First Impressions: 2017 Honda CRF450R; Have any Questions?

BB67
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BB67 10/20/2016 11:34am
10/20/2016 11:34am
aedwards07 wrote:
How is the clutch pull compared to the 15-16? It was never great before so I am hoping they figured that out...Also any issues with clutch...
How is the clutch pull compared to the 15-16? It was never great before so I am hoping they figured that out...Also any issues with clutch fade with the 7 disk clutch? I know how much of a improvement it was adding the Rekluse Torq Drive to my 16 so it worries me putting less plates in.
Hinson already has a kit w/extra plate available.
Muscle-Milk-KTM 10/20/2016 1:40pm
10/20/2016 1:40pm
How come the bikes being shipped to Europe have E start but in the USA it's optional?
Midwest_Mafia
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Midwest_Mafia 10/20/2016 2:48pm
10/20/2016 2:48pm
Would you spend your money on it? Or go a different route for a new bike in 2017?

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ML512
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ML512 10/20/2016 3:46pm
10/20/2016 3:46pm
Muscle-Milk-KTM wrote:
How come the bikes being shipped to Europe have E start but in the USA it's optional?
Do all countries in Europe have it standard or just some such as Italy or England? That could be based off that distributor's request or order, but their MSRP will be higher than what the standard model would be.
ML512
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ML512 10/20/2016 3:49pm
10/20/2016 3:49pm
David934 wrote:
1. You can do compare suspension overall with Yamaha?
2. Any lack of power?
3. How with airfilter change?
Thanks
1. I'd say it's pretty close based off the initial impressions... Can't wait to try it on some harder dirt though.

2. Yes and no, it isn't as hard hitting as the Yamaha and I'd say the KTM is overall a bit more powerful, but it's not "lacking" like the previous Honda CRF450R.

3. We don't work on the bikes at these events, but based off watching the Honda guys work, looks pretty normal.
ML512
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ML512 10/20/2016 3:51pm
10/20/2016 3:51pm
aedwards07 wrote:
How is the clutch pull compared to the 15-16? It was never great before so I am hoping they figured that out...Also any issues with clutch...
How is the clutch pull compared to the 15-16? It was never great before so I am hoping they figured that out...Also any issues with clutch fade with the 7 disk clutch? I know how much of a improvement it was adding the Rekluse Torq Drive to my 16 so it worries me putting less plates in.
BB67 wrote:
Hinson already has a kit w/extra plate available.
Rekluse has been working with this bike through the All-Japan National team for about a year now, so they should have product ready. While Hinson also has their stuff ready due to their involvement in the Honda HRC US team.
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ML512 10/20/2016 3:55pm
10/20/2016 3:55pm
tek14 wrote:
Great info again ML! Track looked too good to test suspension so we have to wait couple weeks for other track tests? Somehow I was waiting...
Great info again ML! Track looked too good to test suspension so we have to
wait couple weeks for other track tests?
Somehow I was waiting more from bike after so much hype before it came out.
The track we rode yesterday was untouched other than some watering and fixing a corner we blew to pieces before we rode today. So things started rough and went from there.. I'm working on some more thoughts after also riding a 2016 model today. That really allowed me to gather my thoughts on the exact flex characteristic changes in the chassis.
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kiwifan 10/20/2016 4:18pm
10/20/2016 4:18pm
tek14 wrote:
Great info again ML! Track looked too good to test suspension so we have to wait couple weeks for other track tests? Somehow I was waiting...
Great info again ML! Track looked too good to test suspension so we have to
wait couple weeks for other track tests?
Somehow I was waiting more from bike after so much hype before it came out.
ML512 wrote:
The track we rode yesterday was untouched other than some watering and fixing a corner we blew to pieces before we rode today. So things started...
The track we rode yesterday was untouched other than some watering and fixing a corner we blew to pieces before we rode today. So things started rough and went from there.. I'm working on some more thoughts after also riding a 2016 model today. That really allowed me to gather my thoughts on the exact flex characteristic changes in the chassis.
Awesome! Looking forward to some real in depth analysis there Smile
deltadestroyer11 10/20/2016 4:32pm
10/20/2016 4:32pm
You stated the 16 model made you feel like you had to stretch out the front end, making the bike longer and hanging way off the back coming into turns...
Does the new bike still give you that sensation?
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GPrider 10/20/2016 6:32pm
10/20/2016 6:32pm Edited Date/Time 10/20/2016 6:34pm
thanks ML, cant wait to hear what you think between the 16 and 17! And by the way, how cool is it we can get the info straight from a test rider, ML, and ask questions rather than waiting three months for a mag. Thank you vital and ML!
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Moto520 10/20/2016 6:42pm
10/20/2016 6:42pm
GPrider wrote:
thanks ML, cant wait to hear what you think between the 16 and 17! And by the way, how cool is it we can get the...
thanks ML, cant wait to hear what you think between the 16 and 17! And by the way, how cool is it we can get the info straight from a test rider, ML, and ask questions rather than waiting three months for a mag. Thank you vital and ML!
I agree. Love it!
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yz133rider 10/20/2016 7:07pm
10/20/2016 7:07pm
I watched the other guys first impressions. Garbage. 5 minute video - 4 mins of music, 30 seconds of see it all in the next issue, and 30 seconds of advertisers.

