2021 CRF450

vitalriderCrf
Edited Date/Time 2/10/2020 1:16am
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what, 8-9 months out from new bike season? Paging ML512
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kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/9/2019 10:44pm
12/9/2019 10:44pm
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what...
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what, 8-9 months out from new bike season? Paging ML512
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis requires careful setup thats all
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GPrider
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GPrider 12/10/2019 6:11am
12/10/2019 6:11am
i hope so. Holding off to see if the change the frame up. If the had a chassi like the kx, holly shit!
vitalriderCrf 12/10/2019 10:07am
12/10/2019 10:07am
GPrider wrote:
i hope so. Holding off to see if the change the frame up. If the had a chassi like the kx, holly shit!
Yeah I haven’t ridden the new KX but I’ve heard the frame and most things are really good. Even my suspension tuner has been a long time Honda guy and switched to a 2019 KX because he didn’t like the current Honda frame. I’m over 200 LBS so it doesn’t bother me as much but I’d say it’s probably the biggest negative of the bike. It would be great if Honda would address it
hubbardmx50
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hubbardmx50 12/10/2019 10:16am
12/10/2019 10:16am
I’m excited for this as well and surprised we haven’t heard anything yet. New frame that still has great turning characteristics but isn’t as rigid and Is a bit easier to Setup would be great. Any chance Honda just slaps BNG on the 2020 and waits another year?

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nascarnate326 12/10/2019 10:53am
12/10/2019 10:53am
please be a 350. that is all.
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MxKing809
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MxKing809 12/10/2019 12:22pm
12/10/2019 12:22pm
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what...
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what, 8-9 months out from new bike season? Paging ML512
kiwifan wrote:
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis...
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis requires careful setup thats all
Why would you want to keep a cable clutch? It’s complete garbage and the stock basket/plates are trashed in 8 hours.
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ML512
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ML512 12/10/2019 1:28pm
12/10/2019 1:28pm
Should be a nearly all-new machine again. 2020 was year 4 of the cycle, which is what Honda usually sticks to. I’ve heard a few rumors of what could change but nothing super reliable. One such was possibility of single side exhaust...but once again, not sure on how true it would be.
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vitalriderCrf 12/10/2019 1:30pm
12/10/2019 1:30pm
ML512 wrote:
Should be a nearly all-new machine again. 2020 was year 4 of the cycle, which is what Honda usually sticks to. I’ve heard a few rumors...
Should be a nearly all-new machine again. 2020 was year 4 of the cycle, which is what Honda usually sticks to. I’ve heard a few rumors of what could change but nothing super reliable. One such was possibility of single side exhaust...but once again, not sure on how true it would be.
Thank you Michael! And yes 2020 is the fourth year so that’s why I started this thread and why I’m so surprised I haven’t heard anything yet.
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vitalriderCrf 12/10/2019 1:33pm
12/10/2019 1:33pm
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what...
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what, 8-9 months out from new bike season? Paging ML512
kiwifan wrote:
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis...
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis requires careful setup thats all
MxKing809 wrote:
Why would you want to keep a cable clutch? It’s complete garbage and the stock basket/plates are trashed in 8 hours.
AGREED. Cable or Hydro they need to do something! The judder spring is garbage. If you keep your cable lubed it definitely helps keep a nice smooth feel but the clutch all together could be much better.
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Uncle Tony
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Uncle Tony 12/10/2019 1:43pm
12/10/2019 1:43pm
I just sold my 17, I was gonna pull the trigger on a 20 but I’m going to wait it out, I’ll ride my 125 next year
Uncle Tony
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Uncle Tony 12/10/2019 1:47pm
12/10/2019 1:47pm
MxKing809 wrote:
Why would you want to keep a cable clutch? It’s complete garbage and the stock basket/plates are trashed in 8 hours.
I know guys who got less than that, believe it or not I got 60 hours on my 450 before it fritz, but I rode 500 two strokes since 1980 lol maybe that’s why?
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303MX
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303MX 12/10/2019 2:35pm
12/10/2019 2:35pm
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes to make me want to buy new.

I also figured that Honda has to make some significant changes to their 2021 450 to compete with Kawasaki and Yamaha.

If Honda doesn’t make significant changes for 2021, they’ll be in the same boat as Suzuki.

Granted, Honda does at least have an electric starter on their stock bikes - but I added an e start, had do suspension work, remap my ECU, and add a Hinson clutch to get my bike to the level that Kawasaki and Yamaha now come stock.





