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Tim Gajser (HRC MXGP) shared a story from his trainer on Instagram. In the video you get a quick glimpse of Tim riding out of his workshop.
What caught my eye was an additional bracket with what looks like an additional subframe(?) piece. Along with an airbox that's made to accommodate the additional brace/bracket/subframe (I am just speculating on the purpose).
This area is highlighted in screen captures below:
For reference on what that area looks like on a production 2023 Honda CRF450R, see below (Colt Nichols HRC CRF450R)
The video also gave a great glimpse of the vented one piece side panel/airbox cover. This part was actually used during the 2022 MXGP season. I would think (hope) this becomes a production part.
Interesting. Great eye my friend!
Good catch! That subframe support doesn’t look production or even pre-production. But what do I know?
Just guessing, that mounting tab and attached aluminum strut look a little “light” to be part of the subframe. I’m thinking it’s a bracket that’s holding/relocating some electronics or other added systems for telemetry/test metrics…etc.
Someone’s got a good eye!
Can’t those guys do whatever they want to there bikes?
it’s probably just something he figured out for his bike and won’t be in production
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You guys know Gajser will be on the new model at the start of the GP season, right? Remember, the 2020 season, he was on the 'next generation' model? The new bike will appear in just a few weeks. New generation.
If gajser races the next model 1 year early. He shouldn't be racing the next model until 24. Unless Honda are bringing out the next model 1 year early.
They have always gone on a 4year cycle.
So this model should be 21, 22, 23, 24. With 25 being the new model. Tim should be on that in 24 not 23.
Dear Honda, the thing turns good enough. Push that front wheel out and give us a bike that handles fast straight aways like a cruise ship
Supposedly the ailment of the current frame is that it flexes too much, causing a harsh feeling (a sort of rebound effect through the chassis that also doesnt allow the suspension to work the best through chop).
This could be another way they are adding stiffness for 24, even if just for the subframe portion (?). IIRC they added some meat to the 23 frame in a couple places over the 21-22 design.
It will be interesting to see if this makes it to production for what would normally be the last year of the generation (4 years). My 22 took a long time and a lot of adjustments to get comfortable on... I can't wait to get back to riding to really put some hard hours on it!
Those side panels look rather ugly unlike the flowing design of the current oem bike.
Yup.
Fugly in fact!
Just remember, I told you so. Gajser will be on the next generation.
Tim Gajser can race whatever Honda build for him, no production rules in MXGP.
Yes... obviously. I don't know why this keeps getting brought up. If he couldn't, then this thread wouldn't even exist 😁
The side panel shape is the same as OEM (I believe?). The difference is the integrated vent slits and the lower airbox cover all in one panel.
With decals applied (including a lower black decal to mimic the OEM black cover) the familiar OEM shape becomes more obvious.
For example, here is a picture of Mitch Evans HRC CRF450RW with the same side panel but with the decals:
Oh man, I also just noticed there is now what looks like a seat bolt at the REAR of the seat! Very interesting... wonder why that change (for those that don't know, the seat bolt is located at the FRONT on the OEM bike)?
Ah, I see it now, Mike. Thanks.
By the way, I think we are overdue for some new pics of your beautiful build
Also, I was wondering what lower fork tube size the factory Honda riders prefer these days on the work Honda's.. Have most riders steered away the 51mm tubes with a preference for the Showa 49mm tubes?
Also, I was wondering what lower fork tube size the factory Honda riders prefer these days on the works Honda's.. Have most riders steered away the 51mm tubes with a preference for the Showa 49mm tubes?
Pit Row
That's a legit find! and looks like more production to me
Another shot from Tiga’s instagram. Unfortunately can’t see the “new” part of the frame, though the new side panel and seat bolt location is clear.
49mm. I think the last rider to run a 51mm was JS7 at JGR and he didn't run them long if I remember right.
I think they've been off HRC bikes for at least ten years.
The rear seat bolts might be due to the rear part of the seat popping off during some crashes. Same issue with newer KTM/Husky seats (go watch Mookie’s Husky tumble at A1, for example)
Wait a second! Is Honda poaching super-secret Factory Suzuki tech?!
Idk about in mx but for sure the are in motogp.
The above picture provides a good look at the "new" CRF450RW swingarm with "flat" sides. This flat side profile was used up until the current generation CRF (2021-2023).
Here is another good picture of the "new" swingarm from Tim's Instagram:
Hrc today posted a video intro for the 2023 mxgp race team. Some nice close ups of the race bike at about 40 sec mark. Can clearly see the new subframe connection point to the main frame. Quite interesting as the mounting point of the production frame is still there, just not used any more. Wondering why they would make this change. Would have to be to all a different airbox shape? Seat still appears fixed using front bolt per the production bike. Extra bolt on the airbox side must be for more secure fixing of the new side panel design. Note swingarm looks like the production version, but let’s see what they turn up with at mxgp round 1!
Works Honda’s always look just amazing.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ejZTErueGDU
sorry just a link. Someone more tech savvy can post some screenshots !
Actually there are a heap of photos on the HRC website. Should have looked there before posting above!
https://mxgp.hondaracingcorporation.com/report/exciting-times-for-team-…
Photos below show some of the frame changes. Worth flicking through them all on the website if you have time. The level of detail on these Honda factory builds is just insane.
Post a reply to: 2024 Honda CRF450R sneak peak?