2013 Honda CRF450 Introduction
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 | 11:15 AM
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When we arrived at the airport in Torrance near Honda headquarters I wasn’t sure where we were going or what bike we would be riding. However, it was very clear that the folks at Honda were excited about something and anxious to share it with the motocross world. We piled into the helicopter and headed north over the Hollywood Hills and along the coast northbound. An hour later we descended onto the Zaca Station course just north of Santa Barbara. A perfectly prepped track awaited us, as did the 2013 CRF 450. The bike looked amazing just sitting on the stand. The plastics are sharp, minimized and even thinned and tapered to save weight. The frame is entirely different, as is the swingarm. This was going to be fun.
We sat down in the hospitality transporter and received a presentation on the new motorcycle from the Honda staff and engineers who helped create the new machine. The concept was to build a bike for a new generation of rider: The scrub generation, as Honda referred to them. They wanted to build a bike that felt lighter and more nimble than anything before it.
Simon Cudby photos
They started with a new chassis. The frame geometry is completely redesigned and aimed at bringing weight down and to the center. The head pipe and frame tube junction is significantly lower, bringing down the center of gravity. The shock mount is 14mm lower and the EFI components are mounted lower as well.
The swingarm is redesigned to increase rigidity and work with the new frame geometry.
The forks are the new KYB PSF [Pneumatic Spring Fork] and they are two pounds lighter than a conventional spring fork. They also allow much easier adjustability for the rider. KYB staff members were on-hand to help with suspension setup.
The Unicam engine has been redesigned to improve low-to-mid power without sacrificing top end power. An increased compression ratio, revised cylinder head, larger exhaust valves, new valve timing, new piston jet, a heavier flywheel and a new intake boot collectively account for the improvements. The transmission has also been strengthened and a six-spring clutch added for increased durability and an easier pull. The new 450 also comes with Honda’s patented dual exhaust system. The idea is to lower the CG and maintain performance while staying below the 94 decibel limit.
The details include a slightly larger tank [5.7 liters to 6.3 liters] new footpegs and peg guards, which prevent mud from packing and holding them up. There is a new MX51FA front tire, a new front disc cover and slightly smaller radiators as well. The wet weight of the 2013 model is around two pounds heavier than the 2012 model, though the Honda engineers assured me I wouldn’t feel that.
The new Honda will be available in September and will retail for exactly what the 2012 CRF450 cost, $8,440. That is great news. After chatting with the Honda staff they explained that it was a priority to them to keep the price where it was. Their studies have shown that they have reached a ceiling with the cost of off-road motorcycles and they were determined to avoid the typical two-to-three hundred-dollar increase that has been the norm for years. A hydraulic clutch was in play at one point but would have meant a certain increase in cost so they left it off.
On the track the bike felt light. Very light. It had a sharp turning radius on the ground and once you got it in the air it almost felt like a BMX bike. You could adjust bike attitude with ease and never felt like you were moving around a heavy motorcycle. The engine has a noticeable improvement in torque down low. Last year there was a slight hesitation or “soft spot” at low RPM when exiting tight turns. The clutch is no longer required as the new flywheel and engine package pull you right out of the deepest ruts. I had some front-end push and stinkbug feel that made the back end dance around and gave me some headshake when loaded heavily. I pulled in for a chat with the KYB staff to discuss changes. They explained that the standard air pressure setting in the fork is 33 psi. This is their baseline. I wanted to soften the rear to level out the bike but they suggested adding more air to the fork to get it to ride higher in the stroke. Two pounds of air is the equivalent to one spring rate. The air pressure in the fork is more of a positional change; it dictates where the bike will ride in the stroke. The clickers, which have been angled back to make access easy [why didn’t this happen sooner?], are more speed sensitive and can still be used to find the feel you want. I went from 33 psi to 35 psi and went back out. The change was incredible. The bike was balanced, stable and as predictable as any bike I’ve ever ridden. I was able to charge into turns with no concern about losing front-end traction or having the back wheel step out of line. It was amazing how much difference the change made.