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kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/10/2019 2:37pm
12/10/2019 2:37pm Edited Date/Time 12/10/2019 2:39pm
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what...
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what, 8-9 months out from new bike season? Paging ML512
kiwifan wrote:
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis...
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis requires careful setup thats all
MxKing809 wrote:
Why would you want to keep a cable clutch? It’s complete garbage and the stock basket/plates are trashed in 8 hours.
I prefer the feel of the cable clutch, as for the basket/plates, easy fix, I slap on a Hinson ...then again on this bike you do not HAVE to thrash the clutch, so I actually never had a major issue with the standard clutch, if you want to clutch the fuck out of it out of every corner (like for magazine photo shoots, etc) then yeah it wont last long... I only use a Hinson as used them for years, call it habit
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kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/10/2019 2:42pm
12/10/2019 2:42pm
303MX wrote:
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes...
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes to make me want to buy new.

I also figured that Honda has to make some significant changes to their 2021 450 to compete with Kawasaki and Yamaha.

If Honda doesn’t make significant changes for 2021, they’ll be in the same boat as Suzuki.

Granted, Honda does at least have an electric starter on their stock bikes - but I added an e start, had do suspension work, remap my ECU, and add a Hinson clutch to get my bike to the level that Kawasaki and Yamaha now come stock.





Not too sure if you have ridden the 2017 and the 2020, both are night and day different
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vitalriderCrf 12/10/2019 3:04pm
12/10/2019 3:04pm
303MX wrote:
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes...
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes to make me want to buy new.

I also figured that Honda has to make some significant changes to their 2021 450 to compete with Kawasaki and Yamaha.

If Honda doesn’t make significant changes for 2021, they’ll be in the same boat as Suzuki.

Granted, Honda does at least have an electric starter on their stock bikes - but I added an e start, had do suspension work, remap my ECU, and add a Hinson clutch to get my bike to the level that Kawasaki and Yamaha now come stock.





kiwifan wrote:
Not too sure if you have ridden the 2017 and the 2020, both are night and day different
Really? Where did they make gains? I have only ridden 2017's (mine and maybe two others), the 2019's and 2020's do look really good.
kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/10/2019 9:45pm
12/10/2019 9:45pm
303MX wrote:
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes...
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes to make me want to buy new.

I also figured that Honda has to make some significant changes to their 2021 450 to compete with Kawasaki and Yamaha.

If Honda doesn’t make significant changes for 2021, they’ll be in the same boat as Suzuki.

Granted, Honda does at least have an electric starter on their stock bikes - but I added an e start, had do suspension work, remap my ECU, and add a Hinson clutch to get my bike to the level that Kawasaki and Yamaha now come stock.





kiwifan wrote:
Not too sure if you have ridden the 2017 and the 2020, both are night and day different
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Really? Where did they make gains? I have only ridden 2017's (mine and maybe two others), the 2019's and 2020's do look really good.
it has more power (even though it doesnt really need it), mapping is much better especially down low, suspension settings were also much better, the new traction control system is awesome and it works
vitalriderCrf 12/10/2019 10:09pm
12/10/2019 10:09pm
kiwifan wrote:
Not too sure if you have ridden the 2017 and the 2020, both are night and day different
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Really? Where did they make gains? I have only ridden 2017's (mine and maybe two others), the 2019's and 2020's do look really good.
kiwifan wrote:
it has more power (even though it doesnt really need it), mapping is much better especially down low, suspension settings were also much better, the new...
it has more power (even though it doesnt really need it), mapping is much better especially down low, suspension settings were also much better, the new traction control system is awesome and it works
Good to hear. I definitely need to have my 17 mapped still. I bet that’s way better on the newer bikes like you mentioned
Lastander
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Lastander 12/11/2019 12:10am
12/11/2019 12:10am
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what...
Is the bike changing for 2021? Less rigid frame? Hydro clutch? Updated suspension settings? I know this post seems a bit early but we're only what, 8-9 months out from new bike season? Paging ML512
kiwifan wrote:
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis...
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis requires careful setup thats all
MxKing809 wrote:
Why would you want to keep a cable clutch? It’s complete garbage and the stock basket/plates are trashed in 8 hours.
8? How did you manage to last that long?
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soggy
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soggy 12/11/2019 6:55am
12/11/2019 6:55am
303MX wrote:
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes...
I was going to sell my 2017 and buy a 2020 bike this summer. I decided to wait because there wasn’t enough difference between the bikes to make me want to buy new.

I also figured that Honda has to make some significant changes to their 2021 450 to compete with Kawasaki and Yamaha.

If Honda doesn’t make significant changes for 2021, they’ll be in the same boat as Suzuki.

