Honda had a successful model year with the 2015 CRF450R, enjoying strong results in AMA Supercross stadiums (the bike finished on the podium at every round) and on dealership floors. As Honda's engineers developed the 2016 model, their focus was on refining performance, particularly in the area of handling.
CHANGES FOR 2016
Change | Detail | Reason |
Longer fork | 5mm longer | Raises front end to improve chassis balance |
New rear-suspension link | Different ratio | Changed to match longer fork, and to improve tracking |
Revised rear-suspension settings | Corresponds with longer fork | |
Revised adjusters for rear-suspension damping | 8 clicks per rotation of adjusters (compared to previous 4) | Increased tuning adjustment |
Smaller-diameter chain roller | 38mm -> 34mm | Swingarm travels further before chain/roller interface restricts movement; improves traction |
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Chassis
Revolutionary 48mm inverted KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork) offers high- and low-speed adjustment for both compression and rebound damping, enabling precise adjustment of suspension performance no matter the conditions. The air fork also weighs less than a coil-spring fork, and making changes to spring rate is both easier and less expensive.
The Honda Progressive Steering Damper (HPSD) works in conjunction with the suspension to provide excellent steering precision, whether the rider is braking into a corner, accelerating out, skimming whoops or navigating ruts.
The large (260mm) front brake rotor allows excellent modulation, and its wave pattern minimizes weight. Dunlop's MX52 tires utilize "block-on-block" technology to provide excellent feedback and traction.
Engine
Honda's 449cc Unicam liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke power plant returns for 2016. The piston is specially treated for maximum durability, and the twin-exhaust system eases maneuverability by centralizing mass.
Settings on the PGM-FI (Programed Fuel Injection) emphasize low- and midrange power for smooth, predictable engine performance, and Honda's handlebar-mounted Engine-Mode Select button enables the rider to choose between three settings: Standard, Smooth, Aggressive. This feature can be used in conjunction with the available HRC Fuel Injection Setting Tool to further customize engine-output characteristics.
2016 Honda CRF450R Specifications
Engine Type: 449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 96.0mm x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
Valve Train: Unicam, four-valve; 36mm intake, titanium; 31mm exhaust, steel
Induction: Dual-Timing PGM-FI, 46mm throttle body
Ignition: Full transistor with electronic advance
Transmission: Close-ratio five-speed
Final Drive: #520 chain; 13T/48T
Suspension
- Front: 48mm inverted KYB PSF (Pneumatic Spring Fork) with air-adjustable spring rate, and rebound and compression-damping adjustability; 12.2 inches travel. (Fork length 5mm longer than 15ym)
- Rear: Pro-Link® KYB single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed; 12.4 inches travel
Brakes
- Front: Single 260mm wave-style disc with twin-piston caliper
- Rear: Single 240mm wave-style disc
Tires
- Front: Dunlop MX52 80/100-21
- Rear: Dunlop MX52 120/80-19
Wheelbase: 58.8 inches (increased from 2015ym)
Rake (Caster Angle): 27° 15’
Trail: 117mm (4.6 inches) (increased from 2015ym)
Seat Height: 37.6 inches (increased from 2015ym)
Ground Clearance: 13.1 inches (increased from 2015ym)
Fuel Capacity: 1.7 gallons
Color: Red
Curb Weight*: 243.0 pounds
*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Consult owner’s manual for optional parts.
Specifications subject to change