2022 Honda CRF450R: THE MACHINE OF CHAMPIONS.
Introducing the 2022 Honda CRF450R…
Honda’s CRF450R continues to be the powersports industry’s benchmark motocrosser, with the most wins so far in the 2021 AMA Supercross series and, together with its limited-edition CRF450RWE sibling, the most U.S. sales of any MX model. For 2022, the legendary machine gets an updated ECU for enhanced drivability, particularly in the lower rev ranges, while suspension valving is revised for better holdup and improved balance. “Razor Sharp Cornering” continues as the model’s theme, with three main focus areas: power, handling and consistency. Unsurprisingly for the platform campaigned by Team Honda HRC riders Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton, as well as FIM World Champion Tim Gajser, the CRF450R continues to draw lessons from Honda Racing Corporation’s global race program.
When it comes to winning, the Honda CRF450R is the machine championships are made of. And after your first ride, you’ll know why. The engine makes tremendous, instant power, thanks to Honda’s exclusive Unicam® design. The chassis is an active part of the handling equation, backed up with premium Showa suspension at both ends. But what the spec charts can’t show is the level of refinement that only Honda brings to the class, all with the goal of letting you rail through the corners, flatten out the whoops, ace the rhythm sections and do it lap after lap with incredible precision.
Looking for the best of the best? Then check out our CRF450RWE (WE for Works Edition). We’ve fine-tuned it with special touches like an exclusive Yoshimura exhaust, Twin Air filter, Throttle Jockey seat cover, Hinson clutch basket and cover, premium DID DirtStar LT-X rims, Kashima and titanium nitrate-coated forks, a red cylinder head cover, and hands-on touches like special cylinder-head porting. Both the RWE and the CRF450R get suspension and engine setting changes for 2022, sharpening the best bike on the track even a little more. Ready to win? Because we’re ready to ride.
2022 Honda CRF450R Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Single-Muffler Exhaust
- Hydraulic Clutch Actuation
- Central-Port Cylinder Head
- 8-Plate Clutch
- Narrow-Spar Frame
- 12.2 inches Front Suspension Travel
- MX33 Tires
- Curb Weight: 244 pounds
American Honda today announced the return of the CRF450R motocrosser for 2022, as well as its five siblings that specialize in a variety of applications. The clear point of reference when it comes to motocross, Honda’s CRF450R currently leads the 2021 AMA Supercross series, at the hands of Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen, while the CRF450RWE adds top-shelf performance features for the most demanding customers. The CRF450RX opens things up a bit to closed-course off-road racing, whereas the CRF450X expands horizons to everything up to and including the deserts of Baja. Meanwhile, the CRF450RL adds the possibility of linking trails and dirt roads via public roads. Finally, there’s the CRF450R-S, a great option for value-focused motocrossers. Add them up, and it’s a collective of dirt bikes that covers the needs of motorcycle enthusiasts who enjoy getting dirty in any number of ways.
“Back when we first expanded our CRF450 lineup for the 2019 model year, our goal was to offer application-specific models that would put Red Riders at the front of the pack no matter what their preferred means of dirt-bike riding,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Advertising, Experiential and Sports at American Honda. “Three years later, the family has expanded and improved, and the 2022 collection is better than ever. We expect these bikes to continue to run at the front of the pack, in the dirt and on dealer showrooms.”
2022 Honda CRF450R Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The CRF450R engine boasts exceptional bottom-end and midrange power, making for a linear delivery that is strong but manageable, even as the rider tires, while peak power is also very good.
Cylinder Head: The design of the Unicam® cylinder head, with the decompressor system’s counterweight on the left end of the camshaft, contributes to combustion stability in the extremely low rpm range and for a strong-but-manageable power delivery on corner exits, for example, as well as resistance to stalling. The cylinder head cover is magnesium, with a thin-wall design for weight savings. The engine’s exhaust port is centrally located, has an oval shape and is quite straight, optimizing exhaust efficiency and torque characteristics, for a linear delivery that continues into the high rpm range. A five-hole piston oil jet and dual 12 mm drum scavenge pump manage lubrication.
Intake: The CRF450R features a downdraft intake design that delivers strong, efficient power, and a large air boot (4.1 liters on the clean side of the air filter) achieves in strong torque at low rpm. The air box is accessed with the removal of a single side-panel bolt. The 60º fuel-injector angle enables the spray to reach all the way to the back of the butterfly, thus cooling the upstream side of the intake path for maximum intake efficiency and torque feel.
