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I would call you a buzzkill but you aren't wrong. I'll never forget how they got me with the 2009 CRF450. First year of the EFI. Transworld bike of the year! What a pile. I hated that bike so much. The first year of any bike that's an all new design always seems to have some kinks that need ironing out. I would wait for the '28
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Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
They had one at the intro that Hunter and Trey rode a bit. The crew said they were still finalizing the ECU mapping for the WE, I think we will test it in about 2-3 months. It's coming a tick later than the standard model to dealerships.
At the intro, we were told mid to late September for delivery.
The clutch, mostly the internal rubbers, is the one thing that has me concerned about the new design. Time will tell when everyone gets their hands on it. According to the R&D team, a version of that clutch has been in the MXGP bikes for almost three years. However, the US team has never used it when I asked them.
went to my dealer yesterday and talked to the sales manager, friend btw. He told me he literally just got off the phone with his Honda rep. He said October delivery. That is here in San Diego. He also said he had three calls about it in the hour or so he got to work, so he said definitely want to put down a deposit.
My thoughts exactly. I remember when the 25 bike came out all the magazines said the frame was night and day better in terms of stability and comfort. Now all of a sudden it's twitchy and unstable? Lol! I was really excited for this new Honda but the vibe I got from everyone who rode it is a "It's cool but not life changing" vibe. Why spend the money when my KX chassis already has the feel I want.
stop killing my buzz!!! I've been all in until you just reminded me of a few things...
I own the 26. I’m a vet a/b rider and the frame is fine. I don’t notice twitchiness or issues. I just run the wheel all the way in the back of the swingarm and have offset triple clamps. It’s stable and fine 🤷🏽♂️ great power and bike overall
I'm sorry. It was more of a diss towards the media and test riders, not the 27 bike itself. I'm sure the thing will work amazing for the average mortal. I love how quiet it is!
I'm sure it is. My 2017 was a great bike too. It was more a critique of the media and how they perceive previous models, not the Honda itself.
The 25 was better but still felt bound up on small chop at speed. I’m actually happy they aren’t making huge changes to the feel of the bike but just gradually modifying it to evolve it. Hopefully they found the right balance between front end bite and stability with this year. I’m just happy Honda is going all out and doing their best to make the bike better.
Thank you sir, my dealer guessed the same.
Pretty sure they all say that with new bikes coming in
#ml, how much input do you think the Japanese manufacturers take from the riders, more so the US riders?
Pit Row
My honda dealer reached out to me on July 18 to say that ordering was live in Australia, so I put the order in for the WE on the day with expected delivery in November.
Just in case any Aussies were wondering.
Something I just noticed is valves (Exhaust and Intake) are all titanium now. Ti exhaust valves seem crazy to me. Haven't they always been steel for a reason? I wonder how durable this new motor will be with all the weight savings.
Expect to see keefer over at MXA soon.
Thats why in order to get the honest review you always wait until the next year when they have the next bike and then they feel they can be more honest about what was wrong with last years bike without getting on the mfg’s bad side because they can say how the new bike is better now.
I guess you could be cynical and say all the reviewers are not telling the truth (so far they all seem to be saying the same thing unlike in 2009)
What happened Dirt Rider didn't get the invite?
Sounds like you didn't read the MXA test before buying one. 😄
Like most publications, they didn't start throwing stones right after the initial press intro rides -
2009 CRF450 MXA first impressions
But once they got to spend some time on their test unit, they took off the gloves:
2009 CRF450 MXA test
I've never understood why CR22 loved this model so much (and there are others that swear it was their favorite, too). Must be something about riding style that factors into in the different opinions.
Pretty sure Dirt Rider is no more.
Dirt Rider
With a linkage and stiffer form spring my 2009 crf450 was one of my favorite bikes to date. I bought three of them I like them so much! Got the last one for $5500 otd in Ca!
I always did wonder why it got such a bad wrap both myself and Chad loved it, lol what else could you possibly need for a better endorsement. As I recall the 2011/2012 factory Honda bikes were very well received by the top dogs on them.
I’m on a 26 crf450we and also absolutely love it. Coming off a 24 yz450 I’m much happier with the vast improvement in front wheel traction. Bike is stable as hell for me too.
Interested to see how this new Honda stacks up against the yz450. Any insight on this ML?
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