Posts
2229
Joined
2/26/2013
Location
Jackson, NJ, USA
Looking to buy one, haven’t found many write ups on them or test, is it better than the 22we? My other choice is a 23 yz450.
I considered the same as I have a 21 WE.. I couldn't see a big enough difference so I bought the new big blue..
How do you like the yami over your we?
I don’t believe the WE changed since last year. Keefer did a WE shootout last year you ought to check out.
https://www.keeferinctesting.com/show-270-2022-450-mx-factory-edition-shootout/
$19k at the local stealer. F that.
The Shop
Free shipping: VITALMX
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Hammer call Bob at the shop.
not sure what he has available through.
My riding buddy Henson just grabbed one from him.
Let me know if you want help contacting him.
then you can come Race Hangtown with the gang in March
Just picked this beauty up, haven't had a chance to twist the throttle yet, but will give a report when I do.
I will have the answer Sunday!
What was OTD?
The 23 works edition got all the same updates the 23 R model got.
Where I was buying it the dealer is $11900 otd. The yz450 is $10kotd. I live in nj n buy bikes out of state, no tax, prep or freight. I’m leaning toward the Yamaha, I know both have great motors, I want stability n plush suspension Lol I’m a vet A mx rider.
Your last sentence sounds like a man who wants a Yamaha 🤣
The Honda is probably the prettiest bike, maybe it'd have to fight the KX 450 SR for that title depending on preference, but a few people still say the transient throttle mapping is a little iffy and the bike can be a bit rigid and knifey.
I have (3) rides at RT62MX indoor track on my 2023 CRF450R Works Edition. This track is in an unheated 320’x160’ building with lots of small jumps and bowled corners. While not like outdoor riding and hitting obstacles at high speed this indoor riding does require quick/predictable engine response and precise bike placement. My son (170 lbs B-rider) and I (190lbs slow Vet) have ridden a variety of bikes at this track including my 2023 Honda CRF450R Works Edition, 2022 Kawasaki KX450SR, 2021 Kawasaki KX450X, 2019 Suzuki RMZ450. I also have laps on my 2023 KTM 300XC at this track.
Our thoughts so far on the ’23 CRF450 Works Edition from these indoor rides:
Engine is impressive. Only ridden Map 1 so far. Throttle response is quick/linear/controllable with fast engine RPM build (smoother mid range than the ’22 CRF450). Easy to control power with excellent throttle to rear wheel connectivity. Clutch actuation was smooth and level pull effort was firm.
Suspension feels firm with a well damped friction free movement that absorbs the inputs and gives the bike a planted feel. The general chassis and suspension felt more compliant and absorbing than I expected. I did go 2 clicks softer on the forks and shock compression clicker and opened the shock HSC +1/4 turn. The suspension and the friction reducing coatings on the Showa forks and shock are noticeable from the first ride.
The CRF is responsive to chassis inputs which helps the bike “feel” lighter in motion. Cornering is very good with effortless turn initiation that worked well on this tight indoor track with bowled corners. The CRF felt agile overall and was easy to place the bike anywhere on the track.
Ergos are typical “just feels right” Honda in terms of handlebars/footpeg/seat relationship though the seat is firm and lacks comfort. The Renthal kevlar grips standard on the Works Edition offer good cushion and soft touch but are a little thick. Brakes felt good though not really used very much on this small indoor track. The Yoshimura exhaust was fairly quiet and this year has a longer stainless steel header with a resonator chamber.
Lots of updates to the CRF450R for the 2023 model year. The most noticeable change is the engine with crisp controllable response that is fun to ride. The 23 CRF chassis still gives a lot of track feedback through the foot pegs and headset area - very noticeable when the CRF was ridden back to back with my ’23 KTM 300XC (though my son did not ride the ’23 300XC nor comment on too much feedback through the CRF foot pegs) If you have a well sorted '21/'22 CRF450R/Works Edition little need to update.
Outdoor riding typically begins early March here in Ohio. Will be interesting to ride the ’23 CRF450WE back to back with the latest KTM 450 Factory Edition and the all new ’23 YZ450F.
Hoping for an early spring here in Ohio though Punxsutawney Phil says 6-more weeks of winter weather
CRF Works Edition Honda's always look so good. I put a 50th anniversary seat on mine and have some blue PRO-LINK stickers coming for the swingarm (for that 80's vibe)....
As I type this I'm trying to decide where to break in my yam tomorrow. 62, switchback, or ramjam. All comparable drives. Thinking SB or RJ just because they're less techy for break in. Next week 62 if I get comfy on big blue. Got 30 days before this thing is on outdoor dirt at Daytona!
I will say, my 21 WE was an absolute turning machine indoors (and most outdoors). I'm borderline the caliber rider rocketsocks is. I loved big seat bounce booters on the red bike. Even with help from factory connection, I could never say it was a plush bike tho. I'm hoping for a happy medium with this new gen big blue.
All the new 450's have their good and bad points, I happen to love the look and always have good luck with Honda's, so I decided to go that route. Kawasaki KX450SR and the new Yamaha YFZ450 were also on my radar, but I like Red.
Blue seat looks great on it
I’ve never been a fan of the twitchy handling of the Honda, but damn those bikes are sexy!
I’ll never understand why people, and especially shootout riders, feel the need to talk about stock grips. Do you guys not take the stock grips off and put on whatever your preference is?
I got to ride a 22 crf 450 today and a 22 yz450 both bikes had yosh exhausts and revolved suspension.The Honda turns AMAZING, but is scary everywhere else! I don’t think that’s the bike for me, The Yamaha suspension was super plush n amazing bottom resistance, both bikes had more than enough motor. Out of the 2 I’d pic the Yamaha, makes me wanna try the Kawi now Lol or even a ktm 350sxf!
Pit Row
I rode my yam today. I'm happy with my decision so far. Much more forgiving in most areas and I'd say the 23 yam turns for me about as well as my Honda did.. I'll be able to dial in even more with springs and clickers. I will admit, I can't turn any bike with a 120 rear. I put a 110 on and feel like I remember how again. Now, all bikes get a 110 before I ever ride it.
This is the first review I've seen of the 2023 Work edition, looks like some of the updates are working on making these CRF450's more manageable to ride.
Ive been switching to 110 rears as well on any new 450 I get over the years. Yes I will ride the 120 until its worn, but then I switch to the 110. Ive always noticed the difference in the corner when leaning over.
Too bad it doesn’t come with Sexton’s HRC frame mod to address the stability problem inherent in the Honda chassis design.
Nice! With the blue seat…I’m thinking some gold wheels might work!
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