Adam Booth | July 12, 2017
2018 Honda CRF450R First Test – The 2017 Honda CRF450R was a big success for the Ride Red brand. And they’re not resting on their sales success for 2018. The new Honda big-bore MX machine is already here and it has some simple, yet significant updates.
2018 Honda CRF450R First Test
We had our first day on the 2018 Honda CRF450R and, yes, it’s an improved motorcycle. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM BOOTH
Cycle News just spent a scorching hot, but fun, day at Sunrise MX, in Adelanto California, aboard the 2018 Honda CRF450R. There isn’t a long list of changes to the 2018 Honda CRF450R, but the suspension and mapping revisions do make a noticeable difference out on the track.
The kickstarter is now gone and electric start is standard. There is still a place for a kickstarter if you feel the need to install one at a later point. The lithium ion battery made by Eliy is the same as what the race team uses and is much lighter than a standard battery.
2018 Honda CRF450R First Test
The ’18 CRF450R did not get a lot of changes but the ones it did get make a difference.
The engine and exhaust are the same as 2017 but map one of three (the standard map) has new settings aimed at better roll-on power and a smoother transition through the rpm range. Map 2 (softer) and map 3 (aggressive) remain the same as 2017.
The upper engine mounts have a new shape for increased flex and improved comfort through the chassis.
We did back to back laps comparing the 2017 to the 2018 and can say the 2018 is better overall both in the engine and the suspension departments. The updated power delivery in the stock map is a big improvement over the 2017 mapping. Off-idle, it’s similar with good engine spin-up but right after (we’ll call it low-midrange or upper off-idle) there’s a meaty part of the power delivery that really pulls with control. Instead of spinning through the power with an initial, heavy hit, and then revving out quickly, like some experienced with the 2017, the new CRF450R produces a more usable chunk of power that is perfect for controlling speed, while also hauling ass. Initial impression is that power in the stock map is much better than last year’s bike. In fact, we’d take a whole lot more of that power zone that is working exceptionally well for us now.
2018 Honda CRF450R First Test
The ’18 is actually five pounds heavier but you won’t notice it, but you will notice not having to kick start it anymore.
For 2018 Honda went one rate stiffer on the fork and shock spring with revised valving. Overall stability is still great and because it has more hold up thanks to the stiffer springs, it floats over the chatter and stutter bumps with more comfort. Our lightest test rider (135 pounds) perfered the 2017 spring rates while testers over 170 pounds liked the 2018 suspension more. Bottoming resistance for 2018 is much improved, providing more confidence when coming up short or overshooting a landing. Even though the 2018 Honda CRF450R is about five pounds (claimed) heavier due to the addition of electric start, the weight wasn’t noticeable on the track.
The day of riding the 2018 Honda CRF450R back to back against the 2017 Honda CRF450R helped solidify the changes for ’18 were a move in the right direction. We look forward to more track time with the new Honda CRF450R and continuing to find better settings and further refine the performance. We already love the electric start and haven’t felt a disadvantage to the weight gain yet.
So far, this is a better Honda CRF450R than last year. And the 2017 was already really good!
2018 Honda CRF450R First Test
Mapping changes improve performance at the crack of the throttle.
