Happy with your 2020 Honda CRF450R ?

sebastianer
Edited Date/Time 12/26/2020 3:29pm
So now when the 21s are starting to get out the 2020 starting to come up for sale for reasonable price. So to my question, how has the 2020 hondas been for you that own one ? reliable ? any must mods ? whats the golden setup on them ? seems like they are notorious to find a good setup on.
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RalphS
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RalphS 11/1/2020 2:02pm
11/1/2020 2:02pm
I wish I could help you but not my ride although there's that Slovenian guy saying the 2020 is comfortable
yz25
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yz25 11/1/2020 2:14pm
11/1/2020 2:14pm
Coming off a 2018.5 FE to a 2020WE.... could not be happier!! Smooth power, turning, suspension...... complete package. Right away felt comfortable... normally when the next new thing comes out, I get the itch to buy. this bike has me completely pleased with my current situation. Not even close to A rider statues. But I do my best to make to sure support the local tracks on practice weekends. Such a blast to ride!
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H4L
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H4L 11/1/2020 3:01pm
11/1/2020 3:01pm
On a 20 WE as well & it is the best bike owned in 40 + yrs. of riding. I wouldn’t read to much into setting up the 17-20 models. I came off an 18 model & both have been exceptional MX weapons with little set up. No issues on either bike & both have been bullet proof for me as a vet rider.
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crc245
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crc245 11/1/2020 3:17pm
11/1/2020 3:17pm Edited Date/Time 11/1/2020 3:19pm
They're good bikes, with loads of aftermarket availability and information being a 17'-20' platform. Typical Honda build quality, STRONG in the engine department stock, with good mapping and extremely usable torque controls. Setup can be finicky if you're fast, sensitive, or riding certain tracks; the smoother the track, the better the chassis (in stock trim).

Must-do mods? More for reliability/longevity than performance: Lose the judder-spring setup for a regular fiber/Hinson kit/Torq Drive system. Watch the Map and Kill switches when pressure-washing (keep moisture away). Add some engine oil over stock recommendation (think we ran 1250cc's or so?). Throw on better grips. Set the sag and go ride. From there, you may feel the need to dial in the suspension a bit more and add some aftermarket pieces, but it just depends on how comfortable you feel in that closer to OE form.

For faster/rough tracks like Glen Helen: I ran 105-108mm sag with PC or Luxon lowering link, 24mm clamps, tuned suspension, Yosh exhaust, soft A'ME grips, Pro Taper Evo bars, good tires, custom swingarm pivot bolt coupled with lighter torque values on all engine hangers/frame stays, and 14-52/53 gearing depending on the day. PM me for info on the pivot bolt or if you're interested in some Showa A-Kit suspension that I have for that platform.


Good info here, as well:

https://www.keeferinctesting.com/motocross-testing/2020/5/6/top-5-money…
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yamahaha131
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yamahaha131 11/1/2020 6:10pm
11/1/2020 6:10pm
How do you guys rate the forks. Granted I’m spoiled on my Yamahas but I was severely disappointed trying out a leftover 19. Track was dry and a little square edge. Forks felt like garbage. It wore me out faster. I like the ergos. It turned well and motor was pretty good. But damn those forks.
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JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 11/1/2020 6:53pm
11/1/2020 6:53pm
yamahaha131 wrote:
How do you guys rate the forks. Granted I’m spoiled on my Yamahas but I was severely disappointed trying out a leftover 19. Track was dry...
How do you guys rate the forks. Granted I’m spoiled on my Yamahas but I was severely disappointed trying out a leftover 19. Track was dry and a little square edge. Forks felt like garbage. It wore me out faster. I like the ergos. It turned well and motor was pretty good. But damn those forks.
Did you play around with settings on the fork? I can assure you that if you don’t find comfort with clicker adjustments that a revalve will make those forks outstanding. I had Graeme Brough revalve my ‘18 and it was incredible.
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Gilby122
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Gilby122 11/1/2020 7:42pm
11/1/2020 7:42pm
crc245 wrote:
They're good bikes, with loads of aftermarket availability and information being a 17'-20' platform. Typical Honda build quality, STRONG in the engine department stock, with good...
They're good bikes, with loads of aftermarket availability and information being a 17'-20' platform. Typical Honda build quality, STRONG in the engine department stock, with good mapping and extremely usable torque controls. Setup can be finicky if you're fast, sensitive, or riding certain tracks; the smoother the track, the better the chassis (in stock trim).

Must-do mods? More for reliability/longevity than performance: Lose the judder-spring setup for a regular fiber/Hinson kit/Torq Drive system. Watch the Map and Kill switches when pressure-washing (keep moisture away). Add some engine oil over stock recommendation (think we ran 1250cc's or so?). Throw on better grips. Set the sag and go ride. From there, you may feel the need to dial in the suspension a bit more and add some aftermarket pieces, but it just depends on how comfortable you feel in that closer to OE form.

