2018 crf450

dave6
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dave6
Edited Date/Time 9/17/2018 6:17am
I currently own a 2008 and love it. I went out and bought a 2013 in late 2012 and just never felt comfortable on it due to the air forks and also the cockpit (center of pegs to center of bars) being 17mm shorter than the 2008. I sold the 2013 and went back to the 08. I am now hearing the 2017-18 crf450s are a lot like the 2008's. I'm 6'3, 205 lbs without gear and want to know if the center of pegs to center of bars on the 2017-18s are close to the 2008 or closer to the 2013-16's.

can someone give usable input?

thank you
|
TheGetFresh
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TheGetFresh 9/7/2017 12:37pm
9/7/2017 12:37pm
I'm 6'2" 180 lbs. and current own a 2015 crf450. I rode the 2017 crf450r and like the ergos for a big guy. The cockpit feels a little roomier, the seat is flat and the tank slope makes it easier to get weight forward or backwards. The transition from seated to standing was easier on the new bike and it was generally much more comfortable than the last generation bike. I anticipate buying a 2018.

I never rode the 08 generation bike, but I hope this insight helps.
JWACK
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JWACK 9/7/2017 12:59pm
9/7/2017 12:59pm
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at the transition from seat to shrouds but it's not far off.
dave6
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dave6 9/7/2017 1:02pm
9/7/2017 1:02pm
JWACK wrote:
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at...
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at the transition from seat to shrouds but it's not far off.
do you have the same bars on both? trying to eliminate bar sweep as a difference
Lawrence_Hamm 9/7/2017 1:26pm
9/7/2017 1:26pm
I'm 6'2" and 235lbs and just picked mine up today. I will be riding it this weekend. I am coming off of a 2015 CRF 450 with A-Kit Suspension and I loved it. I am so looking forward to the electric start and am also happy that they stiffened up the suspension from the 2017. I loved my 2015 and think I will love my 2018 even more. I will let you know.

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JWACK
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JWACK 9/7/2017 1:56pm
9/7/2017 1:56pm
JWACK wrote:
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at...
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at the transition from seat to shrouds but it's not far off.
dave6 wrote:
do you have the same bars on both? trying to eliminate bar sweep as a difference
Oem bars on both.
jtiger12
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jtiger12 9/7/2017 2:57pm
9/7/2017 2:57pm
dave6 wrote:
I currently own a 2008 and love it. I went out and bought a 2013 in late 2012 and just never felt comfortable on it due...
I currently own a 2008 and love it. I went out and bought a 2013 in late 2012 and just never felt comfortable on it due to the air forks and also the cockpit (center of pegs to center of bars) being 17mm shorter than the 2008. I sold the 2013 and went back to the 08. I am now hearing the 2017-18 crf450s are a lot like the 2008's. I'm 6'3, 205 lbs without gear and want to know if the center of pegs to center of bars on the 2017-18s are close to the 2008 or closer to the 2013-16's.

can someone give usable input?

thank you
Dave, try doing a search on here for more feedback. Lots of people have weighed in at this point. I finally rode one a couple weeks ago. I own a 07 which I've owned and raced since 08.

The 2017/18 is the real deal. Does a couple things better than the 08 imho, I'm getting one in the spring once we move
Jack_Mehoff
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Jack_Mehoff 9/7/2017 3:04pm
9/7/2017 3:04pm
JWACK wrote:
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at...
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at the transition from seat to shrouds but it's not far off.
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the thread but does the 18 honda feel much heavier than a KTM 350?
JWACK
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JWACK 9/7/2017 3:24pm
9/7/2017 3:24pm
JWACK wrote:
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at...
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at the transition from seat to shrouds but it's not far off.
Jack_Mehoff wrote:
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the...
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the thread but does the 18 honda feel much heavier than a KTM 350?
I'm a motorcycle man! I have 10 bikes at the moment, lol. The New generation ktms feel similar a 2005-8 Crf to me which isn't a bad thing. Ill be called crazy but the 18 Honda feels lighter in motion than the16 ktm 350 I had. I have very little time on the 18 so I don't know the ins and outs yet. I got it just over a week ago.
TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 9/7/2017 3:39pm
9/7/2017 3:39pm
At 205 pounds you're going to need to re-spring any version of the '17/'18 CRF450R/RX. I've helped many of my friends get new CRF450RXs. 2017 preferably since it comes with both electric and kick-start. It's an excellent bike for taller riders and is an easy fit by simply using a firmer or tall seat.

