To our surprise, Honda had something else up their sleeve at their launch event, with an all-new model known as the CRF450RX. We say a new model because this isn't a replacement for the X model CRF450, but a new bike and model to take on the ever expanding off-road racing/cross country segment. Being that this is considered a serious off-road race bike, it's based directly off the new 2017 Honda CRF450R, but with a few key changes.
This includes a larger 2.2 gallon plastic gas tank, a kickstand, 18-inch rear wheel and off-road specific tires, different suspension settings, electric start standard, calmer power delivery through adjusted ECU settings, and modified engine brackets for off-road suited flex characteristics,
Specifications - 2017 Honda CRF450RX
- Engine Type: 449.7cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
- Bore x Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.1mm
- Compression Ratio: 13.5:1
- Induction: Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 46mm throttle bore
- Ignition: Full transistorized ignition
- Transmission: Constant-mesh 5-speed return
- Final Drive: 520 chain; 13T/50T
- Valve Train: Unicam® OHC, four-valve; 10.0mm intake, steel; 8.8mm exhaust, steel
- Front Suspension: 49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork; 12.0 in. travel
- Rear Suspension: "Pro-Link swingarm system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; 12.3 in. travel.
- Front Brakes: Single 260mm hydraulic disc
- Rear Brakes: Single 240mm hydraulic disc
- Front Tires: Dunlop Geomax AT81 90/90-21 with tube.
- Rear Tires: Dunlop Geomax AT81 120/80-18 with tube.
- Rake (Caster Angle): 27°22’
- Trail : 116.0mm (4.6 in.)
- Seat Height: 37.8 in.
- Ground Clearance: 12.9 in.
- Wheelbase: 58.1 in.
- Fuel Capacity: 2.25 gal.
- Color: Red
- Curb Weight (Full tank of fuel, lubricants, tires, ready to ride): 261 lbs.
Johnny Campbell: Riding the 2017 Honda CRF450RX - More Motocross Videos
Honda Press Release Below:
For 2017, Honda offers the brand-new CRF450RX, which is based on the 2017 CRF450R but with a number of differences that make it appropriate for closed-course off-road racing like the GNCC series campaigned by the JCR Honda team. Like its motocross-focused sibling, the CRF450RX is designed for maximum agility and performance, offering owners superior power along with effortless handling—the ideal woods-racing combination.
Engine/Drivetrain:
- Smoother ignition map than CRF450R for better performance in low-traction situations.
- Downdraft intake layout increases power by reducing resistance, improving air-charging efficiency.
- Combustion chamber with high compression ratio, narrow valve angle for efficiency.
- Use of finger rocker arm allows high valve lift while retaining compact Unicam layout.
- Coils on valve springs have oval cross-sections to allow low engine height.
- Port layout with straight flow for efficiency.
- Diamond-like carbon (DLC) on piston pin, rocker arm minimizes friction, increases durability.
- Dual muffler with gradual pipe bends for smooth exhaust flow.
- Standard electric start, with kick start as a backup.
Chassis/Suspension:
- Compared to CRF450R, suspension settings are more appropriate for technical off-road conditions.
- With a 2.25 gallon capacity, the plastic fuel tank is larger than that of the CRF450R for increased range off-road.
- Forged-aluminum side stand is standard to allow trailside parking.
- Off-road-focused, durable Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires.
- One-tooth larger rear sprocket than CRF450R, for better performance in tight woods conditions.
- Different cylinder hanger than CRF450R, for comfort in technical off-road conditions.
- Chassis layout maximizes traction through concentration of mass, low center of gravity.
- New, lighter sixth-generation aluminum twin-spar frame with revised geometry; allows improved cornering performance through reduction of torsional stiffness (lateral stiffness is unchanged).
- Lightweight swingarm assembly is stiff vertically and laterally.
- Rear-suspension location lowers center of gravity.
- Lightweight aluminum rear subframe with extruded gussets.
- Coil-spring 49mm Showa fork.
- Plastic bodywork with smooth layout and film-insert graphics for appearance and durability.
- Front fender shape allows efficient air path to radiator.
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First Look: 2017 Honda CRF450R and CRF450RX