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.
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