Go get one.

Good Luck!
m.hardesty16 9/7/2017 4:36pm
9/7/2017 4:36pm
Go sit on one at your local dealer. Not sure if you bought your 2008 new or anything and have used it since but if thats so I think its time for an updated bike anyway.
Kenny Lingus
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Kenny Lingus 9/7/2017 4:47pm
9/7/2017 4:47pm
I am 6'2" and once I put my regular bar bend on the layout seemed very familiar to my '05. I have put in heavier springs but won't be able to ride until Sunday. I loved my '05 but the '18 made it feel like a trail bike. Feels so light in the air and under motion.
It took me a bit to get used to how easy it changes direction.
MX558
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MX558 9/7/2017 7:03pm
9/7/2017 7:03pm
JWACK wrote:
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at...
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at the transition from seat to shrouds but it's not far off.
Jack_Mehoff wrote:
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the...
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the thread but does the 18 honda feel much heavier than a KTM 350?
I had a 350 and the honda definitely feels heavier by a good margin . I did like the honda though nice and easy to ride
Mx286
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Mx286 9/7/2017 7:42pm
9/7/2017 7:42pm
JWACK wrote:
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at...
I have an 08 and an 18. They feel very similar ergonomically. I don't think the 18 is as roomy and it's a little fatter at the transition from seat to shrouds but it's not far off.
Jack_Mehoff wrote:
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the...
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the thread but does the 18 honda feel much heavier than a KTM 350?
JWACK wrote:
I'm a motorcycle man! I have 10 bikes at the moment, lol. The New generation ktms feel similar a 2005-8 Crf to me which isn't a...
I'm a motorcycle man! I have 10 bikes at the moment, lol. The New generation ktms feel similar a 2005-8 Crf to me which isn't a bad thing. Ill be called crazy but the 18 Honda feels lighter in motion than the16 ktm 350 I had. I have very little time on the 18 so I don't know the ins and outs yet. I got it just over a week ago.
Last weekend I got to ride a 17 KTM 450 and 17 Honda 450. Rode both bikes back to back and the Honda as JWACK said feels lighter in motion. It's very noticable on the jumps. In the air the KTM feels heavier. I was really surprised by this because so many people praise how it's 12lbs or so lighter, sure didn't feel like it.
MPJC
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MPJC 9/7/2017 8:15pm
9/7/2017 8:15pm
Jack_Mehoff wrote:
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the...
How many bikes do you have? It seem like I see you talking about owning something different and awesome every week. And not to hijack the thread but does the 18 honda feel much heavier than a KTM 350?
JWACK wrote:
I'm a motorcycle man! I have 10 bikes at the moment, lol. The New generation ktms feel similar a 2005-8 Crf to me which isn't a...
I'm a motorcycle man! I have 10 bikes at the moment, lol. The New generation ktms feel similar a 2005-8 Crf to me which isn't a bad thing. Ill be called crazy but the 18 Honda feels lighter in motion than the16 ktm 350 I had. I have very little time on the 18 so I don't know the ins and outs yet. I got it just over a week ago.
Mx286 wrote:
Last weekend I got to ride a 17 KTM 450 and 17 Honda 450. Rode both bikes back to back and the Honda as JWACK said...
Last weekend I got to ride a 17 KTM 450 and 17 Honda 450. Rode both bikes back to back and the Honda as JWACK said feels lighter in motion. It's very noticable on the jumps. In the air the KTM feels heavier. I was really surprised by this because so many people praise how it's 12lbs or so lighter, sure didn't feel like it.
I have a 16 250 sxf and I've ridden both the 17 Honda and KTM 450s (not back to back), each right after getting off of my 250. Going from my 250 to the Honda 450, I was surprised by how light the Honda felt. Going from my 250 to the KTM 450, I thought the 450 felt a tad heavy. It think that some of this was biased by expectation, as I'd heard about how light the KTM 450 is and it was heavier feeling than I expected. I knew that on the scale, the Honda is fairly heavy, so in motion it felt lighter than expected. I will say, they both felt very, very nice to ride. In comparison, when I rode a YZ 450, I thought it felt like a tank.
H4L
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H4L 9/8/2017 6:37am
9/8/2017 6:37am Edited Date/Time 9/8/2017 6:41am
Good to hear about the comments on the 17/18 CRF450r feeling lighter than the KTM 350 & 450 SXF. Even though it's heavier on the scales I'm not surprised due to how Honda engineered the weight distribution. In the end that's what really matters as the bikes will be racing on the track & not on the scales...
MX558
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MX558 9/8/2017 7:28am
9/8/2017 7:28am
The Yamaha guys say the exact same abut their bikes too . The Homers never fail .
dave6
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dave6 9/8/2017 7:34am
9/8/2017 7:34am
TeamGreen wrote:
At 205 pounds you're going to need to re-spring any version of the '17/'18 CRF450R/RX. I've helped many of my friends get new CRF450RXs. 2017 preferably...
At 205 pounds you're going to need to re-spring any version of the '17/'18 CRF450R/RX. I've helped many of my friends get new CRF450RXs. 2017 preferably since it comes with both electric and kick-start. It's an excellent bike for taller riders and is an easy fit by simply using a firmer or tall seat.