I came away extremely impressed with the new Honda CRF 450. They managed to improve a bike that was already great and they did it without changing the price. The engine still has a smooth, electric feel to it but it has enough grunt to make sure you don’t need the clutch when exiting turns. Our time was limited since there were only a couple models in the country right now, however, Honda assures us we will get more time on the bike soon when they do a proper press introduction. Stay tuned for that and visit www.honda.com for more information.
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WOW... all the talk of a hydralic clutch and a no go... White sides look sick. Hey Mr. Emler.... Whats your price on a dual muffler for a 2013 450??? Im guessing $1000.00
The "Scrub Generation". Yamaha might want to take some notes. Honda has clearly figured out that by lowering the center of gravity, you offer a better handling bike - out of the box.
Scrub generation...been calling this the scrub era for years, but if you want to build a bike that felt lighter and more nimble, how about building a bike that IS lighter.....250 2 stroke!!
How many times are they gonna feature the dual pipes? it doesnt "equal out the power" or "give better balance" it just looks stupid and makes Honda look desperate for new ideas.
Concerned about the price? Hey Honda-I'm sure everyone would rather have 1 muffer and the hydraulic clutch than 2 muffers and six springs.
Sounds to me that the twin mufflers was more about DB level than anything else.
If they had stayed with the one muffler design they could have actually built a lighter bike than last couple years and maybe even brought the price down.
those dual mufflers are absolutely hideous imo. a small round, then a large diamond shape one. it ruined a great looking bike. and a 6 spring is way better than a 4 guys. they kept the price the same as last years model. their trying to keep it affordable so i give them props for that. this sport is getting way too expensive now a days.
this bike gave me an erection
this bike gave me an erection
Being a lifelong Honda rider, CR 250, CRF 250, CRF 450, etc....I recently changed to a KTM 350 Cairoli Replica and never looked back. I agree with super fro daddy...if people is asking for a lighter bike, then build one. Don´t move the center of gravity and all that YZ shit. A 450 is going to be heavy no matter what you do to the bike. I don´t see too many people asking for more power, but everyone seems to find the 450 too much of everything.
Hydraulic clutch, electric start, bigger front disc brake, better triple clams, better footpegs, good suspension...just to name a few of what I expect as standard in a modern bike. And you get none of these from the japanese bikes. Hence KTM.
Two pipes again, no thank you.
Everyone who bought a 2012 CRF450 is probably regretting they didn't wait. The dual exhaust is the only thing I dislike. I thought they had given up on that gimmick.
Heard any good "dual exhaust" jokes lately? COM'ON HONDA! Nobody bought the bologna in 2006, why would 2013 be different?
The duel exhaust thing, for a single cylinder motorcycle was stolen from the fine folks at Hodaka, sounds like to me.
Obviously Honda is trying to manage the db levels with this system......to unanimous disapproval. The majority of posters have already pointed out the obvious price issue with a heavier, more complicated and more maintenance intensive dual system. Whatever savings Honda passed on to the consumer, they will in turn have to hand over to the pipe shops........this is flawed thinking at a company level.
I will give them this though, going backwards on the clutch system was a good move on three counts: 1) nobody liked the four springer 2) sourcing five year old clutch components was probably easier (cheaper) for them. 3) they will be back at or near the top of the class in clutch performance.
Honda could've kept the dual cans, given us the juice clutch and six spring setup and had a much better public acceptance........who couldn't figure that one out???
I know Ping mentioned cost-saving and not increasing price as prime considerations but, Honda already has the tooling for the '08 clutch system and probably even has '08 clutches in inventory from all the disgruntled '09-'12 CRF450 owners ordering them for their bikes.
Duel pipes again honda? Other than that the bike looks sick.
The japanese manufacture's are so out of touch with the wants and needs of the american consumer,and so slow to change.
Bought my first Euro in 2001 after riding rice since 78,no more jap bikes for me. The Euro's come with aftermarket goodies stock,and the component quality is much higher.
I cant help but shake my head and laugh out loud when I see this twin muffler thing again!
Really? theres your 2lb's right there (and more) not too mention $$$$$.
Do you see twin cans up high in MotoGP?
Really dropped the ball on the juice clutch,riding for years with one and they are the cats meow.
though no hydraulic clutch yet this year, i am glad to hear they went back to a 6 spring clutch.
Twin Pipes Rule!