Exhaust: The entire exhaust system weighs just 8.5 pounds, and with the engine’s centralized exhaust-port location, the exhaust header and muffler are positioned close to the vehicle’s centerline for a slim profile, contributing to freedom of movement for the rider. Two resonators (one after the front U-bend and another at the upstream end of the muffler) boost power and reduce noise.
Clutch: The clutch is hydraulically actuated and has eight plates and a large volume for good durability with minimal slippage and light lever pull.
Electronics: A gear-position sensor allows the use of three specific ignition maps for first and second, third and fourth, and fifth gears. There are options for Standard, Smooth and Aggressive ignition maps, selectable via an all-new handlebar-mounted switch, enabling simple tuning depending on rider preference or course conditions.
In addition, Honda Selectable Torque Control offers three levels of intervention. HSTC monitors rpm spikes and responds by temporarily reducing torque by retarding ignition timing and controlling PGM-FI to aid rear traction. The three different modes differ in drive-management level, for differing riding conditions or rider preferences:
- Mode 1: The system intervenes most lightly and waits the longest to do so—useful for reducing wheel-spin and maintaining control in tight corners.
- Mode 2: A midpoint between modes 1 and 3 in terms of how quickly and assertively the system intervenes.
- Mode 3: The system intervenes most quickly and assertively, which helps in conditions that are slippery or muddy.
The CRF450R’s handlebar-mounted switch allows selection between three modes, depending on conditions and rider preference. The HSTC system can also be switched off completely.
HRC Launch Control provides the best option for a strong start and also has three modes to choose from:
- Level 1: 9,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or advanced riders
- Level 2: 8,500 rpm, for high-traction conditions and/or average riders
- Level 3: 8,250 rpm, for slippery conditions and/or novice riders
The Engine Mode Select Button (EMSB) alters the engine’s characteristics and three maps are available to suit riding conditions or rider preference:
- Mode 1: Standard
- Mode 2: Smooth
- Mode 3: Aggressive
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The motorcycle’s heavier components are positioned centrally and as low as possible for precise cornering without sacrificing high-speed tracking, in addition to minimal squat under acceleration and negligible pitching during hard braking.
Frame / Swingarm / Subframe: The frame uses narrow main spars and features optimized reinforcement ribbing on the backside of the pivot plate, contributing to the low frame weight of just 18.5 pounds. Lateral rigidity is optimized for a supple feel that contributes to good cornering—while vertical rigidity is relatively stiff. The subframe features a simple design that weighs just 2.0 pounds. The swingarm is narrow, providing good clearance in ruts, with rigidity tuned to maximize rear traction and cornering.
Suspension: Front suspension comprises a 49 mm inverted Showa® coil-spring fork and a gas-liquid separation structure. The upper and lower triple clamps are designed to offer a good rigidity balance for optimum handling and feel through corners. The Pro-Link® rear-suspension system uses a Showa shock absorber with adjusters on the right side and an ultra-light steel shock spring. The link ratio is designed to minimize acceleration-triggered rear-end squat.
Wheels: Black D.I.D. rims deliver durable performance and good looks. Petal-style brake rotors disperse heat, and a low-expansion front brake hose gives strong feel and consistent stopping power. The CRF450R comes with Dunlop’s excellent Geomax MX33 tires, generally considered to be the industry standard for soft to intermediate terrain. Developed with the help of top motocross pros, MX33s feature technologies that deliver superior grip, slide control, bump absorption and durability.
DESIGN
The CRF450R has slim bodywork, with a smooth junction of the radiator shroud and side panel, facilitating rider movement and cornering. Each radiator shroud is produced in a single piece instead of two separate parts, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were used to design air-outlet vents in the shrouds. The radiator grills optimize the number of fins and their angle, maximizing cooling performance.
The seat base has rearward-facing tongues and front-located mounting tabs, easing installation, and using acceleration forces to keep the seat securely in place. The 1.7 gallon fuel tank is made of lightweight titanium.
Only 8 fasteners are used to secure all of the main bodywork components—both radiator shrouds, both side panels and the seat, and all of the bolts for the main bodywork parts have 8 mm heads, simplifying maintenance.
A single switch cluster addresses several functions: engine stop, ride-modes and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). The starter and HRC launch control are on the right side of the Renthal® Fatbar® handlebar. There are two locations for the handlebar clamp, and the clamp can be turned 180º; as a result, four different mounting positions are possible, through a range of 26 mm.
