2017, 2018 vs 2019 crf450r?

17-18 same bike pretty much difference from 17 to 18 is
-electric start standard
-Tweaked ecu mapping
-updated suspension settings
The 19 bigger differences
-revised frame & swingarm
-different engine cases (no kick start option)
-different fuel inject for intake more like a ktm

I have a 17 and have rode a friends 18. There was no noticeable difference between the two other than electric start. The 17 is lighter but I couldn't tell. Go for the 18 with e-start for resale down the road. No one wants a kick starter anymore.

I personally wouldn't buy a 2019 unless you're planning to keep it until it dies. The 2021 will likely be the update so if you think you'll want it there won't be much difference in what a 2018 or a 2019 goes for at that point. I say the 2018 for sure.

I have a 2017 and I love it. I bought the 2018 engine hangers for about $60 to update the handling to 2018 spec. I really noticed the difference. It made the bike much more compliant. If you don’t plan on sending your suspension out to get set up for your height and weight, that is another consideration. At 200lbs, I thought the stock forks on the 17 were too soft for me, but I sent all the suspension off to Factory Connection, and they nailed the setting. The 2018 comes with stiffer forks.
You’ll get a smoking deal on the 18, so the deal would have to be really smoking to make it worth buying the 17, but who knows how desperate the dealer is to get rid of a 2 year old dirt bike.
As for the electric start, it isn’t an issue for me, anyway, because I run a Rekluse Radius CX, so mid-moto stalls aren’t a consideration.

I'm at 60 hours on my 2017 I got as leftover last year when the 18's were just coming out. Zero issues with this bike and still have Kickstarter installed. It starts second kick, sometimes first! So happy! I guess it just depends what kind of deal you are getting on the 17; it is crazy your dealer still has one. Maybe in a few years you will be happy you got the 2019 with new cases and frame, unless you just ride for fun. I have heard the 2018 is less rigid because of the changes they made, but at 220 pounds I enjoy a more rigid chasis. It's all about making that man in the mirror happy, just letting you know how happy I am with my 2017. Good luck, I am sure whatever bike you go with you will be happy with. Honda did an amazing job with these bikes.

I'd get the 18, sounds like the 19 may have went a step backwards. I loved my 18.

Get the 17 and use the money saved to send the forks out for Race Tech gold valve. Absolutely love my 17. E start is nice but kick start doesn't fail and these bikes start super easy. I have a FMF single and Rekluse that were on it from the previous owner as well. Cant comment on the clutch but the exhaust makes a difference for sure.