HONDA CRF450RX
While the venerable
CRF450X remains unchanged
within the 2017 lineup,
Honda satisfied those
who were clamoring for
change with the unexpected
unveiling of the CRF450RX.
It's obvious that Honda
finally listened to the market
in creating this new model,
following the same sort
of script Yamaha did in
building its YZ450FX from
the YZ450F starting point.
Basically, Honda took the
completely new CRF450R
motocrosser and made the
popular off-road changes
at the factory, plus a few
extras like electric starting.
Among the changes
include an 18-inch
rear wheel and a larger
2.25-gallon plastic fuel
tank. Although Baja racers
will obviously need even
greater range, the fuel tank
is definitely better compared
to the 1.6-gallon titanium
on the MX version.
Other changes include
more suspension settings,
49mm Showa fork springs,
an ignition MAP optimized
for off-road conditions,
2017 OFF-ROAD BIKES
aluminum kickstand,
and much more.
Interestingly, the RX shares
the five-speed close-ratio
gearbox with the 450R,
although it comes with
slightly lower gearing (13/50
compared to the 13/49 of
the '450R). Ready to ride
with a full tank of fuel, the
motor bike's weight is listed
at 261 pounds versus 243
for the kickstart-version
MX. Honda also says the
CRF450RX meets CARB and
EPA off-road noise emission
standards. The price hasn't
been announced yet.
042
SCORE JOURNAL