2022 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: from $9599 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $10899 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £ GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
| ENGINE | |
| Type | 449.8cc liquid-cooled 10o single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Valve Train | Unicam® OHC, four-valve; 38 mm intake, titanium; 31 mm exhaust, steel |
| Bore x Stroke | 96.0 mm x 62.1 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5:1 |
| Induction | Programmed fuel-injection system (PGM-FI); 46 mm throttle bore |
| Ignition | Full transistorized ignition |
| Starter | Push-button electric starter |
| Transmission | Constant-mesh 5-speed; manual |
| Clutch | Multiplate wet, hydraulically actuated (6 springs, 8 plates) |
| Final Drive | #520 chain; 13T/49T |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | 49 mm fully adjustable leading-axle inverted telescopic Showa coil-spring fork w/ 12.2 in. travel |
| Rear | Pro-Link system; fully adjustable Showa single shock w/ 12.4 in. wheel travel |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | 2-piston caliper (30mm, 27mm) hydraulic; single 260mm disc |
| Rear | 1-piston caliper hydraulic; single 240mm disc |
| TIRES | |
| Front | Dunlop Geomax MX33 80/100-21 w/ tube |
| Rear | Dunlop Geomax MX33 120/80-19 w/ tube |
| MEASUREMENTS | |
| Rake (Caster Angle) | 27°7’ |
| Trail | 114 mm (4.48 in.) |
| Length | 85.9 in. |
| Width | 32.6 in. |
| Height | 49.9 in. |
| Ground Clearance | 13.2 in. |
| Seat Height | 38.0 in |
| Wheelbase | 58.3 in. |
| Fuel Capacity | 1.7 gal. |
| Color | Red |
| Curb Weight* | 244 lbs. |
2022 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine type
Liquid-cooled single-cylinder 4-stroke
Displacement
449.8 cc
Bore & stroke
96 mm x 62.1 mm
Compression ratio
13.5:1
Valve train
Unicam, 4 valves
Fuel delivery
PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 46 mm throttle body
Transmission
Close-ratio, five speed
Final drive
#520 sealed chain; 13T/49T
Chassis & Suspension
Front suspension
Showa 49 mm telescopic inverted coil spring with rebound and compression damping adjustability. 310 mm (12.2 in ) travel.
Rear suspension
Pro-Link® Showa single shock with adjustable spring preload, rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed and high-speed; 315 mm (12.4 inches) travel
Dimensions & Additional Information
Tires
Front: 80/100-21
Rear: 120/80-19
Brakes
Front: 260 mm disc with dual-piston caliper
Rear: 240 mm disc
Ground clearance
336 mm (13.2 in.)
Seat height
965 mm (38 in.)
Wheelbase
1,481 mm (58.3 in.)
Curb weight
111 kg (244 lb.) including required fluids and full tank of gas—ready to ride
Fuel capacity
6.3 litres
Colour
Extreme Red
Warranty
No warrranty
2022 Honda CRF450R – Totalmotorcycle.com European Specifications/Technical Details
- Engine
| Bore × Stroke (mm) | 96.0mm x 62.1mm |
| Carburation | CDI Electronic Fuel injection |
| Compression Ratio | 13.5 : 1 |
| Engine Displacement (cc) | 449.7cc |
| Engine Type | Liquid-cooled 4-stroke single cylinder uni-cam |
| Starter | Electric |
| Oil Capacity (Litres) | 1.25 Litres |
- Wheels
| Brakes Front | Single 260mm disk |
| Brakes Rear | Single 240mm disk |
| Suspension Front | Showa 49mm USD fork |
| Suspension Rear | Showa monoshock using Honda Pro-Link |
| Tyres Front | Dunlop MX33F |
| Tyre Size Front | 80/100-21-51M |
| Tyre Size Rear | 120/80-19-63M |
| Tyres Rear | Dunlop MX33 |
| Wheels Front | Aluminium spoke |
| Wheels Rear | Aluminium spoke |
- Dimensions and Weights
| Caster Angle | 27.1° |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) (mm) | 2,183mm x 827mm x 1,267mm |
| Frame type | Aluminium twin tube |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) | 6.3 litres |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 336mm |
| Kerb Weight (kg) | 105.8kg |
| Seat Height (mm) | 965mm |
| Trail (mm) | 114mm |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1,481mm |
- Transmission
| Clutch | Wet type multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| Transmission Type | Constant mesh |
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