Granted, Honda does at least have an electric starter on their stock bikes - but I added an e start, had do suspension work, remap my ECU, and add a Hinson clutch to get my bike to the level that Kawasaki and Yamaha now come stock.





same boat as suzuki is a huge stretch. maybe there boats in the same ocean as suzuki, but the suzuki is sinking to the bottom of the Marianas trench
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MxKing809
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MxKing809 12/11/2019 4:16pm
12/11/2019 4:16pm
kiwifan wrote:
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis...
I suspect they may 'calm' the chassis down a fraction, personally I hope they dont do a hydro clutch, suspension settings were ok ...just the chassis requires careful setup thats all
MxKing809 wrote:
Why would you want to keep a cable clutch? It’s complete garbage and the stock basket/plates are trashed in 8 hours.
kiwifan wrote:
I prefer the feel of the cable clutch, as for the basket/plates, easy fix, I slap on a Hinson ...then again on this bike you do...
I prefer the feel of the cable clutch, as for the basket/plates, easy fix, I slap on a Hinson ...then again on this bike you do not HAVE to thrash the clutch, so I actually never had a major issue with the standard clutch, if you want to clutch the fuck out of it out of every corner (like for magazine photo shoots, etc) then yeah it wont last long... I only use a Hinson as used them for years, call it habit
I mean, sure.... money fixes all.

I put a full Hinson BTL slipper clutch in mine - but what does that have to due with the conversation about the garbage they installed stock? Get with the times Honda so we don’t have to spend $1250 on a Hinson assembly and still have a butthole cable
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Moto520
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Moto520 12/11/2019 4:32pm
12/11/2019 4:32pm
MxKing809 wrote:
I mean, sure.... money fixes all. I put a full Hinson BTL slipper clutch in mine - but what does that have to due with the...
I mean, sure.... money fixes all.

I put a full Hinson BTL slipper clutch in mine - but what does that have to due with the conversation about the garbage they installed stock? Get with the times Honda so we don’t have to spend $1250 on a Hinson assembly and still have a butthole cable
How do you like the Hinson BTL?
vitalriderCrf 12/11/2019 5:11pm
12/11/2019 5:11pm
MxKing809 wrote:
Why would you want to keep a cable clutch? It’s complete garbage and the stock basket/plates are trashed in 8 hours.
kiwifan wrote:
I prefer the feel of the cable clutch, as for the basket/plates, easy fix, I slap on a Hinson ...then again on this bike you do...
I prefer the feel of the cable clutch, as for the basket/plates, easy fix, I slap on a Hinson ...then again on this bike you do not HAVE to thrash the clutch, so I actually never had a major issue with the standard clutch, if you want to clutch the fuck out of it out of every corner (like for magazine photo shoots, etc) then yeah it wont last long... I only use a Hinson as used them for years, call it habit
MxKing809 wrote:
I mean, sure.... money fixes all. I put a full Hinson BTL slipper clutch in mine - but what does that have to due with the...
I mean, sure.... money fixes all.

I put a full Hinson BTL slipper clutch in mine - but what does that have to due with the conversation about the garbage they installed stock? Get with the times Honda so we don’t have to spend $1250 on a Hinson assembly and still have a butthole cable
Exactly. $1250 is not an “easy fix” for a blue collar moto guy.
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MxKing809
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MxKing809 12/11/2019 6:58pm
12/11/2019 6:58pm Edited Date/Time 12/11/2019 6:59pm
MxKing809 wrote:
I mean, sure.... money fixes all. I put a full Hinson BTL slipper clutch in mine - but what does that have to due with the...
I mean, sure.... money fixes all.

I put a full Hinson BTL slipper clutch in mine - but what does that have to due with the conversation about the garbage they installed stock? Get with the times Honda so we don’t have to spend $1250 on a Hinson assembly and still have a butthole cable
Moto520 wrote:
How do you like the Hinson BTL?
Like the clutch action, but you have to live with a stiff lever compared to stock. The grip is unreal as with all Hinson products, and the adjustable washers in the inner hub can change up the action level on the slip function - but essentially it just makes your bike roll like you pulled in the clutch on harsh decel. I ride mostly sand here so I don’t notice the slip all the time, but rode a friends 450 on a hard packed track and I realized how much I missed it.

Frees up the rear shock for sure when the bike speed is faster than your engine, and there is a major decel force on the tranny.
Joshracing 12/13/2019 3:35am
12/13/2019 3:35am
"I heard" just means "I made this shit up"!! Love it! "My Buddy said" cool bananas!!
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kiwifan
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kiwifan 12/14/2019 2:46pm
12/14/2019 2:46pm
Joshracing wrote:
"I heard" just means "I made this shit up"!! Love it! "My Buddy said" cool bananas!!
thanks for your contribution to this thread, it was very helpful
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H4L
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H4L 12/14/2019 3:42pm
12/14/2019 3:42pm Edited Date/Time 12/14/2019 4:32pm
GPrider wrote:
i hope so. Holding off to see if the change the frame up. If the had a chassi like the kx, holly shit!
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Yeah I haven’t ridden the new KX but I’ve heard the frame and most things are really good. Even my suspension tuner has been a long...
Yeah I haven’t ridden the new KX but I’ve heard the frame and most things are really good. Even my suspension tuner has been a long time Honda guy and switched to a 2019 KX because he didn’t like the current Honda frame. I’m over 200 LBS so it doesn’t bother me as much but I’d say it’s probably the biggest negative of the bike. It would be great if Honda would address it
I wouldn't listen to the nay sayers about the chassis. The new 17+ is very good & they made some changes to the 19 model. If at the highest level of racing HRC Honda is using oem engine hangers I would think for the average Joe they should work fine..


