2019 Honda CRF450R: First Look

Cycle News Staff | May 23, 2018

2019 Honda CRF450R: First Look – The 2019 Honda CRF450R features a number of updates for the new year.

For 2019, it gets a new frame, swingarm, revised cylinder head and exhaust pipe, updated clutch, selectable HRC launch control, improved front brake and newly shaped footpegs, adjustable handlebar mounts and new Renthal Fatbar handlebars, among other things.

On the visual front, all of the new CRFs get black rims.

The 2019 Honda CRF450R is schedule to arrive in August with a $9299 MSRP.

2019 Honda CRF450R: First Look

Here is what Honda has to say about the 2019 CRF450R:

The industry’s best-selling motocross bike, victor at the 2018 Daytona Supercross at the hands of Team MotoConcept Honda’s Justin Brayton, and also winner of four media shootouts, the CRF450R receives a host of updates for 2019, making it lighter and more powerful. Because converting the “Absolute Holeshot” into moto wins requires more than just added performance, rider comfort has been increased through the addition of adjustable mounting positions for the new Renthal Fatbar® handlebar. With the 2019 CRF450R’s all-new black rims and its unique, in-mold graphics, celebrating on the podium never looked so good.

Engine/Drivetrain

449cc single-cylinder engine with Unicam® cylinder head, downdraft intake tract, and electric start offer unparalleled “Absolute Holeshot” performance
Updated cylinder-head design, with changes near the exhaust ports, achieves improved exhaust efficiency and contributes to increased power across the rev range
Revised clutch lifter and pressure plate allow optimum oil supply to clutch plates and friction discs, resulting in enhanced durability
New scavenge-pump design features two 12mm pumps, up from a single 16mm pump, for increased lubrication and reduced friction in the engine, improving peak performance and enhancing over-rev characteristics
All-new piston oil jet uses five nozzle holes and a refined pattern to improve cooling efficiency and reduce knocking, enabling a precise ignition-timing setting for optimum power delivery
Shift sensor adopted to establish an ignition map for each gear, enabling optimum running
Utilizing the space gained by eliminating the kick starter, a new exhaust features a larger pipe diameter and optimized design at the branching location for increased power. Previously 31.8mm, the right and left pipes are now 35mm and 43mm, respectively. In addition, total tube length (from exhaust port to muffler end) is up 98mm on the right and 187mm on the left.
Selectable HRC launch control provides a steady stream of torque for excellent performance on race starts
Updated Standard, Smooth, and Aggressive riding modes enable easy tuning depending on rider skill or conditions

Chassis/Suspension

Optimized frame for improved traction and cornering feel, as well as reduced weight
Swingarm is redesigned to be lighter and have appropriate rigidity, endowing the 2019 CRF450R with great handling and traction
Fork uses revised settings and low-friction oil for improved performance and handling
Revised shock linkage works with all-new swingarm to provide optimum performance over bumps
Mimicking the race team’s setup, a new, lighter front brake caliper uses a pair of 30mm and 27mm pistons, versus identical 27mm pistons, for added braking performance
Updated front brake hose has reduced expansion for more precise braking
Top triple clamp has two handlebar-clamp locations for moving the handlebar back and forth by 26mm. With reversible handlebar clamp enabling an additional 10mm of adjustment from the base position, there are a total of four different handlebar positions
New black Renthal Fatbar handlebar is positioned 15mm lower than in 2018 for a more active riding position, while also contributing to light steering feel
Newly shaped footpegs are 20% lighter and shed mud more easily, giving the rider great feel and confidence in all riding conditions
Lightweight, compact 1.66 gallon titanium tank keeps weight to a minimum
Redesigned fork protectors have improved coverage
Black rims deliver a strong presence on and off the track
Minimal lines and gaps in the plastic panels result in a smooth surface, facilitating

riding-position changes

New front number plate design accommodates handlebar in any of the four

available positions

In-mold graphics are durable and resistant to peeling caused by washing or

abrasion

Dunlop Geomax MX3S tires offer excellent grip

Color: Red
Price: $9,299
Availability: August
2019 Honda CRF450R: First Look

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Model	CRF450R

ENGINE

Type	449.7cc liquid-cooled 10o single-cylinder four-stroke

Valve Train	Unicam® OHC, four-valve; 10.0mm intake, steel; 8.8mm exhaust, steel

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

Starter	Push-button electric starter

Transmission	Constant-mesh 5-speed return; manual

Clutch	Multiplate wet (6 springs)

Final Drive	#520 chain; 13T/49T

SUSPENSION

Front	49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork

Rear	Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock

BRAKES

Front	2-piston caliper (30mm, 27mm) hydraulic; single 260mm disc

Rear	1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240mm disc

TIRES

Front	Dunlop Geomax MX3S 80/100-21 w/ tube

Rear	Dunlop Geomax MX3S 120/80-19 w/ tube

MEASUREMENTS

Rake (Caster Angle)	27°22′

Trail	116mm (4.6 in.)

Length	85.9 in.

Width	32.6 in.

Height	49.6 in.

Ground Clearance	12.9 in.

Seat Height	37.8 in.

Wheelbase	58.4 in.

Fuel Capacity	1.66 gal.

Color	Red

Curb Weight*	247 lbs.