2009 Honda CRF450R

Introduction

The amazing CRF450R has impressed in Supercross, Motocross, desert racing, enduro, flat-track and Supermoto – now the updated 2009 model is ready to raise the bar further still. The new-for-2009 CRF450R is slimmer, lighter and more powerful than its predecessor and includes an all-new and lightweight fuel-injection and ignition system, which features a revolutionary fuel-injection indicator with engine stop switch to show the pre-race condition of the fuel-injection system – a first for Honda.

The fuel-injection system also delivers the same engine characteristics at all altitudes thanks to new settings, as well as improved fuel consumption, which allows the fuel tank size to decrease by 1.5 litres. Chassis changes include a fifth generation cast aluminium, rather than two-part forged frame, which gives less weight and increased stiffness, a longer swingarm and wider rear tyre, HRC settings for the suspension, along with a new steering damper – which has been re-valved for more linear damping – and changes to the overall dimensions of the CRF, which allow for better traction out of the corners, improved acceleration and increased ground clearance.

In addition to the performance, there are new plastic body parts, which feature new Honda Racing inspired colours and graphics and thanks to their slim, aggressive styling, this allow the rider to move easily around the bike. Overall the new machine is around 1.8kg lighter than the 2008 machine and has proved its impressive speed and agility in recent track tests. The colour sports Honda’s Extreme Red with white number-boards.

Key Features

• New lightweight, batteryless fuel injection/ignition system delivers enhanced performance, a wider, higher power range and improved power delivery, as well as kick-start capability
• New fuel injection indicator integrated with engine stop switch shows pre-race conditions of the fuel injection system for Motocross racers. The concept of an indicator for a pre-ride check is a first for motocross
• New fuel injection system features automatic settings that deliver the same engine character and driveability in differing altitudes
• Improved fuel consumption enables tank capacity to be decreased (by 1.5L), thus facilitating more weight savings
• New cam link type decompressor reduces weight by integrating decompressor and camshaft
• New thin-walled crank case casting reduces wall thickness to 2.0mm and achieves a weight reduction of 200g
• New plastic fuel pump module attached to bottom face of plastic fuel tank responds directly to fuel pressure and is placed to concentrate mass on motorcycle’s centre of gravity
• Rev limit increased 180 rpm
• Large-diameter throttle body (50mm) delivers more power and enhanced performance across the entire range
• Oil capacity decreased by 0.1 litres to allow for a lighter and more compact engine configuration
• New HRC settings kit, developed from HRC’s long years of experience in racing technology, provides an easy-to-use programming system with precise data for setting up the machine to meet all race situations
• New steering damper re-valved for more linear damping with new design front fork
• New 5th generation frame is manufactured by casting rather than forging of two components, resulting in a weight reduction of 410g and increased lateral and torsional stiffness (4% lateral; 6% torsional) for optional strength and excellent response to rider input
• New frame shape is slimmer overall with rounded lower parts providing 1mm more ground clearance
• Revolutionary Ergonomics Design includes a more open and ‘easy’ ride position
• New exhaust header design from the left side of the cylinder head exhaust port achieves optimal pipe length for the new fuel-injected engine
• New, KYB rear damper and bigger (48mm) KYB front fork give better stroke feel, action & control for a plush overall feel and improved bump impact
• New longer swingarm and new, wider rear tyre contribute better acceleration and traction
• New design grips feature longer tapered cushions and deep pre-cut wire grooves for tighter, slip-free wire grip
• New brake disc shape contributes 65g weight reduction (front 37g; rear 28g)
• New seat with newly textured side surface contributes to better grip
• Improved clutch action gives smoother up and down shifting, decreases rider fatigue and increases control
• New dimensions with centre of gravity moved lower and longer swingarm give good front traction feeling and improve acceleration
• New plastic body parts with slim, aggressive styling allow rider to move easily and feature new Honda Racing inspired colours and graphics

Engine

• Powerful advanced 4-stroke 4-valve Unicam engine churns out 41.5kW of power at 8,500rpm and 50.3Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. Power is produced across a broader rpm-band for smoother, easier operation
• Liquid-cooled 449cm³ Unicam engine pumps out nearly 92.4kW per litre while retaining its legendary simplicity and dependability
• Innovative Unicam valve train provides both the light weight of a compact single-cam drive and an optimum combustion chamber shape for maximum power at all engine speeds
• Unicam valve train features a single carburized camshaft directly actuating two 36mm titanium intake valves
• Lightweight titanium intake valves permit use of smaller valve springs and reduce overall engine height. Intake valve design has been revised for better mass centralization
• Forged slipper piston is lighter than conventional designs, for quick-revving response while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power
• Lightweight Ni-SiC cylinder lining ensures cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life
• Auto decompression and hot restart system make starting easy in all conditions
• Twin-sump lubrication system separates oil supply to crankshaft, piston and valve train from clutch and transmission
• New exhaust layout achieves lower weight and maximum mass centralisation
• Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration while also driving the water pump
• Eight-plate clutch provides ample surface area to handle the engine’s massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever
• Entire engine assembly weighs only 27.1kg, 1.8kg less than that powering the 2008 model