They just built BamBam an absolute weapon if it does what they say it does.
It looks good, but I bought an 09' CRF450 and hated it! Will never own another Honda. Next bike will be KTM, Kawasaki or Suzuki.
Want the right bike, go buy the KTM. Looks like Honda is already mimicking their plastics!! Hydrolic clutch, brimbo brakes, aluminum bolts....... Etc..... All out of the box
looks great till you crash the sh** out of it and are buying 2 pipes instead of one and from what ive heard its not any quieter?? some guys at honda are genius some are idiots,in this case the exhaust team...and no hydro clutch?? cheap ba****s
It does look good until the aluminum frame blackens up the white plastic.Also the dual mufflers makes the rear of the bike too wide.
So what if it has twin pipes...if you crash hard enough to bend one or whatever, the damage is going to be much worse than just a 100 dollar slip on piece. If you're concerned about the cost of a fmf or pc system, then don't get one....it's not like it's going to be underpowered. Everyone wants to complain. Kudos to honda for trying to update things that have been an issue in the past. Every brand does different things each year to make their stuff better.
Yeah!! Mufflers!! Who cares, lets just leave them off and run open head pipes! Yeah! That's even lighter yet, and makes even more power!! Yeah!!
I have been racing for 20 years. If you haven't noticed we are losing tracks, and riding areas fast. The public hates us, and Honda knows that. They are trying to help the situation.. We would be wise to run dual exhaust. The 450s are SO damn fast not a single pro rider can use all the power anyway. Not even Ricky Carmichael.
Looks like a nice bike, but I agree. Bring back the two stroke please.. I can't afford 1800$ to fix this thing when a valve drops in the motor and it's why we have only had 250 riders at Millville opening rounds instead of 1200 riders.
LMAO I am glad I did not wait for this bike! Not even the hydro clutch they were raving about
There's really no reason to put an aftermarket exhaust on one of these. They put out more power than any of us chumps can handle anyway. The only reason for an aftermarket exhaust is for the cool factor.
For my friend rob: sorry I didn't explain why the public hates us. The public, overwhelmingly green.. Do not approve of loud, obnoxious motorcycles that create tear up mother earth. Instead, they prefer to leave the land overgrown with weeds where deer, and birds can flock. Also, the greenies will have a quiet tranquil place to sit and smoke pot, so they can stare at space and ponder thoughts with the stars. For some reason, they try to make US feelmguilty
Feel guilty about enjoying the land as we choose. Society has become a "politically correct" answer, to making everyone feel guilty about using gasoline, making noise, or using the word black. Personally, I think it's a bunch of b.s. and the green peace wacko fruit cakes and not only destroying America, but our sport as well. Two mufflers will help by reducing noise so we can tear up the dirt without disrupting their bong session, speaking with the animals, or whatever else they do.
Go Honda.
(the open headers comment was an attempts at being cynical. Go to a local dirt track race and if you can hear two days after you will be lucky)
Sorry about the poor grammar, I was typing fast on an iPad and didn't revise. You get the idea.. Ignore the mistakes. I need to go do a burn out on my street now, and let the neighbors know I am awake.
Air forks are back! Anyone else remember the Fox airshox? It would be interesting to test them out. They obviously worked for Ping after a little adjustment. I think the bike looks great except for the dual exhausts.
Do you really not like the "look" of dual exhaust? Is that the problem? If honda released a statement that they are distributing the weight equally, for better handling then would it be acceptable? A heavy clutch spinning on one side, a 10 pound pipe on the same side.. Dual exhaust counters this, giving fantastic performance through the whoop section so you can grab another gear and go faster on an already 55 horsepower bike. Would it be ok then?
I give up.
Stock exhaust is usually more expensive than aftermarket.
Honda just effectively gave their share of the "AMATEUR" 450 riders to SUZY AND KAW.
I don't know about most of you that post here....BUT I CANNOT AND WILL NOT EVER BUY A DIRTBIKE WITH TWO EXHAUST PIPES!
Unit for unit....2-stroke-four stroke. The aftermarket companies are screwing the shit out of the people that buy a four stroke pipe combo. There is no way in hell that a stainless pipe smaller than 2" dia. cost three bills + to bend a couple times.