Not one of them had any good info or feedback

Good work vital and ml512
Crush
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Crush 10/20/2016 7:47pm
10/20/2016 7:47pm Edited Date/Time 10/20/2016 8:50pm
yz133rider wrote:
I watched the other guys first impressions. Garbage. 5 minute video - 4 mins of music, 30 seconds of see it all in the next issue...
I watched the other guys first impressions. Garbage. 5 minute video - 4 mins of music, 30 seconds of see it all in the next issue, and 30 seconds of advertisers.

Not one of them had any good info or feedback

Good work vital and ml512
Yeah RX's was basically useless. I love Shorty but I don't wanna hear an ex-pro, brand ambassador tell me about the bike. That's about as fair, balanced and relevant as a review of Hillary's emails by a whiny Democrat.
motoxxx599 10/20/2016 7:57pm
10/20/2016 7:57pm
ML, who was the fastest magazine guy out there? Also, did anyone wad it?
smrscott
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smrscott 10/20/2016 8:04pm
10/20/2016 8:04pm
Fastest was Kris Keefer @ Dirt Rider and second fastest back by .75 seconds was Dustin Hoffman @ DBT/DirtBikeTest. DBT guy wadded but was bruised up and OK. Second phase of journalists is tomorrow for a one-day test.
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ML512 10/20/2016 8:09pm
10/20/2016 8:09pm Edited Date/Time 10/20/2016 8:09pm
motoxxx599 wrote:
ML, who was the fastest magazine guy out there? Also, did anyone wad it?
Keefer killed us! Laughing Dennis Stapleton hit the deck today, early in the morning. He's a bit sore.

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FGR01 10/20/2016 8:31pm
10/20/2016 8:31pm
yz133rider wrote:
I watched the other guys first impressions. Garbage. 5 minute video - 4 mins of music, 30 seconds of see it all in the next issue...
I watched the other guys first impressions. Garbage. 5 minute video - 4 mins of music, 30 seconds of see it all in the next issue, and 30 seconds of advertisers.

Not one of them had any good info or feedback

Good work vital and ml512
Crush wrote:
Yeah RX's was basically useless. I love Shorty but I don't wanna hear an ex-pro, brand ambassador tell me about the bike. That's about as fair...
Yeah RX's was basically useless. I love Shorty but I don't wanna hear an ex-pro, brand ambassador tell me about the bike. That's about as fair, balanced and relevant as a review of Hillary's emails by a whiny Democrat.
I don't wanna hear these Pros opinions either... LOL!!! This guy is clearly biased. Although he does like Vital's video.



kiwifan
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kiwifan 10/20/2016 8:40pm
10/20/2016 8:40pm
smrscott wrote:
Fastest was Kris Keefer @ Dirt Rider and second fastest back by .75 seconds was Dustin Hoffman @ DBT/DirtBikeTest. DBT guy wadded but was bruised up...
Fastest was Kris Keefer @ Dirt Rider and second fastest back by .75 seconds was Dustin Hoffman @ DBT/DirtBikeTest. DBT guy wadded but was bruised up and OK. Second phase of journalists is tomorrow for a one-day test.
He had the most in depth review so far too (Keefer)
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kiwifan 10/20/2016 8:41pm
10/20/2016 8:41pm
FGR01 wrote:
I don't wanna hear these Pros opinions either... LOL!!! This guy is clearly biased. Although he does like Vital's video. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/10/20/156642/s1200_Roczen_CRF.jpg[/img]
I don't wanna hear these Pros opinions either... LOL!!! This guy is clearly biased. Although he does like Vital's video.