Chassis

• Low mass centralisation gives a highly controlled ride feel and makes jumping and manoeuvring in the air easier
• Compact and slim chassis cross-section combines with new ergonomics for a smoother, easier ride. The area between seat and fuel tank is flat, and the fuel tank cap size reduced, making it easier for the rider to move along the seat
• New rear frame design incorporates easier underseat access to air filter
• Front and rear wheels feature HRC Works-type aluminium spoke nipples for reduced unsprung weight
• Front wheel features new stiffer axle collar, providing excellent rigidity
• Rear axle wall thickness is reduced (from 2.5 to 2.2 mm) to save 38g of weight, while axle collar is strengthened for better rigidity
• Lightweight, and compliant 48mm inverted fork. Front fork outer-tubes receive Kashima coating for low-friction operation. Fork offers 310mm of suspension stroke, and 16-step rebound and 18-step compression damping adjustability
• New, fully adjustable rear damper with 320mm of wheel travel, 18-step low-speed and 1.5-turn high-speed compression and 20-step rebound damping
• Large 50mm-diameter rear damper cushion provides consistent performance under demanding riding conditions
• Compact dual-piston front brake calliper designed for light weight
• HRC Works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating conventional external reservoir and hose
• Link-type front brake master cylinder provides strong braking control in combination with a lightweight brake rotor
• Large, Works-style 240mm front and rear disc brake rotors
• Frame design allows large air intake ducts in the sidecovers, enabling significant air flow in the mid and upper-rpm ranges

Additinal Features

• Unique lightweight and compact Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD)
• Rider ergonomics are optimised by adapting the handlebar, seat and footpeg height to place the rider’s legs at the narrowest cross-section of the frame for improved comfort and handling feel
• Brake pedal and shift lever designed to complement the riding position. Brake pedal features optimised ratio to match integrated rear-brake master cylinder design
• Wide, ridged stainless steel footpegs are self-cleaning, corrosion-resistant, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance
• Rear brake pedal and shift lever made of lightweight aluminium
• Adjustable front brake lever for maximum control
• Quick-adjust clutch perch for easy cable adjustment
• Aluminium Renthal 971 bend handlebar rubber mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort
• Handlebar holders provide two different mounting positions to match rider preference
• Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and calliper from damage
• Removable rear sub-frame allows easy maintenance
• Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance
• Re-packable titanium silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise
• Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners
• Stainless steel clutch cable for long-life operation

Colours

• Extreme Red (with white number plate, side covers and rear fender)

Availability & Model Changes For 2009

• Availability: Now
• Changes for 2009: Full model change

Technical Specification

Engine

• Type - Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve SOHC single
• Displacement - 449cm3
• Bore x Stroke - 96 x 62.1mm
• Compression Ratio - 12 : 1
• Max. Power Output - 41.5kW/8,500min-1 (95/1/EC)
• Max. Torque - 50.3Nm/7,000min-1 (95/1/EC)

Fuel System

• Carburetion - PGM-FI electronic fuel injection
• Fuel Tank Capacity - 5.7 litres

Electrical System

• Ignition System - Full transistor with digital ignition
• Starter - Primary kick

Drivetrain

• Transmission - 5-speed
• Primary Reduction - 2.739 (63/23)
• Gear Ratios - 1; 1.800 (27/15), 2; 1.470 (25/17), 3; 1.235 (21/17), 4; 1.050 (21/20), 5; 0.909 (20/22)
• Final Reduction - 3.692 (48/13)
• Final Drive - #520 roller chain

Frame

• Type - Aluminium twin-spar

Chassis

• Dimensions (LxWxH) - 2,191 x 827 x 1,273mm
• Wheelbase - 1,491mm
• Caster - 26° 52'
• Trail - 114.2mm
• Seat Height - 954mm
• Ground Clearance - 332mm
• Kerb Weight - * 106.9kg

Suspension

• Suspension - Front; 48mm inverted leading-axle twin-chamber cartridge-type telescopic fork with 16-step adjustable compression and 18-step rebound damping; 310mm suspension travel
• Rear; Pro-Link with damper, adjustable low-speed (18-step) & high-speed (1.5-turn) compression and 20-step rebound damping; 320mm axle travel

Wheels

• Type - Front' Aluminium rim/wire spoke
• Rear; Aluminium rim/wire spoke
• Rim Size - Front; 21 x 1.60
• Rear; 19 x 2.15
• Tyre Size - Front; 80/100–21 51M
• Rear; 110/90–19 62M

Brakes

• Type - Front; 240mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
• Rear; 240mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads

All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice