevent this put an old pad clip on your new pad so there is two, this will protect it from over heating. Check and grease your bearings regularly. Make sure your brake fluid is full. Make sure there is no mud or sand in your throttle, it can cause sticking. If you pressure wash your bike dont get it to close to your bearings it will wash the grease right out of them and cause them to rust and lock up on you. Always wear the correct clothing, A full-sleeve jersey, riding pants, motorcycle boots that protect your shins and ankles, knee and elbow pads, a chest protector, gloves, and a helmet and goggles. If you do all this to your bike it will probably be the nicest fastest bike at your local track. You just have you know how to ride it. Show less

I rode it a week ago from today, I love its handling, All I like is Honda great bike, fast too!!! I hit a 12 foot jump and got more air than that of the CR 250R going the same speed. Which that was 50 mph. Well see yah round. Show less

this bike is the best four-stroke i have ever ridden. it has loads of power fo any skill rider. dont recomend for beginers. Show less

Just got mine on 10/12/2001, First response was WOW. Amazing Bike, Power beyond comparision and size looks like a CR125. Will give more details after a few rides on the track! Better place your order now, they are going fast! Show less