I saw the video...looked impressive
kiwifan
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kiwifan 10/20/2016 8:45pm
10/20/2016 8:45pm
motoxxx599 wrote:
ML, who was the fastest magazine guy out there? Also, did anyone wad it?
ML512 wrote:
Keefer killed us! Laughing Dennis Stapleton hit the deck today, early in the morning. He's a bit sore.
there there goes a good review by MXA then lol Smile
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smrscott 10/20/2016 8:47pm
10/20/2016 8:47pm


LewDizzle
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LewDizzle 10/20/2016 8:47pm
10/20/2016 8:47pm
Midwest_Mafia wrote:
Would you spend your money on it? Or go a different route for a new bike in 2017?
I would like to know this too
Crush
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Crush 10/20/2016 8:48pm
10/20/2016 8:48pm Edited Date/Time 10/20/2016 8:49pm
FGR01 wrote:
I don't wanna hear these Pros opinions either... LOL!!! This guy is clearly biased. Although he does like Vital's video. [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/10/20/156642/s1200_Roczen_CRF.jpg[/img]
I don't wanna hear these Pros opinions either... LOL!!! This guy is clearly biased. Although he does like Vital's video.



kiwifan wrote:
I saw the video...looked impressive
I saw the video...looked impressive
Kenny didn't mention that almost every media guy reported the bike a little hard to start when hot after a stall or crash haha...

Also funny he pumped the spring fork, but he seems to have chosen air again this year.
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kiwifan 10/20/2016 9:10pm
10/20/2016 9:10pm
Crush wrote:
Kenny didn't mention that almost every media guy reported the bike a little hard to start when hot after a stall or crash haha... Also funny...
Kenny didn't mention that almost every media guy reported the bike a little hard to start when hot after a stall or crash haha...

Also funny he pumped the spring fork, but he seems to have chosen air again this year.
lol he started it with one kick so maybe thats why he didnt?

C'mon stop picking on the little things Crush, factory guys dont run production suspension (no matter if its air or spring) so you can apply that to any factory rider praising a production bike cant you?
kiwifan
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kiwifan 10/20/2016 9:11pm
10/20/2016 9:11pm
smrscott wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2016/10/20/156644/s1200_1.jpg[/img]


c'mon ML step it up !!! Smile
Crush
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Crush 10/20/2016 9:21pm
10/20/2016 9:21pm
kiwifan wrote:
lol he started it with one kick so maybe thats why he didnt? C'mon stop picking on the little things Crush, factory guys dont run production...
lol he started it with one kick so maybe thats why he didnt?

C'mon stop picking on the little things Crush, factory guys dont run production suspension (no matter if its air or spring) so you can apply that to any factory rider praising a production bike cant you?
That's exactly my point tho, why I wrote it... He runs air and is telling us how awesome the spring fork is. Doesn't mean it's not, but what else would we expect to hear from a damn employee.

Like I said, love Shorty, love Kenny, but I don't care if they say it's awesome. They're faster than 99.95% of the planet and paid ambassadors.
Skuzzy29
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Skuzzy29 10/20/2016 9:24pm
10/20/2016 9:24pm
Crush wrote:
That's exactly my point tho, why I wrote it... He runs air and is telling us how awesome the spring fork is. Doesn't mean it's not...
That's exactly my point tho, why I wrote it... He runs air and is telling us how awesome the spring fork is. Doesn't mean it's not, but what else would we expect to hear from a damn employee.

Like I said, love Shorty, love Kenny, but I don't care if they say it's awesome. They're faster than 99.95% of the planet and paid ambassadors.
He also has been taking the time to respond to people like you on his post. He said that factory vs stock is completely different...but for a stock bike, the new Honda spring fork is excellent!
Crush
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Crush 10/20/2016 9:37pm
10/20/2016 9:37pm
Yeah which is why I said, doesn't mean it's not.

BUT... again. What would he say.

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