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Big Sand Whoops, MI
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MxKing809
5/7/2018 7:16pm
5/7/2018 7:16pm
Edited Date/Time
5/14/2018 3:15am
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?
Is there going to be any major changes aside from some case revisions to remove all of the vestigial kickstart appendages?
I hope the 19 cases fit on the 18 cause that ugly plug needs to go.
The Shop
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.
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.
Yosh, akro, and fmf all use a noticeably longer headpipe for that bike. The engine needs it.
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.
Pit Row
I ride Honda because of the quality fit and finish first and foremost.
/endthread
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!
Keep the updates coming, especially towards the 8-10 hour mark as the suspension will be broken in.
Post a reply to: 2019 CRF 450 changes / Info release date? (UPDATE: Purchased ‘18 CRF... YZ comparison/review)