2008 Honda CRF450R Unveiled
Although the MXA wrecking crew have been racing their 2008 Honda MX bikes for a few weeks already, it wasn’t until today that we could officially release the information. While we’ve already gone over the bikes with a fine toothed comb, new to us was the limited release black version (for both the 450 and 250).
? New tapered exhaust head pipe improves low-end and midrange power.
? New lighter counterbalancer shaft and drive gears.
? New works-type multi-map CDI system uses a transmission gear-position sensor to provide specific ignition maps for First gear, Second gear and Third through Fifth and produce the optimum power curve in each gear.
? Rev limit of 11,270 rpm has increased 50 rpm.
? Friction-reducing coating on the clutch basket, clutch center and pressure plate improve clutch life and clutch feel.
? New Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD). Developed by Team Honda, this lightweight, compact steering damper improves cornering ability and reduces rider fatigue.
? New fork triple clamps with 22mm offset for improved cornering.
? New Showa fork features a larger cartridge rod and new cartridge oil piston for improved oil flow and less friction, plus stiffer springs for improved mid-stroke action.
? New rear shock valving matches changes to the fork.
? New works-style front and rear brake discs reduce unsprung weight.
? New Black color (2008 special color?).
Engine/Drivetrain
? Powerful engine churns out 55 bhp at 9000 rpm and 36.9 lb./ft. of torque at 6500 rpm. Power is produced across a wide rpm band for easy-to-control operation.
? Liquid-cooled four-valve Unicam? 449cc engine produces more than 120 hp per liter (see Technology Section).
? Lightweight titanium intake valves permit use of smaller valve springs and reduce overall engine height.
? Forged slipper piston is more than 4.5 ounces lighter than a conventional design.
? Lightweight Nikasil cylinder lining provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
? Auto decompression and hot restart system make starting easy in all conditions.
? 41mm FCR carburetor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.
? The capacitive discharge ignition system (CDI) features an 8-bit digital CPU for extremely accurate ignition and maximum performance.
? Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination of the engine oil and reduces the amount of circulating oil and minimizes oil pump size.
? Exhaust system features a titanium header and heat shield. The repackable silencer is aluminum with a stainless steel connector pipe.
? Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump.
? Eight clutch plates provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine’s massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
Chassis/Suspension
? Fourth-generation Twin-Spar Aluminum Frame with forged-aluminum steering head (see Technology Section),
? HPSD features a compact damper attached to the lower triple clamp and the steering head to allow more aggressive steering characteristics and assist straight-line handling. Damping action smoothly progresses as handlebar deflection increases, which produces very natural steering characteristics and feel.
? Front and rear wheels feature HRC works-type lightweight aluminum spoke nipples.
? Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
? Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand torturous track conditions.
? Revised, sophisticated Inverted Twin-Chamber Cartridge Fork (see Technology Section).
? Pro-Link Rear Suspension (see Technology Section) with new damper settings.
? Large 50mm rear shock damper piston diameter for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
? HRC works-style rear brake system integrates the rear master-cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the separate reservoir and hose.
? Link-type front brake master cylinder and a lightweight brake rotor provide strong braking.
? Large works-style 240mm front and rear disc brake rotors.
Additional Features
? Frame design allows sidecovers to have larger air-intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow increase in the mid- and upper-rpm ranges.
? Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider’s legs at the narrowest part of the frame for improved comfort and handling feel.
? Brake pedal and shift lever are designed to complement the riding position.
? Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master-cylinder design.
? Wide, cleated stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning and corrosion resistant, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
? Rear brake pedal and shift lever are made of lightweight aluminum.
? Adjustable front brake lever for maximum control.
? Quick-adjust clutch perch for easy cable adjustment.
? Aluminum Renthal handlebar (971 bend) is rubber-mounted to help reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
? Handlebar holders provide two different mounting positions to match rider preference.
? Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.
? Dunlop 742FA front and 756 rear tires for improved traction and cornering.
? Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.
? Removable rear subframe allows easy maintenance.
? Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
? Repackable silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise.
? Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
? Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
? Honda Racing?-inspired colors and graphics.
? Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider’s Club of America? (HRCA?). Visit www.hrca.honda.com for details. design allows sidecovers to have larger air-intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow increase in the mid- and upper-rpm
?Limited color run, less than 500
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