For faster/rough tracks like Glen Helen: I ran 105-108mm sag with PC or Luxon lowering link, 24mm clamps, tuned suspension, Yosh exhaust, soft A'ME grips, Pro Taper Evo bars, good tires, custom swingarm pivot bolt coupled with lighter torque values on all engine hangers/frame stays, and 14-52/53 gearing depending on the day. PM me for info on the pivot bolt or if you're interested in some Showa A-Kit suspension that I have for that platform.


Good info here, as well:

https://www.keeferinctesting.com/motocross-testing/2020/5/6/top-5-money…
Great post!!!! I have a 19 and been my fave bike out of everything I’ve ever owned. I bought a lightly used dual yosh off vital. Made a noticeable difference and I suck. Mainly just looks bad ass. Grinning I did do the Gold Valves. That feels better. I removed the judder spring also and it’s very noticeable.

In messaging with Michael Lindsay, he suggested using the 2nd map (mellow) as he said lot of pros can’t handle the aggressive setting - lot of power and is tiring - and ultimately being smoother is faster. I’ve left it on the mellow setting now for a few months and switched back to the medium setting recently and it was a huge difference. It’s already too fast so the mellow is where I hang my hat. Lot of power to wrangle.

Great bike and I love it. I was interested in a 21 but may wait a year. Can’t find one anyway and my 19 is pretty dialed at this point.

Hope that helps shed some light!
1
yamahaha131
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yamahaha131 11/1/2020 8:00pm
11/1/2020 8:00pm
yamahaha131 wrote:
How do you guys rate the forks. Granted I’m spoiled on my Yamahas but I was severely disappointed trying out a leftover 19. Track was dry...
How do you guys rate the forks. Granted I’m spoiled on my Yamahas but I was severely disappointed trying out a leftover 19. Track was dry and a little square edge. Forks felt like garbage. It wore me out faster. I like the ergos. It turned well and motor was pretty good. But damn those forks.
JohnMatrix wrote:
Did you play around with settings on the fork? I can assure you that if you don’t find comfort with clicker adjustments that a revalve will...
Did you play around with settings on the fork? I can assure you that if you don’t find comfort with clicker adjustments that a revalve will make those forks outstanding. I had Graeme Brough revalve my ‘18 and it was incredible.
I didn’t honestly. It’s a buddy’s bike I was just pumped to ride a few different bikes to compare. Again I’m spoiled with the sss forks. I’ve literally went to clicks out since I bought it and never touch them. The crf forks had a similar characteristic as another friends 18 SXF 350. Both low hour bikes. Forks just felt rigid to me. ( side note I’m a pretty decent vet B rider probably 215lbs at that time.)
JohnMatrix
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JohnMatrix 11/2/2020 7:22am
11/2/2020 7:22am
yamahaha131 wrote:
How do you guys rate the forks. Granted I’m spoiled on my Yamahas but I was severely disappointed trying out a leftover 19. Track was dry...
How do you guys rate the forks. Granted I’m spoiled on my Yamahas but I was severely disappointed trying out a leftover 19. Track was dry and a little square edge. Forks felt like garbage. It wore me out faster. I like the ergos. It turned well and motor was pretty good. But damn those forks.
JohnMatrix wrote:
Did you play around with settings on the fork? I can assure you that if you don’t find comfort with clicker adjustments that a revalve will...
Did you play around with settings on the fork? I can assure you that if you don’t find comfort with clicker adjustments that a revalve will make those forks outstanding. I had Graeme Brough revalve my ‘18 and it was incredible.
yamahaha131 wrote:
I didn’t honestly. It’s a buddy’s bike I was just pumped to ride a few different bikes to compare. Again I’m spoiled with the sss forks...
I didn’t honestly. It’s a buddy’s bike I was just pumped to ride a few different bikes to compare. Again I’m spoiled with the sss forks. I’ve literally went to clicks out since I bought it and never touch them. The crf forks had a similar characteristic as another friends 18 SXF 350. Both low hour bikes. Forks just felt rigid to me. ( side note I’m a pretty decent vet B rider probably 215lbs at that time.)
Ah ok, yeah the showas have a ton of adjustability. A couple of clicks makes a very noticeable difference. Anyways, they may not have the same comfort out of the box as the sss but they are plenty capable forks with proper setup
H4L
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H4L 11/2/2020 9:37pm
11/2/2020 9:37pm Edited Date/Time 11/2/2020 9:38pm
OP - If you can find a 20 WE model I'd highly recommend one. I don't believe you will be disappointed. Below is a vid of Keefer test riding one with also providing some good feed back.

https://youtu.be/mtt5NaUZgMs
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Motofinne
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Motofinne 11/2/2020 10:53pm
11/2/2020 10:53pm
H4L wrote:
OP - If you can find a 20 WE model I'd highly recommend one. I don't believe you will be disappointed. Below is a vid of...
OP - If you can find a 20 WE model I'd highly recommend one. I don't believe you will be disappointed. Below is a vid of Keefer test riding one with also providing some good feed back.

https://youtu.be/mtt5NaUZgMs
He's from Europe and the WE is a US only model, so he wont find one.
2
hubbardmx50
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hubbardmx50 12/22/2020 8:38pm
12/22/2020 8:38pm
crc245 wrote:
They're good bikes, with loads of aftermarket availability and information being a 17'-20' platform. Typical Honda build quality, STRONG in the engine department stock, with good...
They're good bikes, with loads of aftermarket availability and information being a 17'-20' platform. Typical Honda build quality, STRONG in the engine department stock, with good mapping and extremely usable torque controls. Setup can be finicky if you're fast, sensitive, or riding certain tracks; the smoother the track, the better the chassis (in stock trim).

