New for 2003

· Handlebar moved forward 3mm and seat position raised 7mm for improved ergonomics and handling.
· Swingarm pivot raised 7mm for improved cornering and ground clearance (+6mm).
· Front suspension stroke increased by 10mm for improved handling
· Changes to camshaft timing and valve lift improve low end power.
· Clutch damper changes improve traction at the rear wheel.
· Shift lever 10mm longer for improved ergonomics.
· New chain guide material offers improved wear resistance, with service life is five times greater than conventional materials.

Engine/Drivetrain

· Powerful engine churns out 55 bhp at 9000 rpm and 36.5 lb./ft. of torque at 6500 rpm. Power is produced across a wide rpm-band for easy-to control operation.
· Auto decompression and hot restart system make starting easy in all conditions.
· Liquid-cooled four-valve SOHC 449cc engine produces more than 120 hp per litre while maintaining Honda’s legendary dependability and simplicity.
· Compact, lightweight engine assembly weighs only 29.7kg.
· Unicam valve train provides the light weight of a compact single-cam drive and the optimum combustion chamber shape for maximum power at all engine rpm.
· Unicam valve train features a carburized single camshaft that directly actuates two 36mm titanium intake valves. The camshaft exhaust lobe actuates two 31mm steel exhaust valves via a forked, low-friction, roller rocker arm. A separate cam holder contributes to the compact design, which allows a remarkable 21.5 degree included valve angle and saves 380 grams over a comparable DOHC system.
· Lightweight titanium intake valves permit use of smaller valve springs, reducing overall engine height and saving 15.2 grams per valve compared to a steel valve design.
· Unique, pin-rotation-type auto decompressor produces a lightweight, compact system that provides superb cold-starting and hot-restarting operation.
· Crankshaft is made of high-strength, low-carbon steel with carburized main journals for maximum durability at sustained high-rpm operation.
· Forged, 11.5:1 compression slipper piston is nearly 113 grams lighter than a conventional design, revving quickly while maintaining excellent cylinder sealing and high-rpm power.
· Double-carburized connecting rod utilises a big-end needle bearing for maximum high-rpm performance and durability.
· Nikasil cylinder lining is lightweight and provides cooler and quieter operation for extended engine life.
· Press-fitted spark plug pipe fits between forked exhaust rocker arms, further contributing to compact cylinder head design.
· 40mm FCR-type carburettor features four rollers on the flat slide, resulting in very light throttle effort, smooth operation, crisp throttle response and excellent rideability.
· An 8-bit digital CPU incorporates the capacitive discharge ignition (CDI), producing immediate data calculation and extremely accurate ignition for maximum performance.
· Twin-sump lubrication system separates the oil supply for the crankshaft, piston and valve train from the clutch and transmission. This ensures a cool supply of oil to the clutch, eliminates clutch and transmission material contamination to the engine oil, and reduces the amount of circulating oil and the required size of the oil pump.
· Vertically split crankcases feature a built-in oil pump, reducing weight 145 grams compared to a conventional design.
· Exhaust system uses a lightweight titanium exhaust header and re-packable aluminium muffler with stainless steel pipe.
· Dual radiators provide significantly more surface area and more effective heat dissipation compared to a single-radiator design.
· Gear-driven balancer reduces vibration and drives the water pump. Eight clutch plates provide the surface area necessary to handle the engine’s massive torque, while carefully matched clutch springs provide a light feel at the lever.
· Durable five-speed close-ratio transmission now features a thicker fourth gear to match the engine’s power, adding even more durability in demanding conditions.