This is why I ride smokers. ( and it don't cost a grand to do a top end)
Congrats honda!!!!!!
@ 2003racer8m , your honestly an idiot. there are more honda motorcycles sold each year than every other jap brand combined and thats a fact. honda will always be dominant in the motocross industry, everywhere you go, there are more hondas there than any other brand. they have the lightest, best feeling, best quality motorcycles out there. what is soo wrong about dual pipes? you act like a pro am racer is going to not buy a bike bc it has 2 exhausts. your an idiot. honda has always been the number one bike sold to amatuer riders. the ONLY reason some ride kawis over hondas in the amatuer ranks is bc of the team green support. quit trolling and gtfo of here douchebag. im soo sick of all you 2 stroke hippies. ride whatever u like! but quit bringing up 2 strokes every time a 4 stroke comes out.
the 2013 looks great . twin piper can be a good thing i believe the reason allot of tracks are at risk is due to the db levels so if a lower db level means twin piper or really long and overly packed slip on bring on the twin piper. the four strokes to me are like an double edge sword torqe,easy to ride,less maintence over all but the prices are little steep quality over quantity maby but im sure they can build a four stroke with a little less power that last 5 times longer before beating the valves threw the tank that part is crazy I want the sport to grow maby its just me but in theory affordable dependable bike ipo = more sales more attraction to youth and all age groups = more of a market more tracks = more money in the company pocket more money in the riders pocket win win just my thoughts nice bike Honda now just have to sell my truck to put a down payment on it and make payments while transporting it to the track with the 93 gas 1 qt of 15.00 dollar ams oil every two rides but dam ill look cool as ish with my new bike do you finance valves also ?
Air forks on the KX450F also.
"BMX" bike, Ping? I might have bought "250 2-stroke" feel. Did they wave some Cherry Garcia in front of you right before suggesting that line?
I was kinda hoping for 4 exhaust cans hanging off it. I guess I'll just have to settle for 2 on this Honda. I can't wait to get my check book out and go get one. To you jobless whining 2 stroke lovers, good luck counting how many pipes I have off of the starting line. Load the tear-offs on your goggles and cu at the races.
Honda definitely messed it up with the twin exhaust! IMO.
Goin to have hold off on buying a Honda til next year when they switch to a single exhaust.
The comments here are just to funny...First...I have A 2011 CRF450R...I love it...It does handle like A two stroke...Any one that had issues with the 09-12 year CRF450R were comparing it to other 450s...Which handle like Like A BMX also...But unlike The Honda they handle like A 255lbs BMX...Where as the Honda handles like A 20 lb BMX bike...
Time for a little honesty.... As a design engineer I like to compare a manufactures claims against their product. In this case Honda had some saving face to do. Those in the know understand that the 2009-12 chassy had potental that wasnt realised. In fact a look back at the nature of a number of the crashes on this model show the twitchy geometry. Thats a discussion for another time ;). 2013 is a swing at bringing this new chassy to a more refined level. This is a good thing However Honda in typical fashion is covering the truth. Examples... 1st Honda says the new frame was developed to work with the new air fork. To some extent im sure this is tru BUT the bigger reasion was likley to fix the serious handling issue assoisiated with the new geometry. But it sounds better to say it was to work with the new fork. Next is the twin pipe. Honda says it is to centralise mass. Ive done some calculations on the new twin pipes mass and location. Guess what, the single pipe design from 2009-12 is actually MORE MASS CENTRALISED than the twin pipe. Yep you heard that right. Its simple. The 2009 -12 pipe is big BUT it doesnt stick out back any farther than the 2013 pipes. And the 2009-12 pipe sit farther farward than the 2013 pipe. In the end the 2013 twin is no advantage. IT could have been if honda moved those nice small pipes farther farward but they didnt. They could have. They had room but they are blowing smoke on this one. Pun intented. As well the "new" clutch is likley a return to the old 08 clutch. They got rid of the 4 spring falure to their credit but dont call it "new". Now look I like the new 450. I just might buy it now that the chassy is likley sorted out. Im just pointing out how the manufactures dupe ya. Its good to see them inovating but honestly I get sik of the lies.