Go get one.

Good Luck!
yeah, i'll get enzo to get the suspension set up correctly. I like their stuff on the 08.


dave6
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dave6 9/8/2017 7:38am
9/8/2017 7:38am
m.hardesty16 wrote:
Go sit on one at your local dealer. Not sure if you bought your 2008 new or anything and have used it since but if thats...
Go sit on one at your local dealer. Not sure if you bought your 2008 new or anything and have used it since but if thats so I think its time for an updated bike anyway.
I bought a used 08 with very low hours on it awhile back. the 13's came out, and I HAD to have one. so I sold the 08 and started riding the 13. I DID NOT like the air forks and I felt really cramped on that bike. so, I sold it when I found a practically brand new 08 that was listed on CL. I went to look at the 08, and it was under about 30 boxes. I bought it cheap, then I had to go through the carb because the dude let it set up from 09 til when I bought it ( 2 yrs ago) with gas in it. now, the 18's seem to be getting excellent reviews and comparisons to the 08's. none of the local dealers have demo days planned, so I called Honda. they have no demo days planned anywhere near me....



guess we'll see.....

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cjmx
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cjmx 9/8/2017 11:28am
9/8/2017 11:28am
I have the '17. As JWACK said there's less room than the '08 but it still feels very comfortable. I've had several honda's through the years and 17 is way better than any previous year. Go sit on one, you won't be disappointed. I'm 6'2" and 180. I plan on getting stiffer fork springs after riding the '18 but other than that I'm happy. The '18 stock map is better but not by much. I ride all tracks and don't notice the issues in 1st gear. I went 1 up on the rear sprocket.
Lawrence_Hamm 9/10/2017 3:45pm
9/10/2017 3:45pm
Well I rode my 2018 for the first time today and it is awesome. I did not ride a 2017 (on purpose last year) because I was keeping my 2015. Right off the bat what I noticed was that it steered and handled very well. I had about $5000 worth of suspension on my 2015 and really feel that the stock Honda suspension on the 2018 is really good. I was riding on a hardpack track that had been prepped, watered and tilled (but not too deep).
I am 6'2" and about 230lbs and I liked the ergos of this bike from the moment I started to ride it. I do not feel that you need to change anything for your size. I run my bars a little higher than the young guys, but I had no problem moving around. The power delivery on the 18 is definitely superior to my 15 (I was using Map 1). At first it felt a little strange but I soon realized that it (in my opinion) had less engine braking going into the turns and combined with the superior front end "sticking to the ground" (which translates into better cornering) meant that it was easier to go fast on through the corners. I really love it! and am definitely satisfied with my purchase!!!!! Hope this helps.
H4L
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H4L 9/10/2017 6:27pm
9/10/2017 6:27pm
Lawrence_Hamm wrote:
Well I rode my 2018 for the first time today and it is awesome. I did not ride a 2017 (on purpose last year) because I...