Must-do mods? More for reliability/longevity than performance: Lose the judder-spring setup for a regular fiber/Hinson kit/Torq Drive system. Watch the Map and Kill switches when pressure-washing (keep moisture away). Add some engine oil over stock recommendation (think we ran 1250cc's or so?). Throw on better grips. Set the sag and go ride. From there, you may feel the need to dial in the suspension a bit more and add some aftermarket pieces, but it just depends on how comfortable you feel in that closer to OE form.

For faster/rough tracks like Glen Helen: I ran 105-108mm sag with PC or Luxon lowering link, 24mm clamps, tuned suspension, Yosh exhaust, soft A'ME grips, Pro Taper Evo bars, good tires, custom swingarm pivot bolt coupled with lighter torque values on all engine hangers/frame stays, and 14-52/53 gearing depending on the day. PM me for info on the pivot bolt or if you're interested in some Showa A-Kit suspension that I have for that platform.


Good info here, as well:

https://www.keeferinctesting.com/motocross-testing/2020/5/6/top-5-money…
What’s the reason for running more oil? I fill mine with 1040cc’s of Maxima Pro Plus and OEM oil filter every 6 hours. 140 hours and no issues
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Single_Sac
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Single_Sac 12/22/2020 8:54pm
12/22/2020 8:54pm Edited Date/Time 12/22/2020 9:18pm
Vet desert rider here. I have a 2020WE and I will attest the bike is awesome and rock solid out of the box. The only thing it needed was heavier springs (along with clicker adjusting) and geared to 14/48.

Oh the best mod on the bike was the addition of a Rukluse Clutch pack. Hands down makes the bike more reasonable to ride.

Prior bike was a 2018 Honda 450r. It too was a great bike. Replaced the head gasket (out of abundance of caution) and defective shock adjuster...outside those issues, bike was solid.


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TeamGreen
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TeamGreen 12/23/2020 9:38am
12/23/2020 9:38am
If I’m not mistaken, they’ve made more ‘20s & they’re suppose to be available for a lower price around $8500...?

I’m gonna assume that some buyers will be able to get deals on them. Based on the “satisfied riders” in here, that’s good news.

For “all around” riding the R with an IMS tank is an excellent off-roader...as you can see by Single-Sacs post, above (and for the trail dads, a kickstand is SUPER easy to install with the RX peg-mt). I’ve got friends that ride them out at Ocotillo and they love the ‘17-‘20.

I don’t think they’re building the ‘20 RX, again, are they...just the R?
crc245
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crc245 12/23/2020 11:16pm
12/23/2020 11:16pm
hubbardmx50 wrote:
What’s the reason for running more oil? I fill mine with 1040cc’s of Maxima Pro Plus and OEM oil filter every 6 hours. 140 hours and...
What’s the reason for running more oil? I fill mine with 1040cc’s of Maxima Pro Plus and OEM oil filter every 6 hours. 140 hours and no issues
Hinson advised more oil on the 17/18 platform with their clutch package (standard size/OE clutch cover even). Appears 2019 and 2020 received oil pump updates. From the technical info for 2019+: "A new 5-hole piston oil jet replaces the 4-hole design and the scavenge pump, which used a single, 16mm diameter pickup drum now employs twin 12mm drums, resulting in greater capacity".

Not sure if 19/20' benefit the same way, but worth a call or email to Hinson/Rekluse if using their product. Routed the overflow out of the airbox, and had no problems on our 17's with a touch more oil...
sebastianer 12/26/2020 3:29pm
12/26/2020 3:29pm
would you guys say its a big difference from an 18 to a 20 modell?
Single_Sac
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Single_Sac 12/26/2020 4:44pm
12/26/2020 4:44pm
sebastianer wrote:
would you guys say its a big difference from an 18 to a 20 modell?
For $8,500 price that the 2020 is selling for, buy it! You generally can't go wrong with buying the last model year as all the "issues" were likely addressed. Honda even knows it's a good bike...why would they extend the production otherwise? It's always the 1st model year you have to be suspicious of.
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Joe512
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Joe512 12/26/2020 7:10pm
12/26/2020 7:10pm
Seeing the Keefer video reminded me what a beautiful work of art the 20 WE is.
numbers
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numbers 12/26/2020 7:18pm
12/26/2020 7:18pm
RalphS wrote:
I wish I could help you but not my ride although there's that Slovenian guy saying the 2020 is comfortable
That the same guy that looks like a crash test dummy. Hes gotta be made of rubber.
2

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