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I thought I remembered seeing a different frame spar above the foot peg.... but can’t find any info on the new ‘19 Honda’s.
Is there going to be any major changes aside from some case revisions to remove all of the vestigial kickstart appendages?
Washed up moto and enduro weekend warrior.
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Looks like case change for aforementioned kickstart elimination, maybe an oil window again (would be a first since the 2008 CRF450)...
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I’d be willing to bet money that you’ll see a change to the stock head pipe length. The 13/14 bike had that long wrap around header but the engine was weak and they went to the Short header for 15 (different head) to give the engine some more snap. This new bike has a pretty gnarly engine and a short head pipe. The engine on this new bike is almost too snappy. I put an akropovic full system on my 18 and it’s got what looks like an extra 5 or 6 inches worth of headpipe and it’s a major improvement to the power delivery. More smooth, driveable power theroughout the rev range.
I hope the 19 cases fit on the 18 cause that ugly plug needs to go.
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So new cases, new exhaust, new frame......
And Keefer hinted there would be major ‘19 improvements on his Justin Brayton bike test pod.
Someone please speak up before I buy a leftover ‘18 and regret it.
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Not a very good angle...but took these in a hurry at RD1 of the Japanese nationals.
"Nothing happens until something moves"
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I don't see a complete make over until 2021ish since 17 was all new. small improvements each year until then.
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+2. The 18 model is an excellent mx bike. It does everything very good on the main characteristics a bike is judged on like the engine, handling & turning.
More than likely the 19 will have some refinements. I'd be surprised if it will have any major improvements since Honda normally doesn't come out with major changes after 2 yrs. of production.
Speak softly and carry a big stick.
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ML512 said when he was co host on pulp a couple weeks back there would be different lower frame spars and some stuff they were doing to change rigidity and then different cases and changes to the starter to shave some weight. I think it might be somewhat like the 12-13 Suzuki 450 where they will look the same but be pretty different to ride. Pull the trigger on the 18 and love it like everyone else seems to I reckon
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According to vital, a new bike is nothing but bng if it keeps the same plastics, so an 18 will be fine.
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The power was better and didn’t have the same kinks. Rode the same track 1 week to the next with stock to akro exhaust. Noticed jumps out of corners were easier to hit and engine easier to manage.
Yosh, akro, and fmf all use a noticeably longer headpipe for that bike. The engine needs it.
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So if no substantial changes to the 2019 it will still be almost 15 pounds heavier than a KTM or Husky. I'm sorry but for me, this is a problem and to knock this kind of weight off of a Honda would take thousands of dollars. Suspension valving, remapping, all of this costs money!! If you pay suggested retail you have $450.00 to knock off 15 pounds from the Honda, suspension revalving and remapping. I've always been a Honda guy but a 2019 KTM is in my future.
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I struggled with this myself. Been riding Honda's for 20 years. So I went with a leftover 17, that I got 2k cheaper than retail. For me, I don't count suspension. even if I got a 2018.5 factory edition, I'm going to be dropping about 800$ on suspension revalving and springs (less 120 for ktm forks).
If the new CRF450 doesn't go on a diet and loose about 15 pounds by 2020, my next bike will be a ktm 450.
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3 exhaust pipes is what i hear. Or true dual like the 250f. Its 15lbs heavier but "it feels light".
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I bought a used 2017 and got the suspension set up for my height and weight, bolted on the 2018 engine hangers, and installed a Recluse Radius CX clutch. I have never been happier, and my race results so far this season reflect that.
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Test ride both if you can. In my case I test rode a 17 1/2 KTM450sxf FE & wasn't impressed. I ended up with an 18 CRF450r & it feels just as light while in motion to the KTM. The Honda turned & handled better in comparison with it also having spring forks is what sold it for me. I'd also give the edge to the engine dept. as it felt a little stronger to me especially up top. Keep in mind your riding at the track & not on the scales..
Speak softly and carry a big stick.
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I dont understand where the hell you guys think Honda can save 15 lbs! And don't blame the duel pipes. The FMF single is only a pound or two lighter. There is nowhere guys, get over it, Jap bikes with aluminum frames will ALWAYS be heavier than the steel frame KTM with air forks. Deal with it. Geez
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After one lap on a freshly prepped track you'll pick up 15 pounds of mud anyways.
I ride Honda because of the quality fit and finish first and foremost.
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Well Bros.... pulled the trigger on the ‘18 today.
/endthread
Washed up moto and enduro weekend warrior.
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Alright guys, took the new bike out yesterday:
Let me say that it took some getting used to. The Yamaha is straight line oriented and you have to work to turn, the Honda is turning oriented and I needed to learn how to keep the front end straight through rollers and pushing through breaking chop.
After 15-20 laps, a few bar adjustments, cranking down the steering stem, adding some high-speed compression, removing the back 2 tank bolts (and eventually putting them back in)... I trimmed 3.5 seconds off my fastest time at Bulldogs M/C here in Michigan. The track was race worn because they didn’t groom it since their race last weekend, so it was as fair of a test as you could hope for.
The power is linear, with less hit off the bottom (in map 3) compared to my Yamaha (with FMF and GYTR map)... but I felt I could lug 3rd easier with the Honda. The torque was deceiving and not so “punchy” like the YZ, but was still there. The bike likes to be ridden on the rear wheel. I started wheeling over steep breaking chop and it was butter smooth. Rowing through 8-10 consecutive 4’ sand rollers was easy, and much more confidence inspiring them my YZ, which was surprising.
Overall, I would give the Honda these ratings compared to my 2016 YZ450F:
Engine: 3+
High speed front end stability: 2.5
Low speed front end stability: 3.5
Rear end feel/stability: 3+
Handling/cornering: 4
I’m super happy with this bike, and once I retrain my brain to ride this bike, and not for the ultra straight Yamaha, Im going to love it. Oh yeah, e-start is nice too!
Washed up moto and enduro weekend warrior.
