It has been a long time between drinks for Honda quad aficionados that have an addiction for maximum performance. I am pleased to say their thirst has been well and truly quenched with the release of the new TRX450R. But this machine is not for the uninitiated, it is a fire breathing animal that requires some serious effort and skill to tame.

The engine is derived from the awesome CRF450R motocross machine. Even though it produces slightly less power in ATV guise, it manages to feel even more mental on four wheels. It only takes the slightest pressure on the thumb throttle to make this thing bark and go sideways, or skywards. I am not kidding when I say the TRX450R is totally berserk, and is certainly one ATV not suited to the young or inexperienced.

Point positive of that fact is the image shown on this page, I am larger than the average bear, quite literally, and it took absolutely no effort to stand the TRX450R on its tail for this photo. This was taken under controlled conditions with a paramedic present. Unfortunately the services of which Australian Dirt Bike editor Andy Wigan had to call on after coming to grief less than five minutes after I pulled my little stunts for the camera. And he is definitely more experienced than most.

To give you an idea about just how much of a serious race machine the TRX450R is you only need to look at the results it recorded on debut in the infamous Baja 1000 desert race. Here the TRX450R finished nearly an hour ahead of the next best machine.

The motocross derived engine has been strengthened in a few areas to aid reliability in ATV use. With two fat tyres available for traction ATV engines invariably face more drivetrain stress than motocross machines. Some of the major changes to suit the ATV include a three-ring piston and a much larger baffled sump. It definitely adds to peace of mind that Honda seem to have put some thoughts in to this area.

Unfortunately you have to kick the machine in to life, but thankfully the forward kick start is simple enough to use and combines with an auto decompressor to make it as simple as kick starting can be. It would still be nice to have the magic button, but Honda say that everything on this quad was designed purely for hard core racing with no compromises made for unnecessary weight. And at 159kg, weight is something the TRX450R does not have a problem with.

It takes some time to become accustomed to how fast things can happen on this ATV. There is no automatic gearbox or rider friendly features. It demands concentration and staying on top of things definitely requires some commitment. It is not the machine for a gentle cruise down the beach.

Your upper body muscles cop plenty of punishment, with two big fat tyres up front to push and pull in response to understeer and oversteer, you definitely get a good workout. I have never had a problem with arm pump on a two wheeler, but my forearms were bursting in only a matter of minutes when trying to tame the TRX450R.

A full HRC racing kit is available to make the TRX450R an even more formidable weapon but it would take a hard core ATV nut to want more performance than what the TRX450R delivers as standard. Just make sure you’re up to the task…

SPECS - Honda TRX450R

• Engine: 450cc, single cylinder, liquid cooled, four-stroke

• Bore x Stroke: 94 x 64.8mm

• Compression: 10.5:1

• Induction: 42mm carburettor

• Starter: Forward kick

• Transmission: Five speed

• Final Drive: Chain

• Wheelbase: 1250mm

• Dimensions (L x W x H): 1844 x 1176 x 1107mm

• Seat Height: 828mm

• Dry Weight: 159kg

• Fuel Capacity: 14.5 litres

• Tyres: Front _ 22x7-10; Rear _ 20x10-9

• Suspension: Front _ Independent double-wishbone with Showa shocks, featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping, 213mm travel; Rear _ Pro-Link with single Showa shock featuring adjustable spring preload, rebound and compression damping, 229mm of travel

• Ground Clearance: 107mm

• Brakes: Front _ Dual hydraulic 174mm discs with twin-piston calipers; Rear _ Single hydraulic 190mm disc with single-piston caliper

• Price: $11990

• Warranty: Six months