Ridden to the 2018 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) by JCR Honda's Trevor Stewart, the CRF450RX returns for 2020 with the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), improving rear-wheel hookup in the limited-traction situations so common in closed-course off-road racing. A new battery position lowers the center of gravity for improved handling, and internal suspension updates yield improved machine balance. Just like the 2019 platform campaigned by Stewart, SLR Honda's Ricky Dietrich and Phoenix Racing Honda's Andrew Delong, the 2020 CRF450RX maintains its off-road pedigree with a model-specific ECU and 18-inch rear wheel, aluminum side stand and large fuel tank.
2020 Updates
- All-new Honda Selectable Torque Control with three levels of intervention. HSTC monitors rpm spikes and responds by temporarily reducing torque to aid rear traction. A handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between three modes, depending on conditions and rider preference.
- Revised mapping for riding modes in Standard, Smooth and Aggressive options, selectable via a separate handlebar-mounted switch, enables simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
- Revised internal fork and shock settings for improved chassis balance and overall handling.
- Battery position lowered by 28mm moves center of gravity downward to further improve chassis balance and handling.
- New rear brake-pad material for improved performance and increased durability.
- Elimination of lower rear brake-rotor guard, to improve heat dissipation and reduce unsprung weight.
- Updated graphics.
Engine/Drivetrain
- 449cc single-cylinder engine with Unicam® cylinder head, downdraft intake tract, electronic fuel injection and electric start offers unparalleled "Absolute Holeshot" performance.
- Selectable HRC launch control provides a steady stream of torque for excellent performance on race starts.
- Electric starter (powered by a lightweight lithium-ion battery).
- Shift sensor allows a dedicated ignition map for each gear, enabling optimum running.
Chassis/Suspension
- 2.2 gallon resin fuel tank for completing long closed-course off-road loops.
- 18-inch rear wheel to enable taller tire sidewalls for improved traction in technical conditions.
- Forged aluminum side stand is designed to be lightweight yet strong.
- Sealed drive chain to withstand the elements.
- Suspension with settings dedicated to closed-course off-road use.
- Twin-spar aluminum frame engineered for great traction and cornering feel, and to minimize weight.
- Chassis layout allows heavier components to be located as centrally and low as possible for nimble handling and feel.
- Front-brake caliper uses a pair of pistons (30mm and 27mm) for optimal braking performance on a 260mm rotor with a petal pattern to best dissipate heat.
- Showa® shock and 49mm coil-spring fork.
- Front brake hose resists expansion for precise, consistent braking feel.
- 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.
- Black Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar encourages active riding position, while also contributing to light steering feel.
- Footpegs shed mud and give the rider great feel and confidence in all riding conditions.
- Black D.I.D rims deliver a strong presence on and off the track.
- Minimization of lines and gaps in the plastic panels results in a smooth surface, facilitating riding-position changes.
- In-mold graphics are durable and resistant to peeling caused by washing or abrasion.
- Dunlop Geomax AT81 tires provide optimum feel and traction in challenging riding conditions
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