The world’s largest circulation motocross publication, Transworld Motocross, named the new 2008 Honda CRF450R, Bike of the Year last month and rightly so! This motorcycle is awesome, just awesome! 

Bike of the Year – 450cc Shootout Winner for motocross motorcycle
For two years in a row, the Honda CRF450R wins again after going head to head against the best the competition has to offer for 2008. Like every bike, the CRF 450R came back better than before in 2008, and as the reigning TWMX Shootout Champion, the Honda retained the crown easily.
 
On the dyno, the CRF450R is topped in sheer maximum horsepower numbers by the KTM 450SX-F, but on the track the Honda kicks some serious butt. Though the KX450F has more low-end torque, the Honda’s powerband has no flaws. Bottom-end, mid-range, top-end – the CRF450R motocross beast has it all, and delivers it in a heart-pounding, sphincter-tightening fashion! No matter what gear you are in, taking a quick stab or two at the CRF’s clutch lever gets the bike up and going in a hurry.Does not matter if the engine is revved up or chugged, the Honda motor is equally effective, and from novices to pro's this motorcycle will put a grin on their muggs when they are ripping off laps aboard the CRF450R. Like the Kawasaki, the CRF450R’s exhaust note is on the loud side for a stock bike.
 
Suspension-wise, the Honda is perfectly set-up for a wide range of riders, from beginner to pro. Furthermore, the stock Showa components can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of rider weights without losing performance or feel. The fork performs smoothly in the small chatter, yet provides a firm and progressive feel as it travels through the stroke, finally exhibiting the firm feeling at the end of the full stroke. The shock is well matched to the fork, and keeps the bike tracking straight and digging for traction in the roughest of acceleration bumps.

 
When most test riders rode the new CRF motocross bike for the first time, most expected to feel much more from the new steering damper. Surprisingly, unless the new steering dampner is adjusted to its firmest position, the units effects are basically un-noticeable. Until you take it off. Then is when you can tell that without the damper unit, the bike is alot less stable in both corners and straights. Before the release of 2008 CRF motocross bike information, most riders believed EFI was the next logical step forward for Honda's motocross beast, and many riders have actually been a little let down that it was a steering damper instead. After riding it, however, the test riders are convinced that this is an advantage that will help keep Honda ahead of the competition until the others large bore motocross maker's catch up.
 
As for the rest of the machine, it is the usual quality we all have come to expect from Honda. Quality of construction is second to none, and the brakes, clutch and other controls work effortlessly. It would however be nice to see if Kawasaki and Honda would opt for stronger oversized  handle bars in future versions, but for now the standard 7/8” Renthals provide a comfortable riding position and feel for Honda's big bore motocross machine. MotoSport.com has everything you need for this spring's riding season

 
What can Honda's motocross engineers do to stay on top of the 450cc thumper race? To be honest, I  can’t think of a thing. Yes, it’s as good a motocross motorcycle as you are going to find. 

Engine Type

449cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder Unicam four-stroke

Bore and Stroke
96.0mm x 62.1mm

Compression Ratio
12.0:1

Induction
41.0mm Keihin® flat-slide

Ignition
CD

DRIVE TRAIN

Transmission
Close-ratio five-speed

Final Drive
#520 chain; 13T/48T

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES

Front Suspension
47.0mm inverted Showa® cartridge fork with 16-position rebound and 16-position compression damping adjustability; 12.4-inch travel

Rear Suspension
Pro-Link® Showa single-shock with spring preload, 13-position [low-speed] and 3.5-turn [high-speed] compression damping and 17-position rebound damping adjustability; 12.5-inch travel

Front Brakes
Single-disc with twin-piston caliper

Rear Brake
Single-disc

Front Tire
80/100-21

Rear Tire
100/90-19

DIMENSIONS

Rake
26.76 degrees

Trail
111.4 mm (4.3 inches)

Wheelbase
58.6 inches

Seat Height
37.6 inches

Ground Clearance
13.4 inches

Curb Weight
238 lbs (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel—ready to ride)

Fuel Capacity
1.9 gallons, including .07 gallon reserve

OTHER

Available Colors
Red, Black (2008 Special Color, Limited Availability)