Chassis/Suspension

· Twin-spar aluminium frame is a third-generation design derived from Honda’s CR series. Tall swingarm pivot plates and thin frame spars create a narrow overall frame cross-section for superb rider comfort and maneuverability.
· Semi-double-cradle design features a single, large diameter tapered down tube. Two rugged box-section rails attach to the base of the down tube and support the engine. A forged aluminium steering head provides a compact and extremely durable mount for the frame spars and engine down tube.
· The aluminium frame design is matched to rider ergonomics to maximize handling and control operation.
· CR-type swingarm features a dual-axis, double-taper design with a large cast aluminium cross-member.
· CR-spec front and rear wheels feature HRC works type lightweight aluminium spoke nipples. Compared to a conventional design, front wheel unsprung weight is reduced by 99 grams. Together with a revised rear wheel, hub and spoke design, rear wheel unsprung weight is reduced 452 grams.
· Front wheel features large-diameter front axle and wide wheel-bearing span for excellent rigidity.
· Optional 20-inch front wheel improves cornering traction and rider comfort.
· Rear axle diameter of 25mm and large-diameter bearings provide significant rigidity to withstand torturous track conditions.
· Lightweight, 47mm inverted Showa twin-chamber cartridge fork with aluminium dampers is derived from the CR250R and features settings unique to the CRF. The fork offers 315mm of travel, 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability. The inner surface of front fork outer tubes and rear damper case are molybdenum coated for smooth, low-friction operation.
· CR-type Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension system features a fully adjustable Showa rear damper and 315mm of wheel travel, separate low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns) compression damping adjusters and 17-position rebound damping.
· Rear shock’s damper piston diameter is 50mm for consistent performance under demanding riding conditions.
· Compact dual-piston front brake caliper, anodized aluminium brake pistons and lightweight front brake disc minimise unsprung weight for improved turning and handling.
· HRC works-type rear brake system integrates the rear master cylinder and fluid reservoir, eliminating the rear master cylinder reservoir and hose.
· Large, 240mm front and rear brake discs.

Additional Features

· Frame design allows side-covers to have larger air intake ducts, contributing to significant airflow in the mid and upper-rpm range.
· Rider ergonomics are optimized by adapting the handlebar, the seat and the foot peg height to place the rider’s legs at the narrowest cross-section of the frame, for improved comfort and handling feel.
· Seat cushion uses multi-density foam construction that follows the shape of the fuel tank, providing a smooth transition to increase rider mobility and comfort.
· Brake pedal and shift lever are designed to complement the riding position. Brake pedal features optimized ratio to match integrated rear-brake master cylinder design.
· Wide, cleated stainless steel foot pegs are self-cleaning, resist corrosion, provide excellent grip and fold for extra ground clearance.
· Cleated rear brake pedal and shift lever are made of lightweight aluminium.
· Adjustable front brake lever.
· Handlebar is rubber-mounted to reduce rider fatigue and improve comfort.
· CR handlebar holders provide three different mounting positions: standard CRF450R holder (CR125R-type) provides +/- 3mm fore or aft position to match rider preference, and optional holder (CR250R-type) provides neutral position.
· Works-type handlebar grips add to rider comfort.
· Chain guide material offers improved wear resistance, and service life is five times greater than conventional materials.
· Front disc brake cover helps protect rotor and caliper from damage.
· Removable rear sub-frame allows easy maintenance.
· Washable, two-stage foam air filter for optimal engine protection and easy maintenance.
· Re-packable silencer for maximum performance and minimal noise.
· Comfortable, durable controls and high-quality fasteners.
· Stainless steel clutch cable for long life.
· Honda Racing-inspired colours and graphics.

Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider's Club of Australia. Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, and much more.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model: CRF450R
• Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
• Bore and Stroke: 96mm x 62.1mm
• Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
• Valve Train: SOHC; four-valve
• Carburetion: Keihin 40mm flat slide
• Ignition: Solid-state CD with electronic advance
• Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
• Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/50T
• Front Suspension: 47mm inverted Showa cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 315mm travel
• Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns);
• Front Brake: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
• Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc
• Front Tyre: 80/100-21
• Rear Tyre: 110/90-19
• Wheelbase: 1485 mm
• Rake: (Caster Angle): 27°
• Trail: 109mm
• Seat Height: 952 mm
• Ground Clearance: 338 mm
• Dry Weight: 102 kgs
• Fuel Capacity: 7.6 litres
• Available: October, 2002
• RRP: ?