Well I rode my 2018 for the first time today and it is awesome. I did not ride a 2017 (on purpose last year) because I was keeping my 2015. Right off the bat what I noticed was that it steered and handled very well. I had about $5000 worth of suspension on my 2015 and really feel that the stock Honda suspension on the 2018 is really good. I was riding on a hardpack track that had been prepped, watered and tilled (but not too deep).
I am 6'2" and about 230lbs and I liked the ergos of this bike from the moment I started to ride it. I do not feel that you need to change anything for your size. I run my bars a little higher than the young guys, but I had no problem moving around. The power delivery on the 18 is definitely superior to my 15 (I was using Map 1). At first it felt a little strange but I soon realized that it (in my opinion) had less engine braking going into the turns and combined with the superior front end "sticking to the ground" (which translates into better cornering) meant that it was easier to go fast on through the corners. I really love it! and am definitely satisfied with my purchase!!!!! Hope this helps.
Do you feel the stock springs will be enough for you or will you need to get stiffer spec ones ? We are about the same size & was thinking I'll probably need to get stiffer springs when I pick up an 18.
The 18 has stiffer springs than the 17 model, but I haven't seen what spec sizes they are.
NeedMoto
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NeedMoto 9/10/2017 7:10pm
9/10/2017 7:10pm
Lawrence_Hamm wrote:
Well I rode my 2018 for the first time today and it is awesome. I did not ride a 2017 (on purpose last year) because I...
Well I rode my 2018 for the first time today and it is awesome. I did not ride a 2017 (on purpose last year) because I was keeping my 2015. Right off the bat what I noticed was that it steered and handled very well. I had about $5000 worth of suspension on my 2015 and really feel that the stock Honda suspension on the 2018 is really good. I was riding on a hardpack track that had been prepped, watered and tilled (but not too deep).
I am 6'2" and about 230lbs and I liked the ergos of this bike from the moment I started to ride it. I do not feel that you need to change anything for your size. I run my bars a little higher than the young guys, but I had no problem moving around. The power delivery on the 18 is definitely superior to my 15 (I was using Map 1). At first it felt a little strange but I soon realized that it (in my opinion) had less engine braking going into the turns and combined with the superior front end "sticking to the ground" (which translates into better cornering) meant that it was easier to go fast on through the corners. I really love it! and am definitely satisfied with my purchase!!!!! Hope this helps.
H4L wrote:
Do you feel the stock springs will be enough for you or will you need to get stiffer spec ones ? We are about the same...
Do you feel the stock springs will be enough for you or will you need to get stiffer spec ones ? We are about the same size & was thinking I'll probably need to get stiffer springs when I pick up an 18.
The 18 has stiffer springs than the 17 model, but I haven't seen what spec sizes they are.
Forks 17 is 48 rate. 18 is 50. At 230 pounds you'll for sure need to go up another rate, likely 52 is my guess. I'm not a suspension guy, so you'll want to look into it.

