Motorcycle Buying Guide 2007

2007 CRF450R improves the breed
By, Trevor Hedge

Honda’s CRF450R was the biggest selling motocross machine in the first half of 2005 but this year it slipped to fourth in the standings. The first half of this year saw Yamaha top the motocross sales charts with the YZ250F and YZ450F leading the way ahead of the CRF250R and CRF450R. Honda have been winning the racetrack wars in Australia though as Craig Anderson took the #1 plate in the 2006 Nokia Australian Motocross Nationals with a round to spare.

Last year many changes were made to further hone the performance of Honda’s big bore master blaster which include modifications to the crankcases which lowered the crankshaft in the frame for better handling along with a new water pump and intake valve materials to improve longevity.

Honda are hoping revisions for the 2007 model year will help reverse that trend and once again put the CRF450R at the top of the sales charts.

A larger 41mm carburetor with a new accelerator pump and linkage features on the new model but power and torque remains unchanged. Honda claim 55hp which translates to 41Kw on the new scale that we all love to hate. Maximum power arrives at 9000rpm while maximum torque is delivered at 6500rpm. Smaller exhaust valves are used on the 2006 model to help boost the lower and mid-range torque delivery and improve throttle response. Ignition mapping has been altered to suit the revised cylinder head and carburetion while the exhaust system has also been redesigned.

Helping the whoa factor in contrast to the go factor is a new master cylinder that is claimed to improve braking power by 15%.

On the chassis side of the equation a new sub-frame allows for better positioning of the muffler to further centralise the machine’s 98kg mass. The awesome 47mm twin chamber inverted forks feature new valving to help iron out the bumps. Attention has also been paid to further enhance reliability with a stronger clutch basket.

The 2007 Honda CRF450R has now arrived in showrooms with no price increase from 2006 keeping the sticker price at $11,290.

2007 Changes Summary

Larger carburettor featuring new-styled accelerator pump and linkage for improved throttle response
New ignition map to match changes to carburettor and cylinder head
Stronger clutch basket and clutch centre for improved wear resistance
New link-type front brake master cylinder improves front braking power by 15%
New 742FA front tyre for improved turning feel and traction
New one-piece cover protects throttle cable by keeping out dirt and water
Lighter rear chain guide
New front suspension valving for improved bump absorption

Honda CRF450R - Specifications

Price: $11,290
Engine: 449cc, liquid cooled, four-stroke, single cylinder
Bore x stroke: 96 x 62.1mm
Compression: 12.0:1
Claimed Power: 55hp at 9000rpm
Claimed Torque: 36.9 lb./ft at 6500rpm
Fuel Tank: 7.1 litres
Transmission: Five speed, close ratio
Brakes: 240mm single disc with twin piston caliper (F), single 240mm disc (R)
Suspension: 47mm inverted Showa forks (F), Showa single shock (R)
Tyres: 80/100-21 (F), 110/90-19 (R)
Wheelbase: 1490mm
Seat height: 955mm
Ground clearance: 340mm
Dry Weight: 98.7kg
Available: Now