Talks about the oem hangers at the 1:55 minute mark.

https://youtu.be/MB9rLvrrzi8?t=115


Talks about the oem hangers at the 4:08 minute mark.

https://youtu.be/Jqk4NfB6WA4?t=245
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vitalriderCrf 12/14/2019 4:52pm
12/14/2019 4:52pm
Joshracing wrote:
"I heard" just means "I made this shit up"!! Love it! "My Buddy said" cool bananas!!
Sorry this thread disappointed you. Instead of paging ML512 who doesn’t know anything about new bikes we’ll ask you next time Josh. Cheers
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tek14
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tek14 12/14/2019 11:23pm
12/14/2019 11:23pm
GPrider wrote:
i hope so. Holding off to see if the change the frame up. If the had a chassi like the kx, holly shit!
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Yeah I haven’t ridden the new KX but I’ve heard the frame and most things are really good. Even my suspension tuner has been a long...
Yeah I haven’t ridden the new KX but I’ve heard the frame and most things are really good. Even my suspension tuner has been a long time Honda guy and switched to a 2019 KX because he didn’t like the current Honda frame. I’m over 200 LBS so it doesn’t bother me as much but I’d say it’s probably the biggest negative of the bike. It would be great if Honda would address it
H4L wrote:
I wouldn't listen to the nay sayers about the chassis. The new 17+ is very good & they made some changes to the 19 model. If...
I wouldn't listen to the nay sayers about the chassis. The new 17+ is very good & they made some changes to the 19 model. If at the highest level of racing HRC Honda is using oem engine hangers I would think for the average Joe they should work fine..


Talks about the oem hangers at the 1:55 minute mark.

https://youtu.be/MB9rLvrrzi8?t=115


Talks about the oem hangers at the 4:08 minute mark.

https://youtu.be/Jqk4NfB6WA4?t=245
So If you rider Roczen/Seely speed frame will have perfect flex ok.
How many will feel it too hard on slower speeds. If they let Roczen ride stock clutch it
sure would last lest 8 laps.
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H4L 12/15/2019 2:47am
12/15/2019 2:47am Edited Date/Time 12/15/2019 2:58am
tek14 wrote:
So If you rider Roczen/Seely speed frame will have perfect flex ok. How many will feel it too hard on slower speeds. If they let Roczen...
So If you rider Roczen/Seely speed frame will have perfect flex ok.
How many will feel it too hard on slower speeds. If they let Roczen ride stock clutch it
sure would last lest 8 laps.
Have perfect flex.. 8 laps on a stock clutch.. Huh.. Thnxz for showing an example of a nay sayer..
I seriously doubt any of the manufacturers have perfect flex when it comes to a chassis. As far as the stock clutch goes I don't believe any manufacturer oem clutch would survive long in the hands of a fast pro..


Interesting observation you made without riding one..

https://www.vitalmx.com/forums/Moto-Related,20/New-2020-HRC-Race-bike,1…

"Looks heavy".
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CarlinoJoeVideo 12/15/2019 7:53am
12/15/2019 7:53am
GPrider wrote:
i hope so. Holding off to see if the change the frame up. If the had a chassi like the kx, holly shit!
vitalriderCrf wrote:
Yeah I haven’t ridden the new KX but I’ve heard the frame and most things are really good. Even my suspension tuner has been a long...
Yeah I haven’t ridden the new KX but I’ve heard the frame and most things are really good. Even my suspension tuner has been a long time Honda guy and switched to a 2019 KX because he didn’t like the current Honda frame. I’m over 200 LBS so it doesn’t bother me as much but I’d say it’s probably the biggest negative of the bike. It would be great if Honda would address it
H4L wrote:
I wouldn't listen to the nay sayers about the chassis. The new 17+ is very good & they made some changes to the 19 model. If...
I wouldn't listen to the nay sayers about the chassis. The new 17+ is very good & they made some changes to the 19 model. If at the highest level of racing HRC Honda is using oem engine hangers I would think for the average Joe they should work fine..


Talks about the oem hangers at the 1:55 minute mark.

https://youtu.be/MB9rLvrrzi8?t=115


Talks about the oem hangers at the 4:08 minute mark.

https://youtu.be/Jqk4NfB6WA4?t=245
The HRC team is looking for way different characteristics than the average Joe. I was watching KR’s suspension in the whoops, it’s hardly moves. The average Joe would never want to ride suspension like that.

You’re talking apples and oranges when comparing a race team set up to average joe.
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