Shock will follow as well. I've got my 17 dialed as of late, man is it good!!!
kiwifan
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kiwifan 9/10/2017 8:23pm
9/10/2017 8:23pm
I have never owned a 2008 (was racing KTM's then) but I did race a 2010, 2013 and a 2015...both are night and day different to my 2017, word around the pits is that the 2017/2018 does feel like a much more racier version of a hopped up 2008.

I am waiting on a ride on the new RMZ 450 before deciding to stay red or go yellow....thats nothing against the Honda, I have won quite a few races on it and it never gave me a DNF. I just am curious about the RMZ.
68
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68 9/10/2017 9:25pm
9/10/2017 9:25pm
Gah when are these damn shootouts out.. I'm waiting on it
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kiwifan 9/10/2017 9:32pm
9/10/2017 9:32pm
68 wrote:
Gah when are these damn shootouts out.. I'm waiting on it
pretty sure it is tomorrow....
Lastander
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Lastander 9/10/2017 11:35pm
9/10/2017 11:35pm
H4L wrote:
Good to hear about the comments on the 17/18 CRF450r feeling lighter than the KTM 350 & 450 SXF. Even though it's heavier on the scales...
Good to hear about the comments on the 17/18 CRF450r feeling lighter than the KTM 350 & 450 SXF. Even though it's heavier on the scales I'm not surprised due to how Honda engineered the weight distribution. In the end that's what really matters as the bikes will be racing on the track & not on the scales...
Yeah i had a -16 sxf450 last year, heaviest bike i have ever ridden, my -17 crf450 feels like a 250 in comparison
snape99
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snape99 9/11/2017 12:06am
9/11/2017 12:06am
H4L wrote:
Good to hear about the comments on the 17/18 CRF450r feeling lighter than the KTM 350 & 450 SXF. Even though it's heavier on the scales...
Good to hear about the comments on the 17/18 CRF450r feeling lighter than the KTM 350 & 450 SXF. Even though it's heavier on the scales I'm not surprised due to how Honda engineered the weight distribution. In the end that's what really matters as the bikes will be racing on the track & not on the scales...
Lastander wrote:
Yeah i had a -16 sxf450 last year, heaviest bike i have ever ridden, my -17 crf450 feels like a 250 in comparison
Honda definitely feels lighter on track than it says on the scales.
Mx746
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Mx746 9/11/2017 5:16am
9/11/2017 5:16am
Has Honda fixed the flame out tendency with the 18?
BobPA
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BobPA 9/11/2017 6:03am
9/11/2017 6:03am
I feel like a peanut at 6' 180lbs. Every thread I read everyone is 6'3" 235lbs, minimum....Who knew there are so many linebackers on Vital?

The 2017 CRF450 was awesome, I do not think you will be disappointed with the 2018.
m.hardesty16 9/11/2017 6:09am
9/11/2017 6:09am
m.hardesty16 wrote:
Go sit on one at your local dealer. Not sure if you bought your 2008 new or anything and have used it since but if thats...
Go sit on one at your local dealer. Not sure if you bought your 2008 new or anything and have used it since but if thats so I think its time for an updated bike anyway.
dave6 wrote:
I bought a used 08 with very low hours on it awhile back. the 13's came out, and I HAD to have one. so I sold...
I bought a used 08 with very low hours on it awhile back. the 13's came out, and I HAD to have one. so I sold the 08 and started riding the 13. I DID NOT like the air forks and I felt really cramped on that bike. so, I sold it when I found a practically brand new 08 that was listed on CL. I went to look at the 08, and it was under about 30 boxes. I bought it cheap, then I had to go through the carb because the dude let it set up from 09 til when I bought it ( 2 yrs ago) with gas in it. now, the 18's seem to be getting excellent reviews and comparisons to the 08's. none of the local dealers have demo days planned, so I called Honda. they have no demo days planned anywhere near me....



guess we'll see.....
My biggest fear is air forks. When I graduate high school I want to buy a new bike and if it has air forks stock I must change that.

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