2019 Honda CRF450RWE: First Look

Cycle News Staff | May 23, 2018

2019 Honda CRF450RWE: First Look – Along with the 2019 Honda CRF450R comes the limited edition CRF450RWE “Works Edition.” For about $2200 more than the base model, the Works Edition gives you standard upgrades, such as Yoshimura slip-on mufflers, gripper seat cover, stronger wheels, gold RK chain, black top and bottom triple clamps, enhances suspension, special ECU settings, factory hand-polished porting and Ken Roczen replica graphics by Throttle Jockey.

The 2019 Honda CRF450RWE is expected to be available in August with an $11,499 MSRP.

2019 Honda CRF450RWE: First Look

Here is what Honda has to say about the 2019 CRF450RWE:

New for 2019, Honda introduces a CRF450RWE (“Works Edition”), a special model with a number of upgrades based on the bikes in the Team Honda HRC race shop. This motorcycle takes its battle with the stopwatch a giant step further, incorporating a specially designed cylinder head with factory hand-polished ports, a titanium Yoshimura slip-on muffler, and special ECU settings in the already potent CRF450R package. Sporting factory-inspired Throttle Jockey graphics and seat cover from Ken Roczen’s No. 94 race bike, the CRF450RWE has the looks to match its incredible performance.

2019 Honda CRF450RWE: First Look

CRF450RWE Key Features

Unique cylinder head with factory hand-polished ports improves torque feeling from low- to midrange, especially between 5,000 and 6,000 rpm, for even quicker lap times
Yoshimura slip-on muffler with titanium body and pipes, plus carbon fiber tail caps, exclusively designed for the CRF450RWE
ECU settings optimize performance advantages of the Yoshimura exhaust and cylinder-head updates
HRC launch control with special settings influenced by Ken Roczen
Kashima fork-tube coating reduces friction and improves handling performance.

Developed by Miyaki Company of Japan, Kashima coating is a special treatment for hard-anodized finishes that fills the micro-pores on the surface of hard- anodized aluminum for better lubrication and reduced stiction

Titanium nitride coating on fork legs enhances suspension feel
Shock shaft processed with Super Finisher and coated with titanium nitride for

superior performance

Stronger D.I.D LT-X black rims with special laser-engraved logo
High-performance gold RK chain
Throttle Jockey factory Team Honda HRC graphics and seat cover for premium

look and enhanced grip during acceleration

Top and bottom triple clamps in black complement high-end look

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: $11,499
Availability: August


Model	CRF450RWE

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 RK gold chain; 13T/49T

SUSPENSION

Front	49mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork; Kashima coating on fork tubes, titanium-nitride coating on fork legs

Rear	Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock; titanium coating on shock shaft

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.

2019 Honda CRF450RWE: First Look

Click here for more first looks